Apple lovers rejoice! Today is the day you both love and hate — the release date for the iPhone 5. Unless you're a true fan that either pre-ordered the phone or queued up in line last night (in which case you're snuggling up with that new device instead of reading this), you're probably still deciding whether to upgrade your old iPhone to Apple's latest and greatest.
This year the decision isn't as easy as in years past — most reviewers agree that the leap from the iPhone 4 to the iPhone 5 isn't quite as huge as something like the leap from the iPhone 3g to the iPhone 4. But others love it, calling it the nicest object in their posession, and say if you can afford it, you should upgrade. If you're on the fence, here are some pros and cons to consider.
Reasons not to upgrade to the iPhone 5:
- Some of the most significant features come with iOS 6, which you can get for free on your old device.
- The rear camera on the new iPhone is only marginally better than the camera on the iPhone 4S — some even say it's worse because of its more compact sensor.
- The iPhone 5 is lighter, but it's also slightly taller. Your thumbs may not cover the full length of the screen as well, none of your old cases will fit, and it will feel slightly longer in your pocket.
- Some of your favorite apps might not look so great on the larger screen, unless they are updated right away — especially on the white iPhone 5, where the black border on old apps won't blend into the phone itself. Apps you love that are no longer supported by their developers may never look good on the larger screen.
- The new connecting port on the iPhone 5 is entirely different than any other iOS or iPod device you own. None of your old docks or accessories that use the old port will work with the iPhone 5, unless you splurge for Apple's $30 adaptor.
- The appearance of the phone, aside from height, is very similar. The overall shape of the iPhone 5 is much like the iPhone 4, so your old device won't look as out of place as say, the iPhone 3g.
- You might have to pay more for LTE network coverage.
- You'll save at least $200.
Reasons to upgrade to the iPhone 5:
- The iPhone 5 is 20% lighter than the iPhone 4 — for something you carry everywhere, every day, that's not insignificant!
- You might not even need a case for the iPhone 5. You can no longer shatter the iPhone's glass just by dropping it on a corner. Much of the Phone is now aluminum, and the glass Apple chose for the iPhone 5 is much stronger. If you're like me and have had to pay the price of shattering your iPhone 4's display, this is pretty significant. You can finally enjoy the iPhone's beautiful design just the way it is, without the worries that come with it.
- Thanks to the iPhone's new design, antenna issues won't be a problem the way they were with the iPhone 4.
- The iPhone 5 is faster in every way — perhaps the fastest smartphone on the market. It loads pages in Safari faster, it renders video faster, and it will edit and process photos faster.
- If your data plan supports LTE, loading data from the internet on the iPhone 5 will be just as fast as using a wi-fi connection, even on the road. Web, video, and even Siri will be much faster.
- The new iPhone's screen is not only larger, but it's better in terms of color quality and contrast. So, everything will look better.
- If you FaceTime a lot (or like to take self portraits), the iPhone 5 has a much improved front facing camera.
- Most reviewers seem to agree that the iPhone 5 is just a beauty to behold — if aesthetics are important to you, this alone could push you over the edge after holding the device.
- Since iPhones hold their value pretty well, you might be able to sell your old iPhone for most of what it costs to buy a new iPhone 5, depending on the model you own and its condition.
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I'm still using a cruddy little Tracfone (can't complain about $10 a month). It does all I need it to and I'm satisfied.
If you have the iPhone 4 or below, get the 5.
If you have the 4s, you can probably wait.
I'm not even upgrading to ios6 until they solve the mapping problems. I use the Google Maps all the time, and there have been many many reports of potentially serious inaccuracies in the maps. Or until Google Maps is available for ios 6, which is what I'd actually prefer.
I have a 3GS and I've been waiting for the 5. It looks lovely, but I actually listen to music on my phone a lot and I'm disappointed/annoyed that they moved the headphone jack to the bottom. Why!?! I'm waiting a bit to see what the problems are (they're already all over the web) and how they're addressed before I buy. I may even--gasp!--look at other brands in the mean time.
I have the iPhone 4 but am still going to wait a bit. Whenever they introduce a new version they always discover something pesky with it that has to be corrected so I'll wait for now.
Other reason not to get the i5:
--Apple Maps doesn't support transit directions, so if you live in a big city and rely on public transit, you'll be at a disadvantage (Google Maps is blocked/unsupported on iOS6)
However, Apple Care is now $99 for 2 years, AND it covers liquid damage (like dropping your phone in a puddle) and if the screen shatters, you can get it replaced for free at the Apple store under this extended warranty.
My iphone 4S is barely a year old...I'm going to wait!
I would disagree that you "might be able to sell your old iPhone for most of what it costs to buy a new iPhone 5, depending on the model you own and its condition." Today my husband just bought a 2-month old iPhone 4S for $275, and I've seen several others sell for that price this week. Hardly close to the retail price!
I wish they hadn't changed the size of the phone, some people enjoyed the consistency.
Anyway, I have a flip dumbphone that costs $15 with unlimited calling and texting for $40.
I have used a smartphone for a year, and they suck as phones. I'm thinking of buying a iphone soon but only as a PDA with a data plan only, it is simply one of the best MP3 players out there.
My 4s will still do for me, iOS 6 was an awesome update, then again I don't use Maps that much. I'll wait for my contract to be up and get the 5s or 6 next year.
I still have a 3GS and it just doesn't bother me enough to want pay that much money for an upgrade. For my purposes (internet radio, sat nav, Instagram/Hipstamatic even though it doesn't have a flash, Facebook, checking my email etc) it's absolutely fine.
@ Dulcibella and omoriala
SJ hated Google so you're not going to get goglemaps now that Apple has developed an alternative. Even if the quality and functionality of said alternative is bad.
That's the issue with the likes of Apple: you buy a piece of hardware but you're not allowed to install what you want or need. It's more like renting for the price of owning.
Apple is engaged in a war against Google and who is going to suffer are the customers used as dumb pawns.
Yes, if you ever use the navigation, I definitely would not update; the new system sounds like a disaster. http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/interactive/2012/sep/20/apple-google-maps-compared-interactive
The new maps are bad overseas, but they're pretty good in the US (Apple bought its data from Tom Tom - seems about as accurate as Google's maps, which isn't saying much since they're full of bugs, too).
The 3D view is great for navigating around dense urban areas. But if I lived in Tokyo I'd think twice about upgrading, since the map data there is apparently very bad.
Of course, you could always just use your browser and visit Google maps on the web...
Agree with Josh about only upgrading if you you have a 4 or below. There is not much mention of the 5 in comparison to the 4s and that is probably because they are very similar.
I have a 4s which is my first iPhone. I just got it in January so it's still relatively new, I love it and I'm pretty pleased with the iOS 6 update. I also purchased the latest iPod nano for Xmas last year and updated my iPad 2 to a 3 only the few months ago, needless to say I love the fact that they all fit in my docking station and I can shuffle between them as I see fit. Having to fork out for an adaptor? No thank you.
I don't like how it's longer and I don't like that the headphone jack is at the bottom. Won't be upgrading until iPod, iPad are also updated to new plug and its really necessary.... Hopefully by then the iPhone 6 will be back to the smaller size.
@ sunspot42
Well New York is not much oversee, and still seems to have problems...
"If You Use The Subway A Lot DO NOT Upgrade To Apple's New iPhone Software!"
http://www.businessinsider.com/ios6-maps-2012-9
From Sweden to South Africa, a debacle:
http://theamazingios6maps.tumblr.com/
As a registered developer, I've been using Apple Maps for the past 6 months on my 4s, and I much prefer it to Google Maps. Turn by turn nav (narrated by Siri) is amazing, I use it all the time. The only thing I miss is Google street view.
@"Reasons not to upgrade to the iPhone 5"
@"Some of the most significant features come with iOS 6, which you can get for free on your old device."
Those are two different things. The iPhone 5 is hardware, what you are talking about, and iOS 6 is software.
You guys might also consider using similar angle of views when making product comparisons. A lot more useful to a reader.
@I have a 3GS and I've been waiting for the 5. It looks lovely, but I actually listen to music on my phone a lot and I'm disappointed/annoyed that they moved the headphone jack to the bottom. Why!?!
It makes sense since you don't have to have the headphone wire dangling in your way when holding it in your hand. Then if you put it in your pocket the natural way is top in first in the same way you are holding it in your hand. Then the wire comes up directly from the phone. When you reach back into your pocket and pull out your phone it is ready to use and with the wire out of the way.
@Other reason not to get the i5: --Apple Maps doesn't support transit directions, so if you live in a big city and rely on public transit, you'll be at a disadvantage (Google Maps is blocked/unsupported on iOS6)
Wrong. Google maps is not "blocked/unsupported" on iOS 6. It is simply no longer preinstalled. Google has an iOS 6 map app waiting approval by Apple that will then be available like any other app from the App Store.
@SJ hated Google so you're not going to get goglemaps now that Apple has developed an alternative. Even if the quality and functionality of said alternative is bad.
Steve Jobs no longer runs Apple and Google has an iOS 6 map app waiting approval.
@That's the issue with the likes of Apple: you buy a piece of hardware but you're not allowed to install what you want or need. It's more like renting for the price of owning.
Apple is engaged in a war against Google and who is going to suffer are the customers used as dumb pawns.
Each system, Android and iOS, have certain restrictions. You really think Google would allow an iTunes app for Android? I doubt it. Apple's App Store also has more apps available for iOS devices, and of higher quality, than Android does.
Also, you need to be careful when making claims about Apple hardware as they also make computers which have zero restrictions as to what you can install.
@Agree with Josh about only upgrading if you you have a 4 or below. There is not much mention of the 5 in comparison to the 4s and that is probably because they are very similar.
The iPhone 5 has at least double the speed of the iPhone 4s and much faster cellular service with 4g LTE. Double the ram too. The screen is bigger. 16x9 movies will be much bigger on the new screen. The quality of the screen is improved with more color quality and contrast. The 5 is thinner and lighter. The new connector can be plugged in either way and is more durable.
There are plenty of comparisons online but one thing is clear is that the two phones are not "very similar."
If you want a faster phone, both in processor power and network, get an iPhone 5. I upgraded from the 4 and the difference in phone speed is ridiculously noticeable. The network is a good 15 or 20 times faster than the 3G network was as well, but that was expected.
Sure there are other things that make it nice, it has a larger screen, it's designed very nicely, etc, but the increase in speed is what makes it a huge improvement for me.
Always enjoy the mostly helpful and informative banter in the tech column especially when I'm on the fence for a new product.
Thanks for this thread- very interesting and terminology I can understand.
I have a 3GS and it's still working fine, so don't see an urgent need to upgrade, although it can be slow at times.
I get pitying looks occasionally when I pull it out, but am serene enough to live with that.
Think I'll just wait a while, and see what happens.
@ANASTASIABEAVERHAUSEN
If it works for you, I say rock on. I don't plan on updating my phone for the next 3 years or so (or until batteries are no longer made for it) and will probably steer clear of smartphones when I actually end up needing to replace my Galaxy Nexus. Battery life is clearly the biggest issue for me, not only that, I see smartphones as an unneeded distraction throughout much of the day.
On Twitter, maps debacle chronicled at #ios6pocalypse: https://twitter.com/i/#!/search/%23ios6pocalypse?q=%23ios6pocalypse
In a news item filmed on French television this weekend half a dozen random people in Paris were given an earlier model and told it was the new Iphone5 - and how would they evaluate it. All of them praised its 'new design', lightness, better layout etc.......
I can afford to upgrade from my 4s, but I keep thinking about the Chinese students press-ganged into working at the FoxConn factories. Gadget lust in exchange for human rights doesn't seem like a fair trade.
Don't believe the point about not being able to shatter the glass! Get a case! I had my Iphone 5 for all of 2 days (upgrade from my ancient iphone 3G) before dropping it on a concrete floor and cracking the screen. The advantage is, these screens are easier to replace than those in the 4. Wishing I had applecare.....
Looking for clarity around what I should do now - my iphone 4s has completely shattered screen, to the degree of an actual hole in it. currently have tape over it but its not going to last. So, I can:
1) pay £139 for a replacement 4S handset, giving Apple back this one - i think I would have 90days warranty on the new (or is it refurbished?? She said it would be new..) one. still have the risk of breaking again etc.
2) pay around £55 to a non-Apple screen replacement. Then sell 4S and put proceeds towards a new iphone 5 including full years warranty - and consider buying the applecare for extra coverage..
I can probably claim a fair proportion of either choice on tax return as a business expense
Thoughts??
Suddenly, my out-of-style 3gs has become retro! Can you dig it, baby?
My first thought on seeing this post was "God, more-more-more. This world makes me so sad." And although it was nice to see FiatLex's comment - "Gadget lust in exchange for human rights doesn't seem like a fair trade" - it's also sad that it's swamped by dozens of other comments that mostly just re-inforce the culture of endless consumption, endless material lust. I really hate that I'm sounding preachy (as I know I probably do), because I love a gorgeous object as much as the next AT-er. But really, it makes me despair for the planet (in every sense of the term) that so many people think nothing of lusting after, and getting, the latest version of something which they *already have*.
i have the new iphone5, it is slick but really not a huge difference, my iphone 4 was getting old, and battery life so low, so i needed a new phone and was offered a great package so i upgraded, but it really could be my old phone....i do like not having a cover though.