If you told me a year ago that I would write a story about buying my first iPhone, I would have called you insane. After all, I’ve been on Team Samsung Galaxy for almost 10 years.
But here I am, the proud owner of a brand new iPhone 13 Pro. It’s a little hard to believe considering my long relationship with Galaxy phones. But that’s right, and let me tell you – I’m glad I switched.
But why did I drop Android to Apple? I was almost ready to get the Samsung Galaxy S22 just a few small weeks ago. As I will detail below, however, the time was right for me to take the leap from Android to iPhone. And while I’m still getting to know my new device, I already know it’s one of the best investments I’ve ever made. I might even be in love.
Before we start, I would say that this is not an iPhone vs Android opinion. I’m dealing with enough console war nonsense on Twitter to jump into yet another Big Brand debate. The purpose of this op-ed is to share my story and let Android users know what it’s like to move from that platform to Apple. It may be the best decision you could make – it’s been for me.
Here’s why I switched from Android to iPhone and why I will never return.
iOS provides a smoother experience over Android
As Tom’s Guide’s computer writer, I’ve had the chance to review Android and Apple products such as the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra and iPad Air 5. I’ve also used the 14-inch MacBook Pro at various times. The latter was my first real experience with macOS, and it was something of an eye-opening encounter.
A review of Android and Apple devices has revealed how clumsy the Android interface actually is. I have heard this complaint many times before, but since I have mostly only used Android devices (Samsung phones and tablets), I did not see any problem with Android. Now I understand what people have been telling me all along.
For example, my Android phone and tablet would occasionally unlock or restart randomly. Apps can also become unresponsive and sometimes require me to uninstall and reinstall them. I am a Windows user and am facing the same issues on PC. Android’s hiccups seemed completely normal. Operating systems are obviously messy, right?
Maybe I was deliberately ignorant, but looking back, I have not faced these issues on Apple devices. Although I’m a computer writer, having gained more knowledge about Apple, I’m not entirely unaware of the company’s devices. I used the first generation iPod touch for many years and also own the 7th generation iPad released in 2019. Both provided smooth and hassle-free experiences.
These Apple products just worked, which I could not always say about my Galaxy phones and tablets. In hindsight, I knew the iPad 7 was superior to the Galaxy Tab A. As an Android user, I just would not admit it.
The iPhone experience
Getting used to iOS 15.4 was not difficult. In fact, it has been a natural transition since I am already so familiar with the basic functions of the operating system. Aside from downloading and logging in to all the apps I had on my old Android phone, it didn’t take long for me to use the iPhone 13 Pro, as if I had owned an Apple phone for years. Then there are the new (or new to me) features that have enhanced the iPhone experience.
FaceID is easily my favorite iPhone 13 Pro feature. Instead of manually entering a password to unlock my phone or to log in to apps, I can just look at my phone. I’m surprised at how well this feature works. In fact, it’s a little scary. FaceID has worked when I check my phone at night with the light off while I am wearing a mask and even when I look out to the side. Technology is cross-border magic.
MagSafe is another “how the hell did I live my life without this?” function. I bought Anchors MagSafe charger and I love how it locks magnetically to the back of the iPhone 13 Pro. Best of all, I do not have to remove mine Spigen Tough Armor case for MagSafe to work. I’m glad this is a viable charging option, because for unknown reasons iPhones still use light cables … but I will not toot about that here. I also like to use Spigen MagSafe wallet. Although it can only hold three cards, it is a great accessory that spares me from having to carry both a purse and a phone.
Currently I have only two complaints with the iPhone. Apps are not listed alphabetically as they are on Android. It is surprisingly cumbersome to move around apps on the phone screen. Doing so feels like playing one of those sliding puzzles from when you were a kid, only more annoying.
I also wish there was a flashing light that told me if I had notifications. But given how I am no longer distracted by a constant message light, maybe I should not complain.
Customization? I do not need it
One of the main reasons why people prefer Android over Apple is customization. Where Apple keeps its ecosystem under a tight leash, Android allows for a deep level of customization. Honestly, I’ve only ever used Android’s basic features. I have no tendency to manually install apps not found in the Google Play Store, or to dive into the operating system and adjust things. Apple’s operating systems are restrictive is not a problem for me.
That said, it’s not like I was not able to tailor the iPhone experience to my liking. I use Google’s various platforms for work and my privacy. The first thing I did with my new phone was to install every single Google app I needed, such as Google, Chrome, Drive, Maps, Photos and so on. I removed Safari, Apple News and the built-in calendar from the home screen and replaced them with Google’s equivalent.
Goodbye, Android
I have owned an iPhone for only two weeks, but I can safely say that I will not return to Android phones soon. Although Android is a perfectly viable platform that continues to improve, it is still not on par with Apple’s operating systems. And like I said, I do not care about customization. I just want a device that works and does not give me a headache.
CEO Roland Moore-Colyer said that the iPhone Pro 13 is boring in his I dropped Android to iPhone – and these 5 things keep annoying me in the article. I understand where he’s coming from. iPhone 13 Pro does not have Galaxy S22 Ultra’s S Pen or Dex mode, nor does it have Pixel 6 Pro’s Magic Eraser and the AI-focused Tensor chip. The iPhone is pretty basic, all things considered.
But as far as I am concerned, basic is not bad. I like black coffee, vanilla ice cream, french fries without ketchup and plain cheese pizza. Sometimes simple is best and that’s exactly what I get with iPhone. So until Android becomes as user-friendly as Apple’s operating systems, I do not see myself going back.
Before I go, I want to apologize to all the iPhone users I have texted over the years. I should not have exposed you to the screaming green text bubbles. Sorry I made you put up with it.