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13 signs you’re addicted to Android (and Google)

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addict

If you’re reading this you probably consider yourself a pretty big Android fan. You use a lot of Android devices, keep up with all the latest news, download the latest apps, and scoff at the idea of using an iPhone. But how far does your devotion go? Are you simply an Android fan or much more? If these 12 signs sound familiar you might be addicted to Android and Google.

You buy every new Nexus device

nexus 6 nexus 5 3

Every Android fan wants to be on the most recent version of Android. One of the most common questions we get is “when will my phone be updated to Android X.X!” Most of us simply wait until we get the OTA update, but an Android addict can’t wait that long.

Big Android releases often come with a new Nexus device. That means the fastest way to get the latest version of Android is to buy a Nexus every year. Is this the most affordable way to get the latest version of Android? No, but if you’re addicted to Android it’s totally worth it.

You think Android apps that look like iOS are the devil

iphone-6-plus

Android apps come in a wide variety of designs. Some adopt Google’s recommended design language while others choose to use their own unique design. These are all fine, but if you’re a true Android addict there is one type of app you hate: iOS clones.

Some developers design their app for iOS and then port it over to Android. Other developers just simply use a design that is reminiscent of iOS. Whatever the reason may be, if you’re addicted to Android you don’t like anything that resembles iOS. You will actually refuse to use a great app because it doesn’t use Google’s design language.

You harshly critique the apps your friends use

Google-Apps

“Why are you using that app? Have you heard of [blank]? It’s way better!”

Sound familiar? Not everyone knows (or cares) about the latest trendy new app, but Android addicts do, and they will tell you all about it. If you find yourself constantly disgusted by the apps your friends choose to use you are probably addicted to Android.

You smile every time “Okay Google” beats Siri to the punch

google-now-moto

People with iPhones love to show off Siri. They’ll ask her to tell a joke and…that’s pretty much it. That’s where you come in. An Android phone with Google Now can wipe the floor with Siri. Nothing feels better than showing off how silly Siri is compared to the power of your Android device. Just look at all these voice commands you can do!

If you’re an Android addict you feel it is your civic duty to show how much better Android is than an iPhone. It doesn’t matter if they asked for your opinion or not.

It’s been 4 years and you’re still defending Google+

GooglePlus-banner

A real Android addict is also addicted to everything from Google. The only way to truly show that you love Android is to be all in with Google as well. That includes Chrome, Gmail, Google+, Google Drive, etc. So when a great app or service from someone not named Google comes around you might feel a little guilty.

Sunrise is a truly amazing calendar app, but it’s owned by Microsoft now. Dropbox is a really nice cloud storage service, but it’s not Google Drive. All your friends use Facebook Messenger, but it’s not Google Hangouts. Twitter is really fun, but your Android buddies use Google+. If any of this is making you feel a little uneasy you are definitely an Android addict.

Your Google Play device list is out of control

google play devices

Every time you activate a new Android device and access the Google Play Store it is recorded in your account. Google knows how many Android devices you’ve used. This information can be found in the settings of Google Play on the web. Most of the Android devices you’ve owned should show up in this list (at least to 2012).

If you’re addicted to Android you should have quite the lengthy list of devices on this page. Consider this page your badge of Android honor. A time capsule of how long you’ve been an Android user. A real Android addict would have this page framed, but we’ll leave that up to you.

You’re constantly tweaking your icons, launcher, keyboard, and more

Neonex icon pack

One of the best things about Android is the endless customization options at your disposal. Not every Android user takes advantage of these options, but you can guarantee an Android Addict does. First you’ll start with changing the wallpaper and downloading a 3rd-party keyboard. Next you dabble with 3rd-party launchers and icon packs. Before you know it you’re using Xposed and flashing custom ROMs.

Android is beautiful because all the devices and software don’t look the same. What one person likes is drastically different from what another person likes. An Android addict is constantly showcasing this with different icon packs, wallpapers, launchers, and ROMs. If you change your Android skin more than your socks you are addicted to Android.

Your favorite time of year is Google I/O

Android Auto title featured

Everyone has a favorite time of the year. Some of us really like Christmas, others prefer Halloween, or perhaps their own birthday. An Android addict has a very different favorite time of year: Google I/O.

Google I/O is a huge developer conference where a lot of big announcements are usually made. At Google I/O 2014 we got a close look at Android 5.0 Lollipop, Android TV, Android Auto, and much more. If you’re addicted to Android you’re either in attendance or glued to your computer screen during the entire conference.

You own an Android phone, tablet, watch, TV, and plan to own an Android car

Moto 360 DSC06955

Owning an Android phone is nice, but if you’re addicted to Android you own much more than that. Android is on a wide variety of devices and form factors these days. You can get Android phones, tablets, watches, TVs, glasses, and even cars.

The more of these devices you own the more addicted you are to Android. A normal person has a phone and maybe a tablet. If you have Android on your wrist, TV, and in front of your eyeball you’re on another level.

You have an infinite supply of chargers from your vast history of Android device ownership

Lollipop charging

If you’ve been using Android devices for a while you probably have an unlimited supply of mico-USB charging cables. The vast majority of Android devices for the last several years use micro-USB cables for charging. They can pile up quickly.

I literally have a bucket full of charging cables. If you’re addicted to Android you most likely have a similar situation on your hands. The good news is these cables come in handy. You can keep them in travel bags, in your car, and make sure to have one in every room. A charge is never far away if you’re addicted to Android.

There is an Android figurine or poster in your house

2015-02-17

If you’re really addicted to Android you can’t stop at just owning Android devices. You need to own as many Android products as possible. That means t-shirts, mugs, posters, plush toys, figurines, and even dog bowls. I mean, does anything say “I’m a huge Android fan” more than an Android-branded dog bowl? The more Android items you own the more addicted you are.

You use “developer previews” and you’re not a developer

Android L Developer Preview DSC06020

With Android “L” (later known as 5.0 Lollipop) Google released an early look at the software for developers. The idea behind this was so devs could get a feel for the OS and build support into their apps. Of course, a lot of non-developers used this as an opportunity to get a sneak peek at the next version of Android.

The software was buggy, and it wiped your device completely to use it. Still, many dedicated Android fans went through the process just to get a taste of Material Design. You have to be really addicted to Android to go through this process just be one of the first to use the next Android version.

You read Phandroid and follow us on every social network

Top Phan

The fact that you are reading this very list on this very site may be proof enough that you are addicted to Android. Phandroid exists because of passionate fans of all things Android and Google. If you read Phandroid every day you’re already a big Android fan, but many of you take it to the next level.

Not only do you read articles here on the site, but you’re following us on Google+, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and Tumblr. You have the Phandroid Android app and Chrome extension. On top of that you’re a member of Android Forums, and you have the app to go along with it. Even then you can’t get enough, so you listen to the Mobile Roar Podcast every week. Not only are you addicted to Android, but you’re addicted to Phandroid.

Are you addicted to Android? How do you know?

Joe Fedewa
Ever since I flipped open my first phone I've been obsessed with the devices. I've dabbled in other platforms, but Android is where I feel most at home.

Android Wallpaper: HTC One M9

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77 Comments

  1. Haha, I do ALL of these things.

  2. Addicted

  3. I don’t do #5. No one does #5.

    The rest, yeah. All true!

  4. No to most of these personally. Only one partly true for me is that I own a Note 3 and a Kindle Fire HDX 8.9″ (2013) that has been rooted and running the play store. and I am looking at getting an Android TV box maybe the Razer Forge TV or if NVIDIA puts out a shield tv with the x1 chip. I am unable to drive so no android car for me.

  5. Hi, my name is Kevin and I’m addicted to Android. It’s been 0 seconds since my last use!

  6. I’ve been on a icon customization bender for a week now…. Someone please help!

  7. yeah and on the okay google picture the phone is on a macbook. so you are not a true fan

  8. Since I’m on Verizon, I don’t buy every Nexus, but I do buy almost every flagship. It’s an addiction I can’t control

  9. From this list, the only one I do is read Phandroid, so I guess I’m not addicted enough. :P

  10. Excluding the comment about Google+ – Pretty spot on, I have a problem.

  11. I’m going to share this on Facebook so people will realize I don’t qualify as a fanboy.

    Definitely prefer Android since my entire job revolves around iOS and I find Android to be more logical and a better fit for my needs, but no, most of these don’t apply. I’m on Verizon. My first and last Nexus phone will be the Galaxy Nexus. After watching non-Nexus devices get Lollipop before my Nexus 7 2013, I realized it was silly to keep chasing the brass ring. Bought an LG G3 and don’t regret it.

    Both the phone and tablet are still on Kitkat and I haven’t been mashing the check for updates button so eh, it works as I need it to.

  12. I read phandroid everyday……and line love customizing my device

  13. Guilty on 5 of 13 charges,pardoned for stimulating the economy/job creation.

  14. What about rooting the phone right after leaving the store?

    1. Not a true Android fan unless your devices are rooted.

    2. Sometimes, I’ll quietly whisper to the phone on the way home: “Yeah… imma root yo brains out soon as we get home.. Yeah.. we’re gonna take off all that nasty bloat you got… then you’re getting some xposed inside you… What’s that? You don’t wanna show your goodies to just anyone? You want Xprivacy? Awwww yeah….”

      Anyone wanna film 50 Shades Of Android?

      http://i.imgur.com/gjVKEUH.gif

  15. Guilty of many of these things…

  16. Google+ is way better than Fakebook. Y’all just don’t know……. I’m so addicted to Google it’s possibly worrying.

    1. It is completely different.

      1. Yes, most people know Facebook exists. Big difference.

        1. That is the point.
          Using G+ is not about staying in touch with auntie Roberta and Sam Somerandomguy from your elementary school. It is best used to build your circles with companies, media, politics and people who share your interests to get interesting newsfeeds and engage in discussions you care about.
          IDGAF is Nick Knewthisguyonce is married now or what he ate when and with whom.

          So it is completely irrelevant if the average Joe Shmoe knows what facebook is but does not know G+, for Joe shmoe is not interesting anyway.

        2. That’s the point. If you care about what Joe Shmoe had for breakfast or want to stay in contact with auntie Roberta and Sam Someguy from your elementary school and get updates on what they eat and how they mourn the death of Paul Walker, Facebook is for you.

          If you want to build your circles with interesting people who are passionate about the same things you are, google+ has a lot to offer.

  17. Are you kidding?? Android tablets are worse than crack!! Majorly hooked.. every device rooted and rom’ed. I go crazy with icons and wallpapers.

  18. Thanks, didn’t think I had the addiction till you pointed it out. Lol

  19. use to do a majority of all that. Now-a-days, I’ve given up on Google+, have always found something I didn’t like about a Nexus (excluding the Nexus one, wish I could have afforded one at the time), can’t be bothered with theme-ing anymore (too much of a bother) and I’ve never harshly critiqued others apps choices (would just suggest a better app if available).

    1. Ure lying to ureselff u idiot **

  20. As long as you consider Moto X phones Nexus phones then yes this is true about me too. I even have one of those stress reliever figurines in my apartment on my dresser honestly lol.

  21. Guilty! Lol

    1. Yup, you’re also addicted. Welcome to Android Anonymous, hello William

      1. Right!? No clues lead to the icon pack, yet they’re able to find it.

  22. -What about owning accessories prior to owning the device?
    -Knowing the root methods and files to do so before the phone is in hand?
    -Downloading the official APKs for Google apps updates before you get it on your device

  23. I’m so addicted to Android that my wife says that I might as well crazy glue my phone to my hand. Only if she knew….I would if I could.

    1. That’s just sad.

      1. it is more like pathetic

        1. Agreed.

          1. Where’s your pom poms cheerleader?

        2. Like your worthless life

        3. So are you.

      2. G.O.M.D

        1. rekt.

          1. Yup. Rekt your mom. She’s an old ass hoodrat.

          2. >Being this autistic.

  24. I only qualify for 2 of those. Wow, I thought I was into Android. Guess not. But looking at that list, it makes me feel better about not claiming more.

  25. ANDROID FTW!!!

  26. Well, with the exception of the Android figurine…. I’ve got mad issues. I might try a Windows phone while I’m on vacation this year just to see how the other half lives. For science.

    1. The other half lives on iOS, not WP.

  27. People defend Google+??

    1. No need to defend it. But i use it much more than any other social network… except for reddit. Google+ is what you make of it.

      1. It’s the best damn social network on the planet for me and millions of others ;)

  28. I like Android. Just not Google Play Service API’s devs lazily depend on OR the fact that Google has their hands in far too many cookie jars for my comfort level while giving away all their services for free. Nothing is free. So Amazon Fire Phone/Kindle and Fire TV FTW! Cause I’d rather be sold things, than be the actual product being sold. There’s a difference. And then someday CyanogenMod minus Google.

  29. 6 out of the 13 for me.

  30. 11 out of 13 for me. I’m pretty proud of that. ☺

  31. Real Addicts are the custom rom Devs like me =)

  32. it means u r a sheap, not just addicted. It is a fuckin PHONE!!!!

    1. Only sheep is you let me guess ur windows phone broke trying to keep up with all google things you can never enjoy

    2. Why are you on PHANDROID?

      1. because of you, zombie sheep :D

    3. Android is an OS. Google is a software company. Or did you not notice the “Or Google” in the title? Meh… It’s all good.

  33. Love google plus keeps me updated with relevant news instead of who got herpes this week in fb… Plus 12/13

    1. So much this!
      Everyone who compares Google+ to Facebook directly and says it was a ghost town, simply does not understand this platform. I use Google+ in a completely different way then I use Facebook. I spend 5 minutes on Facebook per day, but approx. an hour per day on G+. G+ is what you make of it.

  34. I may be addicted but I am having fun and not hurting anyone. And I still can’t wait for a Google car…

  35. My name is Lee and I am an Android addict.

    1. Hi Lee!

  36. People were created to be loved. Things were created to be used. The reason why the world is in chaos is because things are being loved and people are being used.

  37. I’m most definitely addicted to Android, but there’s no way I’d buy all of the Nexus devices. #boring

    1. I’ve only bought nexus phones since the Nexus One… No Regrets !

      1. I’ve only been on Nexus phones since the 5, but am having a hard time wanting to go back. The one that pushed me over the edge was the Samsung S4. I was so hyped to get that phone and then only a few months later I couldn’t stand the settings pages, the notification shade with their quick toggles, the over use and bloat of the apps, and the biggest kicker Knox. Put CM11 on it for a few months and then bought the Nexus 5 when it came out. Best decision I could have made. Now it only has the features I want on it and it isn’t locked down.

  38. OMG!! I do be critiquing my friends’ apps. And the own every device one made me laugh. Just because I have a M8, Moto 360, Chromecast, Nexus 7 (2013) and plan on getting Android Auto doesn’t make me an addict.

    And I’m mad I got an Android bumper sticker. Oh? And pay no mind to my desktop. Oh, and ignore the icon I used for My Computer, ignore the Bluestacks Android emulator, and the Rootkits I have. Nope, not addicted!!

  39. I’m no Google fan boy but Android is great because the stuff “just works” as I-sheep love to say about their drug.

  40. Time for an update of this article? Would be nice!

    https://phandroid.com/2014/05/29/google-now-voice-commands/

  41. Except for two or three things, I’m described by the article almost 100% – but not for Android, Windows Phone! Oops…

  42. Except for two or three things, I’m described by the article almost 100% – but not for Android, Windows! Oops…

  43. I real Android addict wouldn’t leave their Androids as “Unnamed Device”…

  44. Mindless drivel…

  45. almost, I skipped the Nexus 5, but I wanted it badly.

    more of an anoyance than pure evil.
    no, but I tend to have suggestions for a good app if asked.
    every time!
    I <3 G+!
    a little cluttered.
    I tend to stay stock Nexus these days.
    definitelt in my top 5 times of the year.
    phone-check, tablet-check(broken), watch-check, TV-check and Android Auto, yes please!
    I do have more chargers than one might need.
    yes and at work.
    I had a N4 at the time but I would've ran the preview.
    I think I follow you everywhere that I am.

  46. This is me, minus the watches and figurines.

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