8 ms·

I switched from a lifetime of iPhones to an android phone last year, just because of folding phones. They are amazing and IMO the reason why Apple is going to h

I switched from a lifetime of iPhones to an android phone last year, just because of folding phones. They are amazing and IMO the reason why Apple is going to have issues as these get cheaper (unless they release a folding phone too). Now that I have all this screen estate the current UI feels limiting often.

permo-w 1y ago
I switched from iPhone to android a month ago and it was so awful that I just went back to using my old phone. I treat the android device as essentially a powerbank with a camera, and even that it's bad at. plug it into my PC to transfer pictures? no response
- rcMgD2BwE72F 1y ago
  Curious to know what phone you got. A Pixel 9 with GrapheneOS is so much better than any iOS devices from my experience. But since users you have more freedom on Android, this will depend on what you do with it (e.g me, I use Syncthing to locally sync all my files and photos with several devices -- no cloud / subscription needed).
  - permo-w 1y ago
    well it's not a Pixel, so no GrapheneOS for me. I will try syncthing though
- tsunamifury 1y ago
  Plug it into my pc? What is this 1995?
- goosedragons 1y ago
  Is your PC a Mac? Apple doesn't support MTP because they want iPhones to look good or something. Every other OS with a reasonably complete Desktop Environment will allow mounting an Android device as what appears pretty much as a standard USB drive. It's part of why I prefer Android. Using an iPhone on Linux/BSD is just not worth the hassle.
  - joshuaissac 1y ago
    > mounting an Android device as what appears pretty much as a standard USB drive AFAIK Google got rid of built-in support for this in Android Jelly Bean. Additional tricks are needed to make later versions of Android behave as a USB Mass Storage device. If it works for you out of the box, I suspect it may be specific to your Android distro.
    - Mogzol 1y ago
      They're talking about MTP, which is supported by every modern (and old) Android device AFAIK. It's not exactly a USB Mass Storage device, but as long as you're not on a Mac, it behaves basically the same as one.
      - joshuaissac 1y ago
        Ah, I was mistaken. I thought they were saying that the reason Apple supports MTP (as opposed to UMS) is not that they want to make iPhones look good, but for some other unspecified reason (which I assumed was patent licensing). But they were actually saying that Apple does not even support MTP.
  - cosmic_cheese 1y ago
    I think it’s more that MTP is an awful protocol than anything else. It’s slow and flaky even under OSes that support it. It’s shocking to me that with all of the brilliant people working for Google, nobody has managed to figure out a better replacement.
    - goosedragons 1y ago
      Maybe I've just been extraordinarily lucky but it's been nether of those things for me. It's also far superior to Apple's go through iTunes/Finder garbage protocol IMO.
      - cosmic_cheese 1y ago
- lostmsu 1y ago
  Why would you want to plug in if you can sync them over Wi-Fi using Syncthing?
  - permo-w 1y ago
    why would I sync them using an app I need to install on both devices, an additional third party I have to deal with, when there's zero technological reason I shouldn't be able to literally just plug it in with its charging cable? it's just overcomplicating matters
    - permo-w 1y ago
      I just tried syncthing, and first of all I do not trust the fork of the app present on the app store, second of all, christ is it slow. why would I ever rely on this when I should be able to just use a usb cable? it's like trying to say that you should just screen mirror all your content to your TV rather than use a HDMI. bizarre
- chneu 1y ago
  Smells like user error and bias. I've swapped dozens of users from iOS to Android in the last year or so and nobody has had issues. Over the years I've helped hundreds of people migrate. Most everyone really likes the freedom to use different apps or workflows. The only folks who ever have problems are people who need to be told how to use their devices. Choices confuse them so android is overwhelming, which is understandable. That's where iOS excels. iOS dictates how users can do things, which works for some people but also atrophies people's understanding of technology. People learn to do as they're told, not how to think about what's going on. Apple's walled garden makes people worse at technology. Also sounds like you bought a garbage bargain android device. Idk how something can barely work as a camera/powerbank unless user error is present.
  - konart 1y ago
    >The only folks who ever have problems are people who need to be told how to use their devices. While this may be the case - many iPhone users love their phones (and iOS) for a different reason. I've been with Android for some time: rooting, custom builds, different launchers, you name it. And it was fun back when I was in my early 20s, when had the time for this and when it was something new (HTC One, the very first model was my last Android phone). Then I've bought iPhone 6 (I had switched from Arch to macOS few months earlier) and tried a few android phones since. I simply don't need those "workflows". I need about a dozen apps (the ones I use almost daily), I want them to be thought through (like Drafts) and I want my OS to work and behave the same way at least 5 years later (not to mention security updates and such). This is where iPhone delivers and where Android quite often fails. I have iPhone 13 now and I can be sure that even few years from now everything will just work the same way does now.
    - chneu 1y ago
      you p much repeated what i said. you want to be told how to use your phone. you'll use the apps that you're given to do the tasks they decide you can do on your phone. that's fine. that's why stock ios exists. but the person i was replying to was acting like android doesn't work. They were trying to do things that their chosen walled-garden(apple/ios) prevents them from doing, then blaming anything but their walled-garden. they were showing clear bias.
- microtonal 1y ago
  I have been an iPhone user since 2009, but take 'Android-excursions' every few years. I am currently using a Pixel 9 and I can't see why it would be worse than an iPhone. Functionality-wise they are pretty much on-par. Sure, there are some differences, Pixels have much better AI functionality, iPhones better Mac integration. But I don't see a clear advantage of either, except that Android hardware is much more affordable (you can pick up a still pretty-ok Pixel 8a new for 379 Euro here currently) and Android has more customizability (but good out-of-the-box defaults). And you have the bonus that with a Pixel you can remove big tech from the equation when needed with GrapheneOS. That said, I would only recommend people to buy Pixel or Samsung A5x or up. They are the only Android phones that have reliable monthly updates [1], plus they are the only two brands that are not vague about having a truly separated secure enclave (Titan M2/Knox Vault respectively). Other vendors don't really talk about it and probably only use ARM TrustZone. [1] Pixel is the only phone that gets them really on time, but with Samsung it's normally within a month on A5x and the flagships.
- deleted 1y ago
  [deleted]
- edm0nd 1y ago
  skills issue for sure
  - permo-w 1y ago
    is it a skill issue that it doesn't just plug and play into my laptop? is it a skill issue that swiping from the left goes back to the previous page and swiping from the right also goes back to the previous page? is it a skill issue that google translate requires me to have the google search app installed? and that the google search app puts a big fuck off search bar in the middle of my home screen, of which the only simple way to remove is to delete the app?
    - justsomehnguy 1y ago
      > just plug and play into my laptop? Yes. It literally protects your precious photos from being stolen if you plug your phone somewhere else, but the only thing you need to pull down the notification bar and tap to allow the file transfer. Like it notifies you when you plug it in, if you didn't notice it even once - how can it be not a skill issue? > is it a skill issue that swiping from the left goes back to the previous page and swiping from the right also goes back to the previous page ... in what app? If this is Chrome then ask Google why. Or install Firefox, DuckDuckGo or whatever else. > is it a skill issue that google translate requires me to have the google search app installed Yes, Google tries to stick it's d** everywhere. Just like Apple, though you don't talk shit about Greatest Jobs' Company, because you like it. BTW, I have an official Google Translate app and I don't have the Search bullshit on the home screen. I literally have nothing except DDG and Camera shortcuts. Android 12, Moto G8. Because you know, you can disable apps.
      - permo-w 1y ago
        this entire comment is a skill issue by plug and play I obviously wasn't referring to the laptop just offering up my photos unlocked. I was talking about plugging it in, unlocking the device and nothing happening. there is no notification, and nothing in the notification bar. this would never happen on an iPhone. this should have been very obvious to anyone paying even the slightest attention >... in what app? If this is Chrome then ask Google why. Or install Firefox, DuckDuckGo or whatever else. in every app. it's a feature of the system, just like you can swipe from the side of the screen in almost every app on iOS. why on earth would I have said it if it was just in one app? again, this should have been very obvious to you >Just like Apple, though you don't talk shit about Greatest Jobs' Company, because you like it. what is with all this Android white-knighting? it's an operating system, not a protected species. I literally chose to buy an Android phone when I could have bought an iPhone, and somehow I'm biased? I could not care less about this pathetic semi-religious Android vs Apple war that you've got going on inside your head. they're not sports teams, they're tools, and unless you've got a very very specific use case, this tool's main feature should be the rapid, pleasant usability of a few simple features. they should not require concerted effort and research to set up. there are major issues with Apple, and there are major issues with Google, but for what I want in a phone, Apple makes a better OS. for what I want in a laptop, Apple makes a terrible OS. >Android 12, Moto G8 you're 2 versions of Android behind what I have and you expect to speak as an authority on this?
- moogly 1y ago
  > plug it into my PC to transfer pictures In 2025? I got my first Android phone, what, 15 years ago and I've never transferred files over USB because why would I.
  - permo-w 1y ago
    I want my photos on my laptop. why would I go to the trouble of messing around trying to find an app, installing it on both devices, trusting some additional third party with my photos when I can just plug it in and transfer?
- eru 1y ago
  There's lots of different Android phones. Some of them work better for some people than others.
davidcollantes 1y ago
How does this relates to the submission's "Desktop View"? Genuinely trying to find the connection.
- 6510 1y ago
  The desktop view is for larger screens, it is somewhat similar to fordable phones.
  - layer8 1y ago
    The screen of foldable phones is still smaller than most tablets, and there’s a reason iPads offer something like Stage Manager for (larger) external screens (disregarding for the moment its janky implementation). Meaning, the screen size of foldable phones doesn’t change that much about the usefulness of being able to connect to a desktop-size screen.
    - 6510 1y ago
      It at least has similar down sides -.-
    - figers 1y ago
      I have the huwai xt fold, folds out to a 10.3 inch screen. I remote to a windows 11 computer and can do full development on it with a folding keyboard with builtin trackpad
      - layer8 1y ago
        That's great, but still hugely different from working on a 24"/27"/32" desktop monitor.
        6510 1y ago
        I've come to my senses since but it is quite enjoyable to use MANY monitors. One with the website, one with the css, some article about css, mdn, youtube, mail, irc, etc. A single giant display is also something entirely different.
jccalhoun 1y ago
Rumors are Apple will be inventing the folding phone in a year or two.
- logic_node 1y ago
  Haha yeah, I’ve heard that too! Apple might be late to the foldable party, but you know how they do it — show up last and still steal the spotlight. If they really launch one, it’ll probably be super refined… and super pricey. Let’s see if they can change the game like they did with the notch!
  - MBCook 1y ago
    I am pretty skeptical that I would like the size but I’m certainly interested in seeing what they come up with. They like to wait until stuff is “ready” to their standard. Android had 3G, 4G, and 5G first. OLED screens too. Early folders had a lot of issues, but I know a lot of that has been sorted for years.
    - the_clarence 1y ago
      The size: its a smaller phone that becomes a tablet on demand. It really is the best of both worlds
      - MBCook 1y ago
        But is it? That’s what has me wondering. If it’s the size of my current phone and folds out to be twice as wide, that sounds kind of nice. Except it would be so thin I worry it would be flimsy and there wouldn’t be as much space for battery (which the open screen would use faster) so wouldn’t I get worse battery life? Unless you make it twice as thick. Then it’s twice as thick. And so I’m not sure that bigger screen would justify any of that for me. Now if it was three times as wide that might be significantly nice because now you’re approaching like iPad mini size. But that just makes the thinness/thickness problem worse. If it’s say half the size of my current phone and then unfolds to be the size of my current phone (game boy SP style) I’m not sure that’s really buying me anything either. My phone is fine, I don’t need a twice as thick half as tall version in my pocket that’s not really gonna help me. I have heard they’re popular with women which makes a certain amount of sense to me. Because if you’re going to just carry your phone in your bag then the fact that it’s twice as thick doesn’t matter that much but you get the bigger screen. I’m a phone-in-pocket person. So I don’t know, it’s just not making a lot of sense to me. But like I said I’ve never used one and it may be one of those things where after a couple of days the light would go on and I would totally get it. I questioned the Apple Watch at first and now I love it. But that’s not always how it goes.
deleted 1y ago
[deleted]

permo-w 1y ago

I switched from iPhone to android a month ago and it was so awful that I just went back to using my old phone. I treat the android device as essentially a powerbank with a camera, and even that it's bad at. plug it into my PC to transfer pictures? no response

rcMgD2BwE72F 1y ago
Curious to know what phone you got. A Pixel 9 with GrapheneOS is so much better than any iOS devices from my experience. But since users you have more freedom on Android, this will depend on what you do with it (e.g me, I use Syncthing to locally sync all my files and photos with several devices -- no cloud / subscription needed).
- permo-w 1y ago
  well it's not a Pixel, so no GrapheneOS for me. I will try syncthing though
tsunamifury 1y ago
Plug it into my pc? What is this 1995?
goosedragons 1y ago
Is your PC a Mac? Apple doesn't support MTP because they want iPhones to look good or something. Every other OS with a reasonably complete Desktop Environment will allow mounting an Android device as what appears pretty much as a standard USB drive. It's part of why I prefer Android. Using an iPhone on Linux/BSD is just not worth the hassle.
- joshuaissac 1y ago
  > mounting an Android device as what appears pretty much as a standard USB drive AFAIK Google got rid of built-in support for this in Android Jelly Bean. Additional tricks are needed to make later versions of Android behave as a USB Mass Storage device. If it works for you out of the box, I suspect it may be specific to your Android distro.
  - Mogzol 1y ago
    They're talking about MTP, which is supported by every modern (and old) Android device AFAIK. It's not exactly a USB Mass Storage device, but as long as you're not on a Mac, it behaves basically the same as one.
    - joshuaissac 1y ago
      Ah, I was mistaken. I thought they were saying that the reason Apple supports MTP (as opposed to UMS) is not that they want to make iPhones look good, but for some other unspecified reason (which I assumed was patent licensing). But they were actually saying that Apple does not even support MTP.
- cosmic_cheese 1y ago
  I think it’s more that MTP is an awful protocol than anything else. It’s slow and flaky even under OSes that support it. It’s shocking to me that with all of the brilliant people working for Google, nobody has managed to figure out a better replacement.
  - goosedragons 1y ago
    Maybe I've just been extraordinarily lucky but it's been nether of those things for me. It's also far superior to Apple's go through iTunes/Finder garbage protocol IMO.
    - cosmic_cheese 1y ago
lostmsu 1y ago
Why would you want to plug in if you can sync them over Wi-Fi using Syncthing?
- permo-w 1y ago
  why would I sync them using an app I need to install on both devices, an additional third party I have to deal with, when there's zero technological reason I shouldn't be able to literally just plug it in with its charging cable? it's just overcomplicating matters
  - permo-w 1y ago
    I just tried syncthing, and first of all I do not trust the fork of the app present on the app store, second of all, christ is it slow. why would I ever rely on this when I should be able to just use a usb cable? it's like trying to say that you should just screen mirror all your content to your TV rather than use a HDMI. bizarre
chneu 1y ago
Smells like user error and bias. I've swapped dozens of users from iOS to Android in the last year or so and nobody has had issues. Over the years I've helped hundreds of people migrate. Most everyone really likes the freedom to use different apps or workflows. The only folks who ever have problems are people who need to be told how to use their devices. Choices confuse them so android is overwhelming, which is understandable. That's where iOS excels. iOS dictates how users can do things, which works for some people but also atrophies people's understanding of technology. People learn to do as they're told, not how to think about what's going on. Apple's walled garden makes people worse at technology. Also sounds like you bought a garbage bargain android device. Idk how something can barely work as a camera/powerbank unless user error is present.
- konart 1y ago
  >The only folks who ever have problems are people who need to be told how to use their devices. While this may be the case - many iPhone users love their phones (and iOS) for a different reason. I've been with Android for some time: rooting, custom builds, different launchers, you name it. And it was fun back when I was in my early 20s, when had the time for this and when it was something new (HTC One, the very first model was my last Android phone). Then I've bought iPhone 6 (I had switched from Arch to macOS few months earlier) and tried a few android phones since. I simply don't need those "workflows". I need about a dozen apps (the ones I use almost daily), I want them to be thought through (like Drafts) and I want my OS to work and behave the same way at least 5 years later (not to mention security updates and such). This is where iPhone delivers and where Android quite often fails. I have iPhone 13 now and I can be sure that even few years from now everything will just work the same way does now.
  - chneu 1y ago
    you p much repeated what i said. you want to be told how to use your phone. you'll use the apps that you're given to do the tasks they decide you can do on your phone. that's fine. that's why stock ios exists. but the person i was replying to was acting like android doesn't work. They were trying to do things that their chosen walled-garden(apple/ios) prevents them from doing, then blaming anything but their walled-garden. they were showing clear bias.
microtonal 1y ago
I have been an iPhone user since 2009, but take 'Android-excursions' every few years. I am currently using a Pixel 9 and I can't see why it would be worse than an iPhone. Functionality-wise they are pretty much on-par. Sure, there are some differences, Pixels have much better AI functionality, iPhones better Mac integration. But I don't see a clear advantage of either, except that Android hardware is much more affordable (you can pick up a still pretty-ok Pixel 8a new for 379 Euro here currently) and Android has more customizability (but good out-of-the-box defaults). And you have the bonus that with a Pixel you can remove big tech from the equation when needed with GrapheneOS. That said, I would only recommend people to buy Pixel or Samsung A5x or up. They are the only Android phones that have reliable monthly updates [1], plus they are the only two brands that are not vague about having a truly separated secure enclave (Titan M2/Knox Vault respectively). Other vendors don't really talk about it and probably only use ARM TrustZone. [1] Pixel is the only phone that gets them really on time, but with Samsung it's normally within a month on A5x and the flagships.
deleted 1y ago
[deleted]
edm0nd 1y ago
skills issue for sure
- permo-w 1y ago
  is it a skill issue that it doesn't just plug and play into my laptop? is it a skill issue that swiping from the left goes back to the previous page and swiping from the right also goes back to the previous page? is it a skill issue that google translate requires me to have the google search app installed? and that the google search app puts a big fuck off search bar in the middle of my home screen, of which the only simple way to remove is to delete the app?
  - justsomehnguy 1y ago
    > just plug and play into my laptop? Yes. It literally protects your precious photos from being stolen if you plug your phone somewhere else, but the only thing you need to pull down the notification bar and tap to allow the file transfer. Like it notifies you when you plug it in, if you didn't notice it even once - how can it be not a skill issue? > is it a skill issue that swiping from the left goes back to the previous page and swiping from the right also goes back to the previous page ... in what app? If this is Chrome then ask Google why. Or install Firefox, DuckDuckGo or whatever else. > is it a skill issue that google translate requires me to have the google search app installed Yes, Google tries to stick it's d** everywhere. Just like Apple, though you don't talk shit about Greatest Jobs' Company, because you like it. BTW, I have an official Google Translate app and I don't have the Search bullshit on the home screen. I literally have nothing except DDG and Camera shortcuts. Android 12, Moto G8. Because you know, you can disable apps.
    - permo-w 1y ago
      this entire comment is a skill issue by plug and play I obviously wasn't referring to the laptop just offering up my photos unlocked. I was talking about plugging it in, unlocking the device and nothing happening. there is no notification, and nothing in the notification bar. this would never happen on an iPhone. this should have been very obvious to anyone paying even the slightest attention >... in what app? If this is Chrome then ask Google why. Or install Firefox, DuckDuckGo or whatever else. in every app. it's a feature of the system, just like you can swipe from the side of the screen in almost every app on iOS. why on earth would I have said it if it was just in one app? again, this should have been very obvious to you >Just like Apple, though you don't talk shit about Greatest Jobs' Company, because you like it. what is with all this Android white-knighting? it's an operating system, not a protected species. I literally chose to buy an Android phone when I could have bought an iPhone, and somehow I'm biased? I could not care less about this pathetic semi-religious Android vs Apple war that you've got going on inside your head. they're not sports teams, they're tools, and unless you've got a very very specific use case, this tool's main feature should be the rapid, pleasant usability of a few simple features. they should not require concerted effort and research to set up. there are major issues with Apple, and there are major issues with Google, but for what I want in a phone, Apple makes a better OS. for what I want in a laptop, Apple makes a terrible OS. >Android 12, Moto G8 you're 2 versions of Android behind what I have and you expect to speak as an authority on this?
moogly 1y ago
> plug it into my PC to transfer pictures In 2025? I got my first Android phone, what, 15 years ago and I've never transferred files over USB because why would I.
- permo-w 1y ago
  I want my photos on my laptop. why would I go to the trouble of messing around trying to find an app, installing it on both devices, trusting some additional third party with my photos when I can just plug it in and transfer?
eru 1y ago
There's lots of different Android phones. Some of them work better for some people than others.

davidcollantes 1y ago

How does this relates to the submission's "Desktop View"? Genuinely trying to find the connection.

6510 1y ago
The desktop view is for larger screens, it is somewhat similar to fordable phones.
- layer8 1y ago
  The screen of foldable phones is still smaller than most tablets, and there’s a reason iPads offer something like Stage Manager for (larger) external screens (disregarding for the moment its janky implementation). Meaning, the screen size of foldable phones doesn’t change that much about the usefulness of being able to connect to a desktop-size screen.
  - 6510 1y ago
    It at least has similar down sides -.-
  - figers 1y ago
    I have the huwai xt fold, folds out to a 10.3 inch screen. I remote to a windows 11 computer and can do full development on it with a folding keyboard with builtin trackpad
    - layer8 1y ago
      That's great, but still hugely different from working on a 24"/27"/32" desktop monitor.
      - 6510 1y ago
        I've come to my senses since but it is quite enjoyable to use MANY monitors. One with the website, one with the css, some article about css, mdn, youtube, mail, irc, etc. A single giant display is also something entirely different.

jccalhoun 1y ago

Rumors are Apple will be inventing the folding phone in a year or two.

logic_node 1y ago
Haha yeah, I’ve heard that too! Apple might be late to the foldable party, but you know how they do it — show up last and still steal the spotlight. If they really launch one, it’ll probably be super refined… and super pricey. Let’s see if they can change the game like they did with the notch!
- MBCook 1y ago
  I am pretty skeptical that I would like the size but I’m certainly interested in seeing what they come up with. They like to wait until stuff is “ready” to their standard. Android had 3G, 4G, and 5G first. OLED screens too. Early folders had a lot of issues, but I know a lot of that has been sorted for years.
  - the_clarence 1y ago
    The size: its a smaller phone that becomes a tablet on demand. It really is the best of both worlds
    - MBCook 1y ago
      But is it? That’s what has me wondering. If it’s the size of my current phone and folds out to be twice as wide, that sounds kind of nice. Except it would be so thin I worry it would be flimsy and there wouldn’t be as much space for battery (which the open screen would use faster) so wouldn’t I get worse battery life? Unless you make it twice as thick. Then it’s twice as thick. And so I’m not sure that bigger screen would justify any of that for me. Now if it was three times as wide that might be significantly nice because now you’re approaching like iPad mini size. But that just makes the thinness/thickness problem worse. If it’s say half the size of my current phone and then unfolds to be the size of my current phone (game boy SP style) I’m not sure that’s really buying me anything either. My phone is fine, I don’t need a twice as thick half as tall version in my pocket that’s not really gonna help me. I have heard they’re popular with women which makes a certain amount of sense to me. Because if you’re going to just carry your phone in your bag then the fact that it’s twice as thick doesn’t matter that much but you get the bigger screen. I’m a phone-in-pocket person. So I don’t know, it’s just not making a lot of sense to me. But like I said I’ve never used one and it may be one of those things where after a couple of days the light would go on and I would totally get it. I questioned the Apple Watch at first and now I love it. But that’s not always how it goes.

deleted 1y ago

[deleted]