Tempted by the fruit of another

[GSOgymrat]

I’ve had Lumia 900, 920 and bought the 1520 when it was released. After recently dropping the 1520 down a flight of stairs, cracking the screen and damaging the touch interface I needed a new phone. I don’t live near a Microsoft store but I was visiting Los Angeles and bought a replacement 1520 at the Microsoft store, in shocking green this time! The sales people were very helpful addressing problems I was having recently with my 1520, including Xbox Music no longer synching playlists with my phone (which the tech said is a known problem since the last update and currently is unresolved) and Bluetooth not synching voice with headphones (which was resolved after a reset). I also decided to get a Microsoft Band so I could record my runs without carrying the 1520. I got home with my new phone and Microsoft Band but then the Band would not synch voice with Cortana. I went back to the Microsoft store and the tech determined the Band was defective and, since they were out of stock and I live out of state, they would have to mail a replacement when it came in.

While waiting for the tech I noticed the Zillow app was missing from my new phone. After looking at the app store and reading the forum I discovered that the app had been pulled. A suggested replacement app for Zillow, Realtor.com, crashed after install. There is no Trulia or any other real estate app for Windows Phone. I used Zillow all the time and not having any working real estate app is ridiculous, plus my Microsoft Band didn’t work and Xbox Music wasn’t working right. I was ticked off.

As I left the Microsoft store I walked by the crowded Apple Store where people were waiting in line for iPhone 6. I had looked at Android phones and decided I definitely did not want one but iPhone 6 Plus was tempting because these Apple products are supposed to WORK and have APPS. Everyone loves their iPhones, right? So I stepped in line and bought an iPhone 6 Plus, silver, 128GB for $950. Baaaa… Baaaa.

So now I have both the shocking green 1520 and the iPhone 6 Plus. I can return either within the next 10 days. This is my first iPhone so I am still learning my way around but here are some of my initial observations:

- I like the 1520 screen better, the iPhone 6 Plus screen feels too small.
- I prefer the UI of Windows Phone with live tiles and having a back button that closes programs.
- I prefer the 1520 hardware with polycarbonate shell, SD card and better button placement. Both phones are too smooth and should have textured backs. I think a case is essential for the iPhone because it is so thin, rounded and slippery.
- Web browsing is better on the 1520 because scrolling is smooth and fluid, where Safari scrolls and stops.
- The camera is better on the 1520. It’s a noticeable difference, especially if you crop the photo.
- The keyboard on the iPhone is terrible and I need to learn how to load a new one. The letters on the keyboard don’t change whether you are using capitals or lower case.
- Cortana is better than Siri. Siri frequently doesn’t give the correct response and often says “I’m sorry, the internet and I are not speaking.”
- The iPhone finger print scanner is really useful and works amazingly well.
- I have not had any iPhone apps crash so far.
- Apple navigation is better that HERE Drive+. Apple navigation says which side of the street the destination is on, which is really helpful.
- Many apps are AMAZINGLY better on iPhone. This cannot be overstated. For example Kindle for iPhone not only looks better but has all kinds of features and content: change the font! Read your magazines on your phone! Some of the iPhone apps make Windows Phone versions look like a joke.
- The iPhone app library is awesome. If an app exists they have it. Even Office apps are now free on iPhone and photos taken on iPhone automatically upload to OneDrive. I found this game Monument Valley that I’m loving and I don’t even normally play games on my phone.
- I can’t really compare Xbox Music because I am using it on too many devices right now to add it to iPhone.

In my perfect world Windows Phone would have iPhone’s apps. As it stands now I am still on the fence about which I prefer. I hate giving up the UI, camera, screen and Windows ecosystem but I also hate giving up quality apps—the idea of not being able to use a real estate app, ANY real estate app, just burns me up. Trulia has a decent mobile website, so I could settle for that.

More to come...

 

[Silence#WP]

Interesting comparison. I thought about getting a 1520.3, but I don't think I can deal with the size of the device. Right now, I've got my eye on a 6 plus which is a bit smaller. I don't know what Amazon has against Windows Phone, but their WP Audible App is also terrible. I carry an iPod touch in addition to my 1020 primarily for Audible. Hopefully Windows 10 moves us closer to that perfect world you mention. I'm curious to see what your final decision will be and why.

 

[psiu_glen]

I feel your pain.

There really isn't anything that is "perfect" to me yet.

So I'll spend money on tools and kitchen gadgets.

 

[Nogitsune Micah]

I too am looking at the iPhone as my replacement. I already dabbled with it briefly once but that ui really bothers me. Going from animated live tiles to icons....ugh. I think like it or not im stuck with windows phone lol

 

[chezm]

Well written post, the comparisons are pretty good and identify your preferences. With that said, you're fortunate enough to be able to afford the luxury of testing out both devices before making a final choice, bonus situation. With that said, you should really use the next 9 days wisely to determine where your needs are more satisfied. From what you stated, the only two benefits for you on iPhone are finger scanner (I agree, its very well done) and apps (bigger deal than some want to admit...especially here). If integration with abundance of top tier applications is a necessity than iPhone looks to be the choice. I can confirm apps on iOS will never (99% of time) break/crash, your battery wont start to drain randomly and the OS stability is as consistent now as it will be a year from now. However, if you can get by on 3rd party offering and webpages to substitute/sacrifice as WP is what you really do love, then stick with WP. I can clearly see the 1520 is a device you love dearly by everything you said...hence why i say use the next week and half wisely to make sure the iPhone perks that appeal to your needs dont get skipped.

 

[GSOgymrat]

After using both phones for a week and much consideration I have decided to return the 1520 to the Microsoft Store and keep the iPhone 6 Plus. There are many things I like about the 1520 but the iPhone allows me to do things I can't do with the 1520: read my Nook books and magazines, start my car remotely, control my thermostat remotely, easily peruse real estate listings, watch Amazon Prime video and access many more apps. The other factor that influenced my decision is Office is not only on iPhone but is better than the Window Phone version. Xbox Music works on my iPhone but doesn't even work properly on my 1520 right now. The latest news is that Cortana is going to be available on iPhone. I prefer the 1520 hardware but nothing about the iPhone is really bad. With the direction Microsoft is going with Windows Phone I feel at this time iPhone is the safer bet.

 

[BatteryLife]

Very well said. These are the few factors I feel that the iPhone loses out at. The keyboard. Oh my, it's so horrible to borrow my friend's iPhone 5s to text my parents. It takes me ages to type (maybe better on a bigger screen), maybe just because I'm a slow learner. And don't forget that you can use a 3rd party keyboard, I haven't tried any yet (because I don't have an iPhone). Also, the text prediction and autocorrect is HORRIBLE. Or maybe I'm just too pampered by WP's keyboard. Though it is not perfect (no way to change added words), WordFlow consider "tell" as Tel, I don't know why (I don't even know what's Tel). Ill automatically becomes I'll, as if there's no such word as ill. Small niggles though, compared to iOS keyboard.

The camera. I believe the Lumia line has good quality sensors and lenses (being Zeiss lenses and all...). But the post processing (colour reproduction (weird white balance), noise reduction (overly aggresive), etc.) just kills the photo a lot of times. Though this can be fixed by snapping in RAW. The sensor size in iPhone is of course not as big, but most of the time the post processing delivers pretty consistently. Though not the most accurate reproduction of the scene, it often processes it to let the human eye like it.

People often say the app gap is there (or not there, depending of which sites you go to). In my opinion, I agree that the app gap is present. Like you pointed out, app quality is also one of the many factors iOS is reigning in this aspect. Also, I believe the app gap is going to worsen.

Microsoft has done great work with the WP OS. From what I have noticed, they seem to put in many innovative features, but do not advertise them. On the other hand, while cramming in creative features, they often ommit the most obvious and no-brainer features. One example is the clever use of proximity sensor. I don't know if any other OS's do this, but my family (S Advance, S2, S3, S4)'s phone doesn't have this. When the sensor is blocked (in a pocket or bag), and a notification comes in, the phone screen will not light up. Instead, there will be a grace period where you can pull out your phone, then only it will light up, saving the need to press the power button. On the downside, even a simple feature like Vibrate WHILE Ringing cannot be implemented. Sometimes I wonder what MS is thinking about.

Anyway, credits must be given to MS for implementing such a fun OS. In all honesty, iOS is BORING. The whole OS is just plain and unattractive. However, it's feels much more polished.

Congrats on your iPhone 6+! I haven't seen it in person, but I'm happy that you like it! Hope that you enjoy it! P.S. Avoid putting it in your back pocket :wink:

Cheers!

 

[boxa72]

After using both phones for a week and much consideration I have decided to return the 1520 to the Microsoft Store and keep the iPhone 6 Plus. There are many things I like about the 1520 but the iPhone allows me to do things I can't do with the 1520: read my Nook books and magazines, start my car remotely, control my thermostat remotely, easily peruse real estate listings, watch Amazon Prime video and access many more apps. The other factor that influenced my decision is Office is not only on iPhone but is better than the Window Phone version. Xbox Music works on my iPhone but doesn't even work properly on my 1520 right now. The latest news is that Cortana is going to be available on iPhone. I prefer the 1520 hardware but nothing about the iPhone is really bad. With the direction Microsoft is going with Windows Phone I feel at this time iPhone is the safer bet.

Really well written comparison! After being with Nokia from the get-go I don't really know what the other OS's have to offer but since Microsoft are determined to undermine their own OS by offering Apps to the competition I'm increasingly motivated to cross to the dark side but I can't decide what Android device I want. The reason I'm going with Android is pretty much down to my smart TV being a Sony and from what I've seen Android have much better apps to control my TV. It's really a shame that Microsoft keep shooting themselves in the foot because it's such a brilliant OS! I'm not going to get rid of my 930 though because I couldn't live with a lesser camera but unfortunately it won't be my go-to phone anymore. I went and learnt the C# programming language with the express purpose of developing for Windows Phone and I was going to go through with that until Microsoft started looking after Android and Apple before their own OS. It really is frustrating and I'm not at all sure that Microsoft realize the harm they are bringing on themselves by using this strategy. Anyway I just wanted to thank you for a well written article and to share my frustration lol take care

 

[Silence#WP]

Thanks for the final report and comparison GSOgymrat. I ended up going the same route and ordered an iPhone 6 Plus last night for many of the same reasons. The Microsoft services I prefer to use will still be available and going iOS gives me a much better ecosystem. I'll miss the live tiles and more dynamic home screen. Although iTunes on Windows is certainly no fun and I don't like paying the Apple premium going iOS will deliver a better overall experience for me. I've been using a Windows mobile device since my first Compaq Ipaq back in the Pocket PC days, but just as I eventually give up my Amiga for Windows so to am I giving up WP for an iPhone. I'll check back in after Windows 10 drops, but best of luck (and thank you) to those of you who will still carry the Windows torch.

 

[Karthik Naik]

frankly id suggest getting a cheap ipad and keeping the 1520
thats what i did- ipad 2+ lumia 720
i didnt need to pay a bomb to experience ios and got a fantastic tablet for 1/3rd the cost of an iphone

 

[Hoekie]

I'm not tempted at all. After using a Lumia 735 for a month now, and using many phones for business clients, I can't in my mind imagine to pay over 500euro's for a phone. Let alone 950 dollars. - and it's not about the money. If I wanted, I could buy one every month - . That's almost an insult to the human brain/sanity.And then you still have to plug in a cable to charge it..

 

[andrygun]

I have to agree with the above post. I also feel that its ridiculous to pay that amount of money for a phone. But hey, most people can afford it so i cant really complain.

I would say say $600 is the most i would pay for a phone (a smartphone to be exact). Other than that i can just get a tablet and a proper camera.

Just my 2 cents but im happy that you found your go-to phone!

 

[GSOgymrat]

I concede the iPhone is ridiculously expensive and any explanation for purchasing this product would be a feeble rationalization.

I've been using the iPhone regularly and find it a very utilitarian device but not very fun. The switch from 1520 to iPhone 6 Plus reminds me of a switch I made many years ago when I was in college and owned a Fiat X19. I loved driving the X19. It was fun, quirky and put a big grin on my face when I got behind the wheel. Unfortunately it also lived up to its Fiat reputation of Fix It Again Tony and frequently broke down. There was always something that didn't work quite right. In fact it was in need of repair so often that my parents insisted I get rid of it. My father was so tired of me calling at all hours for assistance he gave me his Toyota Camry. The Camry was very nice, dependable transportation yet completely boring. Driving the X19 was an adventure, driving the Camry was routine. People used to ask me about the X19, no one asked me about the Camry. Yet I couldn't really go back to the X19 because there were places I had to be.

 

[rld082982]

Wait..... you spent $950 on a phone?

 

[GSOgymrat]

Actually I spent $1050 plus tax since I got the two-year Apple Care. Given my history, I will destroy this phone. IPhone 6 Plus costs $749 for 16 GB, $849 for 64 GB and $949 for 128 GB. With AT&T you can split the costs of the phone into monthly payments. If I agreed to a two-year contract I could have purchased the phone for, if I remember correctly, $499 but that made me ineligible for lower phone/data rates and I would be paying almost $200 more for the total cost of phone and service over the course of two years. According to the AT&T representative, few people just pay for the phone up-front like I did but I did not see any reason to do otherwise. As I understand it, because I own the phone and didn't sign a two-year agreement I have no obligation to AT&T and I am automatically eligible for an upgrade.

If someone has a cheaper means of purchasing an iPhone 6 Plus128 GB please let me know. I'm still within the return period. I'm assuming everyone I see running around with an iPhone 6 Plus paid, or will eventually pay, this exorbitant cost.

 

[Silence#WP]

Actually I spent $1050 plus tax since I got the two-year Apple Care. Given my history, I will destroy this phone. IPhone 6 Plus costs $749 for 16 GB, $849 for 64 GB and $949 for 128 GB. With AT&T you can split the costs of the phone into monthly payments. If I agreed to a two-year contract I could have purchased the phone for, if I remember correctly, $499 but that made me ineligible for lower phone/data rates and I would be paying almost $200 more for the total cost of phone and service over the course of two years. According to the AT&T representative, few people just pay for the phone up-front like I did but I did not see any reason to do otherwise. As I understand it, because I own the phone and didn't sign a two-year agreement I have no obligation to AT&T and I am automatically eligible for an upgrade.

If someone has a cheaper means of purchasing an iPhone 6 Plus128 GB please let me know. I'm still within the return period. I'm assuming everyone I see running around with an iPhone 6 Plus paid, or will eventually pay, this exorbitant cost.

Interesting. Unless I ran my numbers incorrectly over a two year period it is at least $190 less expensive for me to use the subsidy and keep my grandfathered unlimited data plan versus a 2 GB or up mobile share plan and buying the phone upfront.

 

[GSOgymrat]

Perhaps it was because of your grandfathered plan. I've never had unlimited data with AT&T.

 

[tgp]

This talk about postpaid vs. prepaid is interesting. I used prepaid for the last 3.5 years, and just switched back to postpaid. I know it costs more, but I wanted a Verizon line with unlimited data. Hence the switch. My financial situation improved enough in the last several years that cost is not a factor like it had been.

While prepaid service is usually cheaper overall, there are benefits to having a postpaid plan with a major carrier. Have you ever tried using an MVNO's customer service? rly: With the big carriers you can walk into a local store and get assistance. Most users walk into a store, select a phone (and even get help with that!), and walk out with it working and ready to go. If you use prepaid you must do that yourself. This is fine for some of us, but the average consumer doesn't want to do that.

Some carriers also have their own wholly owned prepaid divisions. For example, you can go into an AT&T store and get GoPhone service. That's handy. But there is still a downside. If you have a postpaid plan with AT&T your device will roam onto T-Mobile's towers when necessary. Not with GoPhone. If you don't have AT&T service, you don't have service.

In a nutshell, you will often save some money by paying full price for your devices and using prepaid services. But there are tradeoffs in quality of service and customer service. And you'll usually look for a lower cost device since the cost of the phone isn't built into the contract.

 

[boxa72]

Personally I've always paid for outright phones because the way I see it, if no one bought into subsidies the Telco's would have zero power and would be forced to be competitive pricewise, at least that's how I see it here in Aussie. Seeing what Verizon peeps are going thru with no updates and **** just proves my point I believe.

Sent from my X550EP using Tapatalk

 

[Stephen Pedersen]

This was a reasonable response. Honestly, what can Microsoft do to not lose more customers like him? I wonder what their future strategy will be to keep who they have and gain more people. Maybe Windows 10 will have something up its sleeve.