HTC Desire

Don't get me wrong, I don't think iPhone 4 is a bad phone.

In fact I really thought I might get it when I decided it was time to change my 5 year old "Nokia 7610".

I decide to go with the HTC Desire in the end after much consideration...

Factors like price, specs, operator plans, iPhone 4 antenna issue... Even if all these were levelled, my choice would still be the same.

Here's my top 7 reasons.

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7 -Modularity

Almost every aspect of Android is a separate entity, which means parts can be improved or replaced by third-party applications or programs. And according to what I've learnt in SCE, Modularity is a good thing.

LOL.

Seriously though, apps can do much more because of this. Unlike iPhone apps, they aren't limited to just stuff that "activate" after you press on that icon and go into the "app". (see end of this post)






6 - Jailbreak...

I don't want to have to "Jailbreak" my phone to be satisfied with it. Vanila Android AS IT IS can already do what a "Jailbreak Iphone" can without the need to break any warranty.

Some may argue that jailbreaking is super easy, risk free, etc... but the fact that so many people are jailbreaking prove that the fundamental iOS is flawed/insufficient. Even then, it offers very little beyond iOS4.

This brings me to the next point.





5 - Completeness

Apple iphone users can't be bothered about the lack of tweaks, because the apps are overwhelming enough. iPhone have hundred of thousands of apps, which is cool, but they are overly-reliant on it.

For me, I like to have all basic functionality come with my phone.

Do you want to have all necessary apps installed on your phone without slowing it down... or go to Appstore to download things like Zooming to the camera? Shouldn't all these be there in the first place? Why do I need 3 different camera "apps"?

iPhone also does not have "true multitasking". It is more like "task switching" or "application pausing". Long story to explain here, just go google it.

The point is, there are too many things you either need to jailbreak to access or download from the appstore.




4 -Restriction

Mandatory use of iTunes. MUST go through their Apple store to install apps. It's good integration if I'm a Mac User, but it's a huge restriction since I'm not.

Why can't I download/update/install apps straight from/to my phone without installing your bulky software? Why do I have to sync everything through iTunes?

Android has a completely uncensored open market. Apple blocks/rejects any applications that they deem unsuitable. Everything is so tightly controlled, even Flash is blocked.

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Even then, the above reasons are really quite minor.

The next 3 is what really convinced me to join Android.




3 - A Common Phone

Iphone = "I have a common phone". Every Ah Soh at the market, every Ah Beng in the neighborhood and every secondary school kid is using/will be using the iPhone.

Now, this wouldn't be that big of a problem if iPhone was more customizable, but the FACT is that it isn't.

The iPhone can be jailbroken for some additional functionality, like installing apps that aren't available in the App Store, but the overall experience is the same. You're still stuck with the same exact interface.

The point is:

Do you want a phone where you can decide how it looks (live wallpaper, widgets, font and colours...), however you want...

Or one with Black background + ugly square icons on everypage - the same as EVERYONE else.

His Android, My Android, Her Android

His iPhone, Her iPhone, Everybody's iPhone

2 - HTC Sense

This IS the reason why I picked Desire over Samsung Galaxy S.

HTC Sense is something to experience. I can't put it into words.

It can predict what you want to do so well, everything is 1 or 2 click away. You don't need to exit an app, go back to homescreen, and go into another app. Everything is just integrated nicely in a logical way.

With HTC Sense, everything just makes sense. :D

Watch the video I posted earlier to get an idea of what it is.

Kudos to HTC. They may not be well know, but they kick ass.




1 - Froyo

Otherwise known as Android 2.2.

"This is a huge upgrade that represents the most user-friendly, compelling, and feature-complete version of the little green guy to date."

It includes the "world's fastest mobile browser" claim by Google (now verified true) + ability to turn phone into a Wifi-Hotspot, among many other features.

Froyo is also up to 450% faster (!!!) than Eclair (Android 2.1) in terms of processing speed performance... Seeing it believing. Go google/youtube it.

If Eclair can't beat the iOS, Froyo will seal the deal.



The Automated Superphone

What if your phone automatically went silent when you step into the movie theater? Texted your significant other when you finished your long commute? Auto dim your screen when you turn the phone face down? Block any number you choose from calling you?

Well, it can. (with the right Android apps)