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

F-droid. Side loading.

This is probably specific to the Pixel phones, not sure how much if any is relevant to other manufacturers.

1. Call screening and spam filtering is amazing. Having the phone automatically screen unknown callers means I haven’t had to deal with a spam caller in years. And valid callers don’t seem to have any problems understanding whats happening anymore. I used to get several who confused it for a voice mail when it first came out, but now it seems they understand how to leave a screening message and wait for me to pick up.

2. The phone tree and hold for me when calling businesses. Being able to read the options and click the text makes it so much easier to get through the options without having to really pay attention, then having it hold for me until a person answers lets me do other things instead of having to keep listening.

3. Song identification on the lock screen. Whether I’m out at a bar or restaurant or at home watching a TV show and a song I like but don’t know starts playing, being able to see exactly what it is without even touching my phone is so convenient. I’ve found so many cool new bands I never would have without this feature. Its also amazing how it can often identify covers made specifically for TV shows right when they first air.

4. Amazing camera and cool features like photo sphere and the new magic eraser. The camera might not be as head and shoulders above Samsung and Apple as it was in the past but it’s still always amazing how well it does in different conditions.

The camera on the pixel phones.

I like the variety of hardware available, and the customization available in the software, especially with third party launchers.

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.

In no particular order

• File management works like a charm
• USB-C and fast charging
• Customizations
• Custom ROMs
• Privacy (getting a Pixel soon for GrapheneOS)
• Easier to repair
• More efficient (takes less steps to do stuff)
• Looks better
• Sideloading
• More choices for phones

Sideloading. And I refuse to pay Apple’s insane prices tbh.

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

1. Not an iPhone
2. Linux-based
3. Can install apps from external sources.
4. I can customize many aspects
5. I can root it and run more advanced software, customize it further, and debloat/remove unwanted builtin apps (unlocked phones only)

Sideloading apps is the main reason. I couldn’t use a phone without Adblock.

iPhones are also just way more expensive and the few times i’ve tried them the UX just sucked so much, form over function.

For me it’s probably the ability to sideload apps, among other things. Apps like NewPipe which would never make it to the Play Store are apps that I use every day, because they are just good apps. Also, I just like the UX of my Pixel compared to an iPhone - I couldn’t live without things like a back button, and I sort of don’t like the iOS UI.

• Firefox with addons
• NewPipe with SponsorBlock
• USB type C
• Custom ROMs
• APK Sideloading
• USB Debugging for testing my Godot projects directly on the phone
• No apple tax
• Maybe more…

If you use any app other than what Apple provides, you become a second class citizen on your own phone.

Third party apps simply don’t integrate with iOS nicely unless Apple allows it. Even though you can choose a web browser, it has to use Safari’s underlying code base.

I’m on a Pixel 7. A lot of people say it’s like Google’s iPhone, but I can use Firefox as my browser natively. Adblocking actually works, too. I can choose any app as a default for whatever. Lots of FOSS! Google doesn’t own my Pixel the same way Apple owns the iPhone.

• 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

Because Android is technically open source and the hardware is free enough that I can install an alternative OS if I want to.

Also, the phones are cheaper and have headphone jacks!