1 The Painful Grin
So, I use an iPhone. And an iPad. I'm not an Apple fangirl or anything and I don't get into the whole “my mobile device is better than your mobile device and you are stupid” fights (I get enough of that from my brother-in-law, who calls everyone who owns an iPhone stupid). I just like my phone because it does what I need it to do, it doesn't confuse me, and also it's pretty. I tell you all of that to tell you this: I had no idea emojis varied across different devices. I'm old and silly and sad. The differences, though? Oh, my god. They are something. In may of these, you'll see a comparison of Apple, Android (Google), and Samsung, while others include LG. Proceed at your own risk.
Samsung has always had a flair for the expressive, and this little guy just proves it once again. With furrowed brows that scream "Please, hug me!" he stands out in the emoji crowd. The iPhone might have its share of cute and emotional characters, but there's something about the way Samsung's emoji wears its heart on its sleeve that can turn any message into a sympathy note. It's the kind of face that makes you want to reach out and promise it that tomorrow will be a brighter day.
The Samsung version of the disappointed face emoji almost makes you want to console your phone. With its downturned eyes and the saddest little frown, it's just pure expression of a bummer of a day. On the iPhone, the disappointment feels a bit more subtle, but it's there—etched in the downcast eyes and the slight frown. It's like the difference between a quiet sigh and a melancholic gaze out of the window on a rainy day. Both convey the mood, but in their own distinct, emotionally evocative ways.
While Apple's iteration might give off a more defensive vibe, with its tightly crossed arms and a slight slant, Android nails it with a relaxed yet assertive stance. The Android version is perfect when you're standing your ground or showing firmness without aggression. It's like saying, "I hear you, but I'm not backing down," all with a simple tap. Plus, the softer lines and warmer colors somehow make it feel less confrontational. When it's time to hold the line in a text, Android's crossed arms are your go-to virtual gesture.
I feel like I've learned something today. I also think I will maybe stick with my iPhone. Furthermore, I think we can all agree that no matter what your phone or your platform, the middle finger emoji is the best thing that ever happened.