I was recently reminded of the perception that people with Android phones are seen as stubborn and non-conforming when someone asked me why I don’t have an iPhone. This happened during an in-person conversation when I used my Pixel to reply to a text. The person simply asked why I didn’t have an iPhone, and I replied that I prefer the phone I have. It seemed so unfamiliar to them. This experience echoed as I watched the Lakers game, noticing the sea of iPhones in the stands. It made me think about how the “blue bubble” of iMessage has become such a status symbol, even though I’ve found my Android integrates perfectly with all the services I use daily.

I remember when I first switched to Android because of its customization options. I love being able to personalize my home screen with widgets and icon packs that reflect my style. It’s not about being different; it’s about having a phone that truly feels like mine. And the variety! There are so many different Android phones available, each with its own strengths. I chose my Pixel because of its camera and its smooth performance, but someone else might prefer a phone with a longer battery life or a larger screen. The point is, there’s an Android phone out there for everyone.

But in the past five years, my preference for Pixel has solidified even further because of its seamless integration with cutting-edge AI. Platforms like Gemini and Perplexity, which are revolutionizing how we interact with technology, work so much better within the Android ecosystem, especially on Pixel devices. It’s not just about the customization anymore; it’s about having access to these powerful tools that enhance productivity and provide a truly intelligent mobile experience. This level of AI integration is a game-changer, and it’s something I wouldn’t want to sacrifice.

Interestingly enough, I almost switched to an iPhone myself this year. When I saw the announcements at WWDC and Apple unveiled Apple Intelligence, I was intrigued. I was almost ready to jump ship when the iPhone 16 came out. However, after the initial excitement subsided, I realized that Apple Intelligence wasn’t quite the finished product it was presented as. It seemed like Apple was, and frankly still is, quite behind the competition in the AI space. Almost a year later, and while they’ve made some progress, Apple Intelligence still lags behind platforms like Gemini on Google Pixel and other Android devices. This solidified my decision to stay with Android.

It’s funny how we’ve come to equate iPhones with “normalcy.” Apple’s marketing has been incredibly effective, creating this image of the iPhone as the must-have device. But I think it’s important to challenge that idea. Choosing Android isn’t about being stubborn; it’s about making an informed decision based on my needs and preferences. It’s about appreciating the open-source nature of the Android ecosystem, which gives me more control over my device and access to a wider range of apps and these powerful AI platforms. And honestly, I’ve never felt like I’m missing out on anything. In fact, I often find myself appreciating the unique features and capabilities of my Android phone, especially its superior AI integration.

What about you? What made you choose your current phone? I’d love to hear your thoughts on the “iPhone norm” and why you prefer your device.