How Does the Samsung Galaxy Ecosystem Compare to Apple's?

Question

I’m thinking of making the switch from the apple ecosystem to the Samsung one. Does anyone have a comparison for these two?

Answer 1

Many consider the Samsung Galaxy ecosystem’s advancements so impressive that it can compete with the Apple ecosystem and, in some areas, get better. The devices interconnect and functions efficiently, and there is a separate wearables application which is particularly great. A great tool for productivity is the Galaxy Tab S9 and the regular S9 corresponds great with the Galaxy Watch 6 which may be preferred for fitness tracking. But Apple’s edge definitely comes from their iMessage and family accounts sharing capabilities. In the end, though, it may be a matter of taste for most and certain features of communication and interaction of devices.

Comments

As an Apple guy (now), I love hearing about positive experiences with the Windows/Android ecosystem.  I keep one foot in Windows land (mostly because of gaming); I'm enjoying my (overpriced) 2023 Dell XPS 9530. It works ok with my iPhone, thanks to Phone Link, but nothing at the moment compares to my 16" M1 Pro, which is why I went back to iPhone (14PM). I loved my Galaxy Watch but prefer my Apple Watch 8, even if the battery on the Galaxy Watch absolutely crushes Apple's. All in all, consumers should want competitors to succeed since we win in the end.

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Left Apple a few years ago and have been using a Fold4 as my daily as well as a Galaxy watch 4 with the Tab S8 Plus. Love love love it!

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As the Windows mobile OS was dying, I switched to Android and entered the wild west rooting scene for about eight years. As OEM skins improved (after incorporating many of the features developed by the custom ROM community), I found the need to root phones diminish.  At age 71, I decided to switch to iOS and ditched my OnePlus McLaren phone and Samsung Tab S4 for the 2020 SE and iPad Air Gen 3 in April 2020; I lasted four months before switching back to Android (Note 20 and Tab S). I found the iPhone UI to be too restrictive - even after jailbreaking (who thought mandatory upper left justification of apps and widgets was a good idea?)  Because of how I use tablets, I didn't mind the software as much on the iPad, but thought the display and especially the sound were subpar.

At anyrate, while I might occasionally engage in gentle joshing about the ovine nature of the walled garden inhabitants, I really do appreciate the integration of chip, software, and hardware in the Apple ecosystem (Google is trying to replicate this, but has a long way to go) and understand why most Apple users  (including  my wife - I'm in a mixed marriage) are happy with iOS. However, if one is looking for liberty, variety, and innovation (how long until Apple invents the flip/fold phone?), then Android is the choice I would recommend.

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I can't agree more with all what did you mention. And because I am from Europe, so no stupid green / blue bubbles are around, I can do whatever I want. That's why I have an Apple laptop, Samsung phone and tablet and the buds from Nothing. And the freedom to change anything anytime.

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I am android user for 8 year's and one day I switch to iPhone 12 mini, while that is very very good phone and I like the form factor because how small in your hand I still can't comprehend how much I miss theme on android. While yes you can manually change your icon pack or pay monthly subscription for icon pack (which is hilarious) I still want to have every icon change on my phone. So I back to android and choose z flip 3

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Great content as always. I love tech in general. I have been using Samsung phones since the galaxy s2 with its back the OLED display and it really just sucked me in. I have also been using the iphone since the 6. I have also used several other Android devices (HTC evo, palm pre, google pixel and lg V series). I think that Samsung is the Apple of Android personally. I dont have to switch as I have a S23U and Iphone 14PM. The only other apple device I have is the SS graphite 47mm apple watch to use when i use my iphone. I think that both ecosystems are great with their respective companies however the Samsung eco system works seamlessly with my gaming desktop and work station. I use mainly google drive and photos so I can access photos and files anywhere from any device. I will say the stock samsung gallery app is leagues better than the ios photo app. I will be getting (i know terrible reason and i dont suggest) the iphone 15pm solely for the titanuim body, upgraded cameras,thinner bezels and first and foremost USB C. I can finally rid my home of all the lightnening cables and have a universal cable now. All new products that I purchase have USB C. I recently sold my 12.9 inch ipad pro because the Tab S9 Ultra is suchh a beast and much easier to work with, multitask and my microsoft and office apps work much better on it. Luckily for me my friends and family is like a 55-45 split between the phones so group messaing on stock apps hasnt really been an issue at all.

As for your statement about family sharing and stuff, both my kids have different phones and any time they request sharing or money or whatever the case may be,  I am able to access it from any of my devices. It may just be app dependant on whatever you are using. But hats off to  both companies. They can co exist lol they are just phones and tablets after all, just pick what suits you best. I will say that through all the years samsung has had much better offerings and sales than apple but on the other hand apple resale value is higher.

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I use both and mostly due to the family ecosystem with the kids. But I love my zfold. It's the best form factor. Plus I still think apple watch ultra is an anchor for me to stay with Apple as the daily driver. Awesome content and love the highlights of how you weaved in the different products in a day to day.

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finally!! someone recognises how GOOD the samsung)/Android ecosystem for more than just 2 days awesome content Gary

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You were much more objective to android and Samsung than i expected. From a die hard Android fanboy well done!

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I just jumped to the conclusion in all those american content, "...i'll be back to iphone" for the blue bubble. I'm glad that in other countries we choose our phones without thinking about bubbles and I'm glad I didn't spend my time on this content.

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I was a die hard Android fan for many years. After I started using a MacBook, and then tried the rest, I can’t go back despite a good number of shortcomings in iOS in particular. It’s like you said about communicating from a Mac. Having everything there, I simply rarely have to pull my phone out during the day. And while the AirPods are indeed glitchy at times, they more than make up for it with the Pro and Mac’ insanely good transparency modes and noise cancellation, and the surround sound when listening to Apple TV based shows using the AirPods. I wish Apple created a Z Fold equivalent. I love the Z Fold, and it’s a single device I would happily replace both my phone and tablet with. But using a MacBook, and the family issues you referenced, make this at this stage; not enough for me to consider switching back.

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I used to always go back and forth but I have a 13 pro for 2 years and in that time I feel like Apple caught up to android feature wise, but still has all the amazing Apple exclusive and ecosystem features. I tried android again with an s23 ultra and it was a great phone but I feel like it’s a too much of a loss and bought a iPhone 15 pro

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I actually use both together, but I am interested in growing my Samsung ecosystem like my Apple.

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I use to have Samsung back in 2017 the S8 and I loved it, it was ahead of its time, but then I bought a iPhone 11 and been with Apple ever since, I’m seriously considering breaking this taboo of Apple in America and explore other eco systems such as the Nothing company, google and even Samsung

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I did the same thing for roughly a year, but I came back to Apple due to how seamless things were since a majority of my family use Apple phones as well. Android was nice (only used Samsung at least) but I still use my Tab S7 :)

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Apple cult experience is the worst part.... like having to go back because of imessage. Was android as far back as I can remember, switched to iphone 14 pro and apple watch ultra. With S24 ultra launch this month I am going back, just don't like the cult like system Apple has, Apple tells you what you get, no care on you wanting choices, but that was Job's plan. My wife for now is staying iphone, mainly because she answers the phone with it, imessage because of cult issue, and facetime again cult issue.

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So I guess Apple's strategy works? Build the walls around the products so people can't leave when they see something better. I am guilty of these as well but I can't help feeling sad for giving away choice

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I use both, S22 Ultra as a work phone, and iPhone SE2 as personal.  I have a 16" M1 Macbook Pro and an apple watch - and my wife uses Apple - we enjoy findmy and airdrop, etc.  But don't make me give up the Samsung.  I prefer Android Auto in my truck, and I have a big Samsung TV in my livingroom on which I can cast my S22 phone screen, or wirelessly use DEX.  I would not want to choose only one system over the other!!

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I began switching from Samsung two years ago, when I decided to buy the iPad Air 4…based on Gary’s review of said iPad. In the Fall of 2021…I decided to buy an M1 MacBook Air and AirPods Pro 1st Gen based on Gary’s and Unlkr’s review of the M1 Air. In March of 2022, I got my first iPhone…256 g 13, starlight. I just bought a 9th Gen, base model IPad 64gb model. I will also likely pick up a second M1 MacBook Air….or M2 Mac Mini. I have a side gig as an event/mobile DJ.

I love apple and have never once wanted to go back to Android/windows. I was a Samsung guy for years…I had the Samsung Galaxy S3, S4, S8+, Note 9, Note 10+ and S20 FE. The last good Samsung was the Note 9. It would take a lot for me to go back to Samsung/Windows.

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As someone with sensory processing disorder having an Android phone with more customizable settings works best for me, I tried having an iPhone once it was kind of a nightmare because of how few settings I could change to work for me

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Good content.  I've spent time in both ecosystems.  Apple vs Android is like Pepsi vs Coke.  Both get the job done, but there are zealots in each camp that wouldn't touch the other for any reason.

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I tried switching grub Android to iOS about a year ago, but I ended up going back to Android.  The two things that I really missed from Android was the level of customizability on WearOS, and the media player at the bottom of Google Maps when your navigating.

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I flipped-flopped between both and I loved the Samsung experience, however, like you imessage always  brought me back. DAMN YOU APPLE.

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I'll be switching back to Apple this year for the first time since the iPhone 4. Partially because of iMessage but I also want to see how the other side is.

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I've always loved the functionality, flexibility, and freedom you get with the androids. I currently rock a z fold 3 and it's my work horse for my job and personal life being a multi tasking monster. However for social events and basic use Iphone seems to be better.

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Fantastic content. I for one used to be a die hard Android user but switched to Apple due to hard ware longevity and support. I also work in the wireless industry and I’m constantly helping people with their phones. I have to say that sadly majority of people who have damaged phones due to hard issues, or people who get so much add ware making their phones unusable seems to happen more often on android devices. Apple’s walled garden while having some annoyances really shines by protecting its users from most of the junk and adware that’s all over the play store. Apple in my opinion is far more secure than android. But by far the biggest reason I will probably never switch to android is the device support and hard ware longevity. Apples devices seem to last longer and are supported for far longer than most android manufacturers.

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I feel like for me what I’ve come to realize about Apple is I have the iPhone 15 Pro Max one terabyte and it honestly feels like my iPhone 13 Pro Max, which also felt like my iPhone X I mean as certain point you have to question why you keep on buying the same device over and over again And I feel like Samsung and Google are really making products that speak to consumers and Apple is being lazy and I just can’t do it anymore. I’m really gonna switch back to Samsung because I only have one life to live and I want to have features in my phone that make me excited to use it, Apple is so boring they lost me

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I have both an android (fold 5 switched from pixel 7 pro) and iPhone (14 pro). I just love my fold. I don't have any iMessage lock ins or anything. I am not reliant on any apple app.
I genuinely feel the fold is a better and definitely more interesting device.

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As a former android user, I’m watching this seriously considering switching. I have the iPhone15pm, AirPods, Apple Watch and iPad Air M1.

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I would LOVE the Samsung S23 Ultra but, like you, I can't give up the Apple ecosystem because my family uses Apple and it works seamlessly. I've tried the workarounds for Android but they become frustrating. Don't forget visual voicemail can be a pain depending on your carrier and whether your phone is locked or not. With the updates to the Apple watch and iOS coming in the next week or so, it's not a good time to switch anyway.

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I read so many contents like this.. everybody loves Android at the end.. some even stay.. but when an Android user tries Apple.. They never stay and have found Apple a little frustrating.. Android is just about better.. I been using it from the start

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I jumped ship about a month ago. So far, I love my android device!!

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After 12 years of being an apple user, I switched to Android a few weeks ago. I'm enjoying so far.

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I constantly switch between iOS and Android

Android has definitely improved a lot over the years

I'm currently using Samsung S23 from an iPhone 14 Pro Max

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Phone design, Dex, Secure Folder, and dual applications are the reasons why i like samsung better. And i agree their laptop game is not good, the other mobile devices are good.

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I switched to Samsung (S23+, Galaxy Watch 5 Pro, ear buds pro, Tab S8+) and a Lenovo ThinkPad laptop several months ago.  Its been a mixed bag.  I do like the fact that I can use Google messages on my laptop and tablet too.  Unfortunately, the one area Samsung cannot keep up is with Music.  As a semi-professional drummer all the apps I use work better on iPad and not the Tablet.  Dex is a neat capability which I have never needed.  The watch is the best Android watch I have used and really close to Apple Watch.  The S23+ is pretty nice too but the face unlock is not good and if my hands are dry the finger print scanner doesn’t work.   The call quality is excellent though.  The ear buds pro are good but they will not stay in my ears.  Like I said a mixed bag…great content.  Thanks

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Great content!! I've been back and forth with apple products and samsung products for some time now and I've used iphones for yearsssss. I bought the z flip 5 and I'm in love with my phone. It makes having a new phone fun again opposed to apples iphone every year being the same. Also recently got a tab s9 and it's so fast and great at multitasking that I'm actually going to get rid of my ipad pro 11 inch with magic keyboard. I love the magic keyboard for ipads however the tab s9 is amazing for note taking the spen is soooo good!! Better than the ipencil in my opinion. I'm going back to school in a few weeks and can't wait to use my samsung tablet in school. I agree with you on the macbooks they are better but I've been using a surface pro and that's a great laptop also but don't see myself getting rid of my macbook anytime. I really hope apple opens up rcs messaging cause I don't like breaking up group chats as well!! Spot on content thanks!!

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Yes, I’ve gone back and forth. Apple to Google Pixel to Samsung and back to Apple. Android was surprisingly good. I actually prefer my Samsung Z Fold 5 and Watch 6 to my iPhone 14 Pro and Ultra watch…but the rest of my family and most of my friends are Apple. iMessage is a deal breaker and Apple knows it.

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I tried to switch a while back.  The deal-breaker for me was that I'd miss getting very important group texts when I was the only one in the group on android.  Yep, the old iMessage thing again.  Had to switch back.  I really felt the urge at the time to break out of the "walled garden" and sort of "stick it to the man," but alas, for me it wasn't possible.

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Its incredible how apple litterally traps their costumers so intense that its not possible anymore to switch to other devices from other brands. its sad and not even that positive in my oppinion because it makes it impossible for apple users to understand other devices and operating systems. i think its not smart to get locked into that system because you lose all connections to other devices which are much more commonly used. but the people will keep getting locked by apple because its a statussymbol

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I just switched from iPhone 14PM to the S23+, liking it so far.   I also changed from watches from Apple to Samsung.  If I do end up going back to the iPhone it will have to be the 13 Series as I am not using a phone that requires ESIM.  I do miss Apple messages and the galaxy watch does not compare to the Apple watch.

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Funny thing is Apple added an AirPods section to settings with all the features of the wearables app on Samsung. So now it’s comparable to that.

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I switched from Samsung to Apple because of the watch - the only one I did not have problems with on my small wrist.  I tested out a LOT of smart watches....  I am glad that Samsung is catching up to the ecosystem that apple has.  But I absolutely love how Apple products work, android gives me too many choices and that was starting to stress me out LOL

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I went from iphone 13 to s21, and it was faster, camera was a bit worse but it is older, and its just a much better experience. So much customization.

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like yourself i totally changed my whole apple ecosystem to samsung, and that was half a year ago! So far I am enjoying the experiance! It all works great together, just like the apple ecosystem, maybe even better at times!

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I switched to android 4 months ago and everything I want to do just works

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basicallly most ppl stay with apple for the ecosystems not necessarily the devices and if they are the best. Imagine being trapped in an ecosystem due to everyone else around you also being locked in. At some point someone from your circles will need to break free so you can all have different experiences and not carry around hose giant bricks for sake of ecosystem and fitting in with everyone else. Very American problem unfortunately

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I agree with EVERYTHING you said except the Imessage thing. Apart from that, I'm thinking the same way you are, Samsung way better than iphone, but the Macbooks are on another level. Good Review!

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i started on droid back in the day like with 2.2 ice cream or something and i switched to iphone in like 2013 and never used another android been heavily considering the switch because i just have not been happy with the direction the company is going recently

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I've never had an apple product, but very close to making the switch to the iphone 15 pro from the pixel 6 pro. I was so excited for the new pixel lineup when it launched 2 years ago with Google's CPU, but it has been the buggiest android phone I've ever had. I don't care about customization as much these days, I just want the phone to work when I need it to. Plus, top of the line android phones are always huge 6.7" slabs. They need more premium 6" choices.

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I mix and match between the two worlds. And as stupid as it may sound, even if I have a couple of devices of Apple, I refuse to go all in and fully commit to the ecosystem. I am fully aware it’s a trap and I want to retain the flexibility to switch back and forth as I please.

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I just bought my wife a 14 Pro so I thought I'd give her old iPhone 11 a whirl since the last iPhone I owned was a 4s. I've given it a few days but I'm switching back to my Samsung Note 10+. It comes down to screen size and scalability of text. Apple limits how big you can make text in apps and on System functions. My eyes have gotten worse as I get older and while I can still use the Note 10+ comfortable without glasses, I can't with the iPhone. Maybe I need to try out the 15 Max when it comes out.