So, I’ve recently switched from a Google Pixel 7 to an iPhone 13 Mini. My last iPhone was the 3G model back in 2008. Since then, I’ve been a dedicated Android user, mainly because I found them to be far superior to iPhones in terms of multitasking, physical keyboards, customization, and battery life. I’ve always given iPhones a fair shot but never took the plunge, largely due to my comfort zone with Android.
In recent years, two things kept my love for smartphones alive: compact phones and the Pixel lineup. Without the Pixels, I would’ve migrated to an iPhone much sooner. Pixels have greatly enriched the Android ecosystem, and the Pixel 7 is a true pinnacle.
However, some factors have gradually nudged me to consider iOS.
Compact Format
I rarely keep a smartphone for more than a year. The worst experience was with the Sony XZ Premium, which I sold within weeks because it was too big and heavy. I miss my Sony Xperia Z3 Compact and Sony Xperia X Compact terribly. The Pixel 7, in comparison, is a bulky behemoth, impractical for daily use.
The Ecosystem
My TV box was an Nvidia Shield, later upgraded to a Shield TV Pro. But it began showing its age with laggy performance and limited format compatibility. Switching to an Apple TV 4K was a game-changer in terms of ergonomics, simplicity, and overall user experience.
HomeKit
I’ve always been into home automation, using Home Assistant to tinker around. What I lacked was a smooth user interface. After configuring HomeKit on my iPad, I was sold. It outclasses Google Home in every possible way.
The Switch
Despite all this, I was still using my Pixel 7 until nostalgia for compact phones got the better of me. Luckily, I found a well-maintained, second-hand iPhone 13 Mini for 350€ with 89% battery health. I jumped at the opportunity.
My Takeaway
Switching back to a compact phone has been delightful. This little powerhouse meets all my needs without weighing down my hand or pocket.
Android, especially on the Pixel, has become so similar to iOS that the transition was seamless.
What I Love
- The fluidity: Somehow, my 60Hz iPhone feels smoother than my 90Hz Pixel 7.
- Customization: The Shortcuts app on iOS is a godsend for tinkerers like me.
- Consistent experience: I still use Google One, Google Photos, Google Maps, and YouTube. Switching to Apple Pay has been problem-free.
What I Miss
- Battery life: My solution is a MagSafe battery pack.
- Notifications: They’re not as user-friendly on iPhone.
- Physical camera shortcut: I haven’t found one yet.
- Quick silence toggle: The physical switch isn’t as intuitive as laying the phone face down on Android.
What Stays the Same
- Camera: Both are great.
- Apps: All my go-to apps are available and work better.
- Accessories: My Pixel Buds Pro still work flawlessly.
In summary, I have no regrets. Apple’s coherent, reliable, and high-performing ecosystem is something Google needs to work on. I hope every time I switch phones, I will still question whether to continue using an iPhone, without becoming an Apple diehard.
I hope this helps anyone considering making the switch, and feel free to ask any questions!
I always see the comments about Android’s notifications being better, but I haven’t used an Android in over a decade so I don’t know what they mean. Could anyone explain why they’re better? I’ve personally never had any issues with seeing a stack of notifications on my Lock Screen so I’m not sure how it could be improved, but I’m curious to know what I’m missing.
I stopped reading at “we hardly keep a phone for a year.”
There’s literally no reason to be switching phones that often
Quick physical silence toggle is the power button.
The XZ Premium is slimmer and lighter than easily any modern flagship phones and that includes all iPhones.
I needed this post. Google has been terrible lately in every way. The larger issue is the Google assistant hears what it wants to hear. Home automation doesn’t even let me finish my sentence before it executes what it thinks I want. It’s almost like it’s seeing how much I can take. Everything used to work great. My 2 year old wear os watch lost Google compatibility. I deleted the update and it came back then they broke it and none of my watch apps worked.
Going to switch to iPhone, my iPad is wonderful and omg is Apple TV the best streaming device.
Thanks for the info 👍🏽
I also recently gave into the switch. My only reason: peer and social pressure.
For the camera you can swipe the lockecreen to the left for quick access
https://www.iphonelife.com/content/how-to-access-camera-lock-screen-ios-10
Wow awesome, thank you !
I’m baffled at the concept you prefer customisation on iPhone compared to Android considering how locked in to the ecosystem you are, but I also switched from Android to iPhone last year after around 10 years.
I have very much enjoyed my iPhone experience but I think I’ll be changing back at next upgrade as there’s just too much different that I’m not a fan of.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts though!
I assume by physical camera button you mean like double clicking a power button to open the camera app? Yeah I think the only think you can do is set camera to double back tap but I never use that cause my case makes it hard to double back tap.
In accessibility you can turn on double tap on the back glass to open the camera app
I’ve been thinking of switching back to iPhone, but I don’t know what’s the diff between iPhone 15, 15 pro. And max is just a bigger size? The last iPhone I had was iPhone 5 lol. Been using Samsung and then had a huawei P30 pro for I think 5 years. Any tips or advice for the iPhone would be great thank you
I’m surprised you find the cameras the same. I would say the Pixel 7 has a better camera than my iPhone 14 Pro.
The pro max and plus variants pretty much outclass every android phone in terms of battery. The only phone I can think of that lasts longer is the Asus rog phone with the 6000mah battery which is insane. You got the worst iPhone in terms of battery. The minis have horrible battery so that’s on you for buying that phone. IPhones have great battery life and you wouldn’t need a magsafe battery pack if you got a plus or pro max variant or even the regular one.
I understand but I also switched to have a small phone. Will see in 1/2 years :)
Only thing I miss from android is android auto.
I used Android all my life and got the 15+ because of it’s battery and honestly, I like the design. So far, I hate the IOS as much as I feared I would. I’m getting used to it but I just dislike it so much. If only I could have an android on the iPhone…
I went from iPhone 4 to android then back to iPhone 15pm. And the switch was easy. But I will say the App Store sucks for iOS. Everything seems to be a subscription now. Otherwise I’m loving being back, just picked up an ultra 2 to go with the phone.
