New 4" iPhone With 12MP Camera Said to Cost $400-$500, iPhone 5s to Receive 50% Price Cut

[SteveW928]

This would be a dream! My next iPhone shall be 128gb model

Heh, yea, I don't know what I'd do with all that space either... (my biggest device has been 32GB), but remember that it's only like 5-6 hours of 4k video shooting, even if ALL the storage was available for video. It's not at all inconceivable that someone would need that, especially if they wanted to put their music library on it, or store some videos to watch on a flight, etc.

Our ongoing debate about the silly 16GB entry level model is more that after the OS, a few apps, a bit of music and podcasts, you're only going to be talking a few minutes of video, if that.

 

[hokieputter]

2GB of RAM is a bigger deal than the base storage being 16GB. To me at least..

 

[SteveW928]

2GB of RAM is a bigger deal than the base storage being 16GB. To me at least..

For sure. 2GB of RAM is a deal-killer, IMO. 16GB of RAM is more about Apple picking profits over user experience (IMO, a bad thing). If it is 16GB base (which I'd expect), I'll happily pay $100 for the 64GB version.

(The concern is about all the people who don't know better, buy the 16GB, have a bad experience, get miffed at Apple for putting such a ridiculous small amount of storage in such an expensive device... with no SD expansion... etc. Then, when they are complaining to their friends, the knowledgable Android ones are telling them they got far cheaper phones, that are better and have more storage... while the silly Apple friends, like some of this board... are telling them they goofed up and should have spend $100 MORE than the already quite high price they paid.)

 

[mi7chy]

For sure. 2GB of RAM is a deal-killer, IMO. 16GB of RAM is more about Apple picking profits over user experience (IMO, a bad thing).

DRAM and flash memory are dirt cheap so I expect a minimum 2GB DRAM and 32GB flash otherwise no buy.

 

[Mac 128]

Yes, that's why I like the idea of just buying it outright, unlocked... so the moment I'm able to switch to a cheaper plan (assuming we ever get any competition in the market... especially here in Canada!) I'd be able to.

So I assume Apple doesn't offer their installment plan in Canada?

The smartest money a person can spend on a phone today is the current US interest free installment iPhone plans, especially if they can afford to buy them outright. I'm planning on taking the ~$500 US and putting it into an interest bearing account, and paying the monthly installment for my unlocked iPhone, so that at the end of it, I will have made money on the phone, not including the trade-in value. You can drop the phone anytime, just by paying the equivalent of the first 6 months of the installment, if you haven't already, and then upgrade at any time just by paying the balance owed. In the meantime you keep any interest earned on what you would have otherwise paid upfront.

For sure. 2GB of RAM is a deal-killer, IMO. 16GB of RAM is more about Apple picking profits over user experience (IMO, a bad thing).

I have to say this highlights the differences in how customers use phones. RAM has never been a limitation for how I use my iOS devices. Yes occasionally I have so many tabs open the pages start to refresh, but that's not a big deal for me. On the other hand I have 64GB 5s specifically so I can shoot video whenever opportunities may happen to present themselves, without worrying about it. And with my dog, that turns out to be a lot. 16GB was always enough for how I used my iPhone, though occasionally I'd have to delete some apps, most of which were things I tried and didn't end up using anyway, so it was good to free space. But the video thing at 1080p was the deal breaker. I'd take the extra storage over RAM any day. But even 32GB is not enough for the peace of mind I prefer.

 

[SteveW928]

So I assume Apple doesn't offer their installment plan in Canada?
The smartest money a person can spend on a phone today is the current US interest free installment iPhone plans...

Not that I'm aware of. I'll certainly double-check when the time comes, as I agree that is a good deal (especially since I think Apple Care is included). We purchased our VW Jetta TDI that way too, and if it weren't for VW cheating and the scandal and such, that worked out pretty well. I'll always take a zero-interest loan if I'm sure I can pay it (which, if you have the money upfront anyway, you can.)

I have to say this highlights the differences in how customers use phones. RAM has never been a limitation for how I use my iOS devices. ... On the other hand I have 64GB 5s specifically so I can shoot video ...

Oh for sure, each person has various use-case and needs. I'll want a bit more storage too, as I'm sure I'll use the camera a lot more (the one on my iPod touch is useless), especially until I get a dedicated DSLR setup for shooting video for business... and even then, as a photographer I know says... the best camera is the one you have with you. You miss a LOT of stuff if you only rely on a DSLR.

But, my main caution about RAM, as I've mentioned over and over, is my concern about iOS's update track record. You might find that iOS 10 makes your 1GB phone too sluggish to use effectively (the way iOS 8 made all the 512k devices). In fact, once Apple gets a sizable percentage on 2GB, I can almost guarantee it. If I didn't fear that, I'd just have purchased a 5s some time ago.

And, again, the problem with 16GB isn't that it won't do for some... it's about Apple's perception in the market place as a premium product with too much of a limitation for the price (and in some cases, a limitation that ticks people off). I could care less if they start the line-up at 8GB or 16GB, etc. as I'll be getting the 64GB. But, my concern is for Apple's future.

 

[npmacuser5]

I actually enjoy those events as "human spectacles" because it shows desperate or greedy people get. I always order my phones online for delivery at home. Problem for the 6S Plus one involved me getting an iCloud issue, so I had to go to the Apple Store the day of and get mine swapped out. For S7 Edge, mine is getting delivered too.

If you want any of their payment plans or trade-in, a trip and purchase at the store required.

 

[nviz22]

If you want any of their payment plans or trade-in, a trip and purchase at the store required.

I never had a payment plan. I got to see people standing in a "walk ins" line, which was pretty long.

 

[I7guy]

Not that I'm aware of. I'll certainly double-check when the time comes, as I agree that is a good deal (especially since I think Apple Care is included). We purchased our VW Jetta TDI that way too, and if it weren't for VW cheating and the scandal and such, that worked out pretty well. I'll always take a zero-interest loan if I'm sure I can pay it (which, if you have the money upfront anyway, you can.)



Oh for sure, each person has various use-case and needs. I'll want a bit more storage too, as I'm sure I'll use the camera a lot more (the one on my iPod touch is useless), especially until I get a dedicated DSLR setup for shooting video for business... and even then, as a photographer I know says... the best camera is the one you have with you. You miss a LOT of stuff if you only rely on a DSLR.

But, my main caution about RAM, as I've mentioned over and over, is my concern about iOS's update track record. You might find that iOS 10 makes your 1GB phone too sluggish to use effectively (the way iOS 8 made all the 512k devices). In fact, once Apple gets a sizable percentage on 2GB, I can almost guarantee it. If I didn't fear that, I'd just have purchased a 5s some time ago.

And, again, the problem with 16GB isn't that it won't do for some... it's about Apple's perception in the market place as a premium product with too much of a limitation for the price (and in some cases, a limitation that ticks people off). I could care less if they start the line-up at 8GB or 16GB, etc. as I'll be getting the 64GB. But, my concern is for Apple's future.

Those that get ticked off with Apple will move somewhere else. Don't worry, it's out of your hands. Investors or not.

 

[Lankyman]

[QUOTE="Max(IT)]

It doesn't count because under the same "uncontrolled " conditions maybe my iPhone 6S could last "two days" ...

Apple has very little to learn from Sony, since their mobile division is collapsing.... [/QUOTE ]

Yea! I like to see what odds you'd get from a bookmaker on that being the case. Every review you read praises the Xperia range for their battery life - still it appears you know different.

The fact that Sony's mobile division is not in good shape has nothing to do with the quality of their products. Again many reviews rate them as the best Android phone money can buy and more than equal to iPhone in terms of build quality.

Where Sony has failed and failed miserably is with marketing or the complete lack of - truly woeful. However, for you to assert Apple has nothing to learn from a quality manufacturer demonstrates arrogance synonymous with Apple fanboys.

You do know that the camera in an iPhone is made by Sony I suppose.

 

[Sonmi451]

I'll just assume that I have more money than you, and I certainly know the sizes of various phones, nobody has ever complained about the size of my hands (can _you_ play a tenth on the piano?), and I want a 4" iPhone. I don't want a tablet or a tablet sized phone, I have a real computer for that.

Have you used a larger iPhone than 4"? Also, who complains about the size of peoples hands? Unless your Jared Goff I guess. You may be more liquid than me, but I have more assets. And I'm younger. Or we're both lying and dirt poor?

 

[pier]

That's playing in the low end of the market, which they've never done in any product category.

cough iPod Nano cough

 

[mountain]

DRAM and flash memory are dirt cheap so I expect a minimum 2GB DRAM and 32GB flash otherwise no buy.

People can only hope 32GB is the minimum. I don't think 16GB iPhone is going anywhere soon.

 

[SteveW928]

People can only hope 32GB is the minimum. I don't think 16GB iPhone is going anywhere soon.

Unfortunately, you're probably right.
And, they will sell, because those are the models the telcos and stores all advertise. Then it depends on the sales-person and the knowledge-level of the buyer.

If the sale comes off as used-car-ish, and the person isn't technically-aware, they probably won't go for the $100 add-on, as they'd figure a high-end phone like an iPhone should be OK at the base level for typical use.

If the buyer is more aware of the reality, and/or the sales person doesn't appear too pushy, but really explains it well, they'll probably spend the extra $100.

And, then, as has been pushed by all the Apple-can-do-no-wrong folks here, yes, there are some people who actually will be just fine with 16GB and will intentionally buy one (though they'd be fine with 32GB too, I'm sure).

 

[nviz22]

Are a lot of folks on the fence w/ 2GB of RAM, 12 MP (4K) camera, 32GB memory? I wouldn't expect OIS, 32GB storage, or 3D Touch. I think the next week or two will tell folks what to expect in their device, outside of the RAM. 2GB of RAM will be confirmed around the teardown time.

 

[SteveW928]

Are a lot of folks on the fence w/ 2GB of RAM, 12 MP (4K) camera, 32GB memory? I wouldn't expect OIS, 32GB storage, or 3D Touch. I think the next week or two will tell folks what to expect in their device, outside of the RAM. 2GB of RAM will be confirmed around the teardown time.

While I'd love to see (and advocate for) a 4" model with feature parity (where technically possible) with the rest of the iPhone line, I suppose I'll have to settle for less if that's what Apple produces. I don't care how many megapixels the camera is, so long as it's roughly in the 5s, 6, 6s range in quality (the camera quality is important to me). I could care less at this point about 3D Touch. I'll buy the 64GB if the base isn't 32GB (I might even buy the 64GB if the base were 32GB), so as I've said many times, my argument there is more about what Apple should be doing, not what I personally need or want.

The 2GB of RAM is a different story though. Unless it's really cheap *and I mean REALLY CHEAP* there's no way I'd buy it with 1GB of RAM, as I fear that would limit it's useful longevity too much. If they bring that payment type program to Canada where you get automatic upgrades each year, and the overall price makes sense, I suppose then I'd consider it.

 

[nviz22]

While I'd love to see (and advocate for) a 4" model with feature parity (where technically possible) with the rest of the iPhone line, I suppose I'll have to settle for less if that's what Apple produces. I don't care how many megapixels the camera is, so long as it's roughly in the 5s, 6, 6s range in quality (the camera quality is important to me). I could care less at this point about 3D Touch. I'll buy the 64GB if the base isn't 32GB (I might even buy the 64GB if the base were 32GB), so as I've said many times, my argument there is more about what Apple should be doing, not what I personally need or want.

The 32GB of RAM is a different story though. Unless it's really cheap *and I mean REALLY CHEAP* there's no way I'd buy it with 1GB of RAM, as I fear that would limit it's useful longevity too much. If they bring that payment type program to Canada where you get automatic upgrades each year, and the overall price makes sense, I suppose then I'd consider it.

32 GB of RAM? You mean 2GB of RAM?

 

[SteveW928]

32 GB of RAM? You mean 2GB of RAM?

Oops... I should probably go fix that if it will let me... thanks

 

[nviz22]

Oops... I should probably go fix that if it will let me... thanks

No problem. If it were 32GB of RAM, I would gladly take that since its 8x my RAM in my Surface Pro 4 and 4x what I have in my MBP lol. As for 2GB, I hope they make it the standard, even though I abhor the 4" size. I have no choice but to accept that people will buy it, so just hope for their sakes they don't get screwed over so that way I have more encouraging stuff for the 7 Plus.

 

[SteveW928]

No problem. If it were 32GB of RAM, I would gladly take that since its 8x my RAM in my Surface Pro 4 and 4x what I have in my MBP lol. As for 2GB, I hope they make it the standard, even though I abhor the 4" size. I have no choice but to accept that people will buy it, so just hope for their sakes they don't get screwed over so that way I have more encouraging stuff for the 7 Plus.

Thanks, yea, I don't really get this battle over phone size. IMO, its probably the place were screen size matters as much as anywhere for the average user. There's a clear use-case of wanting a more pocketable device with less emphasis on screen size, and then there's certainly a use-case to go as big as reasonably possible. And, then I guess the current 4.7" size falls in the middle of trying to be the best of either as much as possible. All the sizes are a *bit* subjective, but they also make a lot of sense.

Desktops, you could probably standardize on one size, outside of special applications. Almost the same with laptops (especially since fewer are using them as the everything system). It's interesting tablets have kind of gone the opposite direction, but I think the more 'mobile' it is (hand held) will more more difference to people. (for example, as much as I'd love an iPad mini, I need the regular size to get anything productive done... while there's no way my wife would use the regular size one over her iPad mini)

 

[nviz22]

Thanks, yea, I don't really get this battle over phone size. IMO, its probably the place were screen size matters as much as anywhere for the average user. There's a clear use-case of wanting a more pocketable device with less emphasis on screen size, and then there's certainly a use-case to go as big as reasonably possible. And, then I guess the current 4.7" size falls in the middle of trying to be the best of either as much as possible. All the sizes are a *bit* subjective, but they also make a lot of sense.

Desktops, you could probably standardize on one size, outside of special applications. Almost the same with laptops (especially since fewer are using them as the everything system). It's interesting tablets have kind of gone the opposite direction, but I think the more 'mobile' it is (hand held) will more more difference to people. (for example, as much as I'd love an iPad mini, I need the regular size to get anything productive done... while there's no way my wife would use the regular size one over her iPad mini)

I actually got caught up in the screen size debate all over this topic. Looking back, shouldn't have let my bias get into the mix, but choice is good. 4" is way too small, but if people are happy and the product is good, then why should it matter if I don't agree with the purchase? 4.7" is a good middle ground since it gets 750p or close to that. My problem is the lack of battery life on the 4" and 4.7" devices mainly. My experience with the 5S wasn't so great. So that's why I am so biased against a 4" device.

As for desktops, the possibilities are endless. Same w/ laptops. 24" screen vs 40" screen for desktop. 13" vs 15.6" inch for laptops. And yep, size is subjective. Phones are becoming like cars. I might think that the guy who drives a Hummer H2 or H3 is wasting $ on gas and harming the environment more w/ their emissions, but it is what makes them happy. Compact, SUV, Pickup, all different shapes and sizes. Tons of them are compared, but there is no one size fit all method to be the "king of all cars."

 

[billy the fish]

I got a 32GB "starter" iPhone myself, but now that I start to use it more seriously I know i have to upgrade to something with more.

Can I enquire what using it more seriously means.. do you have a stern look on your face while you are playing angry birds lol

 

[Fortimir]

Show me a phone at $395 and we'll have something to talk about.

Hey look. I got my wish. The iPhone SE starts at $399.