iPhone 5c or Moto X: Which should I choose?

Recently, Verizon gave me to opportunity to "upgrade" to an iPhone 5c. I already have my Moto X ((Which I love to death)), but lately I have been thinking a lot about going back to iOS ((I want all Apple everything)). Today's question is:

Should I choose the iPhone 5c or Moto X?

Let's Get Started!

I have always been a fan of both Android and Apple. After my Blackberry days, I switched to the Motorola Devour ((a cute little slider phone that was crap)). It was my first Android device and the start of all of my troubles. I ended up having it replaced five or six times. Verizon eventually gave me a Droid 2. I had always wanted an iPhone, but at that time they were AT&T exclusive. A couple of months after having the Droid 2, the iPhone 4 was released on Verizon. I preordered it that same night. All of my problems were solved.

Now I have to admit that Android has come a long way since then. I currently have a Moto X running stock ((or at least as close to stock)) Kit Kat 4.4.2, which is the latest version of Android. I recommend the Moto X to most people that I come in contact with. The problem is that I would also recommend an iPhone. See my dilemma?

Let Me Explain

The reason why I recommend one or the other is because they are both really great phones. It really just depends on the need of the person. Some questions I ask are:

  • Have you ever used a smartphone?
    If the answer is no, then iPhone 5c is the way to go.
  • How important is customization?
    If the answer is anything other than not important at all, choose the Moto X.
  • How important is having a wonderful selection of apps? What type of apps interest you?
    If your answer is very important, and you like photography apps or writing apps, choose iPhone.
  • Do you rely on the Google ecosystem?
    Both phones do well with Google Apps, but Google powers Android, so choose the Moto X.

Bottom line: Both phones are great depending on your preferences. What about someone like me, though? I've owned over ten different smartphones. I love having the ability to customize ((From changing fonts and icons to jailbreaking/rooting)). Apps, all apps, are important to me. I love both phones! The only thing I can do at this point is weigh the pros versus the cons.

iPhone 5c

The Pros

It's ridiculously easy! I love how simple it is to use the iPhone 5c. It's pretty much a plug and play device ((Turn it on > Set it up > Download Apps > BOOM!)). The entire iPhone series has some of the best cameras on the market, which is great because I use my camera a lot. When it comes to apps, I love that I can find all of my favorites and then some. The fact that most developers prefer to create apps for iOS versus Android is a huge plus for me. Google apps on iOS also function and look better than most of their Android counterparts. Also, Siri can order my movie tickets... And she always gets me VIP seating! Verizon offered me a 32gb iPhone 5c for free.

The Cons

It's a little small for my tastes, mostly because I'm used to the larger form factors of Android devices. You can't use data while on a phone call, unless you are on WiFi. There isn't a way to customize the phone without jailbreaking. CocoPPa does not count... AT ALL! I had to use iEmpty to create blank icons so that I could put my apps where I wanted them.

This iPhone 5c is running 7.1, which can't be jailbroken. My chances of customizing this one? Slim to none.

Moto X

The Pros

The Moto X is the perfect size. It has a 4.7" screen, but the curved back makes it feel like you're holding an iPhone 5c with a case. Battery life is amazing sometimes ((I'm talking 59% left after 15 hours of moderate usage)). It supports using 4G data while on a call. I can customize pretty much anything I want on this phone (see Cons).

I love the Motorola exclusive features like Active Display, Assist, and Touchless Controls.
Active Display is a lockscreen replacement that pulses on and off when you pick up the phone or a new notification comes in. It only lights up the parts of the screen in use, which saves battery life.
Assist has three modes: Driving, Meeting, and Sleeping. Driving mode turns on when you're on the move and reads all of your messages to you...tells you who's calling, and allows you to respond or answer without picking up the phone. Meeting puts your phone on silent during events entered into your calendar. You can now choose the calendar you want to use. Sleeping silences your phone during times you specify, only allowing the phone to ring if it's one of your favorites or if they call more than one time ((Like iOS Do Not Disturb)).
Touchless Controls is my most used feature. The Moto X has a processor that is always running, just waiting to recognize your voice. It's a low power system that is beyond amazing. It actually works from across the room. All I have to do is say "Okay, Google Now" and it turns on. No hands necessary! It works for making calls, opening apps, searching Google, sending texts, and pretty much anything else.

The Moto X uses Google Keyboard, which also has super cute emoji! I'm a sucker for cute things! I also love that I can swipe to type. It's much easier for me than having to tap each key.

The Cons

The camera. The camera is 10mp, but it's not all that great. It really is a hit or a miss. For every ten pictures that I take, I get maybe three good ones. As I said before, I take a lot of photos, and this was a huge issue that pushed me toward the iPhone 5c. Battery life is also a hit or miss. Some days I can get 15 hours or more. Some days it is dead after 9 hours. It only has 16gb of storage with no option to expand. There isn't a way to customize the font without rooting. The bootloader is locked on AT&T and Verizon editions and this phone can no longer be rooted.

Conclusion

We finally made it! I wanted the iPhone 5c because of the apps that I was missing out on and the camera. Verizon offering it to me at no cost was the turning point, especially since it is a 32gb. I wanted the extra space, but it wasn't really a necessity. I like not having to uninstall things to create more space. The features of the Moto X is what makes this decision a hard one. I find myself asking if I could live without these features...

After reading this post, which would you choose?

Hump Day Faves: Cal

This week, I want to start something new. I'm trying to get more into blogging here and I need a few things to keep me going.

I'm participating in the SITS Spring Fling blog challenge this week. I also want to start doing what I call "Hump Day Faves".

What is Hump Day Faves?

Hump Day Faves is going to be a series that highlights my favorite mobile apps. I'll be updating the blog every Wednesday with an app for Android or iPhone.

Today's App

This one was hard since Instagram decided to update their app today ((I love the new design of the Android version, by the way!)). This week, I chose Cal by Any.do.

Cal is probably the prettiest calendar app that I have ever laid eyes on. I started using it when it was in beta and I fell in love. It syncs beautifully with Google Calendar and Facebook. I love that I can connect it with Any.do to show my tasks as well. They recently added a feature called HeadsUp that is great for managing meetings. It's designed to keep you on track from preparing for your meeting to wrapping it up!

Cal makes me want to add things to my calendar ((Really, it does!))! I'm a sucker for a pretty app. I can't help it! LOL!

Have you tried Cal? If not, what is your go to Calendar app on your mobile device?

This Week On Instagram (March 2-8)


I've decided to start something new ((to me, at least)) by doing a "Week In Instagram Photos" post. Starting with last week, March 2-8.
From top left to bottom right:

  • We started a No Spend challenge. That means only bills, gas, and grocery shopping ((once a week)).
  • We had tickets for the zoo, so we packed up some snacks and the camera for a day of fun. The weather was amazing.
  • We gave up eating out for lent ((Like it's not already a big NO during our No Spend challenge.))! It's a great time to start eating healthy. We both tried asparagus for the first time. Yes, we loved it!
  • I never received my decal for the Jeep, so I had to drive up to the DMV. Fancy, isn't it?
  • I just had to make my own Duck Tape Table! I want to sit at it all the time... ((Can't you tell? I'm actually blogging!))

What did you do last week? What plans do you have for the upcoming week?

Peanut Butter Cup Smoothies

I recently fell in love with Tropical Smoothie's Peanut Butter Cup smoothie. At $4.99 for one, it becomes quite expensive ((especially since I was getting one every day)).

Well, enter Google. I began searching for days trying to find the perfect recipe to replicate this smoothie. I ended up at PB Fingers. She had posted a recipe way back in 2011. After trying her recipe, I decided that this was the closest that I was going to get. I spent weeks altering the recipe and I think that I've finally got it!

Peanut Butter Cup Smoothie

Toss into a blender:

  • 4 ounces of water
  • 2 tsps Sugar In The Raw
  • 6 ice cubes
  • 1 tbsp Ghirardelli Premium Baking Cocoa ((I used Sweet Ground))
  • 1 banana (frozen or fresh)
  • 1 scoop vanilla protein powder

The tip about the water came from the nice lady at the cafe. I was using milk before but the texture wasn't coming out right. Now I get to enjoy my Peanut Butter Cup smoothies without the expensive price tag ((Just in time for our No Spend Challenge)).

DIY Duck Tape Table

A couple of weeks ago, I was browsing Instagram and saw a link to Sophistishe's Duck Tape Table tutorial. I knew then that I had to try it. I purchased the tape at Dollar General and got to work. I must admit that this was a quick and easy task!! It took about 30 minutes (maybe less) and I wanted to duck tape everything when I was done.

I also ended up rearranging the furniture in our living room. Ivy started walking a little over a week ago and the set up that I had was not enough space for her to room. She was bumping her head on the coffee table, banging on the sliding door, and pulling cords.

Having the furniture this way is a lot more secure. All of the plugs and surge protectors are hidden now. The kids also have a lot more room to play on the floor. The design before had the loveseat on the opposite side of the sofa..acting more as a divider. This is the third time that I've rearranged furniture this month and I think it's a winner.