Android

Because Android is technically open source and the hardware is free enough that I can install an alternative OS if I want to.

Also, the phones are cheaper and have headphone jacks!

• I can build my own ROM and add any tweaks I want to the source
• Full filesystem access, not the circus act iOS is running with their "file management"
• I can run any browser I want, download any file I want
• I can sideload any app I want, and install open source apps from F-Droid
• I can use projects like ReVanced to install modified apps effortlessly, and don't have to go through the AltStore/Apple Developer BS to install simple things like uYou
• I can entirely replace my home screen with a different launcher app if I wanted to

This is probably specific to the Pixel phones, not sure how much if any is relevant to other manufacturers.

1. Call screening and spam filtering is amazing. Having the phone automatically screen unknown callers means I haven't had to deal with a spam caller in years. And valid callers don't seem to have any problems understanding whats happening anymore. I used to get several who confused it for a voice mail when it first came out, but now it seems they understand how to leave a screening message and wait for me to pick up.

2. The phone tree and hold for me when calling businesses. Being able to read the options and click the text makes it so much easier to get through the options without having to really pay attention, then having it hold for me until a person answers lets me do other things instead of having to keep listening.

3. Song identification on the lock screen. Whether I'm out at a bar or restaurant or at home watching a TV show and a song I like but don't know starts playing, being able to see exactly what it is without even touching my phone is so convenient. I've found so many cool new bands I never would have without this feature. Its also amazing how it can often identify covers made specifically for TV shows right when they first air.

4. Amazing camera and cool features like photo sphere and the new magic eraser. The camera might not be as head and shoulders above Samsung and Apple as it was in the past but it's still always amazing how well it does in different conditions.

One word. GrapheneOS

I use a custom privacy focused rom, which I cant do on iOS.

I like how Android allows more customization. Also, I use a Galaxy Note 9 that I recently got from eBay, so I still have a headphone jack and sd card slot. I hate Apple for starting the trend of removing useful hardware from phones and laptops while still raising prices and hate even more that Androids started copying that. I miss removable battery phones. This Note 9 is my first phone without a removable battery.

other linux phones are not really viable. I dont like supporting apple and even if I didnt care about that, their iOS is far too restrictive.

also Tachiyomi

It's open source.

I hate Google and Samsung a tiny bit less than I hate Apple.

Termux is probably the killer feature for me. Also price, I don't need an ultra powerful chipset in my chat, web and note taking machine and I like having the option of not having to pay for one.

The developer experience is miles better even with android studio being a buggy mess

It is also a great companion for sailing the high seas

I haven't gotten a good chance to re-evaluate the PinePhone recently, but aside from that Android is basically the only option out there.

I've been thinking about this for a while. Years ago I would have said customisation (root, custom ROMs, etc) but lately the need for that has gone down a lot for me. Now, it's:

• Termux - a Linux terminal on the go
• Syncthing - self-hosted file sync
• Home screen widgets for Todoist

Mostly easy apk sideloading and customization. It's the most versatile OS.

Browser choice. Actually browser ENGINE choice. And the ability to set my own default apps, including the launcher.

F-droid. Side loading.

I didn't see anyone mention photos. Maybe an unpopular opinion, but I don't like the processing on iPhone pictures. They all look a bit soft.

They may win in video, I don't care about that enough for it to matter. Android cameras get way better development, partnerships, and processing, IMO.

Up until when the iPhone 12 came out, I used Android. Then I got an iPhone 12 Pro and I haven't hated it. I do miss many of the customization features available on Android, but iOS is extremely polished, and simple.

Where it falls short is the apps that I sometimes used on Android, are not available on iOS. Then you get into the options for Reddit (not any more), other social apps, and now Lemmy. Apps for the same service can vary in features, which can be a big deal.

I often find myself using my old s10 for apps like Jerboa (Mlem is okay, but I prefer Jerbo), apps for car diagnostics, previously Boost for Reddit, etc.

My next phone will likely be Android. However, probably not for another year or two, maybe longer. I'm waiting for a big step in hardware, and potentially an option with a hidden selfie camera. I'd love to have a full screen phone from the likes of Google or Samsung. One can wish.

It folds.

I can use a small screen phone when I want to, and open it up for a small tablet when I need it. I also have more choices. I have one Android phone with a headphone jack and a small screen, while I have another Android phone that gets the latest Google software and features.

Originally for it's openess to "mess around", you can generally get as deep into it as you wish to.

Now days, it's mostly just to avoid Apple hardware surcharge and Apple lock in ( if you use Apple for anything they suck you into Apple for everything else things don't work).

I still love Android but yeah my primary motivator is now avoiding Apple hassles 😅

I dislike Apple alot, stupidly Expensive, more than they devices worth, very restrictive on what you can do with them (treat their customers as kids) and their monopoly.

There is also a wide variety of Android phones with different price ranges, and features (like my beloved headphone jacks), wider customisation and a somewhat better repaiability sometimes.

things I dislike about Apple + things I like about android = preference.

Sideloading apps Adblockers Being able to replace my battery

iOS is far too simplistic for me. Plus android has had so many cool features and experimental phones (like my fave phone of all time, the Galaxy S4) and your not limited to the Apple design philosophy. If you want a curved phone, you can get one, want one with a taller profile, you can get one.

• custom homescreens and themes
• more advanced browsers like Firefox
• sideloading apps
• automation via Macrodroid/Bixby Routines/Home Assistant
• open source alternatives like K9 mail
• more native integration with Google services, though this has become less crucial over the years

I don't anymore, but when I did, it was the extra freedom and modability. In particular, the ability to use SwiftKey is really important to me and once upon a time iOS didn't even allow that.

Now I want my phone to just work and do all my experimenting on Gentoo. Which I use for gaming, no less. iOS is just very convenient by default, even if it's not perfect. But I could never get Android to be perfect for me either. The only thing I really miss is Vanced though.

Customization. That's my #1 reason I love Android.

FDroid and custom ROMs

@Cameri what has been said.

Plus the price. Really.

My current phone costed me less than 200$ and I got it from a seller that likes to inflate the prices.

It's got everything I need:

• Stock Android
• 128 GB of storage
• 4 GB of RAM
• A headphone jack
• Triple camera (which does suck at times tho, but I do have a DSLR as well whenever I need something better. And no, the phone camera doesn't suck at night tho).