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I always thought that was the iDevice's strength. With Android, you have nothing actually made by Google but by OEMs, with different names and branding that don

I always thought that was the iDevice's strength. With Android, you have nothing actually made by Google but by OEMs, with different names and branding that don't give any real information. Which phone is "the android"? My mom doesn't think she has an android phone, she thinks she has an LG and that Android is a different thing. People buy a low end Android phone and hate the entire ecosystem because the phone performs like crap. I have a friend who thinks the Galaxy S7 would be a crappy upgrade because they already have a "Galaxy Core Prime". When there was just the iPhone, it was really easy. It was expensive compared to other options, but you knew it was the best iPhone, and the one with a higher number was better than one with a lower number. Yet an LG G5 is better than a Samsung Galaxy S6, they are somehow both "Android", and Marshmallow is better than Jelly Bean. Now the iPhone isn't that bad, but it's not simple anymore. iPhone 7, iPhone 7Plus, iPhone 7S, iPhone 7S Plus, iPhone SE. Which is better?

dmix 10y ago
It's quite obvious the Pixel is the "flagship" Android Google phone. And Pixel C is the "flagship" Android tablet. The pixel is advertised everywhere as a Google phone. Who makes it doesn't really come up in their product communication much. And the 'flagship' label is literally in the title of the Pixel products on Amazon. And on the website it's called "Pixel, phone by Google". > People buy a low end Android phone and hate the entire ecosystem because the phone performs like crap. This seems like an antiquated view of Android. I don't think people see Apple as having a monopoly on luxury/quality devices anymore. And considering the heavy OS modifications made by different companies and the entire UX experience of dealing with a company (customer service, website, accessories, etc), I don't really see why it matters if your mom thinks she has a "Samsung" or an "LG". There's more to Android phones than the base OS.
- squeaky-clean 10y ago
  For people on Hacker News, sure. But try asking your grandma what the flagship Android phone is and what the flagship Apple phone is. It is much more confusing for the average person than you'd think. > I don't really see why it matters if your mom thinks she has a "Samsung" or an "LG". Because when people ask if she has an Android she says "No." > There's more to Android phones than the base OS. I know, that's my complaint. It really adds nothing for the customer to have it be so fragmented.
  - cylinder714 10y ago
    In fairness, if you asked your grandma what the flagship Ford or Chevrolet car was, she wouldn't know, either.
    - traviscj 10y ago
      From [1], the Ford Taurus [2]? Weird... [1]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Flagship_vehicles https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Flagship_vehicles [2]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Taurus_(sixth_generation) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Taurus_(sixth_generation)
      - gambiting 10y ago
        And of course the answer changes depending on where you're from. Over here, you can't buy the Taurus, so I would probably say Ford Mondeo or Ford Edge.
  - vacri 10y ago
    > But try asking your grandma what the flagship Android phone is and what the flagship Apple phone is Most people would just say 'iphone', not knowing which model is the 'flagship'.
- taeric 10y ago
  It is also fairly obvious that the pixel will be abandoned in about 2 years max. Since it was previously obvious that the Nexus was their flagship. It isn't as bad as it was 2 years ago, where the main google phone would get updates, but was nigh unusable with the latest operating system. I still fully expect my nexus 6 to be basically abandoned by them within a year or so now.
- antisthenes 10y ago
  It's not obvious at all. It isn't even obvious if you spend 8 hours on research and are a techie. What was the flagship before the Pixel? What was the flagship 2 years ago? The android market probably has a changing flagship every 6 months and even then it isn't obvious what it is. Try typing "flagship android phone" into Google search. Pixel only comes up in 8-9 results out of 100.
  - talldan 10y ago
    The term 'flagship' is confusing for Android, as each manufacturer that ships an Android device typically has their own flagship phone as well. However, I think most Android consumers don't care about whether a phone is flagship. I imagine most tend to be more interested in finding a comfortable balance between price and features.
  - dragonwriter 10y ago
    "Android" is not a hardware manufacturer; each manufacturer has its own flagships, just like Apple does. That Apple is also their own (and only their own) OS vendor doesn't mean "flagships" apply per-OS.
- dboreham 10y ago
  Everyone knows that Flagship is a cheese.
  - gvurrdon 10y ago
    I've not heard of the cheese, but the beer is very good: http://www.sheltonbrothers.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/HOOK-NORTON-Flagship.jpg http://www.sheltonbrothers.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/HO...
    - dboreham 10y ago
      https://www.cheeserank.com/post/beechers-flagship-cheddar https://www.cheeserank.com/post/beechers-flagship-cheddar You'll find it all around Seattle and at Costco in neighboring states. When you get off a plane at SeaTac they hand you a free sample. Ok I was kidding about the free sample at SeaTac... Only a little...there is a Beecher's store and cafe there.
tgragnato 10y ago
You missed one, I just opened their home and this ad appeared "Buy iPhone 7 (PRODUCT)RED™ Special Edition" (4,7in , 5,5in), order starting at 8:01 a.m. PDT on 3.24. > Every purchase contributes to the Global Fund to support HIV/AIDS programs and help deliver an AIDS-free generation.
- nkkollaw 10y ago
  They've had those for ages, though...
  - tgragnato 10y ago
    I did not know, I'm not crazy about the color, but I love the concept ! ... It is super nice to read that apple does something for those in need ( sorry Apple, the tax evasion techniques are not a good marketing strategy, instead this is great ).
    - nkkollaw 10y ago
      I always get (PRODUCT)RED covers, because I really like that red.
  - kristianc 10y ago
    Nope, the Red iPhones have literally just been released. They've been available in iPod Touch for ages.
nkkollaw 10y ago
It's still not that bad. It's always a version number (ex., 7), the following version they add an 'S' (ex., 7S), then the following version they will increase the version number (ex., 8). "Plus" means bigger, and you can regognize it because it's bigger, "SE" means lower-end, you can recognize it because it costs a lot less. I currently own a Huawei Y6II, which I read is a clone of the P9. No idea what it means, what the following version will be called, or what the previous version was called.
- squeaky-clean 10y ago
  > "Plus" means bigger, and you can regognize it because it's bigger, "SE" means lower-end, you can recognize it because it costs a lot less. It's also a smaller phone, just like how the Plus is larger and costs more, but isn't any faster. The name or price of SE doesn't imply lower end at all, they've even removed the number so you don't know which one it's comparable to. I agree it's not awful, just that it's slipping.
  - nkkollaw 10y ago
    I don't know, I tried switching to PCs for a while, I couldn't get how their naming works. I mean, where do you even begin to try to figure this out: http://shop.lenovo.com/us/en/laptops/ http://shop.lenovo.com/us/en/laptops/
    - komali2 10y ago
      You just look at the hardware and read reviews. There isn't really a sliding scale for PCs, that's the awesome thing about manufacturers that let you customize. Doing a lot of gaming or modelling? Better graphics card. Running shitloads of processes? Better ram. Better processor. Extra HDD, or SSD, or optical drive? Etc.
      - nkkollaw 10y ago
        So, because they aren't sane enough to figure out a naming scheme that makes sense, I have to waste hours or days looking at reviews just to understand what the difference is between the models? From what I could understand it's possible that the X67L is a good laptop, the X67LX is a crappy low-cost plastic netbook. How dumb is that. Also, why do they ask me if my laptop is for work or home? What if I use it for both (which I do)? It doesn't make any sense. I bought the new MacBook Pro mostly because of macOS, but also because I couldn't figure out how PC name their products, nor why they have to have 50 different barely-different models.
behnamoh 10y ago
This. Back when there was only one iPhone to buy, it made the decision for the customers really easy: either you buy it, or you don't. But now, you gotta consider different specs and models Apple is providing, and choose from a plethora of devices... When you have multiple options, choosing one gets much difficult. Now, don't Apple Executives know this already? I guess they do, but what Tim Cook has done so far has been stabilizing the company and increasing the profit (by building various versions of the same product and targeting a broader range of people). This came at a cost though: making the organization more and more bureaucratic leads to more efficiency, but less creativity and innovation. I think Apple's strategy has changed but in a few years, they're going to need a fresh air in the company or they'll get Nokia-ed.
- simonh 10y ago
  Each year they bring out three different sized models. Big, medium and small. Or you can buy an old one. Yes there are feature differences, if you are a techie or a gamer or into photography, but bigger always means better. It really isn't rocket science. The iPad and Mac laptop lineups are a bit of a mess at the moment though. I think that's mainly because they're in various stages of technology transitions such as retina displays, wide colour gamut, touch bar and Apple Pencil support. They're pushing aggressively into new technologies and manufacturing processes and I think that's creating problems for them.
- scarface74 10y ago
  You don't have to consider different specs. Whether you buy an A8 powered iPhone SE, an A9 powered iPhone 6s, or an A10 powered iPhone 7, you get a very well performing phone that is probably going to run the latest OS for the next 3 - 5 years. The only thing you have to consider is what size you prefer, the color, and the amount of memory.
  - throwanem 10y ago
    The SE has an A9; its guts are basically those of a 6s, minus Force Touch and the second-gen fingerprint sensor. With yesterday's rev to storage, I guess its guts are basically now those of a 6s+.
talldan 10y ago
There's also the 3G, 3GS, 4S, 5S, 5C, 6S, 6 Plus, 6S Plus Looking back, there were always non-descriptive names, and inconsistencies. I'd argue that not knowing what 'Android' is actually demonstrates the technology has reached its goal of being universal. It's implicit instead of explicit. People buy it without needing to know what it is. Why would most consumers care about the name of an operating system? It's unimportant. It's not like I remember the exact model of my TV or car, the important thing is that I can watch one and drive the other.
- pythonaut_16 10y ago
  I agree that all of the sub-versions of the iPhone are slightly confusing, but at least they generally follow a pattern. There's always a clear progression, a higher number is always better than a lower number, and adding an S is an incremental upgrade over the non-S version. The Plus is always a larger size than normal. The G series and C series have complicated things, but generally speaking you just have to pick a number and then pick one of ~3 options at that level.
- squeaky-clean 10y ago
  I've actually been saying this since the 3G came out, so we sort of agree. I thought that was the start of the stupidest naming convention, and we're all just watching it get worse throughout the years. At least until the 6 they weren't releasing multiple phones at the same time. I'm just waiting for "iPhone 10, iPhone 10 Plus, iPhone 10 Air, iPhone 10 Air Plus, iPhone 10 Pro, iPhone 10 Pro Plus, iPhone SE 3, iPhone SE 3G" > It's not like I remember the exact model of my TV or car I really hope you know the make, model and year of your car, you need that for basic repairs. My 2004 Corolla takes parts of a 2003-2007 Corolla for most repairs, and runs best with a certain type of oil. Why would you not know this for an expensive device requiring maintenance? Your TV isn't the same. It doesn't matter if it's 720p, 1080p, or 4k, or what the color resolution is, if it has an HDMI cable that will work. Your phone is more like a car in that comparison. Things change so frequently, new software, updates (lack of updates), new wireless or hardware standards... An iPhone 5 in 2012 is a very different experience than an iPhone 5 in 2017. But I'm still using the same cheap Dynex "HD" TV for a decade. I can plug in a disk player or streaming device that weren't even conceived of when my TV was sold.
dbalan 10y ago
Its nice to give consumers choice, but it puts extereme pressure on Apple to commit to their things works across every apple product policy. Most of loyal [non dev] apple consumers count on this.
sidcool 10y ago
I believe the cheaper, albeit slow performing Android phones are revolutionizing the developing countries. People who could never afford a shiny Apple phone and its ecosystem are thriving due to Android.
- toddmorey 10y ago
  That's not really against the commenter's point, though. I think the argument is that Apple had a clearly defined and differentiated product with the iPhone, and model creep can be considered a threat to that clarity. (As good as Android has been for a wide range of users, it's tough to stand out as a device maker.)
- nik736 10y ago
  Well, I am from Germany and am using a Mac but I dislike the new iPhones and Android (for example MIUI) is not worse than iOS, the only downside is the missing iCloud integration. I had many iPhone devices in the past (ranging from the first to the 5, which was my last) and with the iPhone 6 it went downhill in my opinion. This is where I switched to Xiaomi and never looked back. So it's not only in developing countries, for example I prefer my Xiaomi Mi5 Pro over any iPhone device that is out there. They have their flagship every year and so it's pretty easy so know what to pick. The Tablet part is lacking but the MiPad 3 is in the works.
  - pbhjpbhj 10y ago
    >and Android (for example MIUI) is not worse than iOS // I prefer stock Android but my latest phone has MIUI. It's OK, but I don't want someone else's tailoring I want my own; why can't companies offer their own settings but leave devices open for those who want to change. Yes, "support" but just have a "support and warranty will be limited by changing this setting" with a tick box and an "are you sure?" nag and let me return my device to stock. Grrr. /rant
cylinder714 10y ago
My nephew bought an iPhone 6s Plus the other day at a Walmart, and the signage clearly showed the range of phones from 7 to SE, along with prices, so picking out the newer, high-end phone was a simple matter. I see, when looking at http://www.apple.com/iphone/ http://www.apple.com/iphone/ on my phone that the product line is arrayed at the top, with the 7 labeled as "New".
alasdair_ 10y ago
I have a pixel. Before that, I had a nexus 6. Both say "Google" on them and both were purchased because they were the canonical versions of Android without any of the crapware other vendors add.
- mulletbum 10y ago
  Which has a better proc and camera? I'll guess Nexus 6 because 6 comes after what must be the Pixel 1. Naming schemes are terrible.
  - Infinitesimus 10y ago
    Pixel is mass market, Nexus is not. Only enthusiasts know that Nexus was a precursor to the Pixel so that comparison will probably never happen to the average consumer. Heck Google even avoids saying the Pixel runs Android
    - timeal 10y ago
      Mass market? Today the Pixel brand regroups only high-end products.
      - cmdr_plx 10y ago
        Guess he meant the Pixel is a "consumer product", unlike the Nexus which was essentially aimed at Android developers.
  - Touche 10y ago
    I've never heard such a confusion when it comes to TV purchases. Life is imperfect and changing products require a little research. You can't just go to the store and buy the best socks either; if you want the best you got to do research. Thems the breaks.
    - cortesoft 10y ago
      Well, thems WASN'T the breaks with Apple for a long time, and they did quite well. The person you replied to was trying to make the argument that a vendor can sell more product if they make the hierarchy of quality more clear to the consumer. Saying 'things are imperfect, as a consumer you just have to deal with it' doesn't really address his argument.
soperj 10y ago
At the end of the day, Google doesn't care if people don't know they're using Android, so long as they're using the google services.
- pjmlp 10y ago
  Hence why they don't care about OS updates as Play Services run all the way down to 4.0. So who cares if the customer owns a device full of security holes, they still get their money.
tbrock 10y ago
Higher numbers are newer/better, everyone on the planet understands this.
lacampbell 10y ago
A lot of people will conflate Samsung with Android here (NZ). So Samsung is the iPhone alternative with a different OS, rather than android.
- jacobush 10y ago
  Same in Sweden. People ask, "you have a Samsung charger?" (Meaning micro-usb in general)
jimbokun 10y ago
"iPhone 7, iPhone 7Plus, iPhone 7S, iPhone 7S Plus, iPhone SE. Which is better?" Bigger numbers are still better. "Plus" means the big screen. S is off year version, incremental upgrade on the previous number. Agreed SE is the odd one out, but don't think it's too hard for consumers to figure out "its the cheap one". Because new iPhone models are introduced only once a year to great global fanfare, I bet a lot of consumers actually know the meaning of the version conventions very well. Agreed on iPad and Mac versions, though, those are a mess.
anaclet0 10y ago
http://www.apple.com/ipad/compare/ http://www.apple.com/ipad/compare/
lukas099 10y ago
I have a "crappy" $50 Android phone and I love it. Galaxy Express 3. It gets the job done, has expandable storage, and I don't feel bad when I inevitably drop it in water or lose it.

dmix 10y ago

It's quite obvious the Pixel is the "flagship" Android Google phone. And Pixel C is the "flagship" Android tablet. The pixel is advertised everywhere as a Google phone. Who makes it doesn't really come up in their product communication much. And the 'flagship' label is literally in the title of the Pixel products on Amazon. And on the website it's called "Pixel, phone by Google". > People buy a low end Android phone and hate the entire ecosystem because the phone performs like crap. This seems like an antiquated view of Android. I don't think people see Apple as having a monopoly on luxury/quality devices anymore. And considering the heavy OS modifications made by different companies and the entire UX experience of dealing with a company (customer service, website, accessories, etc), I don't really see why it matters if your mom thinks she has a "Samsung" or an "LG". There's more to Android phones than the base OS.

squeaky-clean 10y ago
For people on Hacker News, sure. But try asking your grandma what the flagship Android phone is and what the flagship Apple phone is. It is much more confusing for the average person than you'd think. > I don't really see why it matters if your mom thinks she has a "Samsung" or an "LG". Because when people ask if she has an Android she says "No." > There's more to Android phones than the base OS. I know, that's my complaint. It really adds nothing for the customer to have it be so fragmented.
- cylinder714 10y ago
  In fairness, if you asked your grandma what the flagship Ford or Chevrolet car was, she wouldn't know, either.
  - traviscj 10y ago
    From [1], the Ford Taurus [2]? Weird... [1]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Flagship_vehicles https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Flagship_vehicles [2]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Taurus_(sixth_generation) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Taurus_(sixth_generation)
    - gambiting 10y ago
      And of course the answer changes depending on where you're from. Over here, you can't buy the Taurus, so I would probably say Ford Mondeo or Ford Edge.
- vacri 10y ago
  > But try asking your grandma what the flagship Android phone is and what the flagship Apple phone is Most people would just say 'iphone', not knowing which model is the 'flagship'.
taeric 10y ago
It is also fairly obvious that the pixel will be abandoned in about 2 years max. Since it was previously obvious that the Nexus was their flagship. It isn't as bad as it was 2 years ago, where the main google phone would get updates, but was nigh unusable with the latest operating system. I still fully expect my nexus 6 to be basically abandoned by them within a year or so now.
antisthenes 10y ago
It's not obvious at all. It isn't even obvious if you spend 8 hours on research and are a techie. What was the flagship before the Pixel? What was the flagship 2 years ago? The android market probably has a changing flagship every 6 months and even then it isn't obvious what it is. Try typing "flagship android phone" into Google search. Pixel only comes up in 8-9 results out of 100.
- talldan 10y ago
  The term 'flagship' is confusing for Android, as each manufacturer that ships an Android device typically has their own flagship phone as well. However, I think most Android consumers don't care about whether a phone is flagship. I imagine most tend to be more interested in finding a comfortable balance between price and features.
- dragonwriter 10y ago
  "Android" is not a hardware manufacturer; each manufacturer has its own flagships, just like Apple does. That Apple is also their own (and only their own) OS vendor doesn't mean "flagships" apply per-OS.
dboreham 10y ago
Everyone knows that Flagship is a cheese.
- gvurrdon 10y ago
  I've not heard of the cheese, but the beer is very good: http://www.sheltonbrothers.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/HOOK-NORTON-Flagship.jpg http://www.sheltonbrothers.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/HO...
  - dboreham 10y ago
    https://www.cheeserank.com/post/beechers-flagship-cheddar https://www.cheeserank.com/post/beechers-flagship-cheddar You'll find it all around Seattle and at Costco in neighboring states. When you get off a plane at SeaTac they hand you a free sample. Ok I was kidding about the free sample at SeaTac... Only a little...there is a Beecher's store and cafe there.

tgragnato 10y ago

You missed one, I just opened their home and this ad appeared "Buy iPhone 7 (PRODUCT)RED™ Special Edition" (4,7in , 5,5in), order starting at 8:01 a.m. PDT on 3.24. > Every purchase contributes to the Global Fund to support HIV/AIDS programs and help deliver an AIDS-free generation.

nkkollaw 10y ago
They've had those for ages, though...
- tgragnato 10y ago
  I did not know, I'm not crazy about the color, but I love the concept ! ... It is super nice to read that apple does something for those in need ( sorry Apple, the tax evasion techniques are not a good marketing strategy, instead this is great ).
  - nkkollaw 10y ago
    I always get (PRODUCT)RED covers, because I really like that red.
- kristianc 10y ago
  Nope, the Red iPhones have literally just been released. They've been available in iPod Touch for ages.

nkkollaw 10y ago

It's still not that bad. It's always a version number (ex., 7), the following version they add an 'S' (ex., 7S), then the following version they will increase the version number (ex., 8). "Plus" means bigger, and you can regognize it because it's bigger, "SE" means lower-end, you can recognize it because it costs a lot less. I currently own a Huawei Y6II, which I read is a clone of the P9. No idea what it means, what the following version will be called, or what the previous version was called.

squeaky-clean 10y ago
> "Plus" means bigger, and you can regognize it because it's bigger, "SE" means lower-end, you can recognize it because it costs a lot less. It's also a smaller phone, just like how the Plus is larger and costs more, but isn't any faster. The name or price of SE doesn't imply lower end at all, they've even removed the number so you don't know which one it's comparable to. I agree it's not awful, just that it's slipping.
- nkkollaw 10y ago
  I don't know, I tried switching to PCs for a while, I couldn't get how their naming works. I mean, where do you even begin to try to figure this out: http://shop.lenovo.com/us/en/laptops/ http://shop.lenovo.com/us/en/laptops/
  - komali2 10y ago
    You just look at the hardware and read reviews. There isn't really a sliding scale for PCs, that's the awesome thing about manufacturers that let you customize. Doing a lot of gaming or modelling? Better graphics card. Running shitloads of processes? Better ram. Better processor. Extra HDD, or SSD, or optical drive? Etc.
    - nkkollaw 10y ago
      So, because they aren't sane enough to figure out a naming scheme that makes sense, I have to waste hours or days looking at reviews just to understand what the difference is between the models? From what I could understand it's possible that the X67L is a good laptop, the X67LX is a crappy low-cost plastic netbook. How dumb is that. Also, why do they ask me if my laptop is for work or home? What if I use it for both (which I do)? It doesn't make any sense. I bought the new MacBook Pro mostly because of macOS, but also because I couldn't figure out how PC name their products, nor why they have to have 50 different barely-different models.

behnamoh 10y ago

This. Back when there was only one iPhone to buy, it made the decision for the customers really easy: either you buy it, or you don't. But now, you gotta consider different specs and models Apple is providing, and choose from a plethora of devices... When you have multiple options, choosing one gets much difficult. Now, don't Apple Executives know this already? I guess they do, but what Tim Cook has done so far has been stabilizing the company and increasing the profit (by building various versions of the same product and targeting a broader range of people). This came at a cost though: making the organization more and more bureaucratic leads to more efficiency, but less creativity and innovation. I think Apple's strategy has changed but in a few years, they're going to need a fresh air in the company or they'll get Nokia-ed.

simonh 10y ago
Each year they bring out three different sized models. Big, medium and small. Or you can buy an old one. Yes there are feature differences, if you are a techie or a gamer or into photography, but bigger always means better. It really isn't rocket science. The iPad and Mac laptop lineups are a bit of a mess at the moment though. I think that's mainly because they're in various stages of technology transitions such as retina displays, wide colour gamut, touch bar and Apple Pencil support. They're pushing aggressively into new technologies and manufacturing processes and I think that's creating problems for them.
scarface74 10y ago
You don't have to consider different specs. Whether you buy an A8 powered iPhone SE, an A9 powered iPhone 6s, or an A10 powered iPhone 7, you get a very well performing phone that is probably going to run the latest OS for the next 3 - 5 years. The only thing you have to consider is what size you prefer, the color, and the amount of memory.
- throwanem 10y ago
  The SE has an A9; its guts are basically those of a 6s, minus Force Touch and the second-gen fingerprint sensor. With yesterday's rev to storage, I guess its guts are basically now those of a 6s+.

talldan 10y ago

There's also the 3G, 3GS, 4S, 5S, 5C, 6S, 6 Plus, 6S Plus Looking back, there were always non-descriptive names, and inconsistencies. I'd argue that not knowing what 'Android' is actually demonstrates the technology has reached its goal of being universal. It's implicit instead of explicit. People buy it without needing to know what it is. Why would most consumers care about the name of an operating system? It's unimportant. It's not like I remember the exact model of my TV or car, the important thing is that I can watch one and drive the other.

pythonaut_16 10y ago
I agree that all of the sub-versions of the iPhone are slightly confusing, but at least they generally follow a pattern. There's always a clear progression, a higher number is always better than a lower number, and adding an S is an incremental upgrade over the non-S version. The Plus is always a larger size than normal. The G series and C series have complicated things, but generally speaking you just have to pick a number and then pick one of ~3 options at that level.
squeaky-clean 10y ago
I've actually been saying this since the 3G came out, so we sort of agree. I thought that was the start of the stupidest naming convention, and we're all just watching it get worse throughout the years. At least until the 6 they weren't releasing multiple phones at the same time. I'm just waiting for "iPhone 10, iPhone 10 Plus, iPhone 10 Air, iPhone 10 Air Plus, iPhone 10 Pro, iPhone 10 Pro Plus, iPhone SE 3, iPhone SE 3G" > It's not like I remember the exact model of my TV or car I really hope you know the make, model and year of your car, you need that for basic repairs. My 2004 Corolla takes parts of a 2003-2007 Corolla for most repairs, and runs best with a certain type of oil. Why would you not know this for an expensive device requiring maintenance? Your TV isn't the same. It doesn't matter if it's 720p, 1080p, or 4k, or what the color resolution is, if it has an HDMI cable that will work. Your phone is more like a car in that comparison. Things change so frequently, new software, updates (lack of updates), new wireless or hardware standards... An iPhone 5 in 2012 is a very different experience than an iPhone 5 in 2017. But I'm still using the same cheap Dynex "HD" TV for a decade. I can plug in a disk player or streaming device that weren't even conceived of when my TV was sold.

dbalan 10y ago

Its nice to give consumers choice, but it puts extereme pressure on Apple to commit to their things works across every apple product policy. Most of loyal [non dev] apple consumers count on this.

sidcool 10y ago

I believe the cheaper, albeit slow performing Android phones are revolutionizing the developing countries. People who could never afford a shiny Apple phone and its ecosystem are thriving due to Android.

toddmorey 10y ago
That's not really against the commenter's point, though. I think the argument is that Apple had a clearly defined and differentiated product with the iPhone, and model creep can be considered a threat to that clarity. (As good as Android has been for a wide range of users, it's tough to stand out as a device maker.)
nik736 10y ago
Well, I am from Germany and am using a Mac but I dislike the new iPhones and Android (for example MIUI) is not worse than iOS, the only downside is the missing iCloud integration. I had many iPhone devices in the past (ranging from the first to the 5, which was my last) and with the iPhone 6 it went downhill in my opinion. This is where I switched to Xiaomi and never looked back. So it's not only in developing countries, for example I prefer my Xiaomi Mi5 Pro over any iPhone device that is out there. They have their flagship every year and so it's pretty easy so know what to pick. The Tablet part is lacking but the MiPad 3 is in the works.
- pbhjpbhj 10y ago
  >and Android (for example MIUI) is not worse than iOS // I prefer stock Android but my latest phone has MIUI. It's OK, but I don't want someone else's tailoring I want my own; why can't companies offer their own settings but leave devices open for those who want to change. Yes, "support" but just have a "support and warranty will be limited by changing this setting" with a tick box and an "are you sure?" nag and let me return my device to stock. Grrr. /rant

cylinder714 10y ago

My nephew bought an iPhone 6s Plus the other day at a Walmart, and the signage clearly showed the range of phones from 7 to SE, along with prices, so picking out the newer, high-end phone was a simple matter. I see, when looking at http://www.apple.com/iphone/ http://www.apple.com/iphone/ on my phone that the product line is arrayed at the top, with the 7 labeled as "New".

alasdair_ 10y ago

I have a pixel. Before that, I had a nexus 6. Both say "Google" on them and both were purchased because they were the canonical versions of Android without any of the crapware other vendors add.

mulletbum 10y ago
Which has a better proc and camera? I'll guess Nexus 6 because 6 comes after what must be the Pixel 1. Naming schemes are terrible.
- Infinitesimus 10y ago
  Pixel is mass market, Nexus is not. Only enthusiasts know that Nexus was a precursor to the Pixel so that comparison will probably never happen to the average consumer. Heck Google even avoids saying the Pixel runs Android
  - timeal 10y ago
    Mass market? Today the Pixel brand regroups only high-end products.
    - cmdr_plx 10y ago
      Guess he meant the Pixel is a "consumer product", unlike the Nexus which was essentially aimed at Android developers.
- Touche 10y ago
  I've never heard such a confusion when it comes to TV purchases. Life is imperfect and changing products require a little research. You can't just go to the store and buy the best socks either; if you want the best you got to do research. Thems the breaks.
  - cortesoft 10y ago
    Well, thems WASN'T the breaks with Apple for a long time, and they did quite well. The person you replied to was trying to make the argument that a vendor can sell more product if they make the hierarchy of quality more clear to the consumer. Saying 'things are imperfect, as a consumer you just have to deal with it' doesn't really address his argument.

soperj 10y ago

At the end of the day, Google doesn't care if people don't know they're using Android, so long as they're using the google services.

pjmlp 10y ago
Hence why they don't care about OS updates as Play Services run all the way down to 4.0. So who cares if the customer owns a device full of security holes, they still get their money.

tbrock 10y ago

Higher numbers are newer/better, everyone on the planet understands this.

lacampbell 10y ago

A lot of people will conflate Samsung with Android here (NZ). So Samsung is the iPhone alternative with a different OS, rather than android.

jacobush 10y ago
Same in Sweden. People ask, "you have a Samsung charger?" (Meaning micro-usb in general)

jimbokun 10y ago

"iPhone 7, iPhone 7Plus, iPhone 7S, iPhone 7S Plus, iPhone SE. Which is better?" Bigger numbers are still better. "Plus" means the big screen. S is off year version, incremental upgrade on the previous number. Agreed SE is the odd one out, but don't think it's too hard for consumers to figure out "its the cheap one". Because new iPhone models are introduced only once a year to great global fanfare, I bet a lot of consumers actually know the meaning of the version conventions very well. Agreed on iPad and Mac versions, though, those are a mess.

anaclet0 10y ago

http://www.apple.com/ipad/compare/ http://www.apple.com/ipad/compare/

lukas099 10y ago

I have a "crappy" $50 Android phone and I love it. Galaxy Express 3. It gets the job done, has expandable storage, and I don't feel bad when I inevitably drop it in water or lose it.