Apple iPhone 4S (64GB, black, Sprint)
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"Made for the lowest common denominator..." on by greystone7
Pros: Anyone can use it...
Well done touch screen
Good cameraCons: Inability to truly customize UI
No 4G
Inability to consistantly connect with Siri
Poor syncing to iCloud
Small screen
Virtual keyboards are awful...period
Limited to Apple store
No replaceable battery
iFans drinking the hype Kool-AidSummary: I'll write my review and then get blasted by the brainwashed masses, but maybe someone will actually consider the validity of these points.
I've used many different types of cell phones, smart phones, Macs, PCs, tablets, terminals, PDAs, and other tech devices over the past 30 years (and no, I'm not an old fogey set in my ways. I'm 38 and just appreciate good technology). I mention this, not thinking that my opinion is better than anyone else's, but I flatter myself that I can offer an unbiased opinion coming from a broad base of experience.
Apple is, by far, the greatest marketing entity of all time. Let's look at things one at a time:
Phone - sound quality is decent, but not exceptional. Various phone features are intuitive and work well.
Screen - above average, but there are bigger and better out there.
Camera - quality is good
Available apps - certainly the largest selection of apps. Some of these are useful. Many are cool to use once or twice. Most are useless. The good ones are all available on other platforms.
Siri - Good voice command implementation, when it connects. I'm sure Apple will work this out over time. Functionally, this is nothing new.
iCloud - Mediocre to poor implementation. I've had a great deal of difficulty with consistant syncing on certain file types (particularly with Google).
Keyboard - better than average virtual keyboard implementation. But that that's like saying the prettiest, ugly chick. You'll get used to it if you're used to physical keyboards, but tests with virtual have consistantly shown that you'll never achieve the typing speed you can with a physical keyboard. Your error rate will also be significantly higher with the virtual. Just the facts, folks. I'll add the citations later when I bother to dig them up. Don't get me started on auto correct. Some funny results when sending personal texts. Some horrific results when sending texts to colleagues and clients. I'll never understand why Apple allows corrections to insert profanity and crude language.
Fit and finish - It's pretty. The materials, however, are not particularly durable. I'd strongly recommend a protective cover for the sides and back and a protective screen for the front. Let me clarify. Get the protective covers or be prepared to have a beat up looking device within a month. And that's coming from someone who babies his electronics.
UI - Okay, this is where I get flamed. The UI is great if you have never used an electronic device before. It is built for the lowest common denominator, meaning, anyone can use this device. If you have used a computer....ever...you'll have to live within the limitations and learn to compromise. No real customization for you! Your iPhone is going to look like everyone elses. Understand, that this is the primary direction from Apple. Their products are built for the masses, so if you're even a little bit tech savvy, you're going to be frustrated. I know that the iFans are going to jump all over me and say that this is really "ease of use" and simplicity, "elegence of design", if you will. Umm, it's not. It's giving minimal functionality, flexibility, and customization to ensure users will not be confused by too many options. If that works for you, have at it.
Misc - Crappy battery life. Barely makes it through the day, and yes, I make sure all of the apps I open are truly closed and not hiding on me ;)
Conclusion - Overall this phone is a close to average. Some of the features are above average, and some are below. There's nothing really revolutionary here. All of the "new" features have been around for a year or two in other phones.
I tried to join the club, become an iFan, but I just can't do it. There's too many limitations and too many, better for me, options out there. The real functionality is nothing new, and while this implementation is pretty, I find it to be a bit more of style over substance. This became my wife's phone, and she's very satisfied. If you're not very technical, I'm sure you'll be very happy. If you're technical at all, you'll need something a bit more powerful.
*To all of the "technical" iPhone fans: Before you get all in a twist because of this assessment, be honest and ask yourself if I'm not just speaking truth. -
"Amazing Phone!! Lacking a few small things" on by frigginbeaner
Pros: -Best cell phone camera by far - its not about the mega pixels its about the picture quality
-Superfast performance and improved call quality with the dual antennas
-Siri is amazing. For Someone with a busy life and who doesn't wanna die in a car crash.Cons: - Smaller screen can be hard to get used to. I moved from a 4.3 inch to this and I do miss the bigger screen
- Hype around a redesign caused me to think twice about buying this phone. But apple never said it was coming so thats the medias fault.
- GettinSummary: Ok - So I have purchased apple products for many many years and I am not a fanboy. I simply do my research and purchase what I believe will be best for my needs. I have never purchased an apple product on release day until the Iphone 4s. I did this time and I havent regretted it one bit.
The phone is fast, and has an amazing display and I know myself well enough to know what I really need in a phone.
Heres what I think so far...
To start the performance is amazing. I have an apple TV and 27" Imac in my room. Theis phone integrates well with both these items and I havent seen any hiccups or errors while using wireless itunes sync, Icloud, or Apple Tv mirroring. It simply works and works well so far.
I also havent seen any issues with completing tasks such as using photo-stream or I-cloud at all. Apple did well with the way they did this. They have a reputation for quality they aren't a company that focuses on price or rushing a product release to meet public demand. Thats what android does and I have owned only android phones since the release of the Tmobile G1 so I am speaking from years and years of experience. The trend seems to be that Apple creates something then all these other companies rush to meet the demand and also rush in releasing a bunch of subpar products before the really good ones catch up. There have been some really great android phones and Ive owned most of them but every time i have purchased one there have been lots of little things ive had to wait for before all features and software were in sync. Apple is not immune to this but I do have far less complaints with this phone then any android I have ever owned.
The camera takes pictures surprisingly better than any phone Ive owned, I expected it to be better than the motorola and HTC phones I have owned. My old Nexus 1, Droid X, HTC Incredible. None of them even come close to the quality of the iphones photos and I really have enjoyes having all my photos go directly to Iphoto and My Apple TV. The video looks great too although I've only taken two videos thus far, One was walking around best buy and the other was just a tour of my home so i could see how clear and stable it was then mirror the playback to my apple tv. I have to say I was impressed on both fronts.
Gaming on the Iphone is one area I feel a bit of loss here. The games perform beautifully and the graphics are amazing. But the smaller screen is noticeable especially when playing tower defense games which i love. You cant use the mirroring to play the games either because while you can see the image you cant see where your fingers are on the TV. Bummer. But Im still adjusting to the smaller screen so hopefully this gets better.
ICloud works as expected. Quick and seamless and it just works. What else can you say. As for the Itunes wireless syncing. Once you set it up its just like syncing with a cable but without the cable. Just select what you want to sync and you can either sync by hitting the sync button in itunes or you can use the sync button on your phone.
Last but not least theres Siri. My first few attempts here I had mixed feelings. Then I realized I had to let Siri know who my mom and dad and brother was. After that I would say Call my brother and it would call my brother. I ask " Can we go to breakfast" and i got a lit of places that mentioned breakfast in their descriptions complete with a review and map. I schedule appointments, set reminders, call my girlfriend, email my friends and family and it just works and works very surprisingly well. Siri is awesome and I gotta say the fact that when you ask her questions like " how are you today Siri" she responds like a robot assistant. I say good morning and she says it back. LOVE IT.
So overall Im super pleased with my new Iphone. Its fast, intuitive, great for capturing amazing moments, I have a personal assistant now that will only get better with time and updates. The battery life is good and I purchased a Mophie Juice pack which is the best case ive ever owned and charges the phone for me, so it lasts twice as long now. But thats for another review.
I can see a small group that wouldn't use siri as much as I do or who will stick to android at least until the Iphone 5 comes out. But for a busy insurance professional who needs a reliable , fast and super easy to use phone...at least for me...this is it for the next year with no regrets.
On a final note: Thank you Steve for all your contributions to my life and to the world of technology. I know that Apple isn't just a company you started..its the culmination of your life's work and your dedication and love show in so many of the products that you and your team created. You will be deeply missed.. but i promise that every so often you will be thought of when I am marveling at just how far we have come because of you. -
"Really Cnet? Best over all smart phone? Really?" on by cable2380
Pros: Every single comparison from loading to camera and video recording, honeycomb vs Os5, the HTC and Samsung phones that are out there are are blowing away the Iphone 4s. 9 out of every 10 aspect is in the android family favor. But you still side with the
Cons: Cons? That a site which you depend on for tech reviews is so completely biased when it comes to Mac. It's blatant, in your face and in the realm of ridiculous.
Summary: You can count on C-nets reviews, as long as the device is not up against a Mac product. Regardless of basic tech spec facts, it will loose.
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"Ditched my Droid" on by michaelolenick
Pros: * Great camera .. not good - great. Turn on HDR mode and the photos are awesome.
* Siri is, by far, the best voice recognition system I've ever come across. Does everything from reminders to calculus, and even comes up with an ever-evolving definition oCons: * No real keypad still. Honestly, the virtual keypad is so accurate I'm not sure this matters anymore, but it'd be a nice option.
Summary: Small changes make for a big difference in a great phone. I thought Siri would stink, like every other voice recognition system I've come across. Wrong about that big time: it's awesome (she's awesome: seems like a real person).
I know some people want a bigger screen, but that'd mean a bigger phone and I love it just the way it is.
If I want to read a book, I use my Kindle. If I want my computer, I use my computer. If I want it to act like my iPad, I use my iPad. It's none of those; it's a phone, camera, and the best PDA I've ever come across.
I know some complain about the GPS but I have one built into my car so the absence of built-in turn-by-turn directions isn't a big deal. In my last car I tried using my Droid for turn-by-turn but it was too distracting. Get a GPS if you want turn-by-turn; they're cheap and single purpose devices work better. -
"Good upgrade, glad they kept the same design as the 4." on by icejza_dachilla
Pros: Siri works better than expected, it's fun to toy with and is the best voice recognition software that I've yet to come across. Camera is improved, especially the video recording. The dual core CPU + GPU make a difference and the 64GB is a godsend. iOS 5 i
Cons: The camera isnt as good as I had hoped for still pictures. No major upgrade for the battery. Price is really high for people unable to sign a new contract.
Summary: Extreamly functional and adaptable for anyone in any field or walk of life, from a young kid to play games with to an executive who needs to have a handy PDA.
I upgraded from an iPhone 4 with only 16GB to the iPhone 4S with 64GB. Before my phone was so full I wasnt even able to update my apps but now I can hold all of my podcasts, movies, music,
audiobooks and even keep my apps up to date with room to spare.
I had an issue with my iPhone 4 where after about six months of use the "home" button was getting unresponsive and I'd have to press very hard for it to register which made it nearly impossible to do a hard restart. I hope apple addressed this issue but I guess I wont know that for a while now.
I'm glad apple decided to go with the 4S instead of the 5 because I really like the design of this phone. I do not see how it can be improved on. I think the size is perfect (the 4"-4.5" looks ridiculous when anyone holds it against their face to talk). I like the glass front and back and the sharp edges are not only classy but extreamly functional when it comes to accessories and cases.
I love the iCloud features also, syncing wirelessly is helpful.
I have several friends with "droid" or "HTC" phones and I've had the chance to play with them a bit, they are nice but I do not think the simplicity or functionality of the iPhone can be matched by any of the others. The layout is simple, its clean, bright and easy to understand. I'd reccomend anyone to get the new iPhone.
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