3Gs & iOS 5

[Glideslope]

Looking for some input.

My wife's VZ contract is up on 7-19-11. She would like to purchase the $49 3Gs from at&t and add it to our at&t family plan. This is in my name and currently has two 4's and another 3Gs that will be replaced by whatever, if anything in Aug/Sept.

My concern is how the 3Gs will handle iOS 5, and what would her user experience be like? I have a hard time swallowing Apples claims of compatibility with code optimized for the A Series Chips starting in 5. She is not interested in streaming, and the phone would be on a Wi-Fi Network 60% of the time. She will most likely be using apps that involve lists, scheduling, contacts, reminders, and meal planning for herself. No GPS, tracking, or games.

She could care less about waiting for what ever is coming. I think she should simply purchase a 4 next week. It will handle iOS 5 better IMO, and none of us really care about LTE.

What would you suggest to her?

TIA.

 

[Beezy]

I think 5 is for 4 and up. I don't think I would recommend 3gs unless you get it for free. Of course you can just run the old OS forever if you want.

 

[Apple...]

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I think 5 is for 4 and up. I don't think I would recommend 3gs unless you get it for free. Of course you can just run the old OS forever if you want.

True.

I recommend getting the iP4. It will last longer, has better specs and will run iOS 5 more smoothly.

 

[blevins321]

iOS 5 is for 3GS, 4, and 5/4S in Fall. How long they'll keep updates going for it is another question, like how 3G doesn't support 4.3 and onwards.

 

[MythicFrost]

I've been running iOS 5 on my 3GS for a while and whilst it works reasonably well I'd say get the iPhone 4 as it'll offer a smoother experience.

 

[The Game 161]

Get the iphone 4

it will run ios 5 well and you still get all the things you need. ios 5 will work on 3gs but who knows how well.

 

[Glideslope]

TKS.

 

[L I G H T I N G]

iPhone 4 for the retina display

 

[wordoflife]

The 3GS runs iOS 5 fine, but you'll really notice a difference when you compare it to an iPhone 4 or 5. It's not as bad as the 3G with 4.x, but I wouldn't expect many future software updates.

All in all, for $50, it is good for what it is.
Though it's longevity (in terms of software) shouldn't be compared to phones that are newer and 4-6x more expensive. It's more or less like your average Android smartphone (let say - HTC Inspire for $0-70 depending on where you buy it) that only receives one, if any, updates.

 

[Glideslope]

The 3GS runs iOS 5 fine, but you'll really notice a difference when you compare it to an iPhone 4 or 5. It's not as bad as the 3G with 4.x, but I wouldn't expect many future software updates.

All in all, for $50, it is good for what it is.
Though it's longevity (in terms of software) shouldn't be compared to phones that are newer and 4-6x more expensive. It's more or less like your average Android smartphone (let say - HTC Inspire for $0-70 depending on where you buy it) that only receives one, if any, updates.

TKS. This really was my issue. What if there is something in early 2012 for the 4 that she really would want?

I think we will spring for a White at&t 4 on Tuesday. That way she will have room to grow if she wants to.

Thanks to all for the helpful comments.

 

[Futhark]

i've iOS 5 running on my wife's 3GS which runs pretty well IMO but when you see it running beside my iPhone 4 you would definately want to go for a 4

 

[Nicolas4ever]

the 3Gs Won't have many updates .I mean the 3G stooped in iOS 4.2.1 maybe the 3gs will stop in 5.2.1 .who knows