Why I Was Wrong About Apple: My Experience Switching from Android to iPhone

Many of my acquaintances swear by iPhones, and I would often mock their choice considering Apple’s lag behind Google in various aspects – from the absence of a weather app on the iPad until 2022, to the delayed addition of features on Apple Maps that Google Maps had for years.

Having experimented with a wide array of phones previously, I knew that Samsung, Google, and OnePlus offered superior hardware and more impressive features for the price.

Whenever someone would boast about having an iPhone (Apple is a ‘lifestyle’ after all), it was tempting to pull out something like a Motorola Razr and ask, “sure… but can it do this?!” and theatrically flip it open in their face like a tech-obsessed fool.

Apple is still playing catch-up in certain areas – the first folding iPhone isn’t expected until 2026, seven years after Samsung introduced its foldable device.

Where Apple truly shines is in optimizing essential features, particularly on the software front. However, I wasn’t keen on paying a premium for this.

But in today’s market of escalating prices and tariffs, Android phones in this tier may not necessarily offer better value, causing my strongest argument against Apple to falter. Here’s why testing the iPhone 17 humbled me.

Apple’s user-friendly software is impressive

I never quite grasped what people meant by this, but the layout of the iPhone’s home screen and lock screen is perhaps the most intuitive and aesthetically pleasing design I’ve experienced.

This includes the Dynamic Island, which has been somewhat replicated on my OnePlus 12, and the convenient grouping system in the App Library that saved me from extensive customization, as I would on Android.

Despite some preinstalled bloatware, I particularly enjoy Apple’s Journal app, with features like scheduling entry times, streak encouragement, and easy integration of photos, recordings, and even Apple Health data. While the Pixel Journal app on Pixel 10 is a decent alternative, there isn’t a comparable option on my OnePlus phone, so I’m open to suggestions for a good, free alternative.

Voicemail summaries with Apple Intelligence are also noteworthy. During a hectic day in London, I missed a call from my doctor. Thanks to this software, I received an accurate transcription without having to check my voicemail manually.

This showcases a practical use of AI, which I typically don’t favor, so kudos to Apple.

iPhones cater to individuals who prefer a hassle-free experience. This is evident in the simplified camera controls compared to what I have on my OnePlus.

While this simplicity may disappoint camera enthusiasts, for those in a rush and uninterested in exploring every setting, this approach is ideal.

A small detail that brought me unnecessary joy was the Siri voice options. One of them has a northern accent similar to mine (British Voice 3, for reference). Given that some voice assistants struggle with my dialect, it’s great to have one that not only works but also mirrors my speech patterns – big up the North.

The hardware exceeds my expectations

Over my six years as a tech journalist, I’ve witnessed the disappearance of compact smartphones. As an advocate for devices that fit in women’s pockets, this is unfortunate – perhaps I should lobby for more practical women’s clothing, but I digress.

The iPhone 17 is a perfect size for watching videos (with impressive speakers) and compact enough to slip into outfits easily. As a OnePlus user who relies on the alert slider for silencing my phone swiftly, the action button on the iPhone is a godsend (it can be customized for various functions if desired).

Moreover, the visually appealing pastel purple model I tested is aesthetically pleasing. The curved edges and glass back make it sleek and comfortable to hold.

I firmly believe that many users may be overspending on the 17 Pro and Pro Max models, primarily for their advanced camera setups. If you create content professionally or are a photography enthusiast, that’s understandable. However, for social media and everyday photography, the standard iPhone 17 camera suffices.

Details are sharp, clear, and crisp, with the option to apply preset shades to emphasize specific tones in photos.

It may slightly overcompensate in low light, intensifying colors (especially in night sky shots), but for daylight landscapes and portraits, it meets expectations.

Transitioning from Android isn’t seamless

If you’re contemplating switching from an Android device like a Pixel, Samsung, or Xiaomi phone, there are some factors to consider.

Initially, your new iPhone will prompt you to download the ‘Move to iOS’ app on your old device to transfer photos, contacts, and more for an easier transition. However, my attempts to transfer data from my OnePlus 12 were unsuccessful, despite multiple tries, resulting in a frustrating factory reset every time the transfer failed.

This elongated the process as I had to set up face recognition repeatedly before eventually starting from scratch.

Setting up emails, contacts, and calendar appointments saved in my Gmail account helped, but more complex tasks like switching banking apps were left incomplete due to time constraints.

Another hiccup was receiving text messages on my old phone due to RCS messaging, which required opting out via a Google form.

For long-term switchers, WhatsApp setup may pose challenges. As I used the iPhone 17 temporarily, I configured it as a secondary device, keeping my OnePlus 12 as the primary phone. This allowed seamless access to chats and notifications on the iPhone.

However, transitioning from a Google Drive backup on Android to an iCloud backup on the iPhone, as noted by my colleague Anyron when switching to the iPhone 16 Pro, can lead to significant issues.

The ‘Apple premium’ argument is evolving

To understand how iPhone prices have become more competitive, comparing with the nearest Android equivalent, the Google Pixel, is essential.

Two years ago, the iPhone 15 was undercut by the Google Pixel 8 by £100/$100. However, in recent generations, the Pixel’s price has increased while the iPhone’s remained stable.

Cloud storage is another aspect to consider. While Google offers more free storage initially, Apple’s monthly pricing plans for iCloud+ are slightly lower, offering 50GB of storage. Google’s plan provides 100GB at a higher monthly cost.

The base storage of the iPhone 17 starting at 256GB versus the Pixel’s 128GB is a notable advantage for Apple.

Considering these price comparisons, especially in the mid-range segment, Apple still holds its ground. If choosing a phone around the £800/$800 mark, the iPhone 17 would be a strong contender for my daily driver, surprising as a long-time Android user.

However, be prepared for a lengthy transition from Google’s ecosystem to Apple’s. While I wish this process could be smoother, it seems unlikely as it doesn’t benefit either company from a sales standpoint.

In conclusion, as someone who was staunchly pro-Android, testing numerous impressive Android smartphones during my tenure at Tech Advisor, I was convinced that iPhones were overhyped and overpriced. But if my perspective can change, perhaps yours can too.

The iPhone 17 starts from £799/$799. It can be purchased outright from Apple or on contract from providers like Vodafone in the UK (starting from £24.20 per month) and AT&T (starting from $23.06 per month). Trade-in deals are also available at various stores and retailers.