Technology
I Switched From Android to iPhone After 12 Years: 8 Things I Learned
As a professional who reviews Android phones for a living, I recently had the opportunity to dive into the world of Apple smartphones when I became the Mobile Editor last year. My experience with the iPhone 16 Pro was eye-opening, to say the least. Here are 8 key takeaways from my time with the device that Android loyalists considering a switch should be aware of:
- WhatsApp Woes: Moving WhatsApp data from Android to iOS can be a headache, but there are workarounds like using the ‘Linked device’ feature to keep your Android phone as the primary device.
- What Are All These Buttons?: The iPhone 16 Pro has extra buttons on the side, including an Action Button and a Camera Control button. While the Action Button is handy, the Camera Control button may not be as useful.
- Incredible Video: The iPhone 16 Pro excels in video quality, offering crisp detail, accurate colors, and smooth transitions that rival dedicated camera equipment.
- Fantastic Face ID: Apple’s Face ID on the iPhone 16 Pro is fast, reliable, and works in various lighting conditions, setting it apart from Android rivals.
- iMessage is Annoyingly Good: Despite initial skepticism, iMessage on the iPhone proved to be the best messaging app, seamlessly integrating SMS, MMS, and iMessages into one platform.
- Notification Nightmare: Handling notifications on iOS can be cumbersome compared to Android, with notifications disappearing from the lock screen and grouping notifications from the same app into ‘Stacks.’
- Not Much Control Center: The iOS Control Center may take some getting used to, with icons not always performing as expected when tapped, such as the Wi-Fi icon not fully disabling Wi-Fi.
- Painful Charging: The iPhone 16 Pro’s charging speed may be underwhelming at 25W, especially for a flagship device, but the strong battery life compensates for the slower charging speed.
In conclusion, while I found Android to be a better fit for my needs as a professional reviewer, the iPhone 16 Pro impressed me with its advancements and solid performance. The iPhone continues to be one of the top smartphones in the market, offering a compelling experience for users, especially those already invested in Apple’s ecosystem.
