Here is the thing, a lot of people keep asking me which one is the best smartphone or which one should I buy. I’ve reviewed and used many smartphones, both Android based from the first Google Nexus One and also iPhone from it’s very first month it came out about 5 years ago. The reason why I always use two phones is that I’m super curious about the development of new stuff and I kind of need them to use my local and foreign numbers (no dual sim iPhone nor good Android solution, but some ViewSonic and HTC). I’ve always had one as main phone and the other one secondary. Every now and then iPhone and Android have both been the primary.

Back to the point. After Samsung Galaxy S II came out I was really thrilled and straight away said “good bye” to my iPhone 4 as being primary phone. I was really happy and saw a great advantage over iPhone, being able again to modify everything, take advantage of 8 mp camera, be more productive (hopefully), enjoy the real-estate of the screen, faster processor, more “cool” apps etc. But why did I switched back, when iPhone 4s came out and also from Nexus when 3gs came? Here are few of the reasons:

1) Android never updates their software nor the UI (in Samsung case TouchWiz). Why? Because when Google keeps developing their software, manufacturers keep ruining it and not adapting. Which means that I’m still on 2.3 Gingerbread, which is now, let’s say 10 versions behind with the latest developments and enhancements of Ice Cream Sandwich. It’s been a year and nothing. Samsung guys, get up on your feet and do something. More on that here (by the founder of Android)

2) The screen is nice and large, but too big for my pocket, iPhone is just about the right width. In addition iPhone screen is much sharper/clearer (not that Galaxy S II is bad).

3) I might have a 8mp camera, but it does not matter if there are no optics (just plastic cover) and more importantly smart OS to take the most out of it. Once again, one size does not fit all. iPhone 4S optics and pics are so much better, seriously the camera I take most of my pics.

4) Android does not really allow me to be more productive, because the apps on Android just lack of the same flow and app availability is worse. For example one of the most popular photo apps on iPhone Instagram is still not there, but on it’s way. 27m downloads since two years and no native Android app. In addition the app experience on iOS is so much smoother and enjoyable, even 3gs flows better than Galaxy S II under your fingers.

5) Poor build quality. You can’t image something more plasticky than Galaxy S II and others. Just fiddly, not durable. iPhone glass/metal is solid and also looks good.

6) No Siri and the Voice Control on Android is just as bad as a voice control can be, getting it every 6 times in 10 as Siri gets 8-9 out of 10 (I’m not native speaker).

7) It’s a pain to develop for Android, because it’s got so many manufacturers with so many display sizes and different versions, so it’s super difficult to reach all of the potential audience (if you are not spending years to develop for those older versions). More on it from the Android manager who stepped down today here

8 ) No great syncing, because I use iPad as a tablet (and I think, there is no better tablet at the moment than the new iPad), Android does not backup in the cloud, sync my pics nor get along well with my iTunes purchases (music, videos, books, etc). They can call it Google Play, but it does not change the game. I’ve not yet found better backup than iCloud.

I must say that I actually really like the concept and ideology behind Android, but even if Google does their job well, manufacturers often don’t deliver what’s promised. Some say you must be a dumb user or Apple fanboy to go for iPhone, but those people mostly have not ever owned an iPhone (maybe tried friend’s) or are against just for the sake of it. Yes, there are downsides with Apple, but a lot less painful.
I go which one is the best for me. I agree that Android has more and maybe better features coming up, but when they don’t work (as usual) or I can’t use them and have to buy new phone every month to get new software, well, it’s not very environmentally nor wallet friendly. I understand if you are not aiming for the best possible phone out there, but even more you should think about the future. Which one will be durable, will update and let you do more with your gadget in the coming year?