Both iPhones I had started falling apart software-wise within a year or two. Messages wouldn't send, internet connections would fail, graphical glitches were everywhere, and I didn't get more control of the device to compensate. Also, WebKit fucks up so often it's frustrating.

Because you can install any apk you want so you can get apps from github/f-droid. on ios to sideload you need to do some stuff with itunes iirc

I can sideload apps on Android. I can't do that with iphone.

Well. Long term apple user. I had everything. MacBook, Apple TV, iPhone, Apple Watch. But somewhen I crossed roads too much with the walled garden.

I compared a lot of Android driven brands and how everything works. The final nail was actually usability. I have been more flexible with Android and Windows than Apple and Windows.

Of course the experience is smooth with Apple. But imo Android and iOS devices have their benefits and for me thats Android - Also because I can easily switch brands and stuff.

The barrier to entry to create your own apps (as a programmer) is low - Install Android Studio (on ANY OS - I am using Mac atm), crank an example app or some app from Github, build, sideload, enjoy your own app! ofc need to know Java or Kotlin!!!

Mostly Sideloading and GrapheneOS. And that it's mostly open source

Better compatibility with my other devices. Other than that pure flexibility and openness of it. There are no barriers between you and the phone.

Customization is the main draw for Android Phones, particularly Samsung Phones as Samsung is leading the Theme game at least to me. Right now, I'm rocking a Google Pixel, but Google offers decent enough customization options that I don't miss Samsung phones terribly much. The second thing is that I dislike Apple's Walled Garden with passion. I'll recommend their phones to people based on their needs; Personally, I will never own an iOS Device. The lack of customization of icons and the like is a hard pass from me.

Because I don't have any other choice :(

Customization, and the access to apps on Google Play or even just on the internet. As long as you agree to accept liability, you can download pretty much any app package file and run It.

Apple is a lot more strict about only being able to download published apps, only from the App Store

I've got no great love for Android but the ecosystem is a lot less locked down for the most part compared to the Apple side. That at least opens up the door for tinkering with other options and controlling my environment.

Frankly, I'm too deeply rooted into the Android ecosystem with all my purchases over the many, many years.

Plus I enjoy diversifying my gadgets across several platforms.

Although I'm looking to invest in some smart-home products and ironically, am favoring Google first and foremost.

I can use my phone the way i wanted, not what Apple wants 😁

I used to be into custom ROMs back in the day so that was my excuse that I didn't want a corporate experience. But that was over a decade ago and all of those community features have now been pulled into the main AOSP. So now the only good reason is because it's the only smartphone OS I've ever owned or used really.

I use Nokia 5.3 which does everything I want it to and then some and I got it for like $200 brand new. You can't get a new iPhone for $200 I'm pretty sure.

I use it because I want something that is customizable.

Customization and repurposing of old phones. So far, I've turned one phone into a local, offline router. One into a security camera, one is my web cam.

I've never used Apple. I remember trying to help friends with iPhone to customize their home screen and live wallpapers.Not an option at the time.

I like being able to control versions of apps. eg: I switched to an earlier version of Waze because the verbal input for navigation stopped working while connected to Android Auto.