Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

Why are you all getting the iPhone 4?

Like a previous poster, I had a 3G that was really showing its age, and couldn't handle daily tasks well. I initially thought about upgrading to the iPhone 4; it seemed like a natural, logical upgrade.

After some thought and some time spent with both a 3GS and a 4 in the AT&T store, I decided that the speed increase of the 3GS combined with the multitasking of iOS4 would be more than enough of an upgrade for me. The Retina Display is pretty, but since I don't see it on a daily basis I don't really know what I'm missing. And unlike many, I'm a diehard fan of the 3G/3GS rounded back; I absolutely hated the way the 4 felt while I was holding it.

However- this has all changed because my mom went out and bought an iPhone 4. Now that my family has a way to have "FaceTime" with me while I'm at school, I've re-evaluated my decision. FaceTime pushed me over the edge to return the 3GS (which, otherwise, I'm thrilled with) and get the iPhone 4.

So, to answer your question, for me the big feature of the iPhone 4 is FaceTime. I know there are cheaper ways to video chat. However, FaceTime is simple and I think I'll be able to naturally integrate it into my daily life, which is something I was never able to do with iChat. I value the ability to video chat easily with my family while I'm away with college more than I value 100 extra dollars in my pocket.
 
Upgrading to the iphone 4 makes perfect sense. Sell 3GS for $300 dollars and buy the iphone 4 for $200. I make a $100 profit while upgrading to a new better phone... does that make financial sense to you OP. I will be paying the same amount for the next 2 years with AT&T anyways...so you talking about contract prices is pretty irrelevant.
 
It's simple really here's my list of reasons.

• Front Camera - For Face Time and also who knows what developers will start doing with it. Over time apps will come out that I otherwise would not be able to take advantage of.

• Higher Resolution Camera - I don't use a small digital camera I either use my DSLR or my phone I will be able to take much better pictures spontaneously while out and about.

• HD Video - Same as above I don't carry my high end camera around but taking HD anywhere will be nice.

• Flash/Light - See above, light and flash will make for better photos while out and about.

• iMovie - Editing home movies while on vacation or out somewhere is really great.

• Retina Display - I didn't think this would be that big of a deal but it really is. After using the phone for a while I've realized the Retina Display actually serves a very practical purpose. I used to have to zoom in to small print just to navigate a web page I can now see pages clear enough to go right where I need to first instead of zooming and panning all over the place. Plus it really does look so much better.

• Build Quality - I really like metal over plastic, I was sad when Apple went to the 3G/3GS plastic body. The iPhone 4 feels much better in the hand.

• Battery Life - Longer lasting battery is always good.

• Faster processor/memory - Not only is the phone more responsive but will last longer as developers and Apple in the future begin to drop support for older phones, like for example the slimmed down version of iOS4 for 3G.

• Better Signal Reception - I know the antenna is a problem for a few people but for me I get service now in many areas where I had none before. The improved antenna design is something I am very happy with.

• Better GPS - having turn by turn directions is nice, maps seem to find my location more accurately and faster.

• Gyro - It will be great to see how app developers make use of this. Will be better for Augmented Reality apps.

• Faster 3G - I didn't even realize this was a feature until the recent issue came up, but the fast upload speeds are really great especially for posting photos and videos while out.

• Value - Getting all this for only $299 (32GB) for me is a great deal I will likely use this thing more than any other device I own over the next two years. As a result I will not have a need for a small portable Digital camera, video camera, eBook reader, laptop computer, portable game system, portable GPS, and much much more.

I know there are probably quite a few things I left off but those are the big ones for me, $299 for me was a no brainer.:D
 
s8film40 said:
It's simple really here's my list of reasons.

• Front Camera - For Face Time and also who knows what developers will start doing with it. Over time apps will come out that I otherwise would not be able to take advantage of.

• Higher Resolution Camera - I don't use a small digital camera I either use my DSLR or my phone I will be able to take much better pictures spontaneously while out and about.

• HD Video - Same as above I don't carry my high end camera around but taking HD anywhere will be nice.

• Flash/Light - See above, light and flash will make for better photos while out and about.

• iMovie - Editing home movies while on vacation or out somewhere is really great.

• Retina Display - I didn't think this would be that big of a deal but it really is. After using the phone for a while I've realized the Retina Display actually serves a very practical purpose. I used to have to zoom in to small print just to navigate a web page I can now see pages clear enough to go right where I need to first instead of zooming and panning all over the place. Plus it really does look so much better.

• Build Quality - I really like metal over plastic, I was sad when Apple went to the 3G/3GS plastic body. The iPhone 4 feels much better in the hand.

• Battery Life - Longer lasting battery is always good.

• Faster processor/memory - Not only is the phone more responsive but will last longer as developers and Apple in the future begin to drop support for older phones, like for example the slimmed down version of iOS4 for 3G.

• Better Signal Reception - I know the antenna is a problem for a few people but for me I get service now in many areas where I had none before. The improved antenna design is something I am very happy with.

• Better GPS - having turn by turn directions is nice, maps seem to find my location more accurately and faster.

• Gyro - It will be great to see how app developers make use of this. Will be better for Augmented Reality apps.

• Faster 3G - I didn't even realize this was a feature until the recent issue came up, but the fast upload speeds are really great especially for posting photos and videos while out.

• Value - Getting all this for only $299 (32GB) for me is a great deal I will likely use this thing more than any other device I own over the next two years. As a result I will not have a need for a small portable Digital camera, video camera, eBook reader, laptop computer, portable game system, portable GPS, and much much more.

I know there are probably quite a few things I left off but those are the big ones for me, $299 for me was a no brainer.:D
Click to expand...

I'm sorry but my iPhone 4 doesn't even come close to replacing my laptop computer. That's the only thing different between us I guess.
 
I have a 3G. It has been nothing but problems lately (before iOS4). I can't imagine having any other phone at this point so for me its a no brainer.
 
ZenoVT said:
I'm sorry but my iPhone 4 doesn't even come close to replacing my laptop computer. That's the only thing different between us I guess.
Click to expand...

Yeah I can understand that, for me it replaces what little use I would get out of one. If it wasn't for iPhone I probably would have bought one by now, just for the occasional trip or internet away from home.
 
I was coming from a Nokia N82 + 2G iPhone (8GB/JB) I got from Jan and Nov of 2008. I was due for an upgrade on July 13th this year. Luckily, I got an advance if I got an iPhone 4.

Minus the Xenon flash, iPhone 4 combined the best of both worlds and improved it even more. Excellent 5MP photography w/ iPhone's slick iOS and App Store. Add an even faster CPU and better battery life, and it was practically a no-brainer. I just knew once the iPhone 4 was announced on June 7th, that I was 100% certain that it was going to be my next phone. I figure no phone coming to AT&T this year would beat it. This was the "perfect" iPhone for me. The one I envisioned from 2-3 years ago. Getting it on launch day was a smooth experience and just icing on the cake.
 
Maybe because i will be using AT&T for the next 2 years anyways, so why not sell my previous phone at profit and buy this one for less money.
 
Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 4_0 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/532.9 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/4.0.5 Mobile/8A293 Safari/6531.22.7)

1) I had a 3G. It was getting slow with all the newer bigger apps, games etc.

2) I'm going to be paying AT&T that "2-4 thousand" anyway. (their coverage is very good where I live, and I ain't switching)

So I might as well give 'em an extra $200 and have the phone I want.

3) video chat. Why not?

4) The man who dies with the most saved up money STILL DIES.
 
DoNoHarm said:
As incredible a piece of engineering as the iPhone is, it doesn't seem to make financial sense. You've got the 3GS, this awesome device that can now multi task. Yes, the screen isn't at the resolution of the human retna but whatever, it does the job well. The battery of the new iphone may be better, but it still barely gets through a day.

The contract is BS! You're spending 2-4 thousand dollars by agreeing to AT&T's rates for two years. I just don't see how so many people are clamoring to get this phone. I've held one in my hand. It's a better device (if you discount the antenna issues), but I don't see how people are clamoring for a device that basically does exactly what the 3GS does.
Click to expand...

Right, because if you buy Android phone you can buy it contract-free right?
Really? The 3GS has a 5MP camera that takes awesome pictures equivalent to some Canon standalone cameras? The 3GS can capture 720p HD videos and is able to edit it using iMovie? The 3GS has a gyroscope? The 3GS has 512MB RAM and faster processor?

Btw, the battery on the iPhone 4 is a lot better. I can get through 2 days of use with it compared to half a day on my 3G.

Not everyone is upgrading from an iPhone 3GS.
 
Daaaaaaaaamn! How can so many people be so sensitive and be so up in arms that I would even deign to suggest that the hype for this new phone might be a little overblown!? Wow people....

To all those with their new iphones, I hope they bring you enjoyment that makes hurling all sorts of insults around worth it.

:apple:
 
DoNoHarm said:
As incredible a piece of engineering as the iPhone is, it doesn't seem to make financial sense.
Click to expand...

And it doesn't make financial sense for a less well-off person to have a smartphone to begin with. How wonderfully presumptuous this post is. Did you ever consider the fact that this might not be a lot of money to some people or does everyone have to share your same sense of value and what things are worth?

You've got the 3GS, this awesome device that can now multi task. Yes, the screen isn't at the resolution of the human retna but whatever, it does the job well.
Click to expand...

A high resolution screen makes a gigantic difference. You can marginalize it all you want, but it's massively better.

The battery of the new iphone may be better, but it still barely gets through a day.
Click to expand...

I don't have to worry about it at all during the day. Peace of mind is great.

You're spending 2-4 thousand dollars by agreeing to AT&T's rates for two years.
Click to expand...

As opposed to what? Not getting a cell phone? Switching to Sprint? We all have different values.




But cool thread, thanks :rolleyes:
 
Because it's my money.

And yes, the battery CAN last through a day. I took mine off the charger this morning, used it moderately throughout the day, and when i got home from work tonight, it was still at 50% with over 6 hours of usage.
 
Upgraded from the 3G which battery was dying( I was down to 2 hours of usage time). iPhone 4 was a no brainer for me.
 
DoNoHarm said:
As incredible a piece of engineering as the iPhone is, it doesn't seem to make financial sense. You've got the 3GS, this awesome device that can now multi task. Yes, the screen isn't at the resolution of the human retna but whatever, it does the job well. The battery of the new iphone may be better, but it still barely gets through a day.

The contract is BS! You're spending 2-4 thousand dollars by agreeing to AT&T's rates for two years. I just don't see how so many people are clamoring to get this phone. I've held one in my hand. It's a better device (if you discount the antenna issues), but I don't see how people are clamoring for a device that basically does exactly what the 3GS does.
Click to expand...

battery won't get you through a day? I haven't charged mine in 3 days

contract is bs? Been with att for 15 years, why is a contract for another 2 years bs when I am not going anywhere? I usually pay no contract price anyways!

to me the 4 is a huge step up from the 3gs
 
DoNoHarm said:
Daaaaaaaaamn! How can so many people be so sensitive and be so up in arms that I would even deign to suggest that the hype for this new phone might be a little overblown!? Wow people....
To all those with their new iphones, I hope they bring you enjoyment that makes hurling all sorts of insults around worth it.
Click to expand...

Don't cry just because you don't have the $$ to get the i-4 :( Want me to hook you up with a few bucks?
I didn't really see anyone insult you... I did see people answering a stupid question with some straight forward answers. Can't take the heat.... well you know the rest. It's a personal choice and really none of your business. Some one in life is always going to have what you can't deal with it and move on.

If you ask troll type questions, don't get upset when people slam you.
 
exept the obvius upgrades.

gyro will change much if developers use it
and i belive 512 mb ram is kinda of a limit that will probably ensure it will last a while
 
If i had a 3Gs i probably wouldn't upgrade due to the contract costs. But having the 3G and being eligible for early upgrade it was a no-brainer. The I4 is a tremendous upgrade over the 3G. Plus i sold my 3G (with the cracked case no less) for $125...so the 32G I4 upgrade really only cost me $175.
 
Because I've been with AT&T/Cingular/AT&T since 1993 and this is by far the best piece of hardware I've ever used. I sold my 3GS and made a profit when all was said and done, and I plan on doing the same next summer for whatever the upgrade is.

Basically, 'cause I wanted to. End of story.
 
Easy, skipped the 3G S and from the 3G the 4 is a huge improvement. Hubby went to the 3G S, he upgraded to the 4 as well. We also sell our old iPhones when we buy the new ones and have always gotten at least what the new ones cost us so it ends up being a no brainer to start with a fresh battery and fresh phone. I switched to the original iPhone from a Blackberry and our phone bill went down as the Blackberry at the time was almost $40 more expensive per month. And as other have said, our batteries are getting through the day on the 4.

If you don't think its worth it, then don't buy it. There are lots of choices, make the best one for you.
 
DoNoHarm said:
As incredible a piece of engineering as the iPhone is, it doesn't seem to make financial sense. You've got the 3GS, this awesome device that can now multi task. Yes, the screen isn't at the resolution of the human retna but whatever, it does the job well. The battery of the new iphone may be better, but it still barely gets through a day.

The contract is BS! You're spending 2-4 thousand dollars by agreeing to AT&T's rates for two years. I just don't see how so many people are clamoring to get this phone. I've held one in my hand. It's a better device (if you discount the antenna issues), but I don't see how people are clamoring for a device that basically does exactly what the 3GS does.
Click to expand...

Your argument is invalid. The main point of contention you seem to present is the costs associated with the AT&T contract yet you fail to note (or even realize) that those same stipulations apply to your 3GS. Why wouldn't you upgrade to a better device if you're going to be held to the same contract requirements?

I guess the better question is, why are YOU not upgrading to iPhone 4? (This question of course assumes that you are not or have not upgraded.)
 
The OP is the kind of person that likes to start a thread with an insulting message then dissapear as he watches everyone get all worked up over what he said. He doesn't give two s**ts about why you bought a phone. He just wants to start a fire. To me, this is the internet form of being the neighborhood busy body. It is human nature to want to just rant all over him, but if you really want to get his goat, let the thread dissapear into obscurity with not one response. I know it will never happen but it would really get them Pissed.

Also, remember that your decisions in life should never have to be justified to a 40 year old unemployed man that lives in his mothers basement and watches courtroom reality shows all day long.
 
DoNoHarm said:
As incredible a piece of engineering as the iPhone is, it doesn't seem to make financial sense. You've got the 3GS, this awesome device that can now multi task. Yes, the screen isn't at the resolution of the human retna but whatever, it does the job well. The battery of the new iphone may be better, but it still barely gets through a day.

The contract is BS! You're spending 2-4 thousand dollars by agreeing to AT&T's rates for two years. I just don't see how so many people are clamoring to get this phone. I've held one in my hand. It's a better device (if you discount the antenna issues), but I don't see how people are clamoring for a device that basically does exactly what the 3GS does.
Click to expand...

Are you specifically gearing this to 3GS users?? I myself had a 3G and the upgrade was both needed and well worth it IMO.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back