Tis an Android Life for Me

Are you pro-Apple or a fan of Android? Or, to put it mildly, do you root for the other platforms not part of the hierarchical duopoly in the smartphone leaderboard? Lol...just kidding.

On a serious note, though, many already concede the fact of my bias for all things Android. But, it's a matter of perspective.

I've fought Apple fans for longer than I can fathom but have come to a point where I lay bare my preference for Android with the reasons why and allow whomever wants to embrace it do so, or find their fulfillment in the warmth of other platforms.

What this implies is my love for the Android platform isn't blind or harebrained. It's based on the privileges offered by said platform and factors such as the availability of a wide array of options, customisability, and breakneck innovation. When Apple offers these (not to belittle the revolution Apple Bergson in smartphone tech), it may get a lot more of my attention. But until then, and with Android blazing a trail with the "tear rubber" version 5 of their sweetness "Lollipop" (which several tech bloggers have reluctantly agreed brings Android into the hitherto stronghold of Apple - aesthetically awesome User Experience), it may never get that attention.

It's alright to see this view as "Selective Objectivity", no qualms. It's one perspective and it's appreciated. I'd go with "Informed Choice", but that also will be a perspective. Mine, this time around.

Tecno, yes? No!

Tecno, yes? No!

I saw the Tecno Z not too long ago in one of the alpha phone dealerships of computer village, SLOT. I was immediately impressed by two things at first glance: the design and specs on one hand and the price on the other. Boasting flagship specs for half of what other OEMs ask for their own flagship devices was something that stood in its favour. And it got plenty attention for that alone. (OEMs - Original Equipment Manufacturers eg Samsung, HTC, Sony, LG, Motorola, etc)

Apart from less serious manufacturers (I'm looking at y'all Gionee, Infinix, Be, iTel, Innjoo, etc) you can't find an alternative to Tecno at that price range (50k +) and the Phantom Z shows that the company has matured in the period it's been known to make Android devices. Tecno's been able to put their experience from the early Phantoms (A and A+) to good use in getting a lot of things right in the Z. I don't know why they copied the iPhone with that button in the middle of the phone just under the screen but *insert a tea-drinking Kermit here*

Now, to the fun part, the one reason I don't buy Tecno personally. They have no plans to update devices to newer versions of Android. Lollipop has just been released (Android v5.0) and no existing Tecno device will get it, no matter how cheap or expensive. But more recent flagships of other OEMs will be updated in due time, with Nexus devices (like the 2½-year-old Nexus 4 which I use) being one of the very first devices to see the upgrade.

Tecno will have to wait for new hardware to be available before crafting Lollipop into these newer devices which will then be made available for purchase in either late first quarter of 2015 or even the second quarter.

Meaning those who get brand new Tecno phones this year or early next year will be stuck with that older Android version for life. For someone like me, who likes being on the cutting edge of tech, that's not such a tidy deal. You know?