Should I Switch From Blackberry to Android or iPhone?

[shopinchic]

Hi,

I've been a faithful Blackberry user for about a year and a half, and while I love my phone, I am starting to itch for a new device. Should I switch to Android or iPhone, or should I stay with Blackberry? Here are a few things to keep in mind.

1- I already own an iPod Touch(2nd gen I think) which does pretty much everything an iPhone could do minus making phone calls or taking pictures. I love it and use it everyday but would an iPhone be a better investment? Is it worth the money?

2- I am seriously considering an Android because I don't have one and they sound really awesome, but I looked at the Android Market Place and they pretty much have all the same apps the iPhone has. Moreover, if I was to choose an Android, which model would be best? I am considering the HTC Droid Incredible 2 but that's a contract phone and I'm a little scared of contract phones. I could get a prepaid Android but I've heard nothing but complaints about those phones, so I assume they're poorly made.

3- I really love my Blackberry and this is the longest time I ever stayed with one phone, unfortunately I'm getting the itch to trade up. Do you think I should just trade up my current model?

I just want to know everyone's experience and opinions on all three smartphones!

Thanks so much for reading and I can't wait to read what everyone else says!

[JD914]

Android and is are both good platforms and light years ahead of BBOS. Do your research and fnd out which platform suits your needs. Either way, you'll be better off. Good luck.

[chrisy520]

Depends on what you want out of your smartphone.



I switched to Android for a great browser, big screen and apps. I also like widgets, video calling, Netflix, and the ability to completely customize my device.

My parents have iPhones. Very well made devices. Hardware and software top notch. Apple is nice for apps, medium sized screen, messaging with other iPhone users via Facetime and iMessage. Good hrowser but does lack Flash. The iPhone has a smooth OS and is very easy to use, really integrated well.

I will be switching back to BlackBerry for a few reasons. I will be getting a laptop so I won't be browsing on my phone for everything. I like the LED, the physical keyboard and the smaller size of the device.

There are pros and cons to all three platforms. I suggest you list the top five most important features to you. Also, test out both iPhone an Android at the store.

Take a look at this thread. It highlights the sttenghts of each platform.

Top 3 features of the big 3?

You may also have "deal breakers" that will help make your decision for you. For example, I don't want an iTunes account. Or you have a limited data plan, or you must have a front facing camera.

[chrisy520]

If you do decide to switch, here are some helpful threads for the process:

Switching from BB to iPhone tips and tricks here....

Switching from BlackBerry to Android Guide

[zc1]

To the OP: It sounds like a case of 'if it ain't broke...' to me. As has been said, each platform has advantages and disadvantages. There is a lot of info out there stating the strengths and weaknesses of each. It might help to make a list of features that you absolutely want in whatever phone/platform you choose and then research each of the platforms/phones that you are considering to see if/how each of them addresses the items on your list.

Originally Posted by chrisy520

Depends on what you want out of your smartphone.
I will be switching back to BlackBerry for a few reasons. I will be getting a laptop so I won't be browsing on my phone for everything. I like the LED, the physical keyboard and the smaller size of the device.

Not to dissuade you from going back to BB, but if you prefer Android but want those features there are phones that have all of them. For example, my Motorola Pro+ meets all of these criteria (including the fully customizable LED -- look for an app named 'App Flow' in the Android Market). It's also available for a reasonable price unlocked ($350). I've seen comments about it not being 'attractive' but I suggest that you look at one in a store before deciding. The photos that I have seen online don't do the phone justice. Just another option for you...

The nice thing about the Android OS is it's always evolving, and the developer base is enormous. If there's a feature that you like in another OS, you can be certain that there's an Android developer out there working on making an app to implement it for the Android OS. Eventually, some of them make it to official Google releases of the Android OS as well. For example, face unlock and app folders were available before Ice Cream Sandwich made them official components of the OS.

[MisterObvious]

It sounds like you should get an iPhone or 9930 to me. Androids are nice too and the best way to play with it may be to get an Android phone to trade for your current phone and see if it is worth it. They all are pretty nice now since browsing on OS 7 has improved to the levels of the competition. Or spend an hour trying the phone in the store and see if you like Android.

Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com

[islandgal808]

I've been a BB user for years but tomorrow I will be getting the Galaxy 2 epic Touch! Can't wait!

Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com

[MrszBerry]

I like both Android and Iphone but I came back to blackberry because it is a good phone for messaging and because I have a lot of contacts on BBM.

[the_sandman_454]

Only you can ultimately decide for yourself. I left BB quite a while ago for a Moto Droid 2. It has its' quirks like an device does, but this set of quirks works better for me than the BB quirks did.

I didn't need the heavy duty security the BB offers, and since Gmail, Yahoo, and Hotmail push to Android, I've got the accounts I use covered anyway and didn't need BB push email.

Apps are an area Android excels in, browsers being no exception. It is handy that Android currently supports Flash, even though some claim it is fading away, there are many sites that use it, and I can't see being happy without the option to use it. You can still selectively choose when to load Flash and when not to, so it won't slow you down when you don't wish to load it.

HTML5 sounds somewhat promising, but from my understanding, the complete official specs are a year or two away from even being completely finalized. That's just unacceptable to be left hanging between phasing out Flash to having the new standard uh, well, standardized.

Anyway, go to the nearest store for your carrier of choice (corporate store since they're more likely to have activated phones to play with) and spend an hour or two using various devices to see what you prefer. Be realistic in your use, make sure you're utilizing things you expect to use most to get a feel for it.

[GG1]

Originally Posted by islandgal808

I've been a BB user for years but tomorrow I will be getting the Galaxy 2 epic Touch! Can't wait!

Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com

Congrats ...great phone choice and I'm sure you will love Android.

[ADGrant]

If you love the iPod Touch you should just get the iPhone and sell the iPod. Android is great but does not have any great advantages compared to iOS and battery life can suck.

[Frosty_Power]

Originally Posted by ADGrant

If you love the iPod Touch you should just get the iPhone and sell the iPod. Android is great but does not have any great advantages compared to iOS and battery life can suck.

Seriously? My SGS2 is worlds ahead of my iP4. IMO, the Android platform has so many advantages compare to iOS. I always thought, you take all the good stuff Android has on their platform, and you end up with iOS. What advantage does iOS have on Android, and don't tell me "it just works" or "it's simple to use" because if you want a "SMARTphone", Android is simple to use as well. There is so much more you can do on Android, than iOS, and I'm not talking about rooting or jailbreaking either. Battery life is also comparable, but Androids can swap batteries which is a huge plus.

To the OP, usually users are curious to try other platforms to compare. I'd suggest you trade with a friend for a weekend, or if you can, buy one used if you can find one for the right price, so if you ever decide to go back, you will not loose out on much money. Try all three platforms and give each a fair trial and only you will know.

FYI, I do own a 9900, SGS2 and an iP4. Just by choice, my 9900 gets used M-F and the SGS2 gets used on the weekend, my iP4 doesn't get used much by me but my two kids love it because "it's simple to use". I don't own an iP4S and do not plan on getting one. I just choose to have all 3, and many more, as I do enjoy using each one as they all have their advantages(and disadvantages) over the other. Obviously, you don't need more than one device and anyone of those devices is capable of the task.

You will hear lots of opinions from fanboys of all platforms, only you will know what you want and more specifically, need in a smartphone.