3GS was a huge hardware bump, but its design was still the same. This was okay since most other phones still had bad designs, and the 3G was atrociously slow (exact same hardware as original with the exception of the 3G radio).
Notably, until the iPhone 4S, Apple kept adding new features that the competitors didn't have. For example:
3GS added the compass, which allowed for better map viewing and augmented reality. Also added autofocus to the camera which, which really improved pictures. Also added voice commands, though that should have been there from day one.
iPhone 4 got the retina display, which would have sold plenty units by itself. But they contined to add a gyroscope, HD video, flash, and a front camera for FaceTime. At the time, I thought this set the bar for apple upgrades. They would have stayed ahead if they kept innovating at that pace.
iPhone 4S... No real features except Siri, but at least it had that. iPhone 5 has no exclusive features unless you count an extra row of icons as a feature. Every software function on the 5 also is available on the 4S -- which is pretty indicative of how lackluster the hardware update it really was.
It's getting stale. iPhone 4 was a huge upgrade; even if the iPhone 5 was the immediate successor, it'd still be more lackluster than the 4 was. Now with the 5S all indications are that Apple will simply make a faster 5. No new features like NFC... Maybe a fingerprint scanner, though that seems doubtful to me. Apple is stale now.
Samsung may have essentially released a galaxy S3s, but it's still so far ahead of the iPhone. I've decided that I'm going to wait to see what Apple does. Unless they really surprise me, I'm going android.
I can say I'm on the same page as you, with the exception of the last statement. I don't like Apple (I'm only on the 3GS still) as most do, I'm no fan-boy. I do REALLY enjoy iOS though, but moreover I REALLY REALLY love jailbreak. But I do know from experience the differences between Samsung, HTC, and Apple products. I personally have used a galaxy s3 (for about a week), an HTC from a bit later than my 3GS was released, an iPhone 4, 4s and 5, and 3GS. I use my phone for pretty simple things; Email, Surfing a few websites, sometimes d/l a torrent remotely, watching Netflix, Text Messaging, Phone Calls, some App Games, Maps, Twitter, Facebook (rarely), Cydia, Pandora. I set somethings on my phone for travel as well. I Use androidlock xt. I can admit that Google has done some cool things with the Android OS, and I wouldn't have fallen as in love with my iPhone if it wasnt for jailbreaking. but originally I never really knew about JB when i got my phone the Xmas before last. and as far as these features, I consider myself pretty geeky, but i like to live life, Participate in the REAL world more than the digital. I like to Torrent, go on my forums maybe 1 time per day, leave a few posts, read a few articles on New Technology or JB tweaks.
My point after all of that ^^^ is that i don't give a FLYING eff about have of the newest "NEW" features. Like i said I AM WITH YOU on what you said about all these hardware upgrades from the 3G-4 - beyond that I don't live in Star Trek Fantasy land like the 10% of users who want these futuristic features, i don't even know what NFC is for? for transferring files?? yeah having a fingerprint thing would be cool, but again im not so worried about "protection." Yes the possibilities of having our phones stolen exist, but if that happens... I guess i deserved to have it stolen if i forgot where i put it, or left it in a vulnerable spot. I just don't get it. Maybe I'm weird, or i am a black-sheep in this new evolving tech community. And i have a degree in Graphic Design and Advertising. I love Computer Technology, but i guess the Desktop Reality is 100% different than the Mobile Reality in terms of what is considered important..
I like apple for 2 reasons with the phones, Vertical Integration and Build Quality/Materials. No other company compares. I have held the S3, and I'm pretty certain the S4 is about the same. Its good, but apple is better. Replacing the battery is easier, but the avg Lit Ion battery will last 2 years. I will either try to replace the internal one via a Service that fixes iPhone's(a reputable company) or just have to buy a new one. Some say iOS is outdated, and it is a bit. But these simple things just wont make me stray from the 2 reasons i gave for liking them. IF Samsung was able to do these 2 SIMPLE things as well, then HELL YEAH I WOULD SWITCH. but they aren't yet. So Ill stick with the 2 most important factors from a phone or system I like.
I also have an iPad 4 and love it for what it is, and love using for Tablet activities, but again i just DONT KNOW how it could be better, unless i had all sorts of BT accesories, and it could run windows/apple PROGRAMs like a real PHOTOSHOP version, even if it was a version 5.0.