iPhone 5 vs iPhone 4S

[kwelch10377]

I am up for a new phone and I am considering going over to the iPhone, but if I do I am not sure if I should get the 5 or the 4S. For those who went from the 4S to the 5, was it worth it? What do you see as the biggest differences? Do you notice the difference with the 4G vs 3G? (I have a phone with 4G now)

 

[Pikezh638]

I went from the 4G to the 5 and it appears the battery dies a lot faster, and the screen isn't as sensitive to touch.

 

[Pixie Dust for Me!]

Inquiring minds want to know! I'm in the same boat (though I have the iPhone 4) and need to upgrade (existing phone is having problems with home button).

Thanks for any advice!

KC

 

[topolino]

I have the 4S and considered changing to the 5 but didn't. I've since spent some time with a friend's 5 and now realize I made the right decision.

 

[kwelch10377]

I have the 4S and considered changing to the 5 but didn't. I've since spent some time with a friend's 5 and now realize I made the right decision.

Why did you realize you made the right decision?

 

[topolino]

Why did you realize you made the right decision?

I just prefer the iPhone 4S. The 5 is still a great phone, don't get me wrong, but I don't love the fact that it is thinner and longer. I know many people hold those out as improvements, but I prefer the size and weight of the 4S.

I didn't notice any lessened sensitivity in the touchscreen as another poster mentioned, but I have heard it reported by others, not just the pp.

 

[kwelch10377]

I just prefer the iPhone 4S. The 5 is still a great phone, don't get me wrong, but I don't love the fact that it is thinner and longer. I know many people hold those out as improvements, but I prefer the size and weight of the 4S.

I didn't notice any lessened sensitivity in the touchscreen as another poster mentioned, but I have heard it reported by others, not just the pp.

Did you notice any differences with the 4G vs the 3G? One of my concerns is that since I have a 4G phone now, I feel like I would be downgrading if I went to a 3G. I went from a Blackberry to a 4G so I don't have experience with a 3G phone.

 

[topolino]

Did you notice any differences with the 4G vs the 3G? One of my concerns is that since I have a 4G phone now, I feel like I would be downgrading if I went to a 3G. I went from a Blackberry to a 4G so I don't have experience with a 3G phone.

Yes, admittedly, there is a difference between 4G and 3G, and 4G is much faster. I agree that you might be disappointed going to 3G now that you are used to 4G. There is no question that 4G is much faster (depending on the service in your area, of course).

 

[kwelch10377]

Yes, admittedly, there is a difference between 4G and 3G, and 4G is much faster. I agree that you might be disappointed going to 3G now that you are used to 4G. There is no question that 4G is much faster (depending on the service in your area, of course).

Thanks! That is very helpful to know.

 

[Albort]

I went from the iPhone 4--> the iPhone 5.
My dad went from the iPhone 3GS --> iPhone 4s

I know a bit about both phones.
As stated, the iPhone 5 has a battery issue. Most of the time, it varies from users to users. Its pretty fixable too, some issues were that they restored and older iPhone copy to iPhone 5, most had to reverse this and start fresh on it. I recently updated to 6.1, my battery has improved by 20% and it will last me the entire day just fine.

Iphone 5 is less sensitive. That is true too, but its barely noticeable. I had issues with typing my P and Q because they are on the far edge. once i got used to it, it was fine... the only time u can replicate this sensitivity issue is if you swipe up on the browser like 20 times really quickly, while the 4s will not freeze, the iPhone 5 will... other than that, its not noticeable.

So whats the deciding factor... the question really is, what do u do with your device? do u watch movies on it? Do u view the internet a lot? Do u multitask a lot? Are u willing to pay $300 for a brand new iPhone? if u answered yes to the last 4, the iPhone 5 would be a better choice. if no on the last 4, then the iPhone 4s would probably be better.

some things u may want to consider is LTE. LTE is long evolution, which means its most likely gonna be around for 4-5 years. 4G(aka 3.5G) will be around but its limited... so i guess im trying to say is that the iPhone 5 is better future proofing...

 

[Albort]

Inquiring minds want to know! I'm in the same boat (though I have the iPhone 4) and need to upgrade (existing phone is having problems with home button).

Thanks for any advice!

KC

if ur phone is under warrenty, get it swap at apple store... if not, find a local cell shop and they can replace it... i had an issue with my home button and they charged me $45 for parts and labor...

 

[Dan Murphy]

....One of my concerns is that since I have a 4G phone now, I feel like I would be downgrading if I went to a 3G. I went from a Blackberry to a 4G....

What kind of phone do you have now?

 

[katiepants29]

I hate telling people this, cause then I sound like a spoiled brat, but I have both the 5 and the 4s. I have Sprint service (unlimited data).

5 pros:
Slimmer and lighter than 4s
Larger screen
4g or LTE

4s pros:
Seems like longer battery life ( neither are great)
Can get all the same software as 5
More cases are currently available ( that's going to change soon through)

Just my opinion. If you are getting rotten battery life, make sure you are fully closing an app when you are done with it. You double click the home button and you open apps will show. Hold one down until they shiver and hit the minus button. It won't delete, just fully close. Not everyone knows to do this.

 

[Anne MN]

Just my opinion. If you are getting rotten battery life, make sure you are fully closing an app when you are done with it. You double click the home button and you open apps will show. Hold one down until they shiver and hit the minus button. It won't delete, just fully close. Not everyone knows to do this.[/QUOTE]

Did not know this- my battery would drain- now I know why-ALL the apps that I have even looked at were open!

Thanks for the Tip

 

[katiepants29]

No prob. Good luck!!

 

[CindysGusGus]

I chose the 4s and am pleased with my choice...my main reasoning besides cost was the lightning adapter. We have 4 iPhones and an iPod in our family along with a dock and I was not reading good things about the adapter for the lightening pin...I would not be able to use my families chargers in a pinch or the external battery that I use for long trips. BTW...my 4s has 4G so I'm not sure if that is a server thing.

 

[Shutterbug]

I have a the 4S and I have a friend that has the 5.
I do like that the 5 has a larger screen and is lighter but that comes as a trade of in that the 5 feels more "cheaper and plastic" compared to my 4S. I'm like another poster and prefer the feel of my 4S over the 5.

Another thing to consider, is if you really want one and can hold out, the 5S or 6 will be out later this year.

 

[kwelch10377]

What kind of phone do you have now?

I have the LG Revolution.

 

[lorimay]

Inquiring minds want to know! I'm in the same boat (though I have the iPhone 4) and need to upgrade (existing phone is having problems with home button).

Thanks for any advice!

KC

I just had the exact same issue on my 4. It was so weird the button would freeze, then my music would come on automatically and then the voice recognition lady would start saying music already playing. I was creepy.

I upgraded to the 5 and I love it, the screen is bigger and clearer. Camera has this panoramic feature that is pretty cool. Its longer but skinnier.
I got the white one and I really like it.

 

[Domo]

I lurve my iPhone 5

I'd definitely avoid Android devices... up to 41% of Android apps have security flaws, quite a few of them serious. If you DO have an Android device, I can only recommend upgrading the system to Ubuntu asap!