Android or iPhone switch before leaving

If you're not great with new technology and have had an Android phone for several years, I think you're better off sticking with Android rather than learning a new operating system.

All your apps will be in your Google account, so you just download and install your existing apps. If you switch to the same brand of phone (e.g., a Pixel phone), it might be possible to switch your new phone on, place it next to your old phone, and, with the power of witchcraft, the two phones magically sync together.

But if you do decide to switch to Apple, don't do it just before your trip.

I wouldn't want to adjust to a new phone right before a trip. If you're happy with your Android phone, stick with it for now.

Enjoy your trip!

I would wait until you return. There is a learning curve. I still use an old Android (without cellular) for some things even though I have had an iPhone for several years. There are several instances when the Android is easier/better than iPhone, IMO.

I had an Android that was so old I could no longer update.

I was forced to buy a new phone and I chose to go back to an iPhone but it has been years. I got an iPhone 16e for $350 with my trade in.

I am loving my iPhone but it is a learning.

My provider activated my iPhone and transferred all my information.

It sounds like your Android provides everything you need for your next trip.

So why not wait?

Why do you want to switch to iPhone? It would help to know what purpose you think it might serve on your trip that cannot be achieved with an Android phone. Also you don't mention overseas phone plan you all will have to communicate with, IMHO that is the bigger issue when traveling.

We have a divided family ---3 with iphone; 2 of us with Android. I don't have any plans to switch to Apple any time soon. My husband has the Apple/I have the Samsung. I would not want to learn a new operating system in 3 weeks.

What CL said.

I'm going to break from the ranks here and say that it's really not that difficult to switch from an Android to an iPhone. For one thing, switching the apps and all the data is simple. It's done simply by using the transfer program that's on your iPhone, it will magically pull all your contacts, information, data, apps, and everything over to the iPhone.

And while there is a bit of a learning curve getting to know an iPhone, I don't think it's terribly difficult, even if you're not that great with new technology. For one thing, you're going to be surrounded by people with iPhones, so all you have to do is ask them.

You might want to talk to your family, or pick out a member or two that can help, and ask them to show you the iPhone before you switch. Look it over and maybe open a few apps and check out how it works. That might give you a feel for the phone and see whether it's something you would like.

And for those who are wondering why you're doing this just for a trip, it sounds like you are maybe doing it just because it's going to be easier in the future, regardless, since the rest of your family has iPhones. I understand that. My six siblings, my daughter, son-in-law, grandkids and most of my friends have iPhones, and it makes it easier. You can use FaceTime to call each other via audio or video when you're traveling without incurring any extra charges. It makes sense in many ways.

Thanks for all the great replies. I have a Google Pixel 6. Its about 5 years old and it works fine (most of the time). I was feeling pressure from my adult kids to "get on the Apple Train" and I also thought my photos during my trip would be nicer. But I didn't think my photos from my last Europe trip were bad at all until I saw how close the new iphones could zoom. That being said, I really should have thought about this earlier and made the switch 3 months ago and not 3 weeks. And I'm 7 weeks post surgery too so I have enough things to worry about lol. I will panic if I cannot easily locate something on my phone during my trip so I think I'm gonna wait until I get back. No need for any additional stress while I'm gone. Thanks for helping me on this.

Thanks for coming back to report on why you want to switch. Given your situation, it seems wise to wait until after your trip to update your phone. Your spouse can share any photos you deem "better" than yours :)

Not sure if you know that the Pixel 6 will no longer have software updates or tech support after October 2026, so even if you stay with Android you do need a newer model phone. Depending on your cell phone provider you may have some decent options that aren't the newest but still better than what you have.

Enjoy your trip!

Thanks - I have TMobile so their international plan works fine. And my husband and I have the same phone lol but my adult kids who are traveling with us have iphones so we will have their photos too. I'll switch when I get back - no question I need to dump these old Google Pixel 6 phones then and didn't know they were not going to be supported after October so thanks for that info.

Have fun on your trip, evanslaura! I'm sure it will be wonderful no matter what phone you have.

That said, you will love the new iPhones when you do make the switch. I just upgraded from an iPhone 14 to the iPhone 17 Pro before my recent trip to Iceland, Sweden, and Norway. The difference in photo quality is amazing, and now that I'm using IOS27, it's even better. I'm still learning some of the features, but it is so much more fun, and I get such better quality photos from the new phone.

I have always used Android phones, and I've always used Microsoft (now Windows) OS on my home and work computers with one brief work Mac experience 35 years ago. I, too, have been urged to migrate to Apple. Repeatedly.

I see no reason to migrate from a system I understand well to one that has always struck me as counterintuitive. (I'm aware that mine is the minority view.) My wife is purely Apple, and she has many occasions when her systems prevent her from doing simple stuff I can do easily. But I admit Airdrop is pretty cool.

I've had a total of five iPhones...since the 3s 😂 ...the current being a 14. And the only reason I have it is because my spouse insisted on upgrading from the XR rather than have the battery replaced, and the "deal" required us both updating. I will not be a party to such folly again. I use a serious camera, so for me a phone is just a phone. In your case I would keep running what you've got until it becomes un-runnable. And switching to a different UI just ahead of a holiday seems as frought with potential issues as a new unworn pair of hiking shoes.

A couple of my siblings and many of my friends have Android phones. We use WhatsApp as our text and video app for groups and individual texts, since it allows both iPhone and Android.
If you have not downloaded the app yet, might be a good option for communicating with your travel companions with iPhones. You can make calls and videos for free among each other if you have wifi. Talk to your children about downloading it as well.

My dad who is not good with technology had a hard time when he upgraded his iPhone and didn’t have the hard button at the front. It took him a solid month to figure it out. He is happy now.
Know you can always upgrade to a better/newer Android. Some take photos even better than iPhone!

I'm a died-in-the-wool Apple user, and travel with an iPhone and two iPads. But I would not want to do a major technology change right before an overseas trip. Travel with what you know and are familiar with. Sure, there are some very minor advantage in communicating Apple to Apple, but I have been able to do all my online communication—including with those on other platforms—just fine.