SG3, HTC One prove Android can challenge iPhone

[ScotiaBurrell]

even

I’ll conclude this review with two statements that might seem provocative to my fellow iPhone-loving friends:

First, that the HTC One S and the Samsung Galaxy S III are manifestly every bit as good as the iPhone.

Today, the difference between an iPhone and one of the best Android phones is now a matter of personal taste...and absolutely nothing more.

Secondly: I didn’t miss my iPhone one bit while testing the S3. On the contrary, when I use my iPhone, I miss the Samsung.

when Apple introduces its next iPhone this fall, and releases iOS 6.0 to accompany it, I’m going to do what I think every out-of-contract iPhone owner should do: I’m going to examine the new device and OS carefully, point for point, and ask myself “Is this one better than the S3?”

http://www.suntimes.com/technology/i...ge-iphone.html

[Kumabjorn]

I have a Samsung Galaxy Note, but would concede that Apple has led the development of the Smartphone market. Every new edition has made significant strides that the others have to play catch up with. I expect Apple to surprise and awe me once again with their new release. Still won't buy it though, no matter how awed.

[Teknikal]

Apples got kind of boring in my opinion they were in fashion for a while but almost everyone I know who had an iPhone has changed phones in the last few months. Granted I'm in the UK and only basing this on people I know but at one stage it seemed everyone I knew had an iPhone and now only two do.

I've went almost 100% android myself now although I still have an iPod Touch.

[Tomsk]

My sister recently changed from an iPhone 3GS to a Galaxy S3 and she loves it. Not for the apps, but the screen. It's big enough that she doesn't need to put on her reading glasses to use it!

[HarryT]

The reason I'm unlikely to give up my iPhone is that I have an iPod/iPhone interface in my car, which allows me to browse and play music from my phone using the car's CD player controls. I don't think anything like that's available for Android devices, is it? I spend a lot of time driving, and that's important to me.

[Teknikal]

Originally Posted by HarryT

The reason I'm unlikely to give up my iPhone is that I have an iPod/iPhone interface in my car, which allows me to browse and play music from my phone using the car's CD player controls. I don't think anything like that's available for Android devices, is it? I spend a lot of time driving, and that's important to me.

I'm not sure to be honest although I know a lot can sync up over bluetooth but Android music docks seem pretty rare still. I've actually only seen a couple of the home speaker docks for Android both by Philips I think, sadly I've yet to see a car one but can't say for certain they don't exist.

Reason I hung onto my iPod is also because I have an alarm dock although it's been pretty much relegated to just an alarm clock these days.

[Kumabjorn]

It is true that there are a lot more add-on devices and accessories to the iPhone/iPod/iPad collection than there is for Android devices, one reason being that there is no standard for micro-USB placement on the phone.

[HarryT]

Yes, you're right. Having a standard docking connector across the whole range of portable devices was a very wise move on Apple's part.

[paulsalter]

Originally Posted by HarryT

Yes, you're right. Having a standard docking connector across the whole range of portable devices was a very wise move on Apple's part.

Seen a rumour they are changing it with the next iPhone to be a smaller size, but don't follow Apple news to much so could all be made up.

They did change it when the 3GS (think it was that one) so it charged differently, I have a few docking devices (Car and DAB Radio) that no longer work properly

So yes, I agree a standard size is nice, until Apple change how it works and makes your docks not work

[HarryT]

I don't believe it changed with the 3GS. I have an iPhone 4 (which obviously post-dates the 3GS, and all the things I have with iPod docking interfaces work just fine.

[paulsalter]

Originally Posted by HarryT

I don't believe it changed with the 3GS. I have an iPhone 4 (which obviously post-dates the 3GS, and all the things I have with iPod docking interfaces work just fine.

I got the wrong model, it was the 3G and iPod Touch 2nd generation

Going back a bit, I know, but could happen again, the original models used to charge using the firewire pins in the dock connector, Apple then dropped this when the above models came out

so if you bought a dock earlier on, it stopped charging the device

[HarryT]

Thanks, that makes sense. All my interface devices probably post-date that. Yes, early iPods could communicate via USB, but only charge via FireWire.

[tubemonkey]

Originally Posted by HarryT

The reason I'm unlikely to give up my iPhone is that I have an iPod/iPhone interface in my car, which allows me to browse and play music from my phone using the car's CD player controls. I don't think anything like that's available for Android devices, is it? I spend a lot of time driving, and that's important to me.

I don't drive much, so a standard radio suffices. If I drove more, I'd get HD radio.

[tubemonkey]

Originally Posted by HarryT

Yes, you're right. Having a standard docking connector across the whole range of portable devices was a very wise move on Apple's part.

I'll give them that. Also; because of the popularity of iDevices, there are more accessories available and at lower prices than for Android. For home audio use, my iPod touch trumps my Galaxy Player.

[HarryT]

Originally Posted by tubemonkey

I don't drive much, so a standard radio suffices. If I drove more, I'd get HD radio.

I actually listen to audiobooks while I'm driving. I find that, especially on a long journey, they really help me maintain my concentration.