It's almost 2025, and it's time to end the debate between Android and iPhone.
Acquiring a new phone and getting the desired model should be a straightforward process. However, the controversy between iPhone and Android complicates things considerably.
After owning an iPhone 11 for over four years, I decided it was time to upgrade. This device was my first iPhone and accompanied me through significant moments, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and two international trips to Hawaii and Spain. When my family encouraged me to get the iPhone 16, I had other intentions: I wanted the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6. However, this choice did not materialize, and the reason I found frustrating.
It had been over seven years since I last had a Samsung phone, and I hadn’t owned a flip phone since high school. The idea of experimenting with a modern foldable phone intrigued me. Before the launch of the iPhone 16, I spent hours watching TikTok videos where users defended the advantages of the Galaxy Z Flip 6, such as advanced customization options and reduced screen time, as most of the time they only opened their phone to make calls or record videos. These features fueled my desire to have Samsung's new foldable device, which would also allow me to display a Sonic the Hedgehog GIF on the outer screen.
I considered keeping my iPhone 11 to make TikTok videos and using the Galaxy Z Flip 6 as my primary phone, a strategy that several content creators seem to apply. However, after sharing this idea in an Instagram story following an Apple event, my cousin, who works for a telecom company, argued that it was a bad decision as, according to him, the Galaxy Z Flip 6 had obvious problems, such as a visible crease, and its usability would become complicated if not limited to calls. He also warned that, like other Samsung phones, it could become ineffective after two years due to bloatware accumulation.
Three days later, while enjoying a walk in Epcot, my brother sent me a list of iPhone 16 models to choose from. With limited options, I opted for the iPhone 16 Pro. Some time has passed since then, and while I’ve noticed significant improvements compared to the iPhone 11, I still wish I had the Galaxy Z Flip 6. I realize that a preference for smartphones from a particular brand can influence decisions, in this case, my family's inclination toward the Apple ecosystem.
The polarization between Android and iOS phones has been evident since the iPhone became accessible to the general public. In my high school years, I had an LG smartphone and was never bothered by not having the same model as my classmates, as long as it worked properly. Over time, the availability of the iPhone generated some discrimination against Android phones and their users, who were constantly regarded as lower-quality options.
In terms of quality, when comparing the Galaxy Z Flip 6 with the iPhone 16, Samsung's device has advanced features that enhance the user experience. It includes capabilities like Galaxy AI to improve photos, sending messages from the external screen, and utilizing real-time translation features. Meanwhile, the iPhone 16 still lacks certain features that are expected to arrive with future updates. Although the camera quality has improved compared to my previous model, it turned out to be not as user-friendly in practical use as I had anticipated.
Despite how effective the iPhone 16 Pro is, I feel the Z Flip 6 would have suited my needs better. My desire to experiment with a refreshed Samsung design contrasts with the limitations I find in the new iPhone, increasing my frustration with the bias towards certain devices. This dilemma is not unique; many share similar experiences, reflecting the ongoing rivalry between Android and iOS that persists into late 2024.
In the end, the decision to choose a phone should be based on personal preferences without generating ridicule for choosing one device over another. Everyone deserves the freedom to use the device that fits them best.
