Can not afford IP4S, Will Iphone 4?

[NextGenApple]

^^^^^
Hmmmm, interesting. How slow is the ip4 though as judging by ipad 1 and 2 vides not that much. Don't care about latest and greatest ether. I need to get an order in ether way so will watch the thread closely as i want to order in next 1-2 hours. Thanks to everyone for your opinions much appreciated.

 

[SiMBa37]

^^^^^
Hmmmm, interesting. How slow is the ip4 though as judging by ipad 1 and 2 vides not that much. Don't care about latest and greatest ether. I need to get an order in ether way so will watch the thread closely as i want to order in next 1-2 hours. Thanks to everyone for your opinions much appreciated.

Its only logical to assume that app developers will be taking advantage of the A5 and the extra RAM in the 4S. I have an iPad 2 and the its a noticable difference in usage, browsing, and graphics compared to the iPad 1. So much so that I had my wife sell her iPad 1 and get a 2 like me. The jump from iPhone 4 to 4S is very similar in specs. The camera alone in the 4S is worth the extra $100.

But if you can honestly tell me that over next 2 years of your contract you have little use for faster web browsing, significantly better graphics, a revolutionary natural language voice assistant, integrated speech to text dictation, the best camera on a phone hands down, and full access to every app and feature of iOS 5.....then please go ahead and order your $2600 iphone 4 instead of the $2700 iPhone 4S.

 

[The Game 161]

So are you saying its slow on the IP4? as the A5 is 2x faster thats not that much (i think), but your implying the ip4 is slow when browsing, something i will want to do. Surly i would see the benefits in A5 while gaming more so than on he net.

Can someone plz enlighten me a bit more about this A5 and browsing

No it Isn't slow at all it is very fast for a phone but the A5 chip will load within 1 sec while the 4 could take abit longer..... Not a huge Difference but you will notice.

 

[saintforlife]

My strongest advice, take some time to save the extra $100, and get the 4S. What matters to you more, the best smartphone on the market for $2700 including your 2 year contract, or settle for last year' slower model for $2600?

That was exactly my point. You are the only person in the thread who got it.

The $100 difference between the 4S and 4 is a drop in the bucket compared to what the OP will spend on his total monthly cell phone charges over two years. It is less than 4% of the total cost of owing the phone over a two year period. If he can afford to own an iPhone under contract for 2 years, it only makes sense to go with the 4S. Trying to save $100 upfront when the overall cost of ownership is so high is just being penny wise and pound foolish.

 

[SiMBa37]

That was exactly my point. You are the only person in the thread who got it.

The $100 difference between the 4S and 4 is a drop in the bucket compared to what the OP will spend on his total monthly cell phone charges over two years. It is less than 4% of the total cost of owing the phone over a two year period. If he can afford to own an iPhone under contract for 2 years, it only makes sense to go with the 4S. Trying to save $100 upfront when the overall cost of ownership is so high is just being penny wise and pound foolish.

You are a wise man indeed. Its amazing how much psychology goes into the marketing of these phones.

 

[Ramio]

That was exactly my point. You are the only person in the thread who got it.

The $100 difference between the 4S and 4 is a drop in the bucket compared to what the OP will spend on his total monthly cell phone charges over two years. It is less than 4% of the total cost of owing the phone over a two year period. If he can afford to own an iPhone under contract for 2 years, it only makes sense to go with the 4S. Trying to save $100 upfront when the overall cost of ownership is so high is just being penny wise and pound foolish.

Well said!...Just get the 4s and pay the extra $100. It really isn't much more but in return you get a much faster and better phone for the next year or two!. Just think about how much you will use the iphone and to give up a 4s over only 100$ would be not wise at all.

 

[tigress666]

Gat an iPod Touch - you'll be able to do most of what the iPhone can do, but won't have to pay a monthly bill.
Get a crappy phone on a pay as you go sim if you want to call people.

Or, get the iPod Touch and download an app called TextFree (there are other ones too, Skype is pretty popular though I don't know much about Skype) and just pay per minute and have a phone that you can call people as long as you have wi-fi access. No, it won't be as good as a cellphone, but people managed to live without cellphones for a long time (and they wouldn't even be able to use their phone when they were away from home, least it's usable long as you have wi-fi).

And if you are not going to play games, I doubt you'll care about the speed difference. I have a 4 and I do complain it could be faster, but really when I notice the speed difference it is for games. For non game stuff the 4 is pretty decent honestly.

So if you don't want Siri, and you don't play games, and you don't need the best camera (The 4 has a pretty decent camera), get the 4 and save a little money.

(Or do what I just suggested and save a ton of money not paying for a phone plan ).

----------

I think most folks on here gave great advice.

I'm in a similar boat as you. I'm looking to upgrade my 3G and i'm not exactly sure which direction to go in. I could have upgraded my phone back when the iPhone 4 was released but I wasn't that impressed and my 3G was working just fine.

I have no idea how you didn't think the 4 was a significant upgrade to the 3G. I went from the 3G to the 4 and while I liked my 3G even without using the 4 and having it on some version of iOS 3 (I never put iOS 4 on it) I thought it was getting pretty laggy (and not for games, for everything including my grocery list app).

The 4 in speed alone was highly worth the upgrade. It works a helluva lot smoother than the 3G (I really could not go back and not be constantly bitching about the 3G phone after having the 4. I suppose it would be better than a dumb phone but, ugh!). Shoot, even a 3GS would be better (cause I hear the 4 doesn't have that big a leap on speed on the 3GS).

Not to mention the 3G's camera was really bad (when I got it I didn't care cause I didn't use the camera on my phone. But I started using it more and I really would notice how crappy it is). The 4 is a much much better improvement (on everything, including how fast the shutter is. The 3G's shutter had a ton of lag).

The screen is nicer (but that's just a nice extra imho).

Yeah, I really don't see how you thought the 4 was not a significant upgrade over the 3G. In hindsight after seeing how much smoother it ran, even the 3GS for the speed difference alone was a decent upgrade over the 3G (note the 3GS will run iOS 5 fine while the 3G they had to stop supporting iOS 4 period less than halfway through the year even though it barely supported many features of iOS4 and people were warning people not to even put iOS 4 on their 3G cause it would severely slow it down).

 

[Kendo]

iPhone 4 might be up to par now when it comes to speed, but not 2 years from now. You should always get the most current available because it will slow down over time.

I remember when I got my 3GS for $200, I had the option of getting a 3G for $100. But I know tons of users who find the iPhone 3G completely unusable after the iOS 4 update. It is kind of like taking a Dell computer that came installed with Windows XP and now trying to run Windows 7 on it. It will hog up all of the computer's resources.

$100 is not a lot of money. If you can't afford to save up for another $100 considering this is a device you will be using for the next 2 years, you should probably wait it out a bit.

 

[kappaknight]

That's not a fair question...I can certainly afford a $50 pen, but doesn't mean I can justify spending $50 on it.

People have certain thresholds on spending money on things. When I got my iPhone on an early upgrade, I couldn't justify spending 33% more money on the iPhone 4 over the 3GS. The 3GS suited my needs. And with the money I saved, I bought myself a case & paid for my data plan for 6 months.

AIN'T that the truth. People will spend tons on a phone yet bitch over having to fork over $2 for an app.

 

[tigress666]

iPhone 4 might be up to par now when it comes to speed, but not 2 years from now. You should always get the most current available because it will slow down over time.

I remember when I got my 3GS for $200, I had the option of getting a 3G for $100. But I know tons of users who find the iPhone 3G completely unusable after the iOS 4 update. It is kind of like taking a Dell computer that came installed with Windows XP and now trying to run Windows 7 on it. It will hog up all of the computer's resources.

$100 is not a lot of money. If you can't afford to save up for another $100 considering this is a device you will be using for the next 2 years, you should probably wait it out a bit.

Honestly, that's different though. The 3G had the same processor as the original iPhone so it had a pretty old processor. The 4 does not have the same processor as it's predecessor and on top of that it's predecessor's processor is fast enough it's still pretty relevant and decently fast today on the newest iOS (That's the third generation of OS from when it started, where as the 3G was a dog by the second generation and stopped getting supported entirely less than half a year after that). I'm so far not noticing the lag on opening apps or using them (aside from the usual lag you get in games but OP has said he doesn't play them) on iOS5 like I noticed on the 3G when iOS 3 came out.

Secondly, the 3G was already slow by the time the 3GS came out and was already getting lagged by iOS 3 (not to be totally unbearable but definitely very noticeable).

But even the 3G with its slow processor managed to last two years and be usable (I really don't know how anyone who wanted to run the latest apps or iOS 4 stayed with a 3G honestly. The phone was getting kinda laggy even on iOS 3) and run the latest apps (albeit not always so quick to load up and with a few lag every now and then).

Though, I will say I suspect the 4 will be more like the 3G and be a two year phone as they didn't give it much of a speed boost over the 3GS (at least unlike with the 3G and the original iphone it got some though) so I wouldn't be surprised if next year they have to cripple the new iOS to work on the 4. Though I am betting the 4S will last more like 3 or so years like the 3GS. IT seems the generation of phones that everyone scoffs at cause it gets "just a speed bump" are the ones that stay relevant longest.

 

[JRoDDz]

AIN'T that the truth. People will spend tons on a phone yet bitch over having to fork over $2 for an app.

singing Dire Straits.. "That ain't nothing that's the way you do it.. Money for nothing and my apps for free."

 

[fertilized-egg]

The $100 difference between the 4S and 4 is a drop in the bucket .

But presumably you can buy an used iPhone 4 for ~$300+, which is about $300 less than the new iPhone 4S and you can pick and choose any plan you want without being tied to a contract. While I much prefer iOS, I use an Android phone because of this reason. Often decent Android phones can be had for very cheap used.

 

[Kendo]

Honestly, that's different though. The 3G had the same processor as the original iPhone so it had a pretty old processor. The 4 does not have the same processor as it's predecessor and on top of that it's predecessor's processor is fast enough it's still pretty relevant and decently fast today on the newest iOS (That's the third generation of OS from when it started, where as the 3G was a dog by the second generation and stopped getting supported entirely less than half a year after that). I'm so far not noticing the lag on opening apps or using them (aside from the usual lag you get in games but OP has said he doesn't play them) on iOS5 like I noticed on the 3G when iOS 3 came out.

Secondly, the 3G was already slow by the time the 3GS came out and was already getting lagged by iOS 3 (not to be totally unbearable but definitely very noticeable).

But even the 3G with its slow processor managed to last two years and be usable (I really don't know how anyone who wanted to run the latest apps or iOS 4 stayed with a 3G honestly. The phone was getting kinda laggy even on iOS 3) and run the latest apps (albeit not always so quick to load up and with a few lag every now and then).

Though, I will say I suspect the 4 will be more like the 3G and be a two year phone as they didn't give it much of a speed boost over the 3GS (at least unlike with the 3G and the original iphone it got some though) so I wouldn't be surprised if next year they have to cripple the new iOS to work on the 4. Though I am betting the 4S will last more like 3 or so years like the 3GS. IT seems the generation of phones that everyone scoffs at cause it gets "just a speed bump" are the ones that stay relevant longest.

I agree with what you wrote. But since the iPhone 4 first implemented the Retina Display, driving 4 times the pixels takes a HUGE hit on the processor. Just play any computer game and double the resolution. It will make your computer crawl on it's knees.

As powerful as the A4 is, I feel like a lot of it's power is to drive the high resolution display so it will slow down when more powerful apps or games come out in the future. To me, the A5 is coming at a perfect time with the dual-core processor and faster graphics.

 

[fr4c]

If it was me personally I would use the opportunity and snatch up a nice used iPhone 4 for around $300 and save the upgrade for later on. You are upgrading from an (older?) BlackBerry, so anything would be an upgrade in regards to what you're using now.

 

[guitarwiz23]

Dont know if OP is still watching or got an answer, but my justification for getting a 4S as opposed to a 4 (which i had planned on doing until i saw the 4S) is because i would have paid 200 for a 16gb 4 (finding discounted ones is hit or miss i heard) or waiting for a 100 dollar 8gb, but i kind of want/need 16, so i did not see spending 200 on 16gb when in 2 weeks i can spend 200 on an even better 16gb

But my real reason is that when the 3GS came out i was like oh cool but i really dont need that, the 3G is only 100 and i only need 8gb lets get that....when ios4 came out the next year i HATED my decision so much that i bought a 3GS off of a friend getting a 4...so when the next OS comes out along with the next phones, and inevitably when there are features that only the 4S and beyond get, i dont want to feel like i HAVE to upgrade, this way i will be good for my whole two year contract

 

[redscull]

^^^^^
Hmmmm, interesting. How slow is the ip4 though as judging by ipad 1 and 2 vides not that much. Don't care about latest and greatest ether. I need to get an order in ether way so will watch the thread closely as i want to order in next 1-2 hours. Thanks to everyone for your opinions much appreciated.

I can't speak for iPhone 4 vs 4S, but I did have an iPad 1 from launch week up until iPad 2 was launched, and then upgraded to that. And I can tell you that that was a night and day difference in pretty much every aspect. Not that iPad 1 is bad; it's still a great tablet, and, honestly, I could live with one right now just fine. But performance-wise, I can tell that my iPad 2 is snappier in everything from switching apps to rendering web pages to running games; and I love that it's snappier.

I have an iPhone 3GS and eagerly await my 4S's arrival this Friday.

 

[tigress666]

I agree with what you wrote. But since the iPhone 4 first implemented the Retina Display, driving 4 times the pixels takes a HUGE hit on the processor. Just play any computer game and double the resolution. It will make your computer crawl on it's knees.

As powerful as the A4 is, I feel like a lot of it's power is to drive the high resolution display so it will slow down when more powerful apps or games come out in the future. To me, the A5 is coming at a perfect time with the dual-core processor and faster graphics.

Well I kinda agree with you too.

But that's cause I do play games on my iPhone and I already notice it gets a little stuck sometimes. I've read somewhere on here some one claiming the 3GS is faster when it comes to games because of the screen. I actually kinda am tempted by the faster processor on the 4S (especially considering judging by Apple's track record they probably won't do much of a processor upgrade on the next phone and really the only two things I want better on my 4 is the processor and more storage space).

But, the phone does perfectly fine for non game like stuff (runs very smoothly unlike the 3G which started lagging on everything). Which the OP is claiming he does not want to do games on it.

 

[WannaApple?]

OP, there are plenty of people, including myself who are keeping their iPhone 4 and these phones work very well and will only get better with iOS5.

As some others said, nobody knows for sure how fast the new 4s will feel compared to the 4 or if any of the other features are really worth it, however I completely understand your hesitation to pay an extra $100. Money is tight for everyone right now due to this crappy economy and especially being a college student, I'm sure is even moreso. I think the iPhone 4 will be a great upgrade if you are using a Blackberry and you can put that extra $100 towards a case, monthly cell phone bill or other bills that you may have. Don't let anyone else pressure you into spending your own money by trying to make you envious that you dont have the absolute latest gadget. The iPhone 4 is a great phone!

 

[tigress666]

I think the iPhone 4 will be a great upgrade if you are using a Blackberry

Ha! In my honest opinion a iPhone 3G running iOS 3 or older would be a great upgrade over a blackberry (granted never had one but was really unimpressed with my mom's. She eventually got an iPhone and loved it so much she turned into an Apple fan and may eventually even get a Macbook and she used to scoff at my Mac and preferred Windows).

So yeah, I think OP would be more than happy with a 4 if he's used to a Blackberry.

 

[SiMBa37]

This is more of a question for the group, then a statement:

Does buying an iPhone 4, unlocked (for lets say $300) mean you're monthly data plan will be less than someone who bought it on contract?

My suspicion is, no. Your monthly cost will still be the same as someone who bought an iPhone 4S for $199, as long as either of you stay with the phone for 2 years. Is this correct?

 

[Phil A.]

I personally view the 4 -> 4s the same as the iPad 1 -> iPad 2, i.e. a decent spec jump but not enough to justify upgrading my existing iPhone 4 to a 4s (just as I didn't upgrade my iPad 1 to an iPad 2).

However, if I didn't already have an IP4, I would definitely buy the 4s now rather than the 4 if for no other reason than to maximise my investment (the IP4 is getting quite old in tech terms now). If I couldn't afford that, I'd probably rather wait until I could rather than buy an iP4

 

[sumone]

I have no idea how you didn't think the 4 was a significant upgrade to the 3G. I went from the 3G to the 4 and while I liked my 3G even without using the 4 and having it on some version of iOS 3 (I never put iOS 4 on it) I thought it was getting pretty laggy (and not for games, for everything including my grocery list app).

The 4 in speed alone was highly worth the upgrade.

Not to mention the 3G's camera was really bad (when I got it I didn't care cause I didn't use the camera on my phone. But I started using it more and I really would notice how crappy it is).

The screen is nicer (but that's just a nice extra imho).

Yeah, I really don't see how you thought the 4 was not a significant upgrade over the 3G.

I never said I didn't think it was a significant upgrade, I said I wasn't impressed with the phone. My iPhone 3G worked just fine at the time and there really wasn't anything extra that the iPhone 4 had that impressed me enough to spend money on a brand new phone.

 

[NextGenApple]

Thank you everyone for your views, I will be purchasing the ip4 tomorrow as i will only have it until Ip5 or what comes out next. So do not need the 4s, and i do have the money to buy 4s but due to more important needs and non use of most of 4s feature's i stick with the 4.