[Construct]

I'm still under contract w AT&T so I can't bet the Iphone unless I pay $500 so I have to wait till next Feb, AT&T really needs to become more competitive with their pricing and the lack of customer service is horrible.  Now if I leave AT&T, then if I "EVER" decide to come back then I will be subject to their new "date package plan" which limits you to (2gigs) per month which I'm now with the unlimited data plan of $30 per month, $20 for unlimited texting and $70 for the plan plus taxes and fees    Now Sprint is all inclusive, texting, data, picture, video etc for just $70!  hmmmmm but the Sprint coverage has me a lil worried since I do travel a lot but in Chicago their coverage seems to be excellent...  Nothing is perfect I guess

I can believe that either AT&T will be forced to offer unlimited data as before, or they will really lose ground to verizon that still has the plan.  My practical choices here are at&t or verizon.  I was in the same boat you are:  new contract, no way to return or get a phone upgrade for almost 2 more years.  Verizon in short, told me that it would be cheaper for me to quit, and start a new contract to get a droid for the upgrade price.  That, or bail to AT&T and get the iphone 4.
The grass is not always greener:  For every company someone was with, it's either the worst, or the best.  I have experienced poor CS from verizon, and despite examining the bills, my $39.99 plan  always came out to $62+.  There is not $22 in state and federal taxes on that plan (About $11 actually), nor did I have any overage charges.  My bill was constantly high, and I was routinely looking to see which features may have been added without my permission.  I got tap dances every time. Verizon, cricket, sprint (which was horrible for me with the worst coverage, worst billing errors )  are not better than AT&T---they are just alternatives that have their own problems and strengths.

[zybar]

The iPhone is beautiful, but I don't want AT&T's lack of coverage.  Some say it's fine around here but others I've spoken with are disappointed.  Anyway, consider the Droid X or the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S, also.  The Droid X is too big for my taste, otherwise I'd get that.

I went with the Droid Incredible and will have it in two weeks.  It is replacing my almost 3 year old Blackberry World Traveler 8830 phone.

I would have loved an iPhone, but I wasn't willing to switch from Verizon to AT&T.

George

[Construct]

I went with the Droid Incredible and will have it in two weeks.  It is replacing my almost 3 year old Blackberry World Traveler 8830 phone.

I would have loved an iPhone, but I wasn't willing to switch from Verizon to AT&T.

George

Regardless of carriers, the blackberry is falling out of favor for droids and iphones.  I have heard a lot of people switching.

[whubbard]

I guess I have but one question for iPhone users:
What does iOS4 do better than Andriod 2.2?

A question I have never seen answered.
The only thing I know it does better is iTunes integration but considering I don't use iTunes that doesn't do much for me.

-West

[MaxCast]

I guess I have but one question for iPhone users:
What does iOS4 do better than Andriod 2.2?

A question I have never seen answered.
The only thing I know it does better is iTunes integration
-West

Or, what does 2.2 do better than ios4?
And, is the iphone 4G?  If not, why not and can this be a software upgrade?

[gary]

I guess I have but one question for iPhone users:
What does iOS4 do better than Andriod 2.2?

A question I have never seen answered.
The only thing I know it does better is iTunes integration but considering I don't use iTunes that doesn't do much for me.

-West

I haven't used 2.2, but I did have an evo w/ 2.1 for a couple weeks before returning it in order to wait for the iPhone 4. I liked the OS quite a bit, widgets were kind of neat (although I never really ended up using them) and the calendar & email client were much better than the iOS counterparts. It was nice to be able to tether the phone. I didn't care much for the android keyboard, but I was starting to like Swype.

Without a question I preferred android to my iPhone 3G. However iOS 4 is a massive improvement, and it's good to see apple forced to make improvements that they have idled on for years. Folders are really convenient and well done, and the way they have implemented multitasking is much better than what android has done IMO. You don't get as much customization w/ iOS 4, but it's good as-is and again IMO the best mobile OS at the moment.

gary

[whubbard]

Okay, I'll give this a shot.

Andriod:
1. Best Turn-By-Turn navigation, and it's free (possibly coming to iPhone in future)
2. Free integration with Google Contacts, Mail, etc. Phone setting are saved on the server as well.
3. More open App Store.
4. Wifi Hotspot
5. Flash
6. More frequent software updates (always free)
7. Constant hardware updates (simple to switch between hardware)
8. Google Voice!

iPhone:
1. Better media player & media integration with top platform iTunes.
2. Larger App store with more developed apps.


Feel free to add to or comment about this list. But side by side there is little comparison.

In regards to multitasking I'm not sure how you can claim the iPhones is better. Both allow apps to run in the background, both are pulled up by holding the home button, BUT only Android allows ALL apps to run in the background while Apple only lets a select group.

In regards to folders, I just don't see why it's necessary. Both phone let you essentially make folders out of the home pages.

-West

p.s. I think the antenna issue was blown way out of proportion which is why I don't feel it should have a place on any comparison list.

[gary]

Turn by turn nav is awesome on android, I had to pay $30 for navigon (eastern US only) and it's probably not as good as what google provides for free.

Folders are nice because now i only need two screens for all the apps I have installed - having four or more is just annoying for me.

Multitasking was annoying on android because too many things ran in the background and killed the battery. Yes, you can use a task manager and learn which processes are killing your battery, but it's a pain that i (and most phone users I think) really don't want to bother with. Same goes for a lot of the other features in the OS - it's tweakable but just like ubuntu the effort wasn't worth it IMO.

And of course, the iPhone is much better as a media player. Especially for me because i use lossless files and there is no good option without converting everything.

Gary     

[gary]

Oh, and the antenna issue is pretty inexcusable IMO. That along with the fragile glass back means I have my phone in a case and that's something I absolutely do not want to do. Not to mention the fact that the proximity sensor doesn't work well so I'm constantly muting or hanging up on calls when I put the phone to my head (although supposedly a s/w fix for this is coming). I'm planning on checking out the Samsung Captivate tomorrow, it sounds good and there's a chance I'll return the iPhone for it.

Gary

[Construct]

I like reading peoples subjective opinions declared as facts.  That's what makes America great---free discourse.
My top 5 for each:
Droid.
1. Subjective 2. Subjective 3.Subjective 4.Subjective 5.Subjective
Iphone
1. Subjective 2.Subjective 3.Subjective 4.Subjective 5.Subjective

[skunark]

Okay, I'll give this a shot.

Andriod:
1. Best Turn-By-Turn navigation, and it's free (possibly coming to iPhone in future)

Does this require a cell tower for it to download data?   If so it's only useful in highly populated areas, but still it's a leg up on the iphone.   

2. Free integration with Google Contacts, Mail, etc. Phone setting are saved on the server as well.

Yeah, so that happens on the iPhone as well, just phone settings are backed up on your computer.  There's pros and cons for both, but hardly a home run.   Can you configure the droid to use Yahoo, Apple or other contacts, mail, etc?   

3. More open App Store.

This is yet to be seen really, it's no more open than Apple's app store, just you can have more risque apps.  If you are single, then perhaps this is a must 

4. Wifi Hotspot

That is pretty cool, but both phones offer a form of tethering and is up to the network to enable.  So AT&T is making the droid stand out here in the US.

5. Flash

I'm a Linux guy, so I've hated flash for a while now and do try to avoid it as much as I can.  Putting that aside, it will be interesting to see studies done on the battery life and the usability of it.

6. More frequent software updates (always free)

The iPhone's have always had free updates, so I don't understand this as a win for Droid/EVO.   Duration of software updates isn't an indication that a product is superior, you might actually argue the reverse.   Do the older Droid phones get updates?   Apple EOLed the OS support for the first iPhone, it seems to be a 3 year cycle for them.

7. Constant hardware updates (simple to switch between hardware)

I think this might be the Droid's Achilles heel, as a developer, the last thing you want to do is burden yourself about supporting multiple devices.   You can craft an analogy between video game consoles and computers and then decide which one is more stable.

8. Google Voice!

I'm not sure that is a win either. Skype does the same thing unless you want to the transcribing features if they even work.  Worse yet, google has access to so much data it's rather scary, soon they will be selling google throwns so they can track what you consumed.

iPhone:
1. Better media player & media integration with top platform iTunes.

I really do wish Google would have taken this step.  I always have my iPhone with me when I travel and do like access to watching top gear and listening to tunes.     I have the tunes covered for the Droid but I don't think I will be able to catch Top Gear any time soon.

2. Larger App store with more developed apps.

I'm not sure this is a strong selling point. Droid's app store will catch up.  The problem I have with Apple's app store is the amount of crap apps that I don't even care to see.  Now toss in the porn apps along side the apps developed by the lowlifes of the world trying to scam users it's probably not a very pleasant app.  Also as there are more and more android based phones coming to market, how does Google plan to hide apps that require features found on newer or unique phones?

In regards to folders, I just don't see why it's necessary. Both phone let you essentially make folders out of the home pages.

I actually like the folders. I went from 7 pages down to 2  


One of my buddies just recently switched from the iPhone 3GS to the EVO mostly on the grounds that he's a flash developer and wants a phone that can run flash.    He's had an interesting time with it, he feels he has fully adapted to the EVO "workflow" but admits it was a bit rocky at first.   In time i'm sure Google will polish all the issues out that Apple has had a few years to do.   I will admit that I do make fun of the size of the EVO, it's huge and I laugh every time I see the kickstand as it's but practical and just plain stupid.  He also has to charge it through out the day, so the battery life must truly be horrific compared to his 3GS.   

End of the day, I would only consider either iPhones or Andriod based phones out there, and my cellular network options at the end of the day would limit my choices, but i know I would be happy with either. 

[Construct]

...End of the day, I would only consider either iPhones or Andriod based phones out there, and my cellular network options at the end of the day would limit my choices, but i know I would be happy with either.

Thank you for the comprehensive and spot-on post.  It sums up my sentiments perfectly, and serves as the perfect reminder that going overboard on one end is self-defeating in the long run.  I would be happy with either as well.  Hell, the iphone 3g is a gazillion times better than my crappy old LG phone. Think virtual keyboards suck?  Try texting with a partial flat button keypad.  You'll beg for a touch screen with a killer spell checker.  Not to mention both the devices change from "I want one...maybe later"  to "How did I live without one"  very quickly.

[whubbard]

They are both great phones but there is no way of getting over the fact that Andriod just has more to offer. They are so very similar except for these (I'll shorten the list):

1. Wifi Hotspot Tethering (And no, Google enabled it, not my carrier...unlike the iPhone which At&t charges you something like $40 a month to tether via cable)

2. Free storage of Contacts, Calender, etc online. (You can also use it offline free, on apple you have to pay to store online)

3. Flash (Hate it or love it...its a huge feature if you want to use the FULL web)

4. Best turn by turn navigation (it downloads the entire route, so you don't need to maintain a data connection)

5. Google Voice (and Skype too! they both do Skype, only Andriod does Google Voice.)

These are all things that the Andriod platform has the the iPhone doesn't. Its not subjective, it's fact. If you don't use or want any of these so be it, but for most users they are big.

-West

[lowtech]

...there is no way of getting over the fact that Andriod just has more to offer.

Facts are futile.

[Toka]

After spending a lot of time using both the iPhone 4 and various Android phones...and weighing the pros and cons of each...I prefer the iPhone. There is a lot to like about Android, for sure, but the overall "experience" is far better on the iPhone in my opinion. It set the standard in terms of UI and still holds the top spot. Honestly, the biggest weak point for the phone is AT&T, something I hope will be rectified shortly. Its easy to cherry pick certain aspects to frame an opinion, but its really the total package that counts.

My phone will need to act as my primary/sole camera, and the iPhone has the best camera in a phone I've ever seen (regardless of megapixel count...a largely meaningless spec). My phone will need to act as a mobile media "window", and having the best screen and tightest integration to media I already access is a huge plus. The battery life is worlds better than the EVO, or any other smartphone I've been around for that matter (obviously I am going somewhat on the experience of co-workers and friends, since I can't own all these phones at once). And the size differences, while on paper not amounting to much, mean a lot when its in your jeans pocket.

I don't put much stock into what "will happen", because who knows what will happen. People say the Android marketplace "will be" better than the iPhone App Store. Who knows? The App Store is better now. "Open" is a nice theory but practice has not yet followed suit. Ability to use Flash? Not sure about that one. Its a resource hog (and something no Android phone running 2.1 can fully utilize BTW), and bias aside its something best replaced ASAP. It is a dinosaur.

I do really like the built-in navigation in Android, but I already own a GPS device that is hardly ever used. That might really matter to someone but if you don't already have the need, so what? Free contact/calendar synching is another plus for Android, that is for sure, as is the WiFi hotspot functionality (again, this is more to do with AT&T). No reason the iPhone couldn't do this, as those with jailbroken iPhones will tell you. But I don't own a laptop and don't travel much anyway, so I don't care about that. All I ever need to do on the road is check my e-mail and surf the web, which the iPhone does splendidly (especially the latter).

And yes, Android offers greater customization, but if a competing core OS works better, I don't care. I want to use the device, not monkey with minute details all day. Others disagree, and thats cool. I just want what I need to be readily available and work well. Thats it. I don't want to root my phone or otherwise mess with ROMS (just don't try that with a Droid X, as it will brick the phone...what was that about "open" again?).

In short, anyone looking to jump into smartphone land has a lot of options. Just like audio gear you need to get as much "seat time" with the current options and decide for yourself. Both the iPhone and the many Android phones offer a lot of things to like, its just a matter of priorities. If you want a phone today, buy what works best for you...today. Tomorrow? Who knows. Maybe the upcoming Windows 7 phones will blow them all away. Until then... 

[skunark]

They are both great phones but there is no way of getting over the fact that Andriod just has more to offer. They are so very similar except for these (I'll shorten the list):

1. Wifi Hotspot Tethering (And no, Google enabled it, not my carrier...unlike the iPhone which At&t charges you something like $40 a month to tether via cable)

2. Free storage of Contacts, Calender, etc online. (You can also use it offline free, on apple you have to pay to store online)

3. Flash (Hate it or love it...its a huge feature if you want to use the FULL web)

4. Best turn by turn navigation (it downloads the entire route, so you don't need to maintain a data connection)

5. Google Voice (and Skype too! they both do Skype, only Andriod does Google Voice.)

These are all things that the Andriod platform has the the iPhone doesn't. Its not subjective, it's fact. If you don't use or want any of these so be it, but for most users they are big.

-West

1) Go to Canada if you want tethering, it's free there for the iPhone....  AT&T is the reason why it's not enable yet here.

2) I too get free storage of all of my contacts, calender, etc, no mobileme required, just a quick sync and works with Outlook and Mail....    I can use Google Mobile App, Yahoo's or AOL's if i want to sync my phone with my google account So can you do Yahoo email, address, contacts on the android?    What about MSN, AOL, Apple for that matter?  If you want mobileme you are getting a little bit more than what you need for the basic email, contacts and storage, you also get a cheesy web page, ftp drop site, backup software (for remote backups) and then the ability to find your phone or log remotely into your computers.  It's truely overkill for most folks so the value might not be there.

3) Is 2.2 even out yet?   So really flash isn't at all useful until maybe that version and then it will still be limited on what it can support.   

4) Let me get this straight, as long as you start in an area with a cellular connection, you can use google maps...  There are tons of free apps for the iPhone that does just that, mapquest comes to mind.   The iPhone 4/Navigon now understands the orientation of the phone, so when placed right it actually knows the direction of you car when it's not moving.  Might be a minor detail but it now puts it in the league equal to your car navigational systems.   On another note, Google Maps can find my house with the new hardware where before it really just found the block.

5) Google Voice/Skype are both features that I don't need..... a feature, but perhaps no more useful than the point I made about the GPS improvements with iPhone 4.

6) Evo has HDMI.. that's kinda huge and something I would use.

EVO's pluses for me are: HDMI, WiFi hotspot

iPhone:
1) You can sync movies and tv shows that you've rented or purchased and a great feature for when you travel.
2) Complete backup of the phone on my local computer.  Nice to be in control of that even though it's not a huge thing to recover if your phone is lost or damaged.
3) Microcell (well network feature) is nice for those that live in areas with poor reception but adequate broadband speeds.
4) 16 and 32GB of storage... (and you don't have to go out and Spend $80 on a 16GB microSD)... EVO's expansion slot isn't a huge plus unless since  you probably just can't swap it out on the fly without fear of losing access to your apps.  If you look at it that way a 16GB EVO cost about the same as the 32GB iPhone 4...
5) Facetime I suppose, i don't think i care about this one even though it's rather cool even when limited to WiFI... I'm sure Android will probably have it soon enough if it already doesn't....

iPhone's pluses for me are: improved navigation hardware/software (when compared to 3GS/and os), the ability to rent/purchase movies for when i travel, a truly seamless integration between work and home computers on different OSes.  One of my favorite ones is that it plugs into my car and there are several docks that you bypass the headphone/dock audio ports and feed it to a DAC.    (hrm, curious if bluetooh works with EVOs and cars stereos....)

Again both phones are great, and this really shouldn't be a pissing contest.  If you look at the big picture, Apple changed the cell phone world for the better and Google is giving the old hardware makers a second chance and providing valuable competition against apple that in the end will benefit all of us.   If it wasn't for Apple, you wouldn't even have an Androids/EVOs as a copy-cat options....

<insert flames below> lol..

[Toka]

Again both phones are great, and this really shouldn't be a pissing contest.  If you look at the big picture, Apple changed the cell phone world for the better and Google is giving the old hardware makers a second chance and providing valuable competition against apple that in the end will benefit all of us.   If it wasn't for Apple, you wouldn't even have an Androids/EVOs as a copy-cat options....

Well stated...I agree completely.

[wendell]

Well,  I enjoyed the iphone 3gs while I was using it.  I really switched to Android to see what it offered and I like the fact that I customize any way I want.

Yes. I have 2.2 Froyo and it is sweeet!  xda-developers.com.  The forums are just awesome with great people.

No one is pissing except Steve Jobs.  Paraphrase" We did not get into the search engine  business, I'm not sure why Google is getting into the cell phone business."  LOL

Windows was doing cell phones way before Apple, they just got old. It's ok for google to do cell phones.
 
By the end to the year Windows 7 mobile will be out and I might switch out again to see what it offers.

I'm glad you like your iphone. I did too!

[Construct]

Droid incredible vs iphone 3gs (Cnet)  Bear in mind:  Iphone 3gs with ios 3.  Not an iphone 4 with ios4.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=97Q5oWRLDvU

[pjchappy]

After a bunch of online research, I just ordered a Droid X.  Should arrive in about a week.

So long AT&T, hello Verizon!  With a discount through my work, I will be paying only about $6 more per month. . .and that's with 2 things I didn't have on AT&T -- insurance (old phone) and a data plan.

Paul