iPad vs Android Counterpart. Which to get !

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Hi All,

I'm in the market for a new tablet but I find myself somewhat struggling to pick up pace on something almost seems evident, well for me anyway. I say this because I prefer Android, overall I find it easier to use, get files around, expand storage etcc.... but I reckon I may be better suited in getting an iPad. I primarily want another tablet as I want something to edit photos on and I have a iPad 2 (2011) and its showing its age. There is this 1 particular game I like but sadly its only on iOS (Pocket Planes) so I bought it for that (Not to mention it was quite cheap as well). I've noticed however, when I've tried doing just usual tasks such as browsing the web and opening an application, it often bogs down.and I do feel as though I could do with an upgrade. I'm also led to believe iOS usually has a better suite of apps which can assist with photography. My primary concern here is well, getting photos on and off the tablet. Of the non DSLR photos I've taken, I have them in a master folder on my desktop with them categorized into albums. I usually tend to just copy & paste these onto a memory card which I can slot into my phone or I just tend to copy the albums to Google Drive and download from there. All in all, I don't struggle with this process and I like it. I tend to also do this for select DSLR photos as well although I prefer to keep this on my desktop. In regards to an android tablet, I'm still undecided on a particular model but I suppose I will have to conduct further research.
On my iPad, I often struggle with getting photos on and off it. I intend to go abroad in April 2019 to visit family but I will be taking my equipment as well and I'd like to showcase sentimental photographs but is there is a quick, clear way of doing this which doesn't mean using a desktop for syncing ? Another reason for the iPad is that it has a broad range of accessories so I can easily purchase a keyboard which will be handy as I am now into keeping a journal. When I say I'm contemplating an iPad, I have 0 intention of getting a later models, preferably something like an iPad Air 2. Although its over 4 years old, I reckon its plenty sufficient enough for my needs. The tablet will also be used for other usual stuff as well.
My arguments for each (Relative to my own uses/ experiences) are for;

Android;
Quick and easy file transfer on & off
All ready used to overall ecosystem

iPad
Suite of apps
Accessories
Pocket Planes

I also feel compelled to mention that I will also be editing photos from my DSLR on this tablet so I just want it to be a hassle free experience. I'm leaning towards an iPad but if anyone has any insight, I'd most appreciate that.

Regards,
 
As someone fully embedded in the Apple system, I would say go Android, it's just far friendlier for the things you want to do.

iPad is fine and good (and I have an iPad pro for travel editing and its great) but all my stuff is already in iCloud/Photos and I already have the camera connection kit. Your life/stuff is in the android eco system and so I would keep it there.
 
Watching with interest , I
Have a similar quandary
 
After Apple rendered my iPad (original version) almost unusable with IOS upgrades, I changed to Android, with a Samsung Galaxy S2 tablet and have enjoyed using it for the last 2.5 years. The Samsung has the added benefit of being around half the price of an iPad at the time of purchase. Performance of the Samsung is excellent and battery life remains good, although probably not quite as good as the iPad.

Photograph editing is straightforward using LR Mobile.

Chris
 
When my first iPad died, I bought an Android. It was my first Android and I gave it a go for about 6 months but ended up giving it to my son and bought another iPad.

I understand why people like Android, it's a lot more customisable and additional storage etc but I found it complicated. Whilst Apple locks down a lot of functionality found on Android, I just prefer the simplicity of the iPad.
 
Have you thought about a Microsoft Surface Go? Without knowing the budget you have in mind it's hard to recommend, but a small tablet running full Windows 10 sounds like it would be suitable for your needs
 
Just this morning, I was thinking that at work, I use a HP Elitebook X2 and it's quite nifty so why can't I use this. It'll borrow practically every thing I like about my current set up plus it's just as practical if not more than a tablet as it essentially runs desktop software.
My budget is roughly £200 Which I reckon prices many stuff out.
 
@Professor1991 Here's a suggestion.

Find out which of your family members, friends, co-workers, people you meet up at pub or club or sports club, anyone you know well, who may have an Android based tablet (or a Microsoft based tablet).

Tell them about your problem, that you're thinking of maybe switch from iOS to Android, and ask if you could be allowed to try out their Android tablet. Try their tablet for some minutes, see how you feel. Ask them questions about importing/exporting and moving image files around. Let them show you any tricks they picked up. Test drive their tablet to help you see what you think of it.

After all, we all have done similar stuff like that. Letting a mate test drive your car to help your friend see how he feels about this brand/model. A woman letting her girlfriend try on her outfits, so she can decide if she wants to go and buy her own. Handing over a cup of herbal tea, say "Here, try it, see what you think." and since then, it became your friend's favourite tea.
 
£200 budget is mighty skinny as you will end up looking at older spec stuff with poor screens.
I have the Samsung TabPro S which I bought used from a member here and it is very good indeed.
It runs Windows 10 which is nice as well.
 
I think the Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1" is on sale today for £149 from PC world? I've got one with a 128GB Micro SD in it, which you can also use to store parts of data from various apps as well as photos, videos etc.
 
I don't have many family members who own Android tablets. A friend who has an iPad mentioned I should steer away from it as while its a capable device, I'm not exactly vested in that ecosystem so its best to stay away as opposed to getting stuck in even if a iPad is my only iOS device.
I still find myself coming towards a Windows 10 tablet which has a keyboard. I really like the HP Elite X2 (Which I use at work) but they're not exactly cheap which isn't helping my cause.

As per a previous post, I checked out the Samsung Galaxy TabPro S and it seems like quite the device. It has a 12 inch screen which I like but my only contention is that it only has 1 port which doesnt help. I suppose I can buy a dock but its an extra purchase. I suppose if I get a good deal on it, any money that I save, I could get a adequate dock but its a decision for a later date.
 
I would say get one which links in easiest with your desktop system. For example, iPad for a Mac desktop, Android for Windows. I’m an ex IT manager, with the emphasis on ex, so for ease of use I am totally Apple - ipads, iphones, and imac. Being ex I just cannot be bothered trying to get one system to seamlessly link with another. And both systems are as good as each other, before the flames start flic! :D
 
I would say get one which links in easiest with your desktop system. For example, iPad for a Mac desktop, Android for Windows.

I'm very much in favour of a simple life and if Apple want you to do something then it's still a beautiful experience, but I actually find my Android devices work perfectly with my iMac. Possibly even better than iDevices. Plug them in and Android transfer pops up. Do the necessary and unplug. You don't even have to eject them :)

They even play nicely with Apple Music.
 
After some discussions, I've decided against the iPad. It's too excessive to invest into an ecosystem when that iPad will be only iOS device. I've since become increasingly fascinated with Windows 10 tablet hybrids. The Surface Book appeals to me but its price is awfully steep for my liking. I can afford it but I can't justify its purchase. I've since turned my eye towards the HP Elite X2 1012. I know it be a capable device and seeing as its running Windows, it makes my life a lot easier. I've purchased a damaged unit which I will be repairing myself.
 
I know it’s a steep price, but the Surface Book is a phenomenal device, I’m rocking a Gen 1, but if they bring out a black Gen 3 I’ll be there!
 
I know it’s a steep price, but the Surface Book is a phenomenal device, I’m rocking a Gen 1, but if they bring out a black Gen 3 I’ll be there!

That is a device which I do find quite appealing. It seems solid all round but as you mentioned, it's awfully costly
 
I have a small WINDOWS Tablet with Win 10 installed, it decided to update itself and got stuck at 63% install and can no longer use it. You can have it for the cost of the postage if yuo want it.
 
Sadly I've since bought a tablet.

I managed to get a HP Elite X2 1012 tablet. It's a Windows 10 tablet and I got it for £73. It retails for at least 3-4 times that but it was "damaged" and it was a DOA (Dead on Arrival) or it didn't switch on.

When I searched HP site for spare parts, I discovered it had a warranty. I contacted HP and as of yesterday, I've got it back from and it's fully repaired ! I did quite well.
 
I have a small WINDOWS Tablet with Win 10 installed, it decided to update itself and got stuck at 63% install and can no longer use it. You can have it for the cost of the postage if yuo want it.

Hi there,
I know professor1991 is now sorted but if your offer above still stands I would take it off your hands for postage.

If your happy with that drop a thread in the freebies section and I will pick it up from there.
Cheers.
 
I know it’s a steep price, but the Surface Book is a phenomenal device, I’m rocking a Gen 1, but if they bring out a black Gen 3 I’ll be there!
That's interesting, as my android tablet is showing its age and I was wondering about getting one running Windows 10 instead, since that's what I use as my desktop OS. Good to hear a positive recommendation.
 
Been considering a surface myself, can you install 3rd Party software on the Surface? I'm sure I read someone saying you can only install Microsoft software but that wouldn't make much sense to me.
 
Been considering a surface myself, can you install 3rd Party software on the Surface? I'm sure I read someone saying you can only install Microsoft software but that wouldn't make much sense to me.

As in you can't install Mac OS X, and linux may be a little more involving for the said person :)
 
So ignoring operating systems, it's just like a desktop running Windows 10 with regard to installing software?
 
Been considering a surface myself, can you install 3rd Party software on the Surface? I'm sure I read someone saying you can only install Microsoft software but that wouldn't make much sense to me.
My reasing suggests that the lower end ones ("Surface Go") come with a crippled version of Windows called Windows 10 S that restricts you to using Edge as the browser and only installing applications through the Microsoft Store (guess they are trying to mimic a.pple and lock the thing down so much to stop people breaking it).

The Surface Pro and Book seem to have a proper version of Windows without the restrictions.
 
My reasing suggests that the lower end ones ("Surface Go") come with a crippled version of Windows called Windows 10 S that restricts you to using Edge as the browser and only installing applications through the Microsoft Store (guess they are trying to mimic a.pple and lock the thing down so much to stop people breaking it).

The Surface Pro and Book seem to have a proper version of Windows without the restrictions.

Good to know thanks. I've got an aging laptop which I take with me on holidays to do a little work on and whilst it's quick enough after a few upgrades (SSD, RAM etc) it's a little bulky and battery life isn't great. Although the Surface Pro is pricey, I can also use it to replace my main tablet which helps justify the cost - but can you change the battery in it?
 
My reasing suggests that the lower end ones ("Surface Go") come with a crippled version of Windows called Windows 10 S that restricts you to using Edge as the browser and only installing applications through the Microsoft Store (guess they are trying to mimic a.pple and lock the thing down so much to stop people breaking it).

Windows 10 in S mode is designed for security and performance, exclusively running apps from the Microsoft Store. If you want to install an app that isn't available in the Microsoft Store, you'll need to switch out of S mode.

Switching out of S mode is one-way. If you make the switch, you won't be able to go back to Windows 10 in S mode. There's no charge to switch out of S mode.

  1. On your PC running Windows 10 in S mode, open Settings > Update & Security > Activation.
  2. In the Switch to Windows 10 Home or Switch to Windows 10 Pro section, select Go to the Store. (If you also see an "Upgrade your edition of Windows" section, be careful not to click the "Go to the Store" link that appears there.)
  3. On the Switch out of S mode (or similar) page that appears in the Microsoft Store, select the Get button. After you see a confirmation message on the page, you'll be able to install apps from outside of the Microsoft Store.

Just don't get one with snapdragon cpu as that is next to useless

My recommendation would be towards top of the line but they get pricey
 
Good to know thanks. I've got an aging laptop which I take with me on holidays to do a little work on and whilst it's quick enough after a few upgrades (SSD, RAM etc) it's a little bulky and battery life isn't great. Although the Surface Pro is pricey, I can also use it to replace my main tablet which helps justify the cost - but can you change the battery in it?
They’re not really user serviceable, rather more tablet like than laptop. Although plenty of laptops are no longer RAM upgradeable.
 
They’re not really user serviceable, rather more tablet like than laptop. Although plenty of laptops are no longer RAM upgradeable.

That puts me off buying used, especially an older one. Oh well, back to the drawing board.
 
That puts me off buying used, especially an older one. Oh well, back to the drawing board.

You can get a good deal on a refurb product. Either a Surface Pro or a Dell 5285 (a fairly close clone), and just like a Windows PC, look for an i5 with 8gb,
 
You can get a good deal on a refurb product. Either a Surface Pro or a Dell 5285 (a fairly close clone), and just like a Windows PC, look for an i5 with 8gb,

I have to 2nd this. I initially had my eye on an Android device but I figured I can't discount an iPad. Now that I have a Windows 10 tablet, it's quite remarkable. The learning curve is to an extent non existent if your a Windows user. I can only really say positive things. It has a warranty so I don't wish to tamper with it's internal.
 
Would a refurb also have a fresh battery? It's a deal breaker for me because my laptop has horrible battery life but it is too old and used too infrequently to spend any further money on.

My son dominates my Android tablet so a Surface would fill two roles for me, plus I'm sure I can link it up with his Xbox. Maybe it's just worth buying new. I'm very slowly starting to use Win10 on computers and will be installing it on my own computer at home over the holidays so tablet should be ok for a while.
 
The problem with Android tablets is the terrible support. It's far too epidemic for the manufacturer to lose interest the moment they've sold it to you and to only provide a small number of delivered-late OS updates. That said I recently picked up a Fire HD 10 tablet as it was on offer for less than £100. It's got a terrible app store but I just use it for web browsing, and hope that Amazon will at keep the security updates rolling over for a while.
 
Would a refurb also have a fresh battery? It's a deal breaker for me because my laptop has horrible battery life but it is too old and used too infrequently to spend any further money on.

My son dominates my Android tablet so a Surface would fill two roles for me, plus I'm sure I can link it up with his Xbox. Maybe it's just worth buying new. I'm very slowly starting to use Win10 on computers and will be installing it on my own computer at home over the holidays so tablet should be ok for a while.

Yes, a refurb from MS will have a new battery, you can also send your one in for a service which means they effectively swap it out for another unit, complete with a new battery for a cost of around £350. The way things are going I can see this being the standard going forwards for a lot of companies. User-replaceable batteries may well be a thing of the past unfortunately.

If you buy a new surface you can always go for "Microsoft Complete" which I think covers batteries too, albeit it's probably got quite a high cost associated with it ..
 
Good to know thanks, it's very annoying all this non replaceable battery stuff these days. A refurb seems the way to go.
 
The problem with Android tablets is the terrible support. It's far too epidemic for the manufacturer to lose interest the moment they've sold it to you and to only provide a small number of delivered-late OS updates. That said I recently picked up a Fire HD 10 tablet as it was on offer for less than £100. It's got a terrible app store but I just use it for web browsing, and hope that Amazon will at keep the security updates rolling over for a while.

I have found the google store to have first class service when my pixel phone developed a battery fault. Two day turnaround not bad
 
Sorry, I meant support only in the ongoing software update sense. They all honour their legal obligation to replace failed hardware.
 
Sorry, I meant support only in the ongoing software update sense. They all honour their legal obligation to replace failed hardware.

It aldo doesn't help that a large amount of people don't understand how Android and Windows updates differ from iOS. An Android device not getting the latest mainstream release isn't necessarily a bad thing, as long as the security updates are still being distributed.

When software is as buggy as it is these days it's no wonder that some people prefer to hold back, including the manufacturers.

Apple, Microsoft and Google have had a relatively bad couple of years of crappy releases, my current versions are as follows, along with the cutting-edge issues!

iPad: 12.1.2 (Latest Version - Random WiFi disconnections and intermittent network access, periodic reboot resolves)

Surface Book and Surface Pro 4: W10 1809 (Latest version - seem to be issue-free as of last update, however baseline 1809 constantly disconnected my network associations)

Xiaomi Mi6: Android 8.0/MIUI10 (1 major version behind for Android however latest security updates - No issues)
 
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