Now that the iPhone 5 has been announced and people are starting to digest all of the information, many of you are probably asking yourselves, “Should I upgrade to the iPhone5?”
This really depends on a few different factors … what version of the iPhone you currently have, when you last upgraded your contract, etc. The hardcore Apple fans like myself will be getting an iPhone 5 regardless, but for those on the fence, let’s go into detail.
iPhone 3GS & 4 Users:
For those of you out there using a 3GS or iPhone 4 model, the jump to the iPhone 5 is going to be HUGE. There will be dramatic changes in store for you besides just a larger screen. You will be getting a huge bump in processing power with the all new A6 chip, compared to the old A4 chip included in the iPhone 4 models. The resolution on the 4″ retina display is going to be much clearer than your current model.
Something missing from your phone is Siri, which is a big plus. Who doesn’t want to be able to ask their phone what good movies are out right now or what the score of the game is? Just the way the phone feels in your hand and the design – especially for 3GS users – will be ten times better, with the iPhone 5 being the thinnest and lightest smart phone on the market. When you feel the need to snap some photos, the 8 megapixel camera (now with 720P front face ability) will wow you. Finally, the 4G LTE capability is a tremendous improvement over 3G speeds, although it will drain your battery at a quicker pace.
The price point of the iPhone 5 is the same as the 4S release last year – $199 for the 16BG version with contract. Whether you are a Verizon, Sprint, or AT&T member, this purchase is a no-brainer in my opinion. For the person who doesn’t want to adopt a first generation iPhone 5 and won’t benefit from all the bells and whistles, now is a great time to grab the 4S for $99. All in all, the jump from a 3GS & iPhone 4 to a 5 is a great idea and will not leave you with buyer’s remorse.
iPhone 4S Users
Now, for the Apple marketing staff, this is where things can get tricky, at least for 4S users who aren’t hardcore tech gurus. You need to ask yourself three important questions in order to make your decision. One – when did I last upgrade? For the person who just upgraded 6 months ago or fewer, it’s really a tough argument for Apple to persuade you to hop on the iPhone 5 train. Two – how obsessed with Apple are you (I am 100% obsessed)? Last but not least – can you wait for the inevitable iPhone 5S? If you look at the iPhone 4S and the iPhone 5 there are improvements, but are they worth breaking contract for?
Key Differences: iPhone 4S vs iPhone 5
- A5 Processor / A6 Processor
- 3.5″ retina display / 4″ retina display
- NO 4G LTE / 4G LTE capabilty
- FaceTime : VGA resolution / 1.2MP photos 720p HD video Backside illumination sensor
I hope that helps many of you iPhone users make the decision whether to purchase the iPhone 5 or not.
Photo Source: Apple.com