Chelsea Cipriani, Front Rush
It could be a question on a dating site – that’s how important the answer is to some. Are Android users compatible with iPhone users? What does it all mean?? Joking aside, the differences in devices and the debates probably come up in discussion for each of us about once a week…maybe even more often between your coworkers, your friends, and your family.
It is also important among recruits. While I was on campus last month a coach mentioned to me that his recruits (the iPhone users) did not like interacting through text with Android users because texts come through as green and not blue. He was referring to iMessage. iMessage works with iPhone and can operate while on wifi… it also shows up as blue on the iPhone. An iPhone user can actually know if you are using an Android vs. and iPhone and to some it is significant. Also, did you know some emojis are not compatible from iPhone to Android / Android to iPhone? While small, these details matter a LOT to the younger generation.
For some of us, the thought of using a brand / device other than the one we are familiar with can seem almost foreign. I know as a very dedicated Apple user, when my grandmother (an Android user) comes to me for advice, I end up doing lots of googling to help her out with the functionality. I had to google something as simple as turning on the flashlight. I have even resulted to opening up the user manual… yes they still exist! To me, Androids are super confusing and I just can not seem to grasp it. The same thing rings true I’m sure for some Android and PC users when operating an Apple product… familiarity is key.
This got me thinking, I wanted to poll the Front Rush staff to see what they prefer in terms of Apple vs. Android, Mac vs. PC and to hear more in depth reasons behind why they choose that brand or device. Whether it is out of necessity or preference, I was definitely interested in learning more. So I did, and I have shared the findings with you below. While not everyone on staff participated, this is a good representation of the group. This is in no way meant to sway you one way or the other, but to give you some insight into what is more commonly used by our Front Rush staff… and why.
What Mobile Device do you use?
iPhone: 64.28%
Android: 35.71%
What iPhone users had to say:
- “Because it’s the simplest and most convenient phone to use. Everyone else used an iPhone, so, naturally I had to get one too.”
- “iMessage and very easy to use.”
- “I use more apple products than others so it just makes more sense for me to have devices that can communicate with one another more seamlessly. I also tend to prefer the design ascetics of apple products.”
What Android users had to say:
- “I used to be a dedicated iPhone user, but I switched about four years ago. I will never go back. iPhones had the following limitations that really limited me: – No memory expansion (my Android phone has a microSD card for a lot more storage w/out a huge sticker price) – Short battery life (my Android phone lasts longer, and I can swap my battery) – More choices (going Android opens my options up to a lot more choices in phones)”
- “Open ecosystem, more free apps on play store, the voice assistant understands accents of non native english speakers, “Google now” which works better with Android”
- “Easy to use. Very customizable. EASY to customize. Nice design. Not many issues (Loved my Galaxy S4.. currently use Galaxy S5) Many free apps.”
What Type of Computer do you use for work?
Mac: 71.43%
PC: 28.57%
Top reasons for choosing Mac:
- “It works much nicer with my design software, it has an excellent battery life, and the overall life of the device is simply better than a lot of PC products.”
- “I am a developer/Engineer and requires to be on a unix based system, so that rules out Windows. Out the choices I have, mac is most usable machine and It is easy on eyes too.”
- “Macs were once known to be better for design and graphic work /// since then the bridge between the two has shortened but I have come to learn that Macs are just more reliable and have less problems in their life span /// also a lot easier to use interface”
Top reasons for choosing PC:
- “Have always used PCs.. familiarity.. not many issues.. customizable.. can just go on Amazon and buy another battery if I need to. Love my HP Probook.”
- “PC > Mac I need the programs a PC has versus what a Mac has”
- “Because my needs as a finance manager do not justify a Mac.”
What type of computer do you use for leisure?
Mac: 71.43%
PC: 28.57%
Mac users said:
- “Fast and great for video editing”
- “It is pretty. UI/UX is better than windows. Does not crash often, not infected by malware/virus that often.”
- “I do a lot of photo development in Lightroom, and the interface is better.”
PC users said:
- “Gaming”
- “Cheaper”
- “Have always used PCs”
When asked, “What do you feel your device / service provides over the other (example – why apple vs. non apple) specific apps / features / etc
Mac users tend to be attracted to the reliability, speed, and seamless transfer between devices. The PC users mention that they are cost friendly, they appreciate the ability to customize, and enjoy gaming on their PCs which is not always compatible with Mac.
The next question asked was, “ Are you strictly one brand?”
The answers were mostly no, but for those who were a yes, here are a few examples:
“Only Apple products for personal use and only PC for work.”
“Yes, but it’s because they have not let me down.” – Apple
“Yep, 98% apple I’d say.” – Apple
Most of the responses looked something like this:
“I am not strictly loyal to a brand but more cost value and features provided.”
Or, “Nope. “Horses for courses”.ie, whatever works for my specific use case.”
For fun, I asked around for other devices that our awesome staff members use whether working or relaxing.
Below are the devices and some links to learn more about them!
Fitbit – “Fitbit motivates you to reach your health and fitness goals by tracking your activity, exercise, sleep, weight and more.”
Tile – “Tile is a tiny Bluetooth tracker and easy-to-use app that helps you find everyday items in seconds.”
Kindle – “Kindle E-readers designed as dedicated eBook readers. Indulge your love of reading without interruptions like email alerts and push notifications. They can hold thousands of books to keep you entertained for hours.”
Amazon Fire Stick – “Fire TV Stick connects to your TV’s HDMI port. It’s an easy way to enjoy over 4,000 channels, apps, and games including access to over 250,000 TV episodes and movies on Netflix, Amazon Video, HBO NOW, Hulu, and more.”
Chromecast – “Simply use your mobile device and the TV you already own to stream your favorite TV shows, movies, music, sports, games and more. Chromecast works with iPhone®, iPad®, Android phone and tablet, Mac® and Windows® laptop, and Chromebook.”
PS4 – gaming console
Xbox One – gaming console
Garmin Vivofit 3 – “No need to switch out your watch or start a new activity, vívofit 3 recognizes when your movement changes so you can go from a walk to a run in no time.”
Amazon Echo – “Amazon Echo is a hands-free speaker you control with your voice.”
Apple Watch – “The new Apple Watch is the ultimate device for your healthy life.”
Samsung Smart TV – “Stream TV, movies, games, apps, social media and more. Find what you want fast with with your favorites panel. Learn more about the Samsung Smart TV.”
Moral of the story, whichever device you choose is going to have its pros and cons. I would suggest polling your team and learning which devices they use or prefer and why. The athletes are the best resource into the trends of the recruits when it comes to current technology / Apps/ Emojis / etc. It may also pay to invest in one of the cool devices or products listed above for your locker room or team room. A 100-300 dollar investment may make that lasting impression on that recruit who comes to campus and who knows, it could be the piece that seals the deal!
Whatever device or system you prefer, I hope this has given you another perspective into the common debate of “iPhone vs. Android” and encourages you to check in with your team and recruits allowing you to be more connected with them through technology.