Because you can install any apk you want so you can get apps from github/f-droid. on ios to sideload you need to do some stuff with itunes iirc
Android
DROID DOES
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I can sideload apps on Android. I can't do that with iphone.
The barrier to entry to create your own apps (as a programmer) is low - Install Android Studio (on ANY OS - I am using Mac atm), crank an example app or some app from Github, build, sideload, enjoy your own app! ofc need to know Java or Kotlin!!!
Frankly, I'm too deeply rooted into the Android ecosystem with all my purchases over the many, many years.
Plus I enjoy diversifying my gadgets across several platforms.
Although I'm looking to invest in some smart-home products and ironically, am favoring Google first and foremost.
Better compatibility with my other devices. Other than that pure flexibility and openness of it. There are no barriers between you and the phone.
Customization is the main draw for Android Phones, particularly Samsung Phones as Samsung is leading the Theme game at least to me. Right now, I'm rocking a Google Pixel, but Google offers decent enough customization options that I don't miss Samsung phones terribly much. The second thing is that I dislike Apple's Walled Garden with passion. I'll recommend their phones to people based on their needs; Personally, I will never own an iOS Device. The lack of customization of icons and the like is a hard pass from me.
Because I don't have any other choice :(
https://grapheneos.org/ - The private and secure mobile operating system with Android app compatibility. Developed as a non-profit open source project.
I feel very constricted using Apple. Everything from the OS to any plug has to be theirs, their way. Android gives me choices and more freedom. It's kinda awkward when a bunch of my friends have iPhones and I'm the one android messing up the group chat colors for them but it's well worth that sacrifice
All my smart phones were Android, but not on purpose: Before buying one, I always entered my size and feature preferences (4G, NFC, water resistant, wireless charging, etc) in multiple sites like https://m.gsmarena.com/search.php3 and the best fits for the best price were always Android phones 🤷
Tasker mostly. And apps for piracy are more plentiful lol
Both iPhones I had started falling apart software-wise within a year or two. Messages wouldn't send, internet connections would fail, graphical glitches were everywhere, and I didn't get more control of the device to compensate. Also, WebKit fucks up so often it's frustrating.
Well. Long term apple user. I had everything. MacBook, Apple TV, iPhone, Apple Watch. But somewhen I crossed roads too much with the walled garden.
I compared a lot of Android driven brands and how everything works. The final nail was actually usability. I have been more flexible with Android and Windows than Apple and Windows.
Of course the experience is smooth with Apple. But imo Android and iOS devices have their benefits and for me thats Android - Also because I can easily switch brands and stuff.
Mostly Sideloading and GrapheneOS. And that it's mostly open source
Because Android is technically open source and the hardware is free enough that I can install an alternative OS if I want to.
Also, the phones are cheaper and have headphone jacks!
I prefer Android because we all do not have much choice. Once I preferred Symbian, it was an inconvenient system for advertising salesmen, then there was Windows mobile, I liked it too, but it died quickly. I like the pushbutton phones with proprietary firmware the most, but unfortunately these days it's hard to live without mobile apps.