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Cheaper iPhone 4 'N90A' Photos Leak from Foxconn Factory

I love the way my iPhone 4 looks, but I'd prefer it to have the back like an iPad. Although, whether or not I buy the new iPhone will be based on performance, not the way it looks.

With that said, if the iOS 5 performs well enough on the iPhone 4 I would need something more than just RAM and processor increases. HSPA+ support would do it for me. The camera would be an added bonus, but not enough alone to push me.
 
Just a wild idea...

Many sources, even big brand New York newspapers were saying a NEW cheap iPhone would come along with the iPhone 5. But remeber the reports of production isssues with the iPhone 5? What if the iPhone 4S was supposed to be the new low end but is being used as a stopgap top model till the delayed iPhone 5 comes ... say Spring 2012?

Another unlikely option: the iPhone 4S is iPhone 5's backup phone. We heard the iPhone 4 had a backup that looked similar to the 3GS, didn't we? I think if that were the case and the iPhone 4S (no matter how they'd actually call the thing) was released due to issues with the iPhone 5, we would then get the "next big thing" sooner rather than later. If Apple lenghtened a product cycle almost by half this time around, why not shorten one in the future if under pressure? Patent lawsuits are always another option though...

Not likely, I admit, but I don't think I've heard these ideas yet so I thought I'd just let them be known...

Open to receiving sharp criticism - it's fun... :D
 
The most interesting thing will be whether the "cheap" iPhone, whatever that may be called, has an A5 chip in it. The A5 costs significantly more to manufacture over the A4 chip, but could be offset by having only 8GB and cheaper parts (plastic + some metal, rather than glass).

I suppose the big question is, will the voice features require dual-core processing to work well?

An upgrade from an A4 to an A5 chip should not be underestimated, particularly in the graphics performance as well.
 
myrtlebee said:
Why would this be Cook's fault? He's only been at the helm for what, a month, out of the 16 or so that have passed since the 4's debut. All final decisions about whatever shows up on Tuesday were Jobs' alone. Make no mistake.
Click to expand...

I think what the original comment may have suggested that the media is just looking for something to pick at. Apple has been in the news for so many positive things, well mostly (high value company, high stock, so on) and I honestly believe the media and the nay sayers are looking for anything to rip Apple down. Mr. Cook will be looked at very closely even though he has been apart of the Apple culture for a long time. If there is just a bump in the phone, it will not go over well. :(
 
pjhamill said:
It's not unacceptable, consumers won't care. Apple will market it very well and it well sell very well, as it usually does. Most people want a phone that works..
Click to expand...

I might normally agree if Apple was still the clear market leader, but Android is rising at a faster pace now. I'm not saying I plan to jump ship, but even most consumers would be a little peeved if they skipped on the iPhone 4 just to get a spec bump in the 5. iOS 5, and iPad integration with iPhone is enough to keep me around, but I would still like a redesigned phone.

oddiecz said:
Many sources, even big brand New York newspapers were saying a NEW cheap iPhone would come along with the iPhone 5. But remeber the reports of production isssues with the iPhone 5? What if the iPhone 4S was supposed to be the new low end but is being used as a stopgap top model till the delayed iPhone 5 comes ... say Spring 2012?

Another unlikely option: the iPhone 4S is iPhone 5's backup phone. We heard the iPhone 4 had a backup that looked similar to the 3GS, didn't we? I think if that were the case and the iPhone 4S (no matter how they'd actually call the thing) was released due to issues with the iPhone 5, we would then get the "next big thing" sooner rather than later. If Apple lenghtened a product cycle almost by half this time around, why not shorten one in the future if under pressure? Patent lawsuits are always another option though...

Not likely, I admit, but I don't think I've heard these ideas yet so I thought I'd just let them be known...

Open to receiving sharp criticism - it's fun... :D
Click to expand...

Apple isn't going to play everyone else's game by releasing multiple phones a year, and that's why I love the iPhone. They understand that no one want's their stuff to feel outdated only months after a release.
 
Unless Apple is pulling the greatest hoax in recent gadget history, it's iPhone 4S, so adjust your expectations accordingly. I'm looking forward to the new stuff on Tuesday.
 
ChrisTX said:
I might normally agree if Apple was still the clear market leader, but Android is rising at a faster pace now. I'm not saying I plan to jump ship, but even most consumers would be a little peeved if they skipped on the iPhone 4 just to get a spec bump in the 5. iOS 5, and iPad integration with iPhone is enough to keep me around, but I would still like a redesigned phone.
Click to expand...

I agree that customers will be a little bit peeved and I would like a redesigned phone as well, but honestly you have to put this into perspective.

If you get an Android, it's not as well made and you have to deal with that. Did you hear the latest debacle that you can bypass the passcode lock on AT&T's Galaxy S II by just clicking twice on the wake button? I mean, geesh, Samsung puts no effort into making sure those phones work well. I have the Galaxy S, and it'll just randomly reboot, often at inconvenient times. Then also the GPS is broken. Plus it'll just freeze up for 1-2minutes randomly, right when I want to use it. Oh, and the last thing that bothers me, is that despite being 3G browsing the web is terribly slow, even though if I tether it goes rip-roaring fast, which means the browser app was poorly made.

I'm so looking forward so chucking that and going back to getting an iPhone. That's the last time I'll buy based on hardware specs..
 
Hmmm... I like the speculation earlier that the "S" stands for Sprint, and that the 4S is their version of the iPhone 4, as an entry-level device.

I'm split here.... it's been 16 months since the last iteration. That almost begs for a re-design, especially in a marketplace that has become far more competitive apparently. However, I see nothing wrong with the current design. I suppose a bigger screen would be nice, but if wishes were horses I'd have one of those 82-inch TVs, too. :)

I could certainly see Apple releasing a new premier class of device...say at $249/$299...bigger screen, more capacity, more power....

With android, customers have TONS of options. In order to increase marketshare, a whole "family" of iPhone devices, at gradual price points, might be nice.
 
If you believe Apple has an 8GB iPhone 4, iPhone 4S with an A5, 8MP cam, and a completely new iPhone 5 launching next week, you're crazy. The first two have already been proved. So, if you believe a redesigned iPhone 5 is coming essentially you're saying there will be 3 phones. Not going to happen.
 
Ok, i'm being optimistic but this is what I hope happens..

iPhone 4 slips into the cheap category like the 3GS did and is offered free on long contract and is available immediately on launch.

iPhone 4S is the spec bump on the iPhone 4 and is priced mid-range and is available immediately/within a week or so. And they will tout it as being powerful with new specs and with all the new iOS5 features etc.

iPhone 5 is the larger screen/redesign with the Siri-like Assistant feature.
This model will have higher capacity also.

But since apple had that huge embarrassment with the iPhone 4 leaking last year they are making sure the 5 isn't leaked. So its not being manufactured until the 4th and will be available early November.

I think after antenna-gate last year and waiting 15 months and competition closing in a spec update isn't enough. They need to offer some sort of redesign.

I can always hope :)

----------
pjhamill said:
So, if you believe a redesigned iPhone 5 is coming essentially you're saying there will be 3 phones. Not going to happen.
Click to expand...

Why not? its only 1 extra model.
 
This is from Chronic, who has been reliable in the past.
"Otter box was able to acquire specs for both new iPhone models early (the late 2011 one being announced tuesday and the 2012 one)"
Now let's remember the pics he leaked weren't the same design. The volume buttons were on the opposite side of the phone. And it has the name "4S"
 
pjhamill said:
If you believe Apple has an 8GB iPhone 4, iPhone 4S with an A5, 8MP cam, and a completely new iPhone 5 launching next week, you're crazy. The first two have already been proved.
Click to expand...

[citation needed]

Nothing has been proved other than the Apple event taking place on Tuesday.
 
fattire357 said:
I agree that customers will be a little bit peeved and I would like a redesigned phone as well, but honestly you have to put this into perspective.

If you get an Android, it's not as well made and you have to deal with that. Did you hear the latest debacle that you can bypass the passcode lock on AT&T's Galaxy S II by just clicking twice on the wake button? I mean, geesh, Samsung puts no effort into making sure those phones work well. I have the Galaxy S, and it'll just randomly reboot, often at inconvenient times. Then also the GPS is broken. Plus it'll just freeze up for 1-2minutes randomly, right when I want to use it. Oh, and the last thing that bothers me, is that despite being 3G browsing the web is terribly slow, even though if I tether it goes rip-roaring fast, which means the browser app was poorly made.

I'm so looking forward so chucking that and going back to getting an iPhone. That's the last time I'll buy based on hardware specs..
Click to expand...

Agreed with all of this, and believe me I think Apples model of vertical integration is far superior to Googles broken model of fragmentation. I've gotten everyone where I work to switch from Android devices exclusively to iPhones. However 16 months is a long time to wait for a spec bump. I still believe there will be a "One more thing" on tuesday with a redesign. :cool:
 
Well here's the great thing.

At least now we can't expect a redesigned, larger screened iPhone (if you're expecting one, stop being foolish). If a redesigned iPhone does pop out on the 4th, can't you say you'll be surprised?

And if one doesn't come out and we're given a lowly iPhone 4S with hardware bumps, well, at least that solidifies a redesigned phone next year.

And who's not to say that the iPhone 5 leaks are actual prototypes for the iPhone that'll succeed the iPhone 4S?
 
pjhamill said:
This is from Chronic, who has been reliable in the past.
"Otter box was able to acquire specs for both new iPhone models early (the late 2011 one being announced tuesday and the 2012 one)"
Now let's remember the pics he leaked weren't the same design. The volume buttons were on the opposite side of the phone. And it has the name "4S"
Click to expand...

do you have a link to that? Thanks.
 
I have to laugh at all the comments about Tim Cook needing a "wow" product his first time out as CEO. The design, testing and manufacturing process of the new iPhone was well under way before he took over (even if you count him as completely in charge in January). Do you think it would be wise to stop all of that and come out with something completely new just because he's now officially CEO? Do you think manufacturing a new design with component and durability testing would happen in a month and be ready to ship? That's why so many of the recent tablets from other companies are so awful - they were rushed to market.

Apple is like a huge ship on the ocean. It has a lot of inertia that cannot be changed quickly. If you want an example of what not to do at a large corporation just see what happened to the former HP CEO when he tried to change HP's direction too fast.

It's much more important that Cook can produce results which = sales. Without a major redesign this year, Apple might lose a few customers, but will they still sell millions which = success
 
Sigh

If iphone is just a CPU processor upgrade, I am going to look at the Windows 7 phones. Seriously, check out Windows 7 Phone, while very immature MS did an amazing job creating a new and unique interface unlike android.
 
pjhamill said:
If you believe Apple has an 8GB iPhone 4, iPhone 4S with an A5, 8MP cam, and a completely new iPhone 5 launching next week, you're crazy. The first two have already been proved. So, if you believe a redesigned iPhone 5 is coming essentially you're saying there will be 3 phones. Not going to happen.
Click to expand...

What we need is a sweepstake to make this more interesting. :cool:

Are any bookmakers offering odds??
 
stellarceltic said:
[citation needed]

Nothing has been proved other than the Apple event taking place on Tuesday.
Click to expand...

Really? I think the references of the N94 being the iPhone 4S is pretty damning evidence. Please don't tell me you're one of those "oh it could be Apple pulling a smokescreen kind of guys"

----------
klrobinson999 said:
do you have a link to that? Thanks.
Click to expand...

I do, link to pics or the quote?
 
fattire357 said:
I agree that customers will be a little bit peeved and I would like a redesigned phone as well, but honestly you have to put this into perspective.

If you get an Android, it's not as well made and you have to deal with that. Did you hear the latest debacle that you can bypass the passcode lock on AT&T's Galaxy S II by just clicking twice on the wake button? I mean, geesh, Samsung puts no effort into making sure those phones work well. I have the Galaxy S, and it'll just randomly reboot, often at inconvenient times. Then also the GPS is broken. Plus it'll just freeze up for 1-2minutes randomly, right when I want to use it. Oh, and the last thing that bothers me, is that despite being 3G browsing the web is terribly slow, even though if I tether it goes rip-roaring fast, which means the browser app was poorly made.

I'm so looking forward so chucking that and going back to getting an iPhone. That's the last time I'll buy based on hardware specs..
Click to expand...

I have pretty much the same problems (except I don't tether, no jailbreak) with my iPhone 3GS. Scrolling stutters, browser is slow, reception drops to zero for no reason while my GF's 4G still works fine, I need to reboot every day or it freezes up, battery life is 6 hrs unless I reboot daily, Apps crash randomly, touchscreen has an unresponsive spot around the "u", camera focus is a total hit or miss, phone goes to sleep when it wants or never, iPod never remembers where I stopped listening, GPS frequently stops working and needs rebooting. The thing that sucks most is that Apple advertised how smooth and responsive scrolling and page changes and opening Apps are. But the screen is jittery like hell and opening and closing of Apps looks like they stutter 3-5 times before they are closed. And I have restored it countless times already.

Don't tell me that iPhones "just work" and Android phones all have problems. iPhones also have their fair share of problems. My colleagues Androids have a much more fluid interface and they text and email much quicker than the iPhone due to the crap UI responsiveness.
 
trims said:
What we need is a sweepstake to make this more interesting. :cool:

Are any bookmakers offering odds??
Click to expand...

I've already said I'm not gambling money, I never do that. I get no pleasure in taking people's money for being correct, but if I'm wrong I will fully admit on these forums. I think that's a reasonable punishment, don't you?

----------

Here are the pics from weeks ago.
I quote " Photo of the back of the package showing the iPhone 4S case, depicting new volume buttons, and on the right side"

large.jpg
 
Regardless of whether or not Apple changes the name from 4s to 5 before Tuesday it's safe to say there isn't going to be a tear dropped design or major redesigned iPhone...

N90 = is your lower end iPhone 4

N94 = is your NEW latest and greatest iPhone.. whether it's called iPhone 4s or iPhone 5

Apple is not going to release a WHOLE new redesigned iPhone besides these two phones they'd just be cannibalizing themselves..
 
andiwm2003 said:
I have pretty much the same problems (except I don't tether, no jailbreak) with my iPhone 3GS. Scrolling stutters, browser is slow, reception drops to zero for no reason while my GF's 4G still works fine, I need to reboot every day or it freezes up, battery life is 6 hrs unless I reboot daily, Apps crash randomly, touchscreen has an unresponsive spot around the "u", camera focus is a total hit or miss, phone goes to sleep when it wants or never, iPod never remembers where I stopped listening, GPS frequently stops working and needs rebooting. The thing that sucks most is that Apple advertised how smooth and responsive scrolling and page changes and opening Apps are. But the screen is jittery like hell and opening and closing of Apps looks like they stutter 3-5 times before they are closed. And I have restored it countless times already.

Don't tell me that iPhones "just work" and Android phones all have problems. iPhones also have their fair share of problems. My colleagues Androids have a much more fluid interface and they text and email much quicker than the iPhone due to the crap UI responsiveness.
Click to expand...

Correct me if I'm wrong, but you probably purchased your 3GS when it was still the flagship model? If so, it's a little fair that at this point it's not going to work as well as the iPhone 4. However as much as I and others want a redesign, I will say that my 4 still runs like a champ.
 
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