[frankthetank966]

Gmail users,

Which email do you prefer using on your iPhone: Microsoft Exchange or Gmail? What are the advantages and disadvantages of using one email system vs. the other?

[ghporter]

I use Gmail. First, I don't have any accounts on an Exchange server, so it was an easy decision. Second, Gmail allows me to compartmentalize my mail, so my professional account (like "GlennPro @ gmail..") doesn't get memixed up with my hobby interests account (like "GlennRCPlane @..."), so my state regulatory board doesn't get accidental forwards about my latest competition, and my hobby acquaintances don't need to know about my work and licensure communications.

I like the fact that IMAP is essentially the default for Gmail accounts, so I can read this mail wherever I am and not worry about synchronizing anything. In contrast, an Exchange server needs to be configured to allow various types of access, and I don't think it comes out of the box set up for IMAP. Given the choice, I'd go POP3 over Exchange from either end of the connection. But then, I prefer things simple... On the other hand, I really, really wish I could find a way to make my AT&T mail go IMAP, since POP3 is definitely a major pain, especially compared to IMAP.

[andi*pandi]

Dunno why anyone who wasn't stuck with exchange for work purposes would choose it... that said, it works fine on my iphone, for reading email. There is a well documented bug with meetings that has made our IT department strongly discourage anyone from upgrading to IOS6, as it apparently messes with meeting acceptances and other scheduling problems.

I don't have gmail on my phone, just the ipad. That also works fine, but is annoying for it's lack of trash icon.

[shifuimam]

I use the Exchange option with Gmail on my iPhone, because it's running an ancient version of iOS (3.2 or something?) that doesn't support calendar or contacts syncing with Gmail unless you use Exchange.

If you have a newer iPhone that has an updated version of iOS, though, just use the native Gmail support.

[Cold Warrior]

Gmail's "push" support through iOS Mail is entirely exchange activesync -- and they are or have already discontinued it for gmail on new devices. If you already have it, it'll work. If you change your device, it won't work anymore. New gmail users also don't get it. All that leaves is imap for iOS Mail gmail, unless you're on their paid service.

I switched to outlook.com because it'll push email to my next iphone.

[besson3c]

If you don't need or care about the special features that Exchange provides, and you don't mind your data being mined, go with GMail.

[ibook_steve]

I actually wish I could use Exchange for my work email. I have to use Good! Which isn't "good" at all! And doesn't sync to anything other than my work Exchange.

Steve

[shifuimam]

Originally Posted by Cold Warrior 

Gmail's "push" support through iOS Mail is entirely exchange activesync -- and they are or have already discontinued it for gmail on new devices. If you already have it, it'll work. If you change your device, it won't work anymore. New gmail users also don't get it. All that leaves is imap for iOS Mail gmail, unless you're on their paid service.

I switched to outlook.com because it'll push email to my next iphone.

I did not know that.

Looks like Exchange support for normal Gmail accounts is going away, too. I'm apparently way behind the times.

For the OP - I did find some useful information on getting calendar and contacts sync working in iOS, though:

https://support.google.com/mail/answer/3008051