Should I get an iPhone 5?

There are a couple of considerations. Several carriers who have offered unlimited data plans in the past are using people’s upgrades as a chance to change their data plans. You can do several things related to this:
1. Pay full retail for the new phone (>$600).
2. Check your data usage online to see if the loss of unlimited data will really hurt you.
3. DO NOT buy the phone online (pre-order from Apple or your carrier), instead go into the store and ask the clerk how this will affect any unlimited data plan and if you will you be “grandfathered” in.

Because you have been on the 3Gs, you might find the anticipated reduction in cost on the various iPhone 4s to be completely satisfactory for your use and may not lose any unlimited plan you may currently have.

well to me the 5 looks like the 4s just bigger and thinner, if you have the 3gs the only difference from that to the 4s is the display and siri and the camera so get the 5 it starts at 16 gb for 200 on contract which i believe is your best bet

The camera is the only real upgrade here (from your version). I had the iPhone 4 and the camera was amazing. Replaced my point and shoot. If you’re ok with iOS functionality and are interested in getting a camera, an upgrade makes sense.

Like any upgrade, ask yourself if this one provides you anything useful. Don’t upgrade simply for the sake of upgrading; upgrade because the new version suits your needs better. That is part of the reason I haven’t upgraded my Droid X in three years; the new ones don’t offer anything I feel of worth upgrading for.

I was gonna say its not worht it, but I saw the price tag, only 400 bucks for the 64 gig version? holy fuck, I think I might get one. That is, quite a while after the release so they iron out the bugs and so that there is a jailbreak available.

aww fuck, thats with contract of course. forget that shit lol.

All I can say is, if you are going to get another phone, get an Android phone. Of course there are no bases for them, but with Bluetooth connection coming, that won’t be necessary. And I also like the idea of having widgets and more that two screens on my phone. And I also like the idea of expandable memory.

@reijinni – She stated in her question: “I do want to stay in the Apple environment”. This isn’t an iOS vs. Android thing. It’s an iPhone upgrade question.

MY answer is no and reconsider that ecosystem.

I never upgrade unless I see a real need. I figure the longer I wait between cycles, the better (and cheaper) the newer versions will be. You know there is already an IPhone 6 waiting to be released and they have to be working on a 7 and 8 already.
Iphone4 s are being given away free with the purchase of a data plan.

Another reason I wouldn’t do it is the new connector. IMO that was arrogance on their part. They figured Apple fans would follow like sheep. They’d buy it anyway and Apple wold make a killing on the accessories.

If you need it as a fashion accessory (must have the latest and greatest) then I can understand the purchase, otherwise wait. In 6 months there will be a version that has 2x the memory at 80% of the price. Then maybe think about it.

Also, as usual, there will be 2 bugs in this system that will need to be fixed.

Well, I passed on the 4 with that reasoning and I would like a better camera because I use the phone as my main camera…...

OK. At least you have a justification. That is a good start.
Do you still have your small digital camera you bought 3 years ago? Does it still work? Did you read the manual to see all the things it can do?

Now my question becomes: Can you wait 6 months or is this a critical purchase that must be done now? If you can justify it now so be it. But remember if yo buy it now you are paying more for something that will have (most likely) 2 as yet undetected problems, will be outdated by a new model in 6 months , and will force you to buy new adapters and accessories for your car, home, office.at inflated prices.

What kind of phone to I carry? A “bulletproof”, waterproof, shockproof Casio Ravine GzOne
It’s not pretty but it has what I need.

I have the iPhone 3gs, which I don’t use anymore, now I use a Samsung, and I want to get my hands on the Samsung Galaxy S 3. But I’m angry as I was with Apple I’m not happy about the continual iTrain of new versions every year, just before xmas, just after they put you in a 3 yr contract for Xxx amount of more dolla bills than the phone is worth. So I opted out for having a Samsung (not the S3) but another version for free, without contract. KOODO..that’s my impersonation

@LuckyGuy My camera is old and out of date but I do not need to rush to buy a new phone; I can wait six months.

I also have the 3GS. I think the 5 is pretty sexy, but ideally I’d probably want a 32GB 4S (my guess is that you can still find them in stores). If you feel like you can wait, then I’d at least wait until you can get your hands on one and see if you like the new size any better. Also, there will probably be some kind of price break before Christmas.

@janbb There’s your answer. Now do you want to take bets what the 2 undiscovered problems will be? They are usually in these families. Pick any 2.
Security vulnerability: undisclosed tracking, backdoor access, etc.
Poor reception: antenna disconnect, antenna array sensitivity in use
Poor battery life: power saver circuitry not operating, battery limitation
Touch screen sensitivity: Surface acoustic wave device impedance mismatch, SAW bonding issue.

Hi @janbb

I’m in a similar boat. I have an iPhone4 and I’m due for an upgrade (every 2 years I’m eligible).
My company pays the bill for everything but the device – I choose whatever device and carrier I want.
I briefly considered the new Nokia Lumia because like you my phone is my primary camera and this one (Carl Zeiss optics, 8 MP main camera, dual LED flash, Auto Focus, 1 MP front camera, video calling) is pretty nice. But, in the end I couldn’t stomach a switch from iOS to Windows 8 ..there are just fewer apps available to Windows phone users.
I have an Android tablet..but don’t want an Android phone.

The real gotcha for me (or what makes this decision clearer) is that most of my work apps (released by my company, things I need to use daily or weekly) require iOS..so, a new iPhone seems like my best bet.

Also, the speed bump to 4G LTE sounds nice (and is already available in my area)..so I’m planning to pay a bit more and get the 32gb model.

I’m currently researching whether I want to switch from AT&T to Verizon once I order my iPhone5. And, as for why upgrade? Well, at my house we have “technology trickle down”.
I get the new iPhone5, and then I jailbreak/unlock my iPhone4 for my oldest daughter to use. Same thing when I got the new Kindle Fire HD. My old Kindle Fire went to middle daughter, and oldest daughter got her iPad.
My oldest daughter is currently using my old iPhone 3G (over 5 years old – and still in use every day)..and when she gets the 4, she’ll probably pass the 3G along to my hubby. (Poor hubby is the last in line for technology trickle down..but that’s ‘cause he doesn’t enjoy new gadgets like the rest of us.)

The upgrade from a 3Gs to a 5 will be significant for the camera, front camera (do you FaceTime with the grandbaby?), the processor, 4G LTE, and presumably the memory depending on what you choose. I had the original, skipped the 3G, upgraded to the 3Gs, and then the 4, skipped the 4s, and am upgrading from the 4 to the 5.

Note: The adapter does not support iPod/video output – so it will not work with speaker docks and similar accessories. For me, it is a non-issue, as I haven’t bought any accessories.

AT&T has said that it will grandfather people with unlimited data plans, which was confirmed when I pre-ordered with them using their AT&T Upgrader App. However, if you want to use FaceTime over the cellular connection (not limited to WiFi), you would have to change data plans. I don’t know what other carriers are doing with their upgrades.

There will be a new model in about a year, and then another new one about a year after that, and the competitors will release their upgrades on a regular basis, also. Like you, I don’t need the next new thing, and have no desire to learn a whole different platform. I do want a better camera lens and faster service and more device memory. I suggest waiting to make your final decision until after Friday, when you can go to the store, hold it in your hand, and try it out.

Check your local 4G coverage too. My coworkers are often offline at work while my 3G still has perfect reception. They almost regret upgrading.

I was under the impression that the really major upgrade to the camera came with either the 4 or 4S (not sure which one).

I’m also way overdue for an upgrade (I have a 3G still going strong) but I’m going to get the 4S for a bargain price.

I just don’t see anything all that compelling about the 5.

And this will give me another several years use out of my speakers, docks, chargers etc. due to the connector issue.

I don’t need to have the latest and the greatest. Plus I’ve discovered how much money can be saved on really top quality peripherals and cases by waiting a few years.

I recently found an Incipio Edge Slider case (new) for $1.00 on a deal site. These cases were originally selling for $25–35 when they first came out (they really are top quality) and now they’re in the $5 or less range presumably due to overstocking.

And in a few years I will likewise find bargain basement prices on peripherals, adapters and cases for the iPhone 5 which now cost an arm and a leg.

I haven’t yet decided what to do with my 3G once I get my 4S. Probably sell it on Craigslist since its in pristine condition since it’s always been in a case from the day I walked out of the store with it.

What is it that you find compelling about the 5? I’m curious because it held little appeal for me so I’m curious what other peoples opinions are.

No, unless your 3GS isn’t working properly. I own a lot of apple products ( iPhone 4S, 2 IPod classic and an iPad ) but I’m really tired of this sheep mentality that the majority of Apple users have. When it comes to phone technology Apple has always been 2 years behind.

Just found out WalMart’s $45/mo Straight Talk works with AT&T iPhones. Just order the SIM card and swap out the old with the new. I’m going to check it out.

Also, you’ll have to use an app called YouMail instead of visual v-mail.

@serenade

So they don’t require a data plan like ATT does? That really would be a bargain.

So, I assume that you just use Wifi for the Internet connection whether at home or on the road.

However, that does eliminate the GPS functionality when in the car, or is there a workaround for that as well?

Unlimited 3G included

http://www.cultofmac.com/186843/why-straight-talk-might-just-be-the-best-carrier-for-your-iphone-period-review/

http://9to5mac.com/2012/07/30/review-the-iphone-on-straight-talk/

Wow. Thanks for that info. I’m definitely going to look into that further.

There is a lot of news today about the just released iPhone 5 and the problems with its Mapping App.
That was something I didn’t have on my list.

Yet another case of: “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”

The Google Maps integrated into the iPhone has worked flawlessly all these years. It is ridiculous to change it.

Glad I’m getting the 4S.

@Buttonstc: “Yet another case of: “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it””

This was not the case at all. It’s Apple trying to rid itself of Google (their competitor). Note that they dropped the native Youtube app as well.
Also, correct me if I’m wrong, but I don’t believe the iOS Google Maps app was a true navigation app, right?

@tom_g Maps and Navigation are seperate but linked apps under Android. Go into Maps, select a place, ask for directions, and it opens up Navigation.

I can get a phone for myself on my mother’s corporate plan with unlimited everything and any smartphone I desire through AT&T, including the iPhone 5. Instead, I’m getting the Nokia Lumia 920, which comes out in October (apparently ).

@geeky_mama noted the already-released 900 model. The 920 has even better camera optics, wireless charging, NFC, as well as the new WP8 OS and all the features of it and the 900, such as City Lens (Use video to look around you and it displays info for the buildings near you, such as ratings, etc.), free ad-less music streaming… It goes on. Even more direct advantages over the iPhone, such as another 2 hours of talk time and supporting more multimedia formats.

I also don’t believe the app situation is so terrible as it may have been in the past. Along with a mobile version of MS Office built-in, the app store (Windows Marketplace) has hit 100k and climbing. I can find plenty of carb-counting and diabetes apps, one of the main reasons for getting the phone.

@jerv – Yep. My comment was inn response to an iOS question and Apple’s motivation for dropping Google Maps.

@tom_g Was the iOS version of Google Maps different from the Android version? I never really checked, so I was under the assumption that they were the same, and therefore iOS Maps was a navigation app as well, or at least linked in a way that the end result was the same.

The iOS Google Maps was useless. No navigation. But really, buying an iPhone rather than Android for navigation is silly.

All I know is that whenever I looked up a nearby business in search, there was usually a link for both phone number and another for directions. If I hit the one for phone, it dialed it automatically.

Likewise for directions. Took me straight to the navigation app and pinned the location. All I had to do was input my address (or let it work from my location) and a full set of step by step directions appeared.
To me, that’s pretty damn good integration, and flawless to boot. Neve once got a wonky set of directions. Not just locally but on several trips halfway across the country and back.

(I realize that some people don’t regard something as “navigation” unless it’s talking at them. But I’m just fine with printed turn by turn on a map) I prefer it.

Never steered me wrong ever.

I understand that they’re competetive with Google but that’s been true ever since the beginning of Android. So?

They’re also competetive with Microsoft and the two figured out how to play nicely in the sandbox (with a little help from govt.) so my original statement stands.

Google maps worked just fine and always has both on my computer and on my phone.

So if they’re the company doing the best job of mapping, it makes little sense to spurn that for something inferior just because of pride.

Prior to this, were there ever any problems with the iPhone and mapping? None that I’m aware of. Even when it first came out.

There have certainly been complaints aplenty about iPhone for a multitude of reasons but navigation and maps was just never on the radar.

It wasn’t broken. They should have just left it alone IMHO.

MAn I’d really not get one without google maps, the apple one looks like shit.

There are many navigation apps available for the iPhone. I did use the Google Maps app as my primary location search, but I was always a good map-reader and navigator before the interwebz.

When I want true nav, I like the free Waze app, which is user supported, so people can enter hazards in real-time – which is far more reliable than radio traffic reports and the traffic on the Maps apps.

In addition, I can access maps.google.com from my browser on the iPhone – I use Safari as well as the Google Chrome app for iOS. I like that the Google maps have so many points of interest, but it absolutely has taken me in the wrong direction on several occasions.

@hearkat Waze is a little weird at times, but it’s still my preferred navigation app.

I spent the money for Navigon on my iphone 4. It was expensive but cheaper than a unit for the car (at least in Australia) and it is better than most of the others I have had. Plus I don’t have to worry about hiding it when I park the car because it always goes into my pocket. I looked at waze but it looks like facebook on wheels???

@rooeytoo The extent of my socialization on Waze is giving them a thumbs up—(the same as a, FB Like or Fluther GA) for letting me know that there is an accident (and resulting traffic jam) 8 miles ahead of me on I-5. The beauty of Waze really is the real-time updates from other Waze users.—
And that is also where the “social” aspect of it comes in; not from having friends and posting funny cat pictures, but from interacting with other commuters in a way that allows all to be aware of things along their respective routes faster than any non-social GPS would allow.

@jerv – I see. I use twitter in the same way. I see what you mean. Navigon is strictly GPS.

@rooeytoo There is virtually nothing Twitter/FB-like about it except for the speed. If you want to know about speed traps, accidents, traffic jams, objects on the road, etcetera before you even get to them, Waze has you covered, and without having to add an extra $20 to unlock a feature that may be many minutes behind the times.
Still, Navigon looks pretty neat. How is that Reality Scanner?

I think so. My wife has the 3Gs my buddy has the 5. I don’t think it’s spoiled of you to spend some hard earned money on new technology. Since the 3Gs, there has been 4 & 4s. That’s two different phones since your release. If you wait for this time next year the 5s will be ready. The 5 is an overall much smoother and highly responsive phone than the 3Gs.

My recommendation is go into an Apple store and play with the 5 for yourself.

it feels like it’s something else, doesn’t feel “phone like” feels like a miniature tablet, definitely feels technologic yet frail

@jerv- dumb question, what part is the reality scanner? I have looked and do not see anything labeled thusly! It sounds like it might refer to when you are exiting a turnpike type road, the screen shows the signs exactly as they appear, the exit ramps as they appear and an arrow indicating which one you should take. Or when you put in a specific address, as you approach it will show you a photo of the house you are looking for. That is neat except not always up to date, such as house painted wrong color, or if it is a newer house it will show an empty block. But all in all I really like it. It seems to perform better and more accurately than the tomtom and uniden we have in the other car.

@rooeytoo Let me try to figure out a way to explain “Augmented Reality”....