Android vs iPhone: Why I Chose to Be the Anomaly
Which one is it that you're holding? iPhone 12, 13, or 14? Here is why I chose to be the anomaly with an Android.
Lately, it's been hard to ignore the wave of iPhones sweeping through the crowd. As I glance around, it's becoming evident that opting for an Android device is beginning to feel like being the odd one out.
I've always been partial to Android.
The echoes of my Android journey resonate from the days of the Lenovo A6000, a model that holds a special place in my heart. It was this device, the gateway for me into the world of high-speed mobile data - the JIO 4G, back when it was just taking its baby steps.
From flagship wonders to budget marvels, Android catered to a wide range of preferences and, most importantly, budgets. It was budget that initially led me to the Android universe, but there was more to come.
As an Embedded Software Engineer, choice is a guiding star. Android's openness aligns seamlessly with my desire to shape, customize, optimize, and experiment. The world of Android isn't just an ecosystem; it's a canvas that allows me to paint my technical aspirations.
The freedom to modify the entire SW stack - Custom ROMs. They aren't just about altering appearances; they're about seizing control, sculpting the smartphone experience to my exact desires.
The recollection of those days evokes a roller coaster of emotions:
- Hope mingled with anxiety as a ROM boots, or a bricked phone stares back.
- Waiting endlessly for another ROM download, on snail-paced connectivity. Yes, I took my best lessons on patience from BSNL network.
- A glimpse of the system's raw form, booting without Google Apps - like Dominic Toretto without expressions.
- Messing up the entire sensor calibration by playing with persist partitions.
- Magisk to the rescue, to prevent the screaming of payment apps for breaching the safety net.
- Donating that small amount you saved over time to the maintainer, for buying a new phone for keeping the dev community active. Those never ending Telegram chit-chats.
Each adventure taught me something new, reminding me that innovation often stems from those who dare to tinker.
I bought the Mi 11X a year ago, and it's still going strong. It's running Android 13 on custom ROM with the latest security update, and it's buttery smooth. I love the freedom of MI, coupled with the beast - Qualcomm Snapdragon 870. I unlocked the bootloader within days of purchase, and I'm still impressed with the dynamic synergy between a high-end Qualcomm chipset and a mid-range Android device. It's the best combo.
You get all the power and flexibility in the world.
And now, being proud to be part of Qualcomm, being one of the developer in a family that snaps Snapdragon to the top of mobile market, the memories become even more meaningful.
Break yourself from being just a fanboy of something
Make each choice, each adventure, as a symphony that shapes your digital identity, bridging the realms of technology and personal expression.
Originally shared on LinkedIn