Finding the (ph)One for You…

…iOS or Andriod?…Samsung or Google?…Does it come in Chanel?…

Lives have been forever changed with our reliance on one little device that seems to rule every hour of the day – the cell phone. From emails, texts, social media, health tracking, and, oh yeah, calls(!), the cell phone has become an extension of our lives that seems as much a representation of our personalities as it does a “necessity” to function. From Apple to Samsung to OnePlus, the mobile arena has enough choice to satisfy even the most discerning tastes. In this post, let’s break down how to make device decisions focused on putting YOU back into the matchmaking process! Whether you want an easy platform experience, the most bang with accessories, or just a solid investment, we’ll touch on it all. Remember, I’m looking to inform – not sway – so you are in neutral territory with factual, real-life experience sewn into each section Let’s tread on some unsteady ground, shall we?

Disclaimer: This post will talk about the “general” user since a vast majority of readers aren’t looking into the build-your-own, darker side of the moon options. I have a great appreciation for the ways in which the narrative below can be, let’s just say, “challenged”, by individuals in the developer and less-than-authorized device modification user category. Know that I hear you and recognize you exist, but for now, let’s just stay on the straight and narrow

phone emoji = tech talk …… handbag emoji = couture chat

Before you can make the fun choice on which shiny new device to consider, you’ve got to pick a team first – team iOS or team Andriod. Yup, I’m going to start at the deep end! This is probably the single most divisive choice we’ll chat about. The good news is that it’s all downhill after picking a platform, so don’t get overwhelmed. Now, for educational purposes I want to state that there are certainly options beyond iOS and Andriod; however, for the vast majority of devices in the US market (~98%), these are what you will be picking from. So, how can we best walk through the pros/cons without having biased commentary? Let’s bring in the flavor analogy!

Mobile Platforms: Are you more vanilla or pumpkin spice?

iOS: The iOS platform is unique to Apple products which means if iOS is for you, then you’ve essentially also narrowed down your device options (phones or otherwise). The best comparison I can make is this: iOS is the mobile platform equivalent of vanilla ice cream. It’s widely loved, always available, and has enough minor variation to keep you interested – vanilla, vanilla bean, french vanilla…you get the idea. One of the most notable positives about the iOS platform is its ease of use. Out of the box, iOS is intuitive and ready for action without customization or tweaks necessary to make it work exactly as it was meant to work. This also means hardly any personality. Aside from application (“app”) placement, grouping, and order, your iOS device will look and feel like nearly every other iOS device. There’s something to be said for consistency, but this can be too plain for some – hence, vanilla. It’s important to recognize that there has been a focus on making widgets available to help get a more custom feel to the home screen appearance. This is currently provided through iOS natively in version 14 and also via secondary sources. I will say that the native widgets are on the basic side so if you are looking for a truly personalized feel, secondary sources from the App Store might be the way to go.

Remaining on the topic of iOS, let’s talk about integration and portability for a minute. It’s widely accepted that when you get an iOS device, you also become a full-fledged member of the Apple family. Why you may ask? Well aside from comradery and community, you are now highly reliant on your Apple credentials to get any real use out of their devices. Your Apple ID is essentially your driver’s license – you can get around without it, but cautiously and with limited options. The reason for such reliance on the Apple ID is because they (optimistically) assume their user base is not worried about the nuances of migrating away from iOS, plus, the one-credential-to-rule-them-all strategy is pretty effective and straightforward. All of this to say, iOS is not a one-foot-out-the-door relationship. The positive here is that Apple knows if you are an iOS user, you probably have or are planning for, more than one device. Their integration and synchronization between tablets, computers, and phones is beyond seamless and dare I say, exemplary. Similarly, moving from one iPhone to the next just means inputting your Apple credentials and the rest is done if by magic. Bottom line is that the iOS platform offers integration and portability to the fullest. If you are willing to embrace (and accept) its ease, simplicity, and expectations – iOS truly is a pleasure to use.

Last up for (although not in priority) is platform security. There’s really no other way to say this so here goes – iOS places all of your eggs in one basket. Unless you are taking the time to backup and store information outside of the iOS offerings (which isn’t common for most users), Apple limits a user’s ability to leverage non-Apple security measures. That being said, iOS is a secure platform that shouldn’t cause anyone any sleep. Without digging too deep, iOS is a closed operating system that does not permit outside source code from being introduced by the general user thereby limiting vulnerabilities. Additionally, the ability for users to modify security via “Settings” is limited which minimizes the liability-via-tweaking scenario. Even when developing apps for iOS devices, a stringent process is adhered to with Apple getting the last say on approvals prior to App Store roll-out. Finally, iOS updates tend to be larger-scale and spaced out versus more frequent incremental releases by Android. This has indicated to many that the iOS platform undergoes more scrutiny with enhancements as they are much fewer and farther between. Overall, many in the industry tout iOS as “more secure” than Android…but you’ve got to know how to compare apples-to-apples (excuse the pun!). Just because iOS devices are hardened in a different manner than Android, that does not automatically mean more secure.

Android: Moving in a different direction, we’ve got Android. Brace yourself because Android is, well, the pumpkin spice of the platform world – it’s either an obsession or a nightmare. Rarely do you have people using Android say “meh, it’s OK, I guess”, expressing an indifferent opinion. Android is meant to be customized, personalized, and a unique reflection of its owner, regardless of device. Android, unlike iOS, is not tied to a specific manufacturer and is actually becoming more widely embraced as the platform of choice for Microsoft and Blackberry devices in addition to Samsung, Google, Motorola, Nokia, Sony, and OnePlus. Out of the box, Android can use a little tinkering, but this is by design. While the platform is queued for immediate use, it also takes the opportunity to prompt users to define and customize its look and feel without digging into the settings. I would venture to say that the overwhelming majority of Android users do not use the phone as-is straight from the box whereas that is your primary attraction with iOS.

Let’s talk integration, shall we? This is where the explanation is not as cut and dry as iOS – integration, credentials, and ID’s are highly dependent on the device. For example, Samsung does have Samsung-specific credentials for use with their Galaxy line, just as Google relies on your Gmail account for the most optimal Pixel usage. All this to say, integration and portability are highly dependent on the device you choose; however, moving from one Android device to another is relatively painless even if you opt not to start from a clean slate. Additionally, the Google Play Store (Android’s equivalent of the Apple App Store) maintains your app download history, keeping it readily available regardless of device. While Android may require some user effort to switch devices when compared to iOS, we aren’t looking at a level of effort worth disqualifying it from consideration. It’s essentially the small price you will pay for a device that is as custom as it comes in terms of home screens, apps, aesthetics, etc.

Closing the Android loop in the same manner as above, let’s break down security. By design, Android is an open platform allowing customization not only in appearance but also in configuration, development, and app roll-outs. This inherently means more opportunities for vulnerabilities to be introduced to your device; however, Android permits a much wider range of security installations for monitoring and hardening. Without sounding flippant, if you know a thing or two about security, Android can be customized and configured to rival and potentially surpass the security of iOS. Now, this does require knowledge on the user’s behalf which is why I mentioned apples-to-apples earlier. Out of the box, iOS has the edge on security but with a little knowhow and tweaking, Android can be the device child of Fort Knox and Alcatraz

iPhone, Galaxy, and Pixel – Oh My!

Once you pick your platform, it’s time for the best decision of all – a shiny new device! Good news and bad news iOS pickers, your options a bit more limited than your Android counterparts…BUT…don’t be discouraged because while you may not get much attention in this section, keep on scrolling to the couture chat – designers absolutely love you!

Your choice in iOS has essentially led you down the road of the iPhone whereby your biggest decision is model. Depending on price point and features, staying within the newer range (newer ≠ newest) of options has its benefits. Not only are you going to reap the reward of enhanced hardware, but you will also buy yourself a bit of time before the device ventures into the “obsolete” grey space. It’s the topic of many discussions, but manufacturers naturally tend to favor their newer devices for upgrades, compatibility, etc. That said, this might be the time to splurge on the higher-end model in an effort to avoid unanticipated consequences down the line. You won’t go wrong with any option you pick since the platform truly is the same for each – the primary consideration is hardware such as battery, camera, casing material, processor, etc. The more expensive the phone, the better the quality, no surprise there. I will say from personal experience that I had an enjoyable time with my “lower end” models (most recently the iPhone XR) just as much as I did with my “pro” models (most recently the iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone XS, and iPhone XS Max). I never felt as though I was “missing” out on functionality with one price point versus the other. Ultimately, once you have made your choice on the model that suits your needs, the Apple universe is your oyster. It might be worth thinking about leveraging their “united devices” strength with perhaps an iPad or MacBook

For all my Android fans out there, this section is for you…while picking Android eliminates the iPhone, you are not going to be wanting for choices! I’ll start by saying that while we are focusing on making your device choice a reflection of you, don’t be surprised if you notice yourself throwing in a tad bit of brand loyalty subconsciously

I could spend countless paragraphs on the nuances of each Android device, but let’s hit on some of the highlights that really stood out to me, starting with Samsung. Samsung is arguably the biggest player next to Apple and they offer two main categories of devices, those with a stylus/pen (Note series) and those without (Galaxy series). If you don’t feel as though the stylus is something you need, push the Note series to the side to save yourself the internal debate. You can get near similar specs with the non-stylus options and have one less accessory to misplace. Having had several Note generations, I can say that the stylus is a fun-to-have accessory but I didn’t find myself using it to the extent I had hoped. Nonetheless, the Note line is great in terms of “hand feel” since it has a nice heft and size. Alternatively, the Galaxy line offers a size for everyone and the specs are truly incredible. Samsung really hits the nail on the head with its curved screen and it is more than just a gimmick folks! The side toolbar is a go-to for quick access to apps and contacts, plus the curved screen makes any of the sizes a joy to watch videos on. Battery life is one of those things that is really person-dependent since it relates directly to your usage, but I will say that my Note and Galaxy experiences were similar in that I was charging every day for pretty average use. The standout to me with Samsung devices (Note or Galaxy) is their dust-resistant screen and almost on-par accessory game to the iPhone. Plus, if you liking folding options, they have those too with the Flip and Fold.

Keeping It Real: While the Note 10 is in my active device rotation (see photo above), I recently had the Galaxy S20 5G and due to overall glitchy behavior, I had to return the device to T-Mobile. This was the first time I had ever had a Samsung device “act up” besides the Note 7 battery debacle and honestly, I was completely bummed because it was a fun phone for the few weeks I had it. I wanted to be fully transparent to those that may be wondering why there is not a more current Samsung model photoed

OK Google-holics, here is your commentary. The Google Pixel is a device that is sorely underrated in terms of popularity. I agree that it does not have the form factor “sexiness” or stylus options like Samsung, but the Pixel has a few nifty features that shouldn’t be overshadowed. The lack of bloatware and access to updates is probably top of list. Getting a new device can sometimes mean disabling or removing apps that come with the phone because you just don’t want/need them. Google really simplifies things by keeping any “extra” stuff to a minimum and highlighting their own suite of products. If you are a Google person by lifestyle (Gmail, Google Photos, Google Drive, etc.) you will find this device an absolute gem. There is no middleware transferring photos or files from one app to another and backups/synchronizations are completely seamless with your Drive. Additionally, you are going to see new enhancements and updates to both Google products and Android in a much quicker fashion than other devices. Some cons for the Pixel include a) the black bar on the top of the device which means it isn’t edge-to-edge like Apple or Samsung (currently being addressed in the new Fall 2020 models), b) the limited ability to customize the display in the app drawer and c) 5G options (again, coming Fall/Winter 2020). Now, this is a personal preference, but I will say that the ambient music detector and flexibility on gestures and motion detection really are fun bonuses

Where are all my OnePlus people?! In what seems like a bit of a cult following, OnePlus makes a stellar, cost-effective device compared to its competitors. If things like size and wireless charging aren’t deal breakers for you, then this could be your phone. Yes, it’s a bit large and no, it doesn’t have wireless charging but it does run a near bloatware-free Android platform with a smooth launcher experience and ample OnePlus native customizations. I will say that in place of the wireless charging, the OnePlus does have an incredibly fast “fast charge” and can hold it’s battery life with the best of them. Additionally, there isn’t much in the way of middleware or manufacturer credentials to muddy the experience. It’s a relatively pure device that offers high-end specs (with a few caveats) for an unbeatable price. Depending on your carrier, OnePlus may not be directly offered as a lease option, but given its reasonable-ish pricing, purchasing unlocked isn’t a big undertaking. Oh, and there are 5G options too so don’t just look to Samsung and Google for your lightning fast network speeds.

Why don’t we round out this section with a catch-all of LG, Motorola, and Blackberry? My LG experiences have been mixed and that seems about par for the course. Their devices aren’t particularly standout, but that doesn’t mean they don’t make a great product for a reasonable price. Their battery life is fantastic and with 5G offerings, they are moving up the ranks in being a solid competitor to OnePlus. LG might be the one for you if a) the sticker shock from Samsung is cutting deep, b) you aren’t a big Google product user to take advantage of the Pixel, and c) OnePlus sounds too adventurous. Oh, and LG does have a few folding options if you don’t want to break the bank with Samsung. Motorola is similar to LG in that it provides a quality product with B+/A- specs (including a folding phone) on a friendly cost scale. For me, the first word in my mind when I think of Motorola is durability. Motorola phones can stand the test of time, even if their features get a little dated. Lastly, my recent Blackberry experience (Red Blackberry Key2 LE, to be specific) had me loving the physical keyboard and phenomenal battery life but asking for more in the way of the screen. It was a durable, lightweight device that made physical typing fun again, so it might be a good choice if you find yourself writing extensively and have hands that are on the smaller side (nails too!). Ultimately, LG, Motorola, and Blackberry are filling niche voids that might meet your discerning needs head-on.

Final Thoughts: In the word of mobile options, take the time to understand what your daily needs are before jumping on any bandwagons. Don’t let popularity steer you from making a decision on quality, price, and experience. If you just can’t seem to get used to Android, don’t force it! Alternatively, if Apple is just not sparking your desire anymore, take a leap, and try something new. The silver lining is that if you can’t seem to find something that suits your needs now, just wait a few months – there will be a new device launching in no time

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If you are like me, the phone specs, platform, and design are great and all but…show me the accessories! I won’t even bury the lead here – if you are looking to make a phone decision purely on access to accessories, look no further than the iPhone. The iPhone, by a long shot, has grabbed the eye of designers and accessory enthusiasts for numerous reasons, including the volume of users and their propensity to spend It should come as no surprise for me to say that an iPhone may be a status symbol for some. With that notion also comes the likelihood of reinforcing the status symbol status with things like designer cases and accessories. Plus, there are so many choices made specifically for the iPhone how can you not want to add a little luxe to your Apple! There is also a sense of comfort in knowing that if a new iPhone is being released, within 6-8 months you will have device-specific case options from Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Moschino, Gucci, etc.

While I currently do not have an iPhone in my device rotation, I do want to share my thoughts on the most functional cases I have purchased for my prior Apple products. Top of the list is the Louis Vuitton Folio Case which came as a huge surprise to me since I am generally not a folio fan. I was skeptical at first with their adhesive “situation” thinking it would totally ruin the back of my device or not stick at all…but…I never once had an issue with the phone staying in place or the adhesive leaving a residue. I’ve gone through 3 different iterations of the folio (iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone X, and iPhone 8+) mainly in Epi and couldn’t have been happier with the functionality and protection. With more bumper options and non-folio designs releasing each collection, LV is my first choice in iPhone covers/cases due to their durability and price. While this pains me to write, I have to admit I was a little disappointed with Chanel’s iPhone specific options and found their universal pouches to be a much better investment. When comparing the choices between LV and Chanel, I felt LV offered a sturdier and more durable product than Chanel, paired with a slightly easier to digest price for a case I wasn’t going to be keeping all the livelong day. That being said, Chanel takes the cake for their universal phone pouch options…

For all of those that just hung their head in sadness, don’t despair! Samsung is the second most common device designers will cater to. Within the Samsung family, I can tell you from personal experience that I found more Galaxy options than Note choices, so you may want to keep that in mind. Also, I noticed that I had more luck with Samsung cases at department stores and online retailers since boutiques generally kept their iPhone inventory on hand.

Folks with the Pixel, OnePlus, or any other device – it’s time to get creative! You may find the need to search out device-agnostic options like pouches or phone sleeves to satisfy that thirst for designer accessories. I touched on this a little with my Earth to Surface post, but the designer market for devices beyond Apple (and maybe Samsung) falls off dramatically, leaving a void with many buyers. While a huge bummer, I try not to let this stop me, and instead, invest in universal carriers for those times I find myself with something other than an iPhone. My absolute favorite universal option is the Chanel Phone Pouch. It fits every device I’ve mentioned in the post thus far, plus, it has a convenient card holder built into the back for a quick grab-and-go accessory. See below for photos of the pouch with a few different device sizes. You’ll see that both the interior and exterior pockets are equally as functional for phone storage.

Aside from the Chanel Phone Pouch which fits nearly any device, I’ve noticed that the standard-sized devices are friendlier with pouches, wristlets, and handbags compared to their XL brethren and the standard OnePlus (it’s big, folks). Getting an XL device has its benefits but be prepared for it not to fit into every mini/nano/micro handbag you own…which are continuing in popularity until at least the Spring-Summer ’21 collections. Of the XL devices, my OnePlus was probably the biggest offender due to it being both tall and wide. The Pixel XL and iPhone Max generally were manageable with an exception here and there. Luckily the iPhone Max already had a whole slew of other options since it was the golden-child of the device family

I want to close out our couture chat by saying that the variety of universal phone pouch options is growing with each new season collection being released. I’m excited to see designers embracing the functionality and investment in pouches, sleeves, and crossbody carriers rather than force device-specific cases. Keep an eye open for the 2021 collections bringing these pieces to the forefront!

Final Thoughts: If you are after a multitude of styling options to match your evolving personal expression, the iPhone will hands-down be your best device choice. If you want to express your customization and personalization through Android, don’t fret about accessories, just embrace that you may need to go a more pouch-based route. The more you can level your expectations with both the tech and the couture side of mobile device purchasing, the greater your ability to choose a device that represents your passion for fashion!