I tried Android phones for years but $1,500 iPhones still win me over

The new iPhone was just launched recently yet it has quickly garnered many praises and much criticism. Many argue that it offers few upgrades for a hefty price tag while Android phone makers keep introducing breakthroughs ranging from better specs and foldable screens to super-fast charging and even under-display cameras. Hence, many have asked: "Why buy an iPhone anymore?"

In fact, I too once set aside the costly Apple phone to try cheaper devices with other operating systems for a few years. However, I decided to come back to iOS in the end for some very practical reasons.

iPhones feel more reliable with fewer glitches. What I value most about the iPhone is not the Apple brand, but its consistent performance. It rarely freezes, crashes or overheats. Simple features like camera shortcuts, switching apps, or scrolling through Facebook and TikTok are always smooth.

By contrast, I noticed that Android phones’ performance, even that of flagship models, would quickly decline, especially after software updates. At first, I was excited about their powerful hardware but after a short while, performance slowed down and lagging became more frequent. Some apps even became unstable or crashed often. Having to constantly clear caches, delete junk files and close background apps made me feel like I was "micromanaging a computer" rather than using a phone meant to make things convenient for me.

iPhones get long-term and frequent software updates. This is where iOS shines. Even older models released five or six years ago, like the XR or 11, can still update to the latest iOS versions. This not only improves performance but also gives users new features years after launch. In contrast, many Android devices only get new updates within the first two or three years or an even shorter period for mid-range models. Security patches can sometimes become outdated, which often leaves me uneasy.

Apple’s ecosystem is just more convenient. Besides the iPhone, I also use an iPad, MacBook, and Apple Watch, which can all connect with each other with a few taps. I can reply to text messages on my laptop, copy an image on my iPhone and paste it directly onto my MacBook, or take a FaceTime call on my iPad without extra setup.

AirDrop is another feature that keeps me from transitioning to Android. Transferring files between iOS devices is quick, wireless and hassle-free. By comparison, Android brands each push their own ecosystems (such as Samsung with One UI, Xiaomi with HyperOS, Huawei with HarmonyOS), which means syncing between different brands is rarely smooth.

Apps on iOS usually run smoother and look better. As someone working in design and content creation, I often use apps like Canva, Lightroom, and CapCut, as well as news, banking and booking apps. The iOS version of the same app tends to perform better, have fewer bugs and look more polished than their Android counterpart. This may be because developers tend to prioritize iOS first since there are fewer devices and it is easier to optimize.

Finally, iPhones strike me as "simple but effective." I will not deny that Android devices offer more features and flexibility, but sometimes their far too many customizations can feel overwhelming for non-tech-savvy users. iOS, on the other hand, is simple, intuitive and effective to compensate for having fewer customizations.

For example, I do not have to tweak anything to make my iPhone automatically optimize battery life and resource usage. Unused apps close on their own and I do not need to clear cache or manually shut down apps. Privacy management is also more transparent, with clear alerts whenever an app accesses the camera or microphone.

I am not the type of person who enjoys tinkering with every little feature. What I need is a device that works smoothly, stays simple and helps me better focus on work, entertainment and connecting with people. iOS does this very well.

Hence, despite the usual criticism that always resurfaces with each new iPhone release, such as high prices, few upgrades and lack of innovation, I am still willing to spend VND30-40 million on it because, for me, it remains the best choice.

Some people say buying an iPhone today is more about "paying for the brand" than the technology. But I see it differently. I do not buy a phone to brag about its specs or its ability to fully charge in 30 minutes. I buy a device that gives me peace of mind, runs reliably for years, receives long-term support and spares me from technical hassles.

*This opinion was submitted by a reader. Readers’ views are personal and do not necessarily match VnExpress’ viewpoints.