what to upgrade to from 3GS?

You sound like the type of person that isn't bothered for not owning the latest and greatest. I'd recommend you buy a good condition used iPhone 4S. It's a big upgrade from your 3GS and will serve you well.

 

If you want a device that can satisfy you with for at least 2 years, I would recommend the new iPhone 5. Its A6 chip is twice faster than what's in the iPhone 4S, and the larger screen makes it much better for note taking, games, all many other types of applications.

 

Well, you have hold it out for three years with the iPhone 3GS. I'd get the iPhone 5 if you are planning to hold it for another three years.

 

If comparing an unlocked 4S and 5 from Apple the difference is $100 (between the two 16GBs)

I've had both a 4S and now a 5 and it might be smarter for you to go with the 4S (if you want to use that $100 on something else). Now, thats not to say I don't love my 5, because I really do. The bigger screen, LTE (Verizon Unlimited ftw), and the (slightly) faster speed is what made me upgrade. But for you, and please correct me if I'm wrong, wont have LTE. If you do though then definitely go 5.

Honestly though, coming from a 3GS you'll love the 4S too. That Retina screen will blow you away and the upgrade in processor and RAM will too.

So if you have the extra $100 to spend go for the 5. But if that $100 can go towards something more important you'll still love the 4S too.

(comparing iOS 6 on both devices is negligible. Both are practically the same. The 5 is more future proof though)

 

If you are eligible for upgrade grab a on-contract 5. If not grab a 4S of Craigslist or something. Even a broke one would be ok becuase repair costs aren't to bad.

 

I suppose this will vary in different markets, but you can find folks selling them $250-300 on my local craigslist (who have realistic selling expectations)

 

How long are you going to keep your next iPhone? The iPhone 5 will last a year longer than the iPhone 4S (looking at software updates).

Again, I'd go for an iPhone 5. It's more durable (because the back isn't made out of glass), it's got LTE (if that matters to you), this powerful new A6 chip.

Also, the 4-inch display. I don't know how developers will deal with it, but the 4-inch display is here for the years to come and I wouldn't be surprised to see some iPhone 5-exclusive apps. iPhone 5-only apps won't run on an iPhone 4(S), but iPhone 4(S) apps will definitely run on an iPhone 5.

 

for Verizon/Sprint, you can avoid stolen/blacklisted phone by verifying IMEI with them before buying. for AT&T, it should have no problems just popping in your AT&T sim -- but I'd probably call and verify IMEI anyways too to avoid risk of it possibly being blacklisted in the future.

 

If you have good LTE coverage where you are, I'd go with the 5. That is the most significant difference between the two. With LTE, the thing just flies.

 

Well, in that case, I'd get the iPhone 5. The newer a model is, the longer it is supported and the more features it get.

 

You've already expressed your interest in having the latest.

Therefore go with the 5.

 

From a 3GS, you should go to a SG3 .... Then you will truly have the latest and greatest

 

Buy verizon. They're unlocked Or buy from Canadian store and get shipped from canada to your address

I think he'd rather have a phone that doesn't have its own gravitational field

 

The 4 and the 4s are very close. Have you considered that?

 

I upgraded from my iPhone 3GS to a shiny new iPhone 5. All I can say is wow, the difference is HUGE.

 

Go for the iP5 from 3GS, I did. After three years you owe it to yourself!
The difference in colours and clarity is unbelievable, no more black bars when playing YouTube videos, not to mention how snappy and refreshing is to use. Then you will have Seri, 3D maps... etc.

 

Looks like you can get a used 4S on eBay for about $300.

One big difference I see between the 4S and 5 is battery life. My battery life was awful on the 4S and is much improved on the 5. But I'm on my phone all day for work. And use a lot of data.

 

My son is using my iPhone 3Gs that I got in December 2009. It is still working perfectly. I gave it to him in December 2010 when I upgraded to an iPhone 4. Next month he will get the iPhone 4 because I upgraded to an iPhone 5. I can say from personal experience that my iPhone 4 is such a good device that I had to really think about whether I wanted to spend the $$$ to upgrade. If the owner of the iPhone 4s has been satisfied with the performance & reliability of the device, you may be satisfied as well and also be able to wait it out until the next iPhone upgrade, whenever that is.

Also, if the iPhone 4s hasn't been upgraded to iOS 6, you'll still have Google Maps and not the new app.

My

 

I'd be patient & wait.

The blogosphere is beginning to buzz about the upcoming iPhone 6. The word I've read is due to the public embarrassment over Apple Maps, horrid battery life, ScuffGate, and other troubles, Apple is quite likely to kill off iP5 early, replacing it with a greatly improved iPhone 6.

My iP5 experience was marginal at best so I've taken mine offline & returned to my excellent, ultra reliable, Google Maps equipped iPhone 4S.

I'm excited!