fishyrawr1

Those are actually really appealing qualities. Props for explaining them really well too. +rep There have to be downsides though?

As for the downsides, these are the most common:

• Too many devices. Basically, since there are a lot of vendors and specs for Android phones, phones can range from low-high end phones. Samsung alone has at least 10 Android devices with differing specs.  With Apple, the only diversity there is: "Do you have an iPhone 5?" "No, just a 4S."
• A device can get "old" fast. Google's pretty quick with releasing new Android versions. If you really want to have the latest version: your device must support it, and the vendor must support/develop it too. High-end phones usually get these first, while mid and low-end phones have a 50/50 chance of them getting the latest version of Android. Again, diversity. However, third-party developers try their best to port and improve Android versions (ROMs) for both new and old devices. 
• As far as the non-market application installs go, there may be harmful programs too, but these shouldn't be a problem if the user takes enough care with what he/she installs. 

That's all I can think of for now.

Can you elaborate a little more? I've never used a galaxy, but if there was enough of a reason I might consider switching.

Here are some of the personal reasons why I stick to Samsung (or Android phones in general):

• Price. You can usually get more for less compared to an iPhone. I always tell my friends this: "why buy an expensive iPhone when you can get something else with more power at a lesser price? You're only paying for the Apple logo at the back"
• Customizability. Android's UI can get minor to major changes depending on the vendor, which usually works out well. In terms of apps, you can also choose to use other apps instead of the stock apps that come with your phone, you're not limited to just using the messaging app that came with your phone. 
• Lesser constraints. I can develop and run my own apps without much fuss. Also, you are not limited to only downloading apps that are in the native store. You just need the package file, tick an option that enables non-market downloaded apps, open it on your phone and you're good to go. It's not that straightforward on an Apple.
• Some phones are more abuse and/or klutz-tolerant (right term? IDK lol). I've dropped my Galaxy down stairs and on concrete a lot of times yet the only thing I've had to deal with are deep scratches and dents here and there. My friend's iPhone broke when he dropped it on concrete at waist height on our way to Volleyball practice.
• Getting more done in less time. Until very recently, Apple didn't have access to shortcuts like quick toggles to Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or music commands. Android has had that for a very long time. In Android, there are also a number home screen widgets you can use. You can also put in shortcuts to apps here for easy access.