iphone 4 reviews? And what is so special about iphones?

[rszdtrvl]

DH and I want to get DS a new phone for Christmas, as his "big" gift.

We have phone service through Virgin Mobile (have had it through them since they did the $.15/minute thing).

I am looking at the iphone 4.
http://www.virginmobileusa.com/shop/cell-phones/iPhone4-8GB-white-phone/features/

Don't want to spend over $200, so this is at max. budget (or else we would be looking at more expensive iphones - it is either this one or a totally different phone that is not an iphone).

What is so special about iphones? Are they like a phone and an ipod in one? Is the iphone 4 worth the $200 price tag?

If anyone can help me, I would really appreciate a first hand review. The reviews on the VM website seem to be very positive.

Thanks, in advance!

 

[IUTBAM]

My 20 year old DD and I both have the iPhone 4S with Virgin Mobile unlimited service ($50/month per line for unlimited talk, text and data). We love our phones. I resisted a smartphone for years, and now I can't imagine life without one. We bought ours at Target Black Friday last year for $450, plus a $100 Target Gift card. The phone you are looking at, the iPhone 4, only has 8 gb, which would not give you much room for pictures or music. That's why we went with the 4s...it's double the storage.

My DD had an LG touchscreen phone prior to that, and it was AWFUL. I love my iPhone...love it. Texting is fast and easy, I have a few apps I use that are useful, the camera is decent quality, and we haven't had an issue with call drops. Their internet isn't always the fastest when I'm out and about, but it's good enough for me. I use the wireless in our home when I'm home for faster surfing.

No complaints at all.

 

[ICF]

Why wouldn't you get the new 5s (or 5C) instead of the much older 4?

 

[wiigirl]

Why wouldn't you get the new 5s (or 5C) instead of the much older 4?

I would do a 4s or better with an iPhone.

 

[OMG Andrea]

Why wouldn't you get the new 5s (or 5C) instead of the much older 4?

I would do a 4s or better with an iPhone.

Sounds like due to price point

OP, are you upgrading him or do you have to pay our of pocket? iPhones are great, but they are really not keeping up with technology, IMHO. I am a huge Apple fan but when I saw their new phones hadn't changed much, I went to the dark side for a Samsung Galaxy S4 Active.

I'm sure he will love anything similar, though!

 

[luvmy3]

Why wouldn't you get the new 5s (or 5C) instead of the much older 4?

Probably because, assuming the OP wants to stay with VM those are more than double the cost of the 4.

OP, I can't comment specifically on the iphone because I don't have one. However I am getting one for dd because she uses her ipod touch to communicate with most of her friends (they all pretty much have iphones). I figure instead of her carrying around her phone and her touch she can just combine the two into an iphone.

If you could swing the extra cost, it may be better to get a newer version because I don't think the iphone 4 can be updated to ios7. From what I understand (and I admit I could be totally wrong ) some apps will not be able to be updated, and you may not be able to use some new ones without the current OS.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

I agree, why an iPhone 4? I'd get a 5.

OP, do a google search for iPhone reviews or go to Apple's website and read about iPhones.

 

[Aryn]

Walmart has iphone 5c for 49 with a 75 gift card on Black Friday. We are upgrading the kids phones with this deal. They also have otter box 2 for 25.

They are paying me to upgrade their phones! We will sell their own phones on Amazon.

OP might be better off with this deal

 

[wdwjeffc37]

The iPhone 4 can be updated to iOS7. I too, resisted getting a smart phone due to the cost of the plans. But a couple of years ago my company set me up with an iPhone 3GS. It really opened my eyes to how convenient having a smart phone is. I now have a iPhone 4 and it is great (of course not having to pay for the plan makes it the best). With the choices of lower cost flat rate/no contract plans offered I wouldn't hesitate to get a smart phone. The 4S does have more memory and Siri but at a higher price point. Remember with Apple, when newer tech is released the older generation prices drop. The iPhone 4 is certainly a capable smart phone.

 

[Stacy's a freak]

If you could swing the extra cost, it may be better to get a newer version because I don't think the iphone 4 can be updated to ios7. From what I understand (and I admit I could be totally wrong ) some apps will not be able to be updated, and you may not be able to use some new ones without the current OS.

This! Many people are being enticed to upgrade to a newer version. I had a 4 through Verizon and I was able to upgrade to an iphone 5 for free in May (and I signed a new 2 year contract). I was having no problems with my 4 but I did this because was obvious that they were trying to get rid of the old phones in the pipeline so they could stop upgrading them. The newer operating system which came out a month or so ago (iOS7) does not work well for the 4 or the 4S and the poor people with those generation phones who upgraded to it cannot go back. So basically, their phones stink now!

I think iPhones are fantastic and work really well. Apple products are much less buggy than Droids or Windows smart phones. I'm a fan! But with that said, in my opinion, if you are not able to justify at least an iphone 5 in the budget, you should look to a different type of smart phone. It kills me to say that, but buying a phone that is 3 generations behind the current one is just asking for trouble

P.S. I see on Virgin's website that they are advertising to "Now Upgrade to iOS6". Umm, that's old, folks. I have to wonder if this is Virgin conceding the issues that the 4 has with iOS7.

 

[Marionnette]

My 20 year old DD and I both have the iPhone 4S with Virgin Mobile unlimited service ($50/month per line for unlimited talk, text and data). We love our phones. I resisted a smartphone for years, and now I can't imagine life without one. We bought ours at Target Black Friday last year for $450, plus a $100 Target Gift card. The phone you are looking at, the iPhone 4, only has 8 gb, which would not give you much room for pictures or music. That's why we went with the 4s...it's double the storage.

My DD had an LG touchscreen phone prior to that, and it was AWFUL. I love my iPhone...love it. Texting is fast and easy, I have a few apps I use that are useful, the camera is decent quality, and we haven't had an issue with call drops. Their internet isn't always the fastest when I'm out and about, but it's good enough for me. I use the wireless in our home when I'm home for faster surfing.

No complaints at all.

The 's' has nothing to do with the storage capacity of the phone. It has to do with the 4G capability on the 4s vs. 3G capability on the iPhone 4 (among other improvements). It's possible to purchase the 4s with only 8GB or an iPhone 4 with more than 8GB. My old iPhone 4 had 32GB of storage.

 

[rszdtrvl]

My head is spinning!!

I am technologically impaired, LOL.

He does have an ipod touch, but it could use a new one, as the main bottom button is not working anymore>

His cell phone is an old Rumor Touch from VM.

I am not looking to spend more than $200 on a phone. He kind of wants an iphone because he can have all of his apps, etc. on it (already has the ipad and ipod touch). But it is not necessary.

My main thing is budget, and getting him a good 3g (4g is not necessary) cell phone.

These phones are all in the budget DH and I have :

http://www.virginmobileusa.com/shop/cell-phones/samsung-galaxy-victory-4G-LTE-phone/features/

http://www.virginmobileusa.com/shop/cell-phones/awe-phone/features/ (this is the phone I have)

http://www.virginmobileusa.com/shop/cell-phones/samsung-galaxy-reverb-phone/features/

http://www.virginmobileusa.com/shop/cell-phones/iPhone4-8GB-white-phone/features/

http://www.virginmobileusa.com/shop/cell-phones/reef-phone/features/

http://www.virginmobileusa.com/shop/cell-phones/lg-optimus-f3-phone/features/


Any techies tell me which is "the best" (in their opinion)? He will be 17 next month (in case you want an age).

 

[jrmasm]

No way to an Iphone 8gb. No enough memory.

 

[sksjasams]

Does your DS care about having a more updated iphone? I think that is the question to ask. If he doesn't care, then go for the iphone 4.

If he would rather have a newer version, is he willing to pitch in for the price difference? I know my DS would be more than willing to contribute if he could get what he really wanted.

 

[rszdtrvl]

His main thing on a phone I think is to have 3g or 4g. He wants to be able to youtube and play games on his phone without being around wifi all the time.

Right now, his phone is pretty old, and only has wifi. And the wifi is not very good.

With all of the advancements, there are so much better phones out there than his current one.

A lot of the kids at school have iphones, but honestly, I don't think it is totally necessary for him to get one.

He has his ipad and ipod touch. I think that if his phone is not an iphone it won't get him shunned, LOL.

And yeah, the 8gb is the main thing that is holding me back on the iphone - that just does not seem like a lot of space. I *MUST* keep his phone under $200 before tax!

 

[dkostel]

I would suggest getting an iPhone from some place like Cowboom (who is Best Buy's reseller). You can get a 16gb 4 there for $200. That is what I did and it worked out very well. Then if you can't use it on Virgin Mobile you can get a sim card from Straight talk ($50/ month) or TMobile ($30 per month unlimited data and text, 100 call minutes). Just make sure you check with your carrier to see which version phone you need (At&t should be compatible with straight talk or Tmobile, not sure about VM).
The phones on Cowboom are used, but I find them to be reliable.

 

[rszdtrvl]

He is locked in at $27/month for 300 anytime minutes and unlimited web browsing and texting with VM. So I am reluctant to go with another plan just to get him an iphone.

Both him and DH have the same $27/month plan with VM, from years ago.

I really need my techie brother to respond to my Facebook message, LOL.

Right now, at this moment, I am thinking it is not going to be an iphone, but either :

Samsung Galaxy Victory 4G LTE

or

LG Optimus F3 4G LTE

 

[descovy]

Hi, I think your son will be happy happy with an iphone 4... Even at 8gb.

Most who are poo poo-ing aren't paying attention to your price point... It's not as if they have a better alternative for you (going with a non contract plan)

My dd has my old iphone 4. My dh was just given a iphone 4 for work (replacing his blackberry). Both are 8gb. Neither hold videos, but they both have plenty of apps, music, photos. Remember, you don't have to store everything on your phone. Your DS can store everything in his iTunes and put just what he wants on his phone at any given time.

It will work as you say as his iPod replacement and phone in one. Since he already has an iPod and bought into the iTunes way of doing things he can keep all his purchases.

Iphone 4 is a good phone for your price point. As I say it blows my dh's blackberry out of the water! He's never been happier about a work phone and has found the convenience immeasurable.

I like the iPhones for the find my phone/find my friends app. I am able to track where their phones are from my phone or computer. Handy to see "how far away" or "did dd get home from school"

I think you are making a good choice within your $200 budget and wanting to stay prepaid.

An alternative is to check into family plans if more than him use cell service. Not counting dh (phone paid by work) we have 3 iPhones on an AT&T contract. It's cheaper for us to have 1 family plan than 3 individual prepaid plans. Plus the cost of the phone is subsidized in a contract plan. All I am saying is consider crunching the numbers. Is still using Virgin the most affordable way to go, or is it time to move the family cell service elsewhere?

 

[rszdtrvl]

Our plan is : DH $27 - DS $27 - Me $38 per month.

My techie brother said my best choice would be the iphone for him - even at 8gb. He said he has 88 apps, 3 songs, and over 300 photos on his phone and that barely fills his 8gb storage space.

 

[descovy]

Our plan is : DH $27 - DS $27 - Me $38 per month.

My techie brother said my best choice would be the iphone for him - even at 8gb. He said he has 88 apps, 3 songs, and over 300 photos on his phone and that barely fills his 8gb storage space.

Yup I would go for the iphone 4 8gb. Your ds will be very happy!