Yesterday’s announcement of the iPhone 5 had iPhone users and gadget lovers waiting with baited breath about the phone’s new features. Apple devotees will be online tonight at 3 am EST / 12 am PST to be among the first to get their hands on them when they become available on September 21. Priced the same as previous iPhone models ($199-$399), the iPhone 5 is a significant financial investment. What’s they hype really about and is it worth it?
If you can’t imagine life without your iPhone and eschew the Android platform, then yes, it’s worth considering especially if your current iPhone contract is up.
Why? The iPhone5 is a huge step up from the iPhone4s. While there were improvements made between the 4 and 4s models, the iPhone 5 design and technological improvements make it a sought after device.
Continuing with the glass and aluminum design, Apple has increased the size of the screen but made a device that is lighter but with a larger screen than previous models. Instead of 4 rows of app icons, the new model can accommodate 5.
Improved battery life reportedly allows for 8 hours of talk time, 8 hours of browsing over the cellular network, and 10 hours of browsing via Wi-Fi. Browsing will also be faster, supposedly twice as fast as the iPhone 4s.
For those who love taking and sharing photos using their iPhones, the iPhone 5 will have an improved camera that is 25% smaller than the iPhone 4s and 40% faster. Even though the camera is still 8 MP, it’s been redesigned to work better in low light, features a panoramic mode. iPhone 5 records 1080p HD video and will allow users to snap photos while recording video.
What are the drawbacks?
A new connector. Called Lightning, this redesign means that your old plugs and accessories won’t work with your iPhone 5 without an adapter.
Cost. Apple devices are never inexpensive and it may not be worthwhile to break your current cell phone contract in favor of the iPhone 5.
Do the benefits of the new iPhone outweigh the drawbacks? Are you staying up to order one tonight so it arrives on September 21?
No I won’t but that doesn’t mean I won’t be cruising EBay for the ‘old’ phones when others get their 5’s !
I bet that eBay Instant Sale is going to get flooded with iPhone4 and 4s models as people get their 5s, making it a great time to pick one up!
I will not be purchasing one any time soon. I was talking to my husband about it the other night and while I absolutely love Apple I think the constant changes and always having to be on top are over kill for consumers. Yes it creates a oh my gosh I have to had it need from consumers which I am sure is their goal but I don’t buy into that hype.
Hi Shana! I didn’t make the leap from the 4 to the 4s. While there were improvements, I didn’t feel that they were significant enough for me to break my 2 year contract and purchase another phone. You’re right that there will always be changes and good for you for not buying into the hype! Part of being tech savvy is knowing how to be a good consumer when it comes to the ever changing world of devices!