Techie: August 2012

There are so many choices on which phone to get. Even each carrier offers so many different choices, and to the average consumer, what are the differences? Why should I use this one, as opposed to the other one?

Finding the perfect phone may be easy to some, but extremely difficult for the less tech-savvy. I'm going to breakdown what I think are the reasons to go with each operating system.

iOS: In other words, the iPhone

iPhone. One word known by so many. Some may say the 'king' of mobile phones. But why should I use an iPhone?

PROS:

Easy to use, no matter how old or how young.
Interface is used on more than one device. Learn one, know also iPad, and the iPod Touch
Lots of applications available to download
Lots of cases found everywhere, from $5 to $50.
Used by so many taking advantage of iMessage and Facetime
Timely updates. Once announced, available to download for almost everyone
Available in 16gb, 32gb and 64gb versions

CONS:

Not as customizable as other competitors. Only options to customize are backgrounds.
iTunes. The only way to put songs, movies, etc. onto phone is using their software. iTunes often becomes laggy and tiresome.
No microSD card slot, for those who enjoy the extra storage
Hard to unlock to use on other carriers

Android: Land of the deserts

Android, the current runner up to iOS offers a huge variety of phones from various manufacturers. Why Android?

PROS:

Lots of choice between designs, manufacturers, price point
Customizing heaven! Lock screens, launchers, keyboards all can be changed.
Growing Play Store
Large displays, some HD, for great viewing
For developers, lots of things to tinker with!
MicroSD slot for more storage.

CONS:

Fragmentation: No timely updates, may be 1-2 versions behind.
Force closes: Many apps force close, but most issues have been addressed in Jelly Bean
Open Sourced: easier for malware and pirating to happen.
Lag: older versions of Android not yet optimized to their full advantage
Poor battery life on many phones

Windows Phone: The newest competitor

Windows Phone 8, not yet as popular as iOS and Android but still offer a place in the market. Why should I go with WP8?

PROS:

Clean, simple interface
Fast, no lag as it is optimized
Design very well thought out

CONS:

Not many design options
Lack of apps available

Blackberry 7: Lagging behind

Blackberry, once the leading brand of mobile phones, has dropped behind.

PROS:

Great physical keyboard
Unified inbox shows all messages
BBM

CONS:

Lag
Dated processors and technology
Not a media device, more for business

I hope this has helped you in your decision for your next phone! Have fun with your new 'toys'!

In no particular order, my favourite Apps!

Google Currents

Read all your news in a simplified format!

Google Currents is a RSS feed, giving you access to reading whatever you want in a clean and simple interface. What makes this different from others is that the interface is super nice and loading times are quick.

Light Flow Lite

Customize your notification light colour for each application

Ever want your notification light to tell you what kind of notification it is? Look no further! You can customize each notification colour to a specific app. If you have used a Blackberry before, this is similar to LED me know.

Tune in Radio

Listen to the radio on the go

TuneIn not only provides you with your local radio like the pre-installed FM Radio on some phones, but is an internet radio that lets you listen to broadcasts from across the world!