I like to use my phone not just as a phone but a tiny computer. Computers do neat computer things.

• rsync my photos directly into my NAS a home
• Compile software
• Build and deploy websites
• Pull code, edit code, and push back to my Git repos.
• SSH, so much SSH (And Mosh)

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.

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 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

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.

It's open source.

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

FDroid and custom ROMs

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

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.

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 😅

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

F-droid. Side loading.

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.

Sideloading apps Adblockers Being able to replace my battery

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 and not being locked into one manufacturer/environment. I currently have a Pixel 7, but if Google made a hardware change that I absolutely couldn't stand, I have a dozen other manufacturers to choose from that might fit my taste better, while retaining all my apps, accounts, etc. If Apple drops a feature... Too bad for you.

I decide how I use my phone vs my phone decides how I use it

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

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.

At this point there are very few meaningful differences. They are both capable and there are plenty of good phones to choose from. I'm just used to Android.

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

FDroid and custom ROMs