iPhone or Android?

8 comments

1. This is a copy of your post for archive/search purposes.

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   **iPhone or Android?**

   I’m moving to Japan soon and planning to buy a new phone (sim-free) when I’m there. I’m not looking for a brand new iPhone 15 — it’ll probably be something more like an SE or mid-range Android.

   I’ve had both iPhones and Androids before and I honestly don’t have a strong preference either way. So, I thought I’d ask — is one better/easier to use in Japan in terms of app proliferation, compatibility, etc.?

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2. I kind of regret that I didn’t go Apple before coming to Japan rather than Android. You will find there are many apps which are alot more friendly with (and in some cases can only be used) on an Apple Phone. Plus when you go to buy accessories such as phone cases etc in Japan, you will find offerings for Android phones are few or non-existent as all the accessories being sold are designed for Apple phones. So from what I’ve seen and know, Apple would be your better choice.

3. Japan is an apple country. Pretty much most people uses apple product. I suggest using apple devices for compatibility etc

4. I was facing the same dilemma earlier this year, and went Android just because I wanted to sideload apps from my home country that aren’t available in the Japan app store. You can switch regions to install those apps too , but there are complications involving cooldown periods, subscriptions, etc. that I didn’t want to wrestle with.

5. I’d personally say Apple is more seemless over here.
   The biggest benefit is just the consistency of using one and NFC having no issues compared to domestic models (NFC with certain Android phones from outside of Japan can have a hard time with Suica ect)

6. I stuck with Android. The change for me was that Samsung is a very small part of the market here, whereas they were pretty much the biggest share in Canada. I’ve switch to a Sony and I love it a lot more than I thought I would.

7. Honestly, it doesn’t make too much a difference, because 99% of apps are developed for both. I use android and my wife uses apple and neither of us have really had a problem. I’d just go with whatever is the cheaper option personally.

8. In my experience, it’s about a wash. Better peripherals/support for Apple, but good luck getting the newest SIMs on the foreigner friendly phone companies. I’m android, but saw many people with that new iPhone that doesn’t take SIM cards having a lot of trouble with that.