In early 2023, I made the transition from the iPhone 13 Pro to the Galaxy S23 Ultra. Ever since then, I have explored various flagship Android phones, such as the Google Pixel 8 Pro. However, it is evident that none of them possess the distinctive features that Apple provides exclusively on its iPhones.
1 Lock Screen Customization
Apple debuted lock screen customization for iPhones with the release of iOS 16 in 2022. A year later, in 2023, Google followed suit by introducing lock screen customization in Android 14. However, the level of customization available on Android devices falls short of what is offered on iPhones.
On an iPhone, users have the ability to personalize their lock screen with widgets, wallpapers featuring depth effects, and a variety of filters. In contrast, Android 14 provides only limited options for lock screen customization.
With Android 14, users can select from a few clock styles, change to a different Material You color scheme, or opt for a separate wallpaper. Unfortunately, the customization options end there, as there are no depth effects or widgets available to enhance the appearance or functionality of the lock screen.
2 Continuity Camera
Continuity Camera is a convenient feature that enables you to utilize your iPhone as a webcam for your Mac. It functions seamlessly, as your Mac will automatically display a notification to wirelessly connect your iPhone as a webcam once you open a video calling application.
Google has introduced the capability to use Pixel phones as webcams through an Android 14 Feature Drop. Nevertheless, its execution falls short compared to iPhones. It necessitates a wired USB connection for operation, and even then, the image quality is subpar. Moreover, it is not as user-friendly as Continuity Camera. To add to that, this feature is exclusive to Google Pixel phones.
I have utilized Continuity Camera multiple times with my iPhone 13 Pro during Zoom and Google Meet calls. What sets this feature apart is the ability to access camera modes like Center Stage, Portrait Mode, Desk View, and more. Conversely, Google's implementation is basic and lacks these options.
3 Superior Video Quality
Since transitioning from my iPhone 13 Pro, I have experimented with various flagship Android phones. These include the Galaxy S23 Ultra, Pixel 8 Pro, and even the Xiaomi 14 Ultra with its impressive 1-inch sensor. However, none of them can rival the video quality delivered by the iPhone 13 Pro.
It's not solely about the video resolution, bitrate, or level of detail. Videos captured by the Pixel and Xiaomi 14 Ultra appear splendid as long as there is ample lighting. In low-light situations, though, the iPhone produces cleaner videos with minimal noise.
Furthermore, I have observed that the Pixel and Xiaomi struggle to capture satisfactory audio in challenging scenes. Additionally, the Xiaomi phone exhibits noticeable OIS jitter when panning, a flaw absent in my iPhone.
The Galaxy S23 Ultra comes closest to matching the video quality experience of the iPhone 13 Pro. However, it falters when swiftly switching between lenses, resulting in a jittery and unsmooth transition. This issue persists even in the Galaxy S24 Ultra.
Throughout my extensive use of the iPhone 13 Pro, I have recorded countless videos without encountering dropped frames or jitter when switching between lenses. Moreover, unlike the iPhone, the Galaxy lacks the capability to record ProRes or Dolby Vision videos.
Granted, Android phones offer supplementary features and flexibility for video recording, such as the ability to shoot in 8K resolution. Nevertheless, these advantages become inconsequential if the footage is plagued by issues.
4 Integration With Other Apple Devices
Android does not have the same level of seamless integration that iPhone users enjoy with other Apple products. For instance, the ability to copy something on an iPhone and paste it on an iPad, or vice versa, is not available on Android devices. Additionally, features like seamlessly handing off browsing sessions or FaceTime calls from an iPhone to an iPad, or using an iPad to answer calls on an iPhone, are not as smoothly executed on Android devices. While some Samsung or Xiaomi devices offer similar functionality, it usually requires owning devices from the same brand and the implementation is not as refined as that of Apple. iPhones also have deep integration with Macs, which is something that Android lacks. If you use a Windows PC, you can replicate some of this functionality with Microsoft's Phone Link app, but Mac users are out of luck in this regard.
5 MagSafe Accessories
After experiencing the convenience of using MagSafe accessories with my iPhone, I cannot imagine going back to traditional options. Apple's innovative standard offers a wide range of accessories that can easily snap onto the back of the iPhone using magnets. From cases to car chargers, bike mounts, and wallets, there are plenty of MagSafe options available.
Fully embracing MagSafe with my iPhone 13 Pro has made my daily routine much smoother. Not only does it eliminate the frustration of aligning the phone with a charging pad, but it also enhances convenience in various situations.
Transitioning to an Android device highlighted the practicality and ease of MagSafe in everyday use. Being able to effortlessly attach my iPhone to a car mount using magnets was a game-changer. While the Qi2 wireless charging standard brings similar benefits to Android devices, it is disappointing that none of the top Android phones released in early 2024 have adopted MagSafe technology.
