Browser choice. Actually browser ENGINE choice. And the ability to set my own default apps, including the launcher.

F-droid. Side loading.

Number of reasons

• F-droid(Basically not having to go through proprietary app store) and apps only on them
• Multitasking is leaps and bounds better(windowed mode, split screen…)
• Fingerprint
• SD card
• Connect phone on Win11 (I know it’s microsoft but it works great and I don’t ever plan to use Mac
• Customization, which is basically non-existent in iOS
• Samsung Dex. It’s a bit more than a gimmik to me.
• File management. Iphone is a freaking joke

There are some things that iPhone is just better but all those things are things that I can live without.

This is probably specific to the Pixel phones, not sure how much if any is relevant to other manufacturers.

1. Call screening and spam filtering is amazing. Having the phone automatically screen unknown callers means I haven’t had to deal with a spam caller in years. And valid callers don’t seem to have any problems understanding whats happening anymore. I used to get several who confused it for a voice mail when it first came out, but now it seems they understand how to leave a screening message and wait for me to pick up.

2. The phone tree and hold for me when calling businesses. Being able to read the options and click the text makes it so much easier to get through the options without having to really pay attention, then having it hold for me until a person answers lets me do other things instead of having to keep listening.

3. Song identification on the lock screen. Whether I’m out at a bar or restaurant or at home watching a TV show and a song I like but don’t know starts playing, being able to see exactly what it is without even touching my phone is so convenient. I’ve found so many cool new bands I never would have without this feature. Its also amazing how it can often identify covers made specifically for TV shows right when they first air.

4. Amazing camera and cool features like photo sphere and the new magic eraser. The camera might not be as head and shoulders above Samsung and Apple as it was in the past but it’s still always amazing how well it does in different conditions.

Because I can use the real Firefox and not a Webkit imposter. I tried an iPhone for a year but it was too restrictive for me. Having a choice in phone manufacturer helps too. I’ve had phones from many different companies over the years.

Freedom. I feel so restricted on iOS. I want to do this, and this, and that there too!

In no particular order

• File management works like a charm
• USB-C and fast charging
• Customizations
• Custom ROMs
• Privacy (getting a Pixel soon for GrapheneOS)
• Easier to repair
• More efficient (takes less steps to do stuff)
• Looks better
• Sideloading
• More choices for phones

I decide how I use my phone vs my phone decides how I use it

For me it’s probably the ability to sideload apps, among other things. Apps like NewPipe which would never make it to the Play Store are apps that I use every day, because they are just good apps. Also, I just like the UX of my Pixel compared to an iPhone - I couldn’t live without things like a back button, and I sort of don’t like the iOS UI.

There is a lot more freedom on Android. I want to be able to side load.

Don’t like Apple’s anti consumer attitude, same reason I don’t buy Nintendo products.

Sideloading apps is the main reason. I couldn’t use a phone without Adblock.

iPhones are also just way more expensive and the few times i’ve tried them the UX just sucked so much, form over function.

I only really use my phone for light browsing, texting, and calling.

I decided to splash out for my current phone, so that I could use it for 5+ years. $700 new in 2018, 8GB RAM, 256 Storage, Octacore CPU, 3700 mAh battery. OnePlus stopped pushing security updates, so I flashed another ROM that is still being updated. I expect this thing to run for a few more years.

The iPhone out in 2018 was the XS. the 256 GB version was $1150; worse CPU, worse battery, less RAM. I believe Apple is still supporting it for updates, but it should be near EOL.

The whole thing revolves around being ableto flash a ROM, though. For me it’s a no-brainer, but I don’t begrudge anyone for not being willing. If I wasn’t going to do that… I might actually get an iPhone, just for the extended shelf life. > Z Fold 3

Originally for it’s openess to “mess around”, you can generally get as deep into it as you wish to.

Now days, it’s mostly just to avoid Apple hardware surcharge and Apple lock in ( if you use Apple for anything they suck you into Apple for everything else things don’t work).

I still love Android but yeah my primary motivator is now avoiding Apple hassles 😅

For me it’s mostly the freedom and potential for customization and personalization. I like being able to install almost any app I want, being able to use 3rd party hardware like cables, bluetooth devices, etc. Not saying you can’t do any of that on Apple devices but it just doesn’t feel as free. I also don’t feel like I’m rewarding the questionable choices Apple does with their devices, like making it difficult to repair yourself. Their phones don’t feel like they’re truly mine.

• custom homescreens and themes
• more advanced browsers like Firefox
• sideloading apps
• automation via Macrodroid/Bixby Routines/Home Assistant
• open source alternatives like K9 mail
• more native integration with Google services, though this has become less crucial over the years