After using the iPhone 16 Plus for a while, I decided to switch to the Android ecosystem instead of getting another iPhone. However, my transition didn’t go as smoothly as I had hoped.
Despite being an iPhone user for a few years, I have also had an Android phone with me every week as a freelance writer. I’ve had the opportunity to review some of the best Android phones of 2025 and appreciate the variety of options available outside of Apple’s ecosystem.
For instance, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra offers next-level DSLR-style cameras, while the CMF Phone 2 Pro is an engineering marvel at a budget-friendly price. Personally, I chose to switch to the Honor Magic V5 for its larger display, which is perfect for writing articles on the go.
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Thomas Deehan / Foundry
Despite my efforts to switch over to Android smoothly by transferring logins, arranging the homescreen, and setting up Google Pay, I encountered unexpected challenges.
One major obstacle was the impact on shared activities with my wife, who is a dedicated iPhone user. Tasks like managing our shared shopping list in Apple Notes became complicated when trying to access it from my Android device. Additionally, sharing stories from Apple News and using Apple’s Find My feature became more challenging with the ecosystem divide.
The family ecosystem
My wife’s loyalty to Apple products, including her iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods Pro 2, created compatibility issues when I switched to Android. Simple tasks like managing shared lists and accessing Apple-exclusive features became more cumbersome.
On the hardware side, the absence of MagSafe on Android phones was a notable drawback for me. Additionally, transitioning away from iCloud’s ‘Hide My Email’ feature proved to be time-consuming as I had to manually transfer proxy emails and passwords.
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Thomas Deehan / Foundry
Despite my intention to stick with Android, getting a refurbished iPhone 16 for another article made me realize the convenience and familiarity of the Apple ecosystem. This led me to return to Apple.
I believe both iPhone and Android have their advantages, but consumers should be aware of the challenges when switching between ecosystems, as it can complicate the process.
If you’re not tied to a specific ecosystem, consider our guide to the best phones that includes top iPhone and Android options.
