The New iPhone: An iPhone 4S Review
The new iPhone is finally out! Months prior to its release, the tech world had been all abuzz with the supposed juicy details of the latest iPhone that will hit the stands. Now we all know that what came out on early October was not the highly-anticipated iPhone 5 (and the pre-launch iPhone 5 rumors remained to be just that), but basically a beefed up version of the current model – the iPhone 4S.
Not withstanding the slight disappointment of not having an all-new iPhone however, Apple fans can still take comfort in the fact that the iPhone 4S offers more than a few features that still make it worth all the hype. Let’s find out just what these features are.
New IPhone 4S Features:
Dual Core A5 Chip
The iPhone 4S may not have undergone any serious makeover (why hello again, glossy glass back) but what you can find underneath its shiny exterior is definitely a step up in the right direction. Powering this latest model is the dual core A5 chip, the same one used with the iPad 2. This makes for faster page loading, quicker app launches, better multi-tasking capability, smoother graphics, and in general, a zippier performance.
Improved Camera and Optics
While there are few individuals who would actually make a smartphone’s camera the make-or-break factor in buying one, having crisper images is still a big plus. The new iPhone now sports a camera that’s capable of taking 8-megapixel photos and recording 1080p videos. Apple also says that the optics upgrade allows for increased lighting and richer colors. I doubt anyone would be joining photo shoot competitions with an iPhone 4S but like I said, a higher-resolution camera is a welcome improvement nonetheless.
Better Antenna
Those who own the original iPhone 4 are well-aware of the antenna issues that follow this model even up to this day. Shortly after its release, there were reports of low signal reception when holding the unit in a certain manner, which was later attributed to the phone’s glass back design. Suggested “solutions” included the Bumper accessory, a free case, and even (believe it or not) a small amount of duct tape to be placed on the lower part of the phone.
But now more than a year later, Apple is back to redeem itself at least where the antennagate issue is concerned. The latest iPhone’s antenna runs around on top of the phone which allows it to transmit and receive data easily. Apple claims faster 3G connections, better call quality, and less, or hopefully zero, dropouts.
The Speaking Siri
No iPhone 4S review would be complete without a mention of Siri. Siri is the new iPhone’s much-talked about voice-controlled in-built app that pretty much acts like your very own personal assistant. For those who have yet to get hold of the iPhone 4S, you can check out the video ads and find out just how cool Siri is.
She (yes, Siri has a female speaking voice) can tell you how the traffic or the weather is in a certain area, set your schedule for the day, answer your text messages for you, tell your wife you’ll be home late, show you what a certain animal (or anything for that matter) looks like, and answer the most complex math problems for you – all without typing anything on your phone. Yup, Siri’s pretty much the efficient secretary you’ve always wanted but even better – she’s at your beck and call 24/7.
iPhone 4S Review: The Bottomline
While it may not be as great as having a completely new iPhone 5, the iPhone 4 still awesome in so many aspects. Some call it a too-expensive upgrade, while others contend that its same shape, new brain upgrade is just enough of a change. For many though, one thing remains clear: with its cutting-edge technology and sleek features, Apple was right on the money when it declared the new iPhone 4S as the best iPhone to date.