Best Business Smart Phone..Android or IPhone?

52 replies
What smart phone do you recommend based upon your experience running an online business...I'm thinking of replacing my internet phone as the costs would be similar but I would get more features.

I like the ease of use of the iPhone, brilliant screen and long battery life but it doesn't have all the features of the Droid phones.

Features I'd like..

Ease of use
Send and receive emails anywhere, anytime

Take photos, videos (HD) anywhere, anytime.
Mobile Hotspot (to use laptop on the go)
Voice recorder Speaker phone
Long battery life
Memory card slot
USB connectivity
Touch screen
Grace period (to check functionality)
International reach
Ability to automatically connect with Wi-Fi hot spots
Ample storage space (pics, videos)
Voice to text
Different rings to differentiate customers from family members
Application that switches off all unwanted programs running in background



A smart phone costs $200-350 plus the data plan would cost $29.99/month since I'm already on a family plan (according to a Verizon sales person). Are these the true fees or do they add additional fees above 29.99/month?


Feel free to recommend other useful features I haven't mentioned.


Thank you.
#business #iphone #phoneandroid #smart
  • Profile picture of the author Bruce NewMedia
    I'm sure you'll get opinions all over the map with your questions. My vote, having used my sister's new phone is the Android. I loved all the features - worth it to her and me.
    _____
    Bruce
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    • Profile picture of the author DR's Fynest
      This is right up my alley, so pay attention...

      I've owned the iPhone 3G, the iPhone 4, and now a Windows Phone 7 smartphone. I have also used Android plenty of times.

      Since you only asked 'droid vs. iPhone, I'll answer with the following:

      You'd do well with either one. With Android, it depends on the actual device you end up buying. Different manufacturers add different features and some even customize their devices with their own user interfaces on top of the stock Android OS.

      The iPhone has the most apps right now. Android is growing fast, though, because it is a more "open" OS. Almost every app that is on the iDevices is also on Android. Or at least an alternative.

      You also mentioned one feature you'd like that the iPhone doesn't carry: memory card. Some Android devices allow you to expand the internal storage by adding a microSD card.

      Personally, if it were me, I'd go with an Android device. Make sure it's a dual-core processor over 1GHz for a better experience.

      If you have money to spend on this, the Samsung Galaxy SII (about $600 unlocked) is one of the top 3 phones that are out right now. It blows all competition out of the water.
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  • Profile picture of the author George Wright
    I had a droid eris and now I have a Droid Thunderbolt.

    I have access to an iPhone anytime I want to mess with it.

    Both do everything you listed EXCEPT....

    The iPhone is not a hot spot.

    My Thunderbolt is a hotspot for 8 devices all at the same time.

    I was fortunate enough to grab the hotspot service when they offered one month free, it turned into 3 months free. Then they offered $30 a month unlimited gigs. I love it. My Droid is my only Internet connection and it is all I need.

    George Wright
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    • Profile picture of the author Chris Grable
      I have all three... blackberry, IPhone 3 and Motorolla Droid 3. I vote for the Droid.... hands down the better choice.
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    • Profile picture of the author Darrel Hawes
      George,

      If you don't mind, what carrier are you using to get this deal?

      - Darrel

      Originally Posted by George Wright View Post

      I had a droid eris and now I have a Droid Thunderbolt.

      I have access to an iPhone anytime I want to mess with it.

      Both do everything you listed EXCEPT....

      The iPhone is not a hot spot.

      My Thunderbolt is a hotspot for 8 devices all at the same time.

      I was fortunate enough to grab the hotspot service when they offered one month free, it turned into 3 months free. Then they offered $30 a month unlimited gigs. I love it. My Droid is my only Internet connection and it is all I need.

      George Wright
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      Darrel Hawes - Blog
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      • Profile picture of the author joannabenz
        Originally Posted by George Wright View Post

        I was fortunate enough to grab the hotspot service when they offered one month free, it turned into 3 months free. Then they offered $30 a month unlimited gigs. I love it. My Droid is my only Internet connection and it is all I need.

        George Wright
        Originally Posted by Darrel Hawes View Post

        George,

        If you don't mind, what carrier are you using to get this deal?

        - Darrel
        I would like to know, too -- even though it may not be offered in my area.
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  • Profile picture of the author handy
    I've the iphone 3GS and it's been great - it's not just the features but the app ecosystem. Every developer MUST create an app for the iphone, and then maybe for Android.
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    • Profile picture of the author vision2000
      Thanks for all your replies.
      Looks like Droid wins.
      Any must-have features (besides the ones mentioned) and/or apps?
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  • Profile picture of the author kairosan
    my honest opinion would be a blackberry as is more user friendly towards business purposes. the iphone is fun for domestic purposes, wow the android phone is more open source. I would get the iphone ....but that's just me.
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  • Profile picture of the author Rukshan
    I have iPhone4 This is the best Smart Phone so far. We know that android is developing fast. But Apple apps still provide good services for us.
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  • Profile picture of the author Nathy Curiel
    I own a Iphone 4 and I am a happy camper ...Just love it !
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  • Profile picture of the author Mac the Knife
    Android...I got the android 2...with the built in google and skype features, I can do tons of business all day long.

    Mac
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  • Profile picture of the author Intermission
    I picked up an Android Galaxy S a couple months ago and love it! A friend got an iPhone at the same time and regrets it, wishes he got a droid too.
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    • Profile picture of the author YoGirly
      i Love my iPhone 4! the only thinng I don't like is the lack of flash, but there are ways around that problem. An app called photon will let you view flash videos pretty easily, there are a few tweeks that must be made, but anyone on the WF would find it easy.
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  • Profile picture of the author moneyten
    I have been using the Droid for almost 2 years. Love it.
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    • Profile picture of the author BradleyC
      Until I can find a so called "smart" phone that is smart enough for me, I'll stick with my flip phone.

      For 10 years I've been requesting just one thing ... the ability to properly sync my Outlook with the phone.

      I have multiple contact folders in my Outlook. I want them all sync'd into their own outlook folder on the phone. I do not want them imported into one folder and categorized by the category field, which is what all of the phones want to do.

      I want separate folders for each of my contact folders on my phone, just like they are in Outlook.

      Currently I use a Palm Zire71 and a 3rd party program installed on it to properly sync my outlook folders. It does a perfect job. Love it. You'd think an IPhone or Android would be able to do the same thing, or that someone would write an app that could do this, but nothing!

      Think of all of the insurance agents and real estate agents that use Outlook. They'd have one folder for family and friends and one folder for business contacts. That's a huge market place, yet nobody seems to be able to address this problem.

      The Blackberry forum has had users asking for this very thing since 2000. Still nothing.

      When the IPhone came out I thought maybe I'll finally get what I need. Can't do it.

      Then the Android came out and I thought maybe I'll finally get what I need. Can't do it.

      So I stick with my 10 year old flip phone that has great reception and all around works graet, and I carry my Zire71 so when I'm out in the field I can make changes to records and then come back to the office and sync it up with Outlook and update both.

      Maybe somebody in the next 20 years will resolve this issue. There's certainly a huge market place for it. Until then, I'll just still with what works, even if it is 10 years old.

      Bradley
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  • Profile picture of the author BackLinkingNinja
    I run my businesses via my iphone4 when I'm on the go. It's fast, easy to use, syncs great with my PC - plus with cross-platform apps like Skype and WhatsApp (free texting between WhatsApp members in iPhone, smartphone and blackberry globally over 3G/Edge/Wifi) I save a fortune on communications.

    The only draw back I find is that it won't okay Flash video!
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  • Profile picture of the author KAYEKINNEY
    I can't say which is better without having both but I do agree that access to apps makes or breaks a phone. I still have the iphone 3gs even though I could move to the 4 I have decided to hang back for a while and give the makers time to exterminate the "bugs" and to bring the price down.

    Yes, I did read "The Millionaire Nextdoor" lol
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  • Profile picture of the author vincentpeter
    I run my business using iPhone 4 & iPad. Though i now drool over Galaxy II
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  • Profile picture of the author BenKJunya
    The android phone runs on the Android operating system and has specially designed applications and middleware. The applications are written in Java language and the system can also run applications written in C language. The biggest difference between Android phones and others is that Android has an advanced, multifaceted operating system. The others run simple, real-time applications. Internet usage android phones use Web Kit to run Google’s Chrome Lite web browser same as I Phone. Android phones can run numerous applications at the same time, making it easier to multitask and improve the overall functionality of the phone. They are faster, more fluid, and easier to use.
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  • Profile picture of the author harrietfredge
    I love the operating system of Android since it has an open source code , which means that you can modify and customize it depending on what you want. You can change the look of the home screen and add widgets , which are small applications that allow us to save time. If you want greater freedom for customization and speed to surf the web, the best is a phone with Android, as the Samsung S2 Galaxy or Nexus One.

    However, if you ‘re a new multimedia experience and more power to play, the iPhone 4 is ideal.
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  • Profile picture of the author julesw
    My choice is the Iphone4s, it depends on your business needs, but with the 1080p camera, ability to use clip microphones with the camera app (not sure if droids do this?) imovie, and all the FX apps out there for video and stills you can turn into videos it's great for video marketing. Never owned a droid though so am biased.
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    • Profile picture of the author vision2000
      Thanks for the feedback...haven't bought a smart phone yet as couldn't decide but am leaning towards iPhone4s (maybe a nice Xmas present) since it came out.

      Question..can it be used as a Mobile Hotspot?
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      • Profile picture of the author tumill
        Originally Posted by vision2000 View Post

        Thanks for the feedback...haven't bought a smart phone yet as couldn't decide but am leaning towards iPhone4s (maybe a nice Xmas present) since it came out.

        Question..can it be used as a Mobile Hotspot?
        I would definitely go for a iPhone4S over whats mentioned here on the thread. The iphone 4 and 4S work great as hotspots.
        I have an old 3GS and want a 4S but the 3GS has never caused me issues so no need to upgrade yet...:rolleyes:
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  • Profile picture of the author Michael Meaney
    I've tried iphone 4 and Android Samsung Galaxy S2..

    Galaxy S2 wins hands down... best phone I've ever owned and great for business.

    I use it more than the laptop, very powerful and allows me to create Word and Powerpoint documents on the go, so my productivity has been greatly increased.

    The voice commands and dictation work extremely well, good time saver, and it's easy to transfer documents from the phone to the laptop through wifi or storing on the cloud, for a virtual office.

    To answer your question I've added my comments in red.
    Ease of use Very easy
    Send and receive emails anywhere, anytime Uses push mail
    Take photos, videos (HD) anywhere, anytime. Yes
    Mobile Hotspot (to use laptop on the go) Yes
    Voice recorder Speaker phone Yes
    Long battery life Recharge daily
    Memory card slot Up to 32gb
    USB connectivity Yes
    Touch screen Yes
    Grace period (to check functionality) 7 days from what I've seen
    International reach Yes
    Ability to automatically connect with Wi-Fi hot spots Yes
    Ample storage space (pics, videos) Yes
    Voice to text Yes
    Different rings to differentiate customers from family members Yes
    Application that switches off all unwanted programs running in background Yes, built in task manager
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  • Profile picture of the author thewpguide
    I am a huge fan of the iPhone but I think Androids have been created with the business person in mind and I am now on the search for an upgrade and will be siding with the droids this time!
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    • Profile picture of the author vision2000
      Thanks Mick - you're reply was very helpful. Now I have another phone to think about.
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  • Profile picture of the author BabyMama
    I have an HTC android and I LOVE it! I went for it because it had all the same features as an iphone but without the high price tag and was free when I signed up for a contract.
    It has so many great features hd camera, super fast internet, great apps market, and I love the HTC sense which means I can zoom in on text and it fits on the screen a feature the iphone didnt have before (not sure if it does now)
    Also has flash which is essential.

    I am upgrading this year and am planning to go with Android again. Probably another HTC as I have found it perfect for my business on the move. Only think is battery is not amazing. I charge it once a day and its always almost dead at the end of the day if I am using internet and mail all day.
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  • Profile picture of the author Vlad Romanov
    I don't know how the android compares to my iphone4, but I never want to een try it since this phone feels so great...
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  • Profile picture of the author MrLinkBuilder
    iPhone every minute of the day. It's like a mini computer in my pocket where I can use all required apps that I need to run a business.
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  • Profile picture of the author pacelattin
    IPHONE. Androids have poor back lighting... if you live in a place with tons of sunlight, really sucks.

    Also, I converted my entire office to mac.
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  • Profile picture of the author ronaldmd
    What about blackberry? No one seems to talk about it.
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    • Profile picture of the author volit
      Blackberry is garbage.

      I like my iphone, it serves every purpose and is very intuitive. Can't go wrong!
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  • Profile picture of the author Shannon Herod
    the iPhone 4S. Here's the reason why…

    1. Siri is an amazing feature that cannot be beat.

    2. The app market. In my opinion, the iPhone app store is a lot better than the droid app store.

    The droid is catching up, however you can get anything and everything in the App Store.

    I still struggled to find a few things in the droid store.
    just my opinion.

    So, I would go with iPhone 4S.
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  • Profile picture of the author flx89
    this is my top 3:

    1. Iphone
    2. Iphone
    3. Iphone

    /thread
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    • Profile picture of the author YoGirly
      Ha! This has me laughing out loud! It Definately fits. I'll even admit that I fit into the iPhone steriotype. Lol
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  • Profile picture of the author matthewfermin
    I was able to use both iphone and android. For me, android's the best.
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  • Profile picture of the author wshilinsky
    After using both, I definitely recommend the Android, hands down.
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  • Profile picture of the author robinchen
    I like the ease of use of the iPhone, brilliant screen and long battery life but it doesn't have all the features of the Droid phones.
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  • Profile picture of the author JustLight
    For me Android phones are the best. I love my Samsung Galaxy S II to nuts. The best phone a businessman should have
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  • Profile picture of the author celente
    Android hands down.

    The only thing it does NOT do is make my breakfast in bed, and i am sure they are working on that right now.

    ok, just my two cents.......

    Gloves are ON!!!! So...let the battle continue please..... *DING* *DING*


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  • Profile picture of the author Ruehl
    All I know is that Droid can run Flash and Apple Products (iPhones/iPads) cannot. LOL
    ....not sure if there has ever been away around this.
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  • Profile picture of the author imagene
    Siri?? Siri??? Where are you Siri????

    Iphones are like waaaaaay more sexier than Androids....sorry boys but to be fair, I haven't had the privilege of making the comparison. On the "sexy coolness" factor, hands down it would be iphone 4s.. On the "OMG did you just do that???" factor...the a-a-android may just snip you at the line.

    Just saying
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  • Profile picture of the author hardraysnight
    android by a mile

    the only apples in my house are beatles album
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  • Profile picture of the author BJ Min
    i just got the droid 3...i like it mostly because it has the keypad...much easier to type than on a screen...

    i hear a lot of iphone users say how great iphones are but if there is a contest between droid 3 users and iphone users in terms of typing speed, i'm pretty confident droid 3 users would win...

    plus as an internet marketer, i type url and website addresses...its much faster typing using a phone (with a keyboard) instead of using a phone without a keyboard...since phones with keyboards have EASIER access to : and // with one touch.

    anyways, i only use it mostly for quick emails and browsing the internet...the only thing bad about droid 3 is it is 3g instead of 4g...

    bj
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  • Profile picture of the author daryllau
    Both platforms are great in their own way. I prefer iDevices simply because of the ecosystem and everything just functions so darn well.

    Andriod is very dependent on the phone you get so choose wisely. The part I dislike most about Andriod is that you can't upgrade the OS
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  • Profile picture of the author Jonathan Price
    Android as it's the right fit for what you actually want to use it for.
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  • Profile picture of the author DestinyCoder
    I love iphone. Nothing can beat it.. Its an amazing piece of gift to this modern era
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