After 30 Days With An iPhone, User Says iOS More Cumbersome [Video]

(11:42 am PDT, Apr 23rd 2012)

After 30 Days With An iPhone, User Says iOS More Cumbersome [Video]
We’ve all seen the ridiculous Samsung videos where they pit some clueless iPhone users against one of their experienced gurus in an attempt to show how you can do more with a Samsung Android device. Well, one Android user decided to switch over to the iPhone to see for himself which of the operating systems was truly easier or “simpler” to use. After 30 days of using an iPhone, he finds iOS to be much more frustrating and actually more difficult to use. Well, not so much “difficult” as cumbersome.

Tasks he was used to completing quick and efficiently on Android seemed to take multiple steps on iOS. Since we already know how simple many of these tasks are on Android, I ask you iOS users (since I am not one), does this Android user have valid points or is he simply another clueless iPhone user similar to the ones Samsung hires? Give the video a look and give us your opinions below. Is it really this cumbersome to use an iPhone?

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  • http://twitter.com/sreekrishnanv sreekrishnan

    The whole idea is based on how well you can customize android. for a layman, trying to figure out what works best for you is the nightmare that no one should go thru. I saw my mom having such a tough time using an android phone that she would virtually not pick calls. 

    Apple on the other hand – for that $500 you pay, makes that decision for you. Just use it style and don’t bother figuring out to customize. 

    Sure, as a person who loves gadget I (or others like me) would love the 1000 customizations that I am allowed to make on Android. Its like buying a house and arranging the furniture yourselves. But do you want that to be done on a smartphone is the question. How have you felt when you walk into a furnished house and be happy with it. 

    If you notice what Google has done from the past to present – they have reduced the number of customization options by already providing a UI solution which means they have gone more into UI design (and hence choosing for the customer) and keeping the customization to the minimum in their space. 

    • SamsungAppleFan

      Its not just about customization… Did you even watch the video?

  • http://twitter.com/ryushousen ryushousen

    You make good points in your video, but I feel like you are just nitpicking everything that does not fit your model of how a phone should be.

  • http://gdgt.com/profile/ayejay85/ Adam Reid

    There’s so much wrong with this video…
    -He complained about the number of steps to do things, yet he never used the multitasking bar. (double tapping the home button)
    -He could have copied the url in his e-mail by long pressing the picture instead of clicking it, then copying the url in Safari, then using Dolphin.
    -If he went to the very same map in Safari simply by clicking on it he would have been directed to the Maps app.
    -He compared scrolling on a stock ICS phone, for which there is only one, to the iPhone when in reality most Android phones have skins on them which slow down the experience.
    -His usage scenario is of a geek who likes customizing their phones, whereas most people probably use their phones as a communication device.
    -He says he can’t search quickly, obviously has never held down his home button to tell Siri to search for something
    -He criticizes the placement of the back button between apps, if the screen is as small as people complain it to be you should always be able to see it on the tiny screen.
    I’m going to stop now.  This video is just nitpicking.  ”I don’t understand why Apple uses the resolution they use, this is closer to TV”.  Yeah, thats a valid complaint.  Not like looking at a TV in portrait mode would be awkward.  And he touts Google syncing w/o even mentioning iCloud which syncs Safari, Calendar, Mail & Notes, Contacts, Photos, and Documents.  Yeah, thats not worthy of a mention.

    • SamsungAppleFan

      So much wrong?  I use both oses and unless you’re so blinded with isheep mentality most of what he points out is true.  More than anything, I want a dedicated back button.  As an Apple fan, you guys are a disgrace and the reason why we’re made fun of.  With that said, iPad is indeed the best tablet you can get atm as he also points out.  [I had iPad 2 and 3 now] iOS needs to change a lot of things and hopefully this video [+ 5 more parts] will be seriously taken into consideration by the apple team.

      I think it’s a matter of most ios user never having used android and doesn’t know how things can be much more convenient and quicker. Where a lot of android users have the iPad. Give respect where it’s due.

      • http://twitter.com/Nikki_saindon Nikki Saindon

         it seems this guy has never used an ios device before cause i gave up android for having to many steps and force closing and went back to ios.  I find it a lot easier with less steps.

      • http://gdgt.com/profile/ayejay85/ Adam Reid

        I use a Galaxy Note.  Your entire tirade is moot.  If you read instead of raged you would see I went point by point calling him out on his bullshit.  You responded on some diatribe that had nothing to do with what I wrote.  Back to your cave troll.

        • SamsungAppleFan

          Ignorance is bliss my friend isn’t it?

          meehhh meehhhh ;)

          • Charles Martin

            So in other word, you’re saying that Adam Reid is correct in his points, since you can’t refute a single one of them, and that you just don’t like people who stick up for iOS.

            It’s too bad Android zombies like yourself don’t make a single identifiable noise I could childishly imitate for you, but now at least I understand why they’re always looking for brains.

      • http://www.facebook.com/Dawoogman Brian Christopher Tompkins

        Hell no to the dedicated back button. It was one of the things I just can never get use to going to Android or even WP 7. I have been using iOS to long and programed to it I guess because to me using a dedicated back button is dumb as hell. 

        I develop for both platforms and plenty of us developers are pissed at some piecemeal offerings from Apple for iOS but it is to be expected. This was a platform designed to be limited to just web apps. People forget that, they have been adding features and APIs but are very cautious about what they add and when they add it and it drives a lot of us crazy.

        We need a general sharing API with intents and activities like Android on iOS vs the URL scheme that iOS currently has and many of the issues addressed here will be gone. 

    • http://twitter.com/MrLeon Mr. Léon

      Adam, thank you so much for your comment. I was so infuriated when watching this garbage video that I was about to go off and make a video myself of how icons are spread apart on an Android tablet and yet the icons on a Android phone are so much closer together. Jesus Christ, this is just nothing but childish Red vs Blue politics disguised as an informative and intellectual video on the two operating systems. And notice how when he sets down the Android, there’s no clanking or sound of it smacking, but the iPhone just gets thrown down as if it were a failed attempt at curing cancer. My God, I think it’s so funny how Android users are consistently criticizing the iPhone saying that they can do everything that and iPhone can do. It’s like the popular girl at school saying that she doesn’t need friends, because she can do everything that people with actual associates can do. Ridiculous. The nitpicking on the back button location and the app spacing really got to me, because it’s just ridiculous. Ice Cream Sandwich is just now getting their tablets and smartphones on the same page. iOS has been doing that since the first iPad launched in 2010. I just think it’s funny how some people continually think it’s necessary to glorify the Android while spitting in the direction of the iPhone. Let’s face it people, Droid is the Apple that you’ve always wanted, but never had. I applaud BlackBerry for actually having software that wasn’t ripped off from their competition. This is Microsoft Windows all over again…

  • joek71

    I tried all smartphones and all OS’s and found that iOS is the simplest to use, not to mention webOS but that is almost dead and none exsistant, iOS is the simplest to useon all accounts.  iPhone is not for that person who has to have everything customized, the funny part of Android is when you buy an Android phone and by the time you get home it is no longer supported and will not be getting the latest OS update.  There are people who totally love iOS and there are people whot totally love Android.  Believe or not there are people who love BB and PalmPre so to each is there own.

  • http://twitter.com/lukehobster Luke Hobster

    I dont get why people do these sort of things, and why they think it is stable to base their opinion on this. If someone is used to android and has used it for years, they’re obviously going to prefer it to something else, the same with iOS. It’s all down to preference at the end of the day, one is not better than the other.

    • James Wages

      The reason is as plain as day. People who really like Apple products and iOS simply want those products they have more flexibility. That’s all.

      • K Jackson

         That is not the reason that people do these sort of things.  The reason videos like this exist is because there is a large aspect of our society who needs to feel as if their purchase must be validated by making the alternatives seem inferior.  Instead of accepting that it is their preference, they find a flaw that they don’t like, and assume it is a universal issue.  People who use the term iSheep are so sad, it’s pathetic.  I love my Honda and if it happens to be the best selling car, it doesn’t make me a lemming for driving one.  Pathetic losers who can’t accept that there is no right or wrong with something as subjective as a cell phone purchase.

  • http://twitter.com/LaToya_Davidson LaToya M. Davidson

    I agree, it’s really a matter of preference. I’m an Apple fangirl and to be honest this post has me intrigued about Android. I am a nitpicky person and wish there were other things I could do with my iPhone but what scares me about getting an Android is what joek71 mentioned, the updates. There are so many Android flavors whereas there’s just one Apple iOS. I am curious abou the Android he was using as I may actually be interested in trying out an Android phone.

    • GrzegorzWidla

      If you are scared of updates and consistency in Android then buy Galaxy Nexus. It’s a Google phone, it has instant updates for 2 years to come and it uses default Android without any customization (Google experience). And yes, that’s the phone the guy in the video was using.

      • http://www.facebook.com/Dawoogman Brian Christopher Tompkins

        2 years, where you get that figure? The Nexus One came out January 2010. It was considered over the hill for Android 4.0 by December 2011. 

        iPhone 3G S June of 2009 till Present 

        • GrzegorzWidla

          OK. So with Nexus line you get 23 months of updates instead of 24 months I posted above. Sorry, I stand corrected!

          I never said Apple updates are bad. They are quite impressive actually.
          I just tried to be helpful to LaToya which is obviously aware of Android fragmentation and finds that worrying. Going with Nexus line will keep her and any other interested user in the loop for a very reasonable time considering phone contracts in the most parts of the world aren’t longer than 2 years. If Nexus One became outdated after 23 months, it’s perfect timing for hardware update.

          Having said that, Android is much more solid OS now that it was 2 years ago. There should be no drastic changes in the design and functionality of Android for significant amount of time. The hardware is also much more powerful so it can support more future iterations of the OS. 
          What I’m trying to say, it’s safe to expect Galaxy Nexus being updated and working fine 24 months after it’s release.

  • woodyco

    i’m not going to disagree with the core of his argument. if you want to customize, use a droid.

  • http://twitter.com/miggyequalsrad Miguel J. Aguilar

    Next up a Lumia 900. 

  • djrobsd

    The bottom line is that nerds who like to be able to customize everything will pick an Android, and the rest of us who just like to pick up a device and have it work consistently will go with an iPhone.  I’m not going to lie, I love the fact that everything just works on my iPhone.  All those customizations in Android slow the phone down, cause it to crash, and god only knows what kind of malware those phones get infected with.  Not to mention the battery drain all those things put on the phone.  Plus he is showing off ice cream sandwich, VERY few Google phones even have ICS, most of them are still on older versions which are much clunkier to close programs then ICS is.  In fact, most people who bought Google phones will now have to buy a new one because their old one is not upgradable.. Another reason why I love Apple, the iPhone 3GS can still run iOS5, and its several years old.  The 1st Gen Ipad can still run iOS5, the latest operating system.. One thing that I found really annoying about his video is that the In And Out Web site he is loading is an out dated one. The current one gives you directions no matter what OS and phone you’re using. In addition, he mentions that google syncs your book marks, etc, so does iOS 5 with iCloud… So obviously he recorded this video before iOS5 came out.

    • 5imo

      It was an iPhone 4S, and the Galaxy Nexus (the phone he was using) was released a month after iOS 5 was released.

  • http://twitter.com/NapMan Michael Napier

    I think he makes a lot of good points.  I don’t understand why Apple won’t give us easier access to some settings, like Bluetooth and WiFi.
    I also think it’s ridiculous how difficult it is to get a custom ringtone onto an iPhone.  It cannot be done without a computer and iTunes.
    My brother just got his first iPhone.  He’s been using feature phones for a while.  I’m dreading the phone call from him asking me how he can put some custom ringtones on the iPhone.  For a computer novice it is not an easy process.

    Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE my iPhone 4 and I’m really looking forward to upgrading to the next model this year.  But some of the things about it do drive me crazy.  Being able to choose the system’s default browser or e-mail app would be great.

    • http://www.facebook.com/Dawoogman Brian Christopher Tompkins

      It is a simple process if you know what to do for a nOOB. 

      Send them to Myxertone ( website) and create an account and select Apple iPhone 
      Tell them to upload their own music and create a ringtone or download free ones from there. 

      The file will automatically be converted for your device, since it is an iPhone it will download as an M4R file. Android MP3

      Open File in iTunes 

      Wi-fi sync it to iPhone by dragging it to ringtones section of iPhone. 

      • http://twitter.com/NapMan Michael Napier

         Yeah, that’s not really as simple for a non-techie person as you make it sound.
        My point is that it’s crazy that you cannot add ringtone to an iPhone without the use of a computer.

        • http://www.facebook.com/Dawoogman Brian Christopher Tompkins

          I am not saying it is the easiest method, but I have seen people go through harder methods like using programs to load MP3s, edit them than export them and this crazy stuff. 

          So let me re-address this while this is easier than all that craziness it is still crazy shit you got to do for a ringtone and hopefully Apple will address this. 

      • David Jung

        I started reading this in a sarcastic tone but I don’t think that was intended.  I’m not really taking sides because I love iPhones and I love android both in different ways.  However, here’s the comparison:
        iPhone:
        1. Register for that website
        2. send the file
        3. download the ringtone file
        4. connect the device
        5. open itunes (I guess this happens automatically so meh)
        6. sync itunes

        Android:
        1. connect the device
        2. drag and drop to the existing ringtones folder
        (or if you have the song on your android phone, just copy/paste the file into the ringtones folder using file manager on your phone)

        The point that the video is trying to make is that there’s a clear distinction of convenience with regards to ringtones customization.

        • http://www.facebook.com/Dawoogman Brian Christopher Tompkins

          Remove step 4 because of Wi-Fi Sync

          Also Step 6 because with Drag and drop enabled in iTunes, Just drag the ringtones you want by highlight them all and dragging and dropping on the ringtone section. 
          Also let rephrase my thinking. I know so many people that import songs to apps and edit them and export them going through this crazy process so from that stand point my method is easier. 

          I also have Android, loving my Gnexus. Why don’t use just install them on your device with an App?

          Open App, select Song, Edit it, Click Save as and select the type of tone, Ringtone or Alert Tone. No need for a computer ever.

          Compared to Android iOS is more complex and that is no lie, but not as bad as some make it out to be. 

          Hopefully Apple addresses it because it is stupid to need another machine when iOS 5 was suppose to be about untethering to computer. Although I think they count on users not knowing how to install ringtones so they can sell them on iTunes.

  • rhodz_99

    I am not convince with this video. I have no complain with my iphone.

  • Frank Barz

    You mentioned you had the iPhone 4s, why didn’t you ask Siri to find the nearest In-n-out.  Siri would have provided you with the phone number, address, and options to directions to the nearest location.  Can’t get any easier than that my friend :)  

    • http://profile.yahoo.com/JOMTSV72WYJ4ZXI5OCOAGRFP6E jayne r

      Siri can be inconsistent so I can see why he wouldn’t jump on that trick.Using maps however is a different game, which totally works. And is likely to be identical on both phones since the iPhone uses google maps data

      • RyleyLamarsh

        What happened to simply going to the google maps app and searching for your location of choice there?

  • Ed_Kel

    This guy just proves to show that Android users are too dumb to use an iPhone. Press the damn map, dumbass.

    • Peter Laney

       You sound like a very creative barista

  • milanyc

    I happened to have both devices, and most of his complaints are valid. However, the user experience is always gonna be different and that’s the beauty of both platforms.

  • http://twitter.com/AaronPark Aaron Park

    This video is much more compelling if you turn the volume off

  • imronburgundy

    I just need quick access to the Bluetooth and wifi icons. Unfortunately, with ios 5.1, you can’t use safari bookmarks. Hopefully with IOS 6 there will be quick toggles in the notification bar.

  • arronhunt

    Trying to open a map Dolphin was a moot point, you should be comparing native OS functionality not that of third party apps. He also pointed out you can sync browser bookmarks on Android….which you can also do on mobile Safari. 

    He didn’t mention things like syncing files between your desktop and other devices (iCloud), adding and managing music, or benchmarks. 

  • Mightythias

    This doesn’t even look like a valid comparison. He is trying to perform task on the iPhone like it is an Android phone. Like trying to click on the address for in-n-out from the Dolphin browser, why wouldn’t you just open the map app and enter in-n-out there or even easier just use Siri. Of course its going to be more cumbersome when trying to complete Android task using iOS.

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002585824686 Alexander Arrieta

    This is knit-picking.  If I need to find an in & out branch, going to maps is way faster than going to the website.  Also, I tried going to the in and out website just for curiosity, there is a “get directions” button that you can press, you don’t have to long press on the address.  This is nothing more than an anti iphone propaganda from an android fan.  With that said, I did not even finish the whole video.

  • Samsung_Apple_Fan

    This video is spot on. He also says that the iPad is the best template available right now and I also agree with that

  • Brandon Rodriguez

    You said that you like Android because of the “cool custumization features”, and yet you are getting mad at the iOS developers for customizing there apps to put the back button where ever they want? And also you never showed how fast it took to change ringtones, mabey because you know that all it takes is to push Settings and then Ringtones!! ARE YOU CRAZY!! PUT YOUR MONEY WHERE YOUR MOUTH IS!!

  • http://twitter.com/gnomehole The Gnome

    Video FAIL.   Nuff said.   Why do we give these idiots our attention anyway?

  • 5imo

    Dolphin??? I used that for 5 mins then deleted that crapware.

  • Chaseme

    Want more features on iOS?
    Jailbreak.
    Case closed.

  • http://profile.yahoo.com/OXJBNCZNKSSQWSFZ5E3EDOVSIQ Barbaros

    what’s the point? go and use your android phone… no one is forcing no one to use iOS…

  • Cold_dead_fingers

    The “truth” is apparently biased as shiz. The truth is that iOS has features superior to Android, and none of that was disgust in the video. That’s the truth.

  • U.N. Owen

    1St, this gut doesn’t sound like any ‘brain trust,’ and, as he says – he’s familiar with Android for years. iOS – days.

    Second Android can NEVER be as integrated as iOS, simply because of Apple’s structure of their software ‘garden.’

    But, ultimately, who cares?!? I certainly couldn’t give a rat’s ass what this bozo tthinks, does, likes, dislikes….

    It’s irrelevant. I know what I like, and that’s important to ME -no one else.

    One final note: I know from personal experience, thatmy dad (who doesn’t have an iPhone, much less a smartphone) figured out how to work my iphone in a MINUTE. With NO help from me.

    Why? It’s intuitive.

    Let this yutz have his wonky Android software playground. It don’t mean anything.

  • U.N. Owen

    By the way: ‘hey, Vince, I hope you know wrestling isn’t a real sport.

    Yutz.

  • http://twitter.com/causticmango Samuel Ford

    Not much controversy; you like to fiddle with your phone and Android is very fiddly. iOS isn’t. If you like to fiddle, then it’s no surprise that you like Android more than iOS. Besides, it’s what you learned first.

    I think that’s what people mean about iOS – it’s been purposefully designed and configured to provide the best experience and it’s regularly updated. It’s not a kit to make a phone or tablet; it’s ready to go.

    Ad to that iOS is obsessively tuned for performance, battery life, usability, etc. and that all the interesting innovation seems to be happening there, it’s not surprise it’s better than Android.

    Other than professional curiosity (or maybe you’re just tired of the iPhone), there’s no reason to even consider Android.

  • Iusermak

    Well. I had an android phone, the problem for me was not the android software but the cheap hardware of phones, you will have to pay out 200-400 for a good android phone to get this kind of perfomance out the phone. Thus Iphone for me is $200 and works better, but thats because you are getting a better device.

  • http://twitter.com/j_doss J. Christopher Doss

    Read the Authors Bio: 

    “About Vincent Messina
    Vincent Messina has been writing and evangelizing about Android for the past three years. When he’s not playing the part of “Evil Dragon” to his 5 and 3-year-old, he can be found here, covering all things Android. He adamantly believes Android has the greatest community around and can be harassed at any of the following locations: Google+, Twitter.”

    Do you really think an Android “Evangelist” & niche writer would use an iOS device for 30 days without a lined item list of things the iPhone lacks and Android excels at. I would like to point out, if this the worst list a guy that was on a mission to fault iOS could put together, then I think iOS users can sleep well with their choice. 

    Some of those issues he had was a lack of knowledge of the OS. Dont buy into the politics. Both OSes have their strengths and weaknesses. Use the one that works for you. As for me and my house, we will use the iPhone.

  • Windlasher

    Sorta clueless:

    1: the web browser thing is right and would be cool on the iPhone.

    2: MAPS: If he clicked on the map icon, it would open maps..

    and then i got bored…… he’s obviously an experienced droid user. most of the crap he says is probably because he doesn’t know how to do it. OH, well. TO each his own.

  • Bharath Chennu

    To use some beautiful products we need some intelligence. Applies for iPhone. 

  • panos6

    Even bad advertising is advertising thanks man you just sold more iPhones to the masses. FYI see how ugly that android is there no other point to make. One other thing you didn’t mention is that you most probably used a hole battery charge to show of that android.

  • RyleyLamarsh

    Apple blatantly holds back these iOS API limitations. They feed us little bits of joy in ios updates. If you are a long time iOS user you will know this and expect to wait for it… But when Apple adds the functionality, they do it really well.

    What this guy might not realize us that iOS is built around a middle ground where anyone can just pick it up and use it. If you gave someone who has never used a smartphone an Android and iPhone, I think we all can agree that this person would instantly feel MUCH more comfortable with the iPhone. This being said I really think Apple really needs to implement a “advanced user” setting that would allow someone to uncover advanced settings once they (If they) become more comfortable with ios. Don’t worry folks… We will see some very interesting things in the next major iOS update….. JUST enough to keep you from going to the dark side ;)

  • http://twitter.com/Wirehedd Wirehedd

    So what about people who jailbreak their iPhones and customize them to he point where they are unrecognizable as IOS?

    Seeing as droid is customizable by default it makes me wonder if the nitpicky nature of this video could be completely disregarded simply by the usage of JB features.

  • http://twitter.com/NapMan Michael Napier

    I was wondering, all these people who are criticizing the video, do you just think the iPhone is absolutely perfect without a single flaw? 
    I do love mine and have no intention of switching but it isn’t perfect.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Austin-Schoepflin/663090590 Austin Schoepflin

    cumbersome is the worst word ever

  • overvision

    Also, why should a “search field” take up valuable real estate when it’s not even being used?? If he’s too lazy to flick his finger for a search bar, he should definitely stick with Android…
    That said, I think the video would have been more inspiring if he’d just pointed out all the cool features of Android without all the whining about other devices.

  • Jasoturner

    Hmm, inviting Apple fans to comment on a video that criticizes their beloved iPhone.  Better than catnip for drawing comments I should think.

  • http://www.facebook.com/brendanrichman Brendan Richman

    I think most of the iOS users here (including me) forget what they’re watching this video on – Cult of Android! Of course it’s going to be a biased video – just like if you were watching a video like this on Cult of Mac, it would big up iOS and slate Android. I do also think a lot of what is being said here is true, but I also think it’s nitpicking somewhat purely to put iOS down (my iOS-biased opinion, not fact – don’t argue)! 

    Sure there’s different ways of doing things – but that is what makes it good. What’s the point in making two mobile operating system’s exactly the same? No competition = no innovation or progress!!

    And since they are so much different, it’s really kind of impossible to compare. My advice to anyone would be to try out everything, see what YOU like best. It’s YOUR phone, YOU’RE the one using it. Sure, discuss what YOU like about it, but don’t ever say it’s better than another operating system, because what works for you may not work for someone else. “Another man’s rubbish is another man’s treasure” springs to mind… (strikes me that the people who argue are usually too ignorant to recognise this fact)

    My two cents…

About the author

Vincent MessinaVincent Messina has been writing and evangelizing about Android for the past three years. When he's not playing the part of "Loki" to his 5 and 4-year-old, he can be found here, covering all things Android. He adamantly believes Android has the greatest community around and can be harassed at any of the following locations: Google+, Twitter.

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