New Ideas For New Generation: Who exactly should buy an iPhone 5?

Tuesday 18 September 2012

Who exactly should buy an iPhone 5?

Now that the excitement over the new iPhone 5 has probably settled, it is time to wonder about the most important question. Should you get yourself an iPhone 5?

Smartphones often get a new incremental model every year, but not everyone buys a new phone every year. I personally average one every 2.5 years. I spoke to some iPhone fans and critics alike and came up with a short analysis on who should actually go ahead and buy one.

Who should Buy the iPhone 5:

Current iPhone owners

iPhone 5 has a bigger screen and a much faster processor. The specs are great but it is not exactly a path breaking update from its previous version iPhone 4S.

If you have an iPhone 4 or its previous versions, then upgrading to an iPhone 5 is a great idea. The phone will be a big improvement from your current phone model.
If you are a iPhone fanatic and never miss an upgrade, then you should go right ahead and get a iPhone 5. Chances are you have already pre-ordered it.

Non iPhone owners

This one is a bit tricky, as a lot of Android phones have really caught up with iPhones. Android's Jelly Bean (4.1) OS version is often cited as more advanced that iOS 6 from Apple.

Though Android 4.1 is as good as iOS 6 if not better, there is a big issue with fragmentation. If you own a Android phone and are sick of waiting for the latest OS versions being made available for your phone(usually they are at least 4-6 months late), then opting for a iPhone 5 will be a great idea.
If you are a BlackBerry or Nokia user but want to move towards touch phone with a great app market. Then chances are you will like upgrading to iPhone 5.

Who should Not Buy the iPhone 5:

Current iPhone owners

If you have an iPhone 4S, then chances are you might not exactly find upgrading to iPhone 5 very exciting. The new iOS6 version along with improvements to SIRI are already available for the 4S version.
The iPhone 5 is an expensive device. In India, it will should cost about INR 44,000. Most popular smartphones from other companies are usually atleast 10% to 15% cheaper.

Non iPhone Owners

Android users who are really into customizing things on their phones, using their phone as a temporary disk drive will be better advised to not get a iPhone 5 which runs on a very closed system.
If you are big fans of the Android, BlackBerry or Nokia ecosystem, then it is better to avoid the iPhone 5.

I personally thought that the magic is missing from iPhone 5, compared to its previous versions. I found iPhone 5 a great phone but not exactly a compelling device. So you will have to decide for yourself and see if you find the phone and its apps ecosystem very compelling. Buying a smartphone takes a lot of money, so make sure you buy something that you do not regret later.

Disclaimer: I am an Android phone owner and have never owned an iPhone.

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