Just a few weeks ago, the phrase “The iPhone Switch” simply referred to a person trading in their beloved BlackBerrys (because what other phone could you possibly have?), for the best smart phone to recently enter the tech-world: the iPhone 4. Now, with the release of Apple’s iPhone 4S on Oct. 14, the “iPhone Switch” has taken on another meaning. So, for those of you who already have the 4, is the switch really worth it? What’s so different about the 4S?
Let’s start with the basics. For one thing, the 4 and 4S have the same exact physical design – slim, lined with glass, and rectangular in shape. In terms of weight, the 4S is actually heavier than the 4, weighing in at 4.94 oz while the 4 is 4.83 oz. If you were looking to update to the new version to get the different look, think again.
What about software? Apple released the iOS 5 software shortly before the release date of the 4S, and iPhone 4 users were able to upgrade their phones immediately. Therefore, there is no difference in terms of software for both of the phones.
One of the coolest things about the iPhone 4S, however, and unfortunately not available to 4 users, is Siri, a voice command assistant. Amanda Budde, senior marketing major at University of Maryland, likes to call Siri her “personal secretary and best friend.”
Siri lets you use your voice to send messages, place phones calls, and ask questions. Anything from “Do I need an umbrella today?” to “Where is the closest burger joint?” Siri has got it covered. Siri understands what you are saying, and sometimes even talks back. This feature is definitely one of the main reasons people are making the switch.
Another huge difference between the 4S and the 4 is the camera. The 4S beats the 4 by a landslide; instead of 5 megapixels, the 4S has 8. It also offers a new image and video stabilizer with face detection, to create clearer, more precise photos. Photography-lovers out there are going crazy over this feature.
The iPhone 4S is now offering 64MB instead of the usual 16/32GB choice with the previous versions. In addition, the dual core A5 chip new to the iPhone 4S makes performance much better compared to the processor chip in the 4. It is rumored that the “S” in the iPhone 4S stands for a faster speed and the higher storage capacity.
All in all, the differences between the two are pretty minimal. The new features in the 4S are convenient, however, are not amazing enough to prompt a 4 user to make the switch. My advice: if you already have an iPhone 4, stick with it; there’s no reason to spend the extra money. If you don’t have one at all, what are you waiting for? Go out and purchase the iPhone 4S and make use of all the awesome new features it has to offer.