Switching from iPhone to Android? Read this First!
Although Apple made the smartphone ten years ago, it has seen a lot of competition since then. Androids have come a long way – especially in the past three years. If you’ve been enticed to make the jump from iPhone to Android like we have, here’s what you need to know before you make the plunge.
Dust Off Your Boots – Steep Learning Curve Ahead!
iPhones have always been known for being intuitive and user-friendly. Androids, on the other hand, are the kings of customization. But with all of the flexibility the Android architecture provides, with it comes a steeper learning curve than you might be used to. For example, you can change all of the sound effects and ringtones your phone makes…for FREE…but at the cost of trying to figure out how to do it! Often you have to open up a hidden list of advanced settings within a setting within a setting. But once you figure out how to set up your sexy new fully customizable phone, you’re golden. I’m currently enjoying having my Pixel 3 XL blast out sound effects from 1980’s NES games. Level up!
Goodbye iMessage – Turn it Off!
Sending a text message from one internet-connected Apple device to another will utilize iMessage if the feature is turned on. However if you switch over to Android without turning this feature off, your iMessages will get lost in the tubes of the internet forever! Turn off iMessage and turn off Facetime on your iPhone. After this is completed, you may remove your SIM card from your iPhone and begin life anew on your Android smartphone. Goodbye, iMessage! SMS is your new text messaging overlord.
The Kitchen Sync
A lot of modern Androids and those running the latest version, Android Pie 9.0, have fairly seamless methods or apps that allow you to switch data over from one phone to the other using a cable and an internet connection. During my switch, I had my old iPhone tethered to my new Google Pixel using a cable and adapter – all the while making dinner in the kitchen whilst my phones sat there and did their thing. I was pretty impressed with how similar my new Android looked to my old iPhone after Google did its thing. And I have to admit, it did feel a little wrong seeing my Android suck the life out of my iPhone like a leech.
There were a couple of apps that didn’t want to make the jump and Whatsapp can be a bit of a nightmare to move over all of the data at times but hey, you get what you pay for. In other words, if you downloaded a free app, don’t be terribly surprised if not every little bit of data makes the jump. Having said that, we do offer a service at GoMobile where we can attempt to assist with cloning your old phone onto your new device. And because you get what you pay for, our data transfer services are usually pretty spot on!
Which Android to Buy?
Unlike Apple’s offerings, there are literally hundreds of Android devices in the marketplace. We’re big fans of Google and OnePlus at our shop but you can’t go wrong with the big hitters like Samsung and LG either. Do your research and find out what you’re looking for in a phone before you buy. And if you’re looking to save a few bucks, don’t forget that we sell used phones…and we can buy your old iPhone too!
Embrace Your New Overlords
No matter which path you choose, enjoy the experience and don’t get frustrated if things don’t make perfect sense at first. The Android operating system is powerful, fully customizable and a joy to use once you have it set up just the way you like. Just be sure you don’t forget to buy a new case and screen protector! Play safe out there, fellow Droids. And if you do break your shiny new toy, well…I know a guy.