Update: We inadvertently tallied up the survey results without taking into consideration that voters could select more than one option. Thus, the graph and the rest of the article are meant to reflect some of the most notable features iPhone users would considering switching over to Android for. We also omitted the users who answered that they did not own an iPhone from the results.
iPhone users, we asked you what feature Android has, if any, that might entice you to consider switching over from your Apple handset. Today, the results are in.
Out of 26,426, almost 13 percent of the responses were in favor of the idea of integrating third-party software as the default to avoid Apple’s closed app ecosystem. This was echoed by legions of comments from users who said they wish they could integrate apps like the Swype keyboard input available for Android and set it as the default in iOS.
12 percent of the responses were for Android widgets and home screen customization. User variable455 added that widgets allow users to "toggle Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, refresh, and brightness."
About nine percent of the results show that iPhone users wish they had a bigger display, and about 12 percent of the responses show that Apple Maps has some users willing to leave their iPhone for the cartographic comfort of Google Maps. Almost seven percent of the responses were for Android’s hackability, and more than eight percent appreciated Android’s visible file system. User Laserotter summed it up: "I vote for ‘Android’s visible file system’ with the additional condition that if I really want, I can force Dropbox (or other) syncing either or both ways."
Around five percent of the responses were enthused with Google’s ecosystem. To be fair, as RobertoM pointed out, "I’ve invested a fair amount of time and money in [iOS] apps and routines that work really well for the things I need to do." It can be difficult to leave an old faithful behind.
Barely two percent of respondents admitted they’d switch over to a specific Android handset, which just goes to show that it isn’t the hardware necessarily drawing iPhone users. Also, a surprising number—around four percent—were sold on the idea of NFC support, even though only three percent could see themselves utilizing Android’s user interface. "I’m happily using an iPhone, and that won’t change until Android offers a better user experience," explained Zac B in the comments.
Ten percent of the responders selected that they wouldn’t even dream of leaving their iPhone for an Android handset. Unless, like user Gfair said, it had one thing: "What would win me to Android… would have to be a camera that is several leaps forward from what is currently out there. I’m talking floating lens, larger sensor, high-quality optics, Xenon flash. The MP3 player and phone have merged, now I want prosumer image quality in something no bigger or thicker than a Galaxy SIII. If Android can deliver, I will switch."
Listing image by Casey Johnston
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