Android versus iphone - decision

[storp]

For the first time I'm considering a smartphone.
That is, if I don't go with a regular cellphone.

The main reason for the smartphone is for receiving phone calls from another, 2nd phone number (which is at least 2-4 months off). But this is priority.

The service with my current carrier has degraded too much. And I need either a new phone now or switch over to the smartphone.

While I really don't need the apps that come with an iphone, I hear of users that have had second thoughts now due to the prevalence of new iphone designs that have flooded the market. That many users are leaning toward Android as a result. The only real advantage I see in the iphone is the quality of the camera for taking pictures.

What am I missing?

 

[Agent Smith]

What am I missing?

iPhones are expensive as hell. I tried to buy an old iPhone 5 on ebay for a flirone and I was like by the time I buy the iPhone and the flirone I could buy a real flir! http://www.flir.com/flirone/

I don't have a smartphone, just a normal cell phone and it serves its purpose. But I'm thinking of getting an old smartphone just for WIFI and the camera. LOL

 

[storp]

Unless there is a way to forward a 2nd phone number through a regular phone?

Would this have to go through Google voice App?

 

[voyagerfan99]

If you're using Google Voice to receive calls, people call your GV number and it gets forwarded to your cell number. I use it when I don't want people to know my direct cell number. To make calls with it, you specify whether you want to make calls with GV or not.

 

[Agent Smith]

Can you block numbers in GV? I'm thinking about using this with my cell phone. Like I give out my GV number and then want to block that number. Also, can you receive text messages from a GV number?

 

[voyagerfan99]

Can you block numbers in GV?Also, can you receive text messages from a GV number?

Yes and yes. The best part about using GV is you can also install the hangouts add-on for Chrome and text/call directly from your computer. And on your phone you can text with GV over wifi.

 

[Geoff]

If you are going to be using Google Voice, there is much better integration with Android than there is with iOS. You need to use dedicated apps on iOS to text/call using your Google Voice number, whereas you can configure Android to use them or prompt you which number to use with the native texting and phone apps.

As far as the cameras go, they vary wildly with Android. Some are crap, while others are better than the iPhone. Phones like the Samsung Note 4 are much better, and others like the S5 and LG G3 are on par with the iPhone.

 

[storp]

... The best part about using GV is you can also install the hangouts add-on for Chrome and text/call directly from your computer. And on your phone you can text with GV over wifi.

And so I could probably do this with either a desktop or preferably laptop on the go, no need for smartphone. Great news.

If you are going to be using Google Voice, there is much better integration with Android than there is with iOS. You need to use dedicated apps on iOS to text/call using your Google Voice number, whereas you can configure Android to use them or prompt you which number to use with the native texting and phone apps.

Probably the deciding factor going the smartphone route.

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THX for all the responses, much help

 

[voyagerfan99]

And so I could probably do this with either a desktop or preferably laptop on the go, no need for smartphone. Great news.

Just note you need a cell number to associate your GV number with. You can't associate it with a land line.