it really depends on how you use it. i had non-android phones before. (even openmoko). calling, sms, taking notes. those phones had less apps, but they worked. so the question of "how much harder" is really a question of "what apps to you need". today i am on android (/e/) because there are a few android apps that are absolutely essential for me now. but if i didn't need those specific apps, then any other system would be just fine.