One word for the Apple iPhone 4S – Enthralling
Well, I am not bothered about it. You may ask why? Here it is:
Yes, the Apple iPhone 4S has the cool design quotient, amazing display, a decent camera and numerous apps. The important factors that disappointed me from the iPhone 4S are the Operating system, screen size, data sync and the cost of the unit.
1)
Operating System: Apple uses its proprietary OS – the iOS on all its devices. The iPhone 4S comes with iOS 5 which locks you and doesn’t allow you to customize your phone according to your needs. It’s the age of Open Source OS’s like Android which lets you customize your phone any way you want.
2)
Screen Size: Iphone 4S has a 3.5” LCD display with a so called Retina display. Whatever the naming, this display doesn’t even come close to the OLED screens which other phones have in terms of clarity, minute details etc. The 3.5” screen size looks too small for a smartphone. I prefer a typical screen size of 4.3” like the Samsung Galaxy S2 has.
3)
Data Sync: Every time you want to copy/sync data from your computer to your iphone 4S and vice versa, you will have to have the iTunes. Whether you want to backup contacts or transfer music/videos or download apps, you need the itunes. You just can’t use your iphone as a plug and play device. There are *ahem* ways to make your iPhone work as a plug and play device, but we won’t go into that detail now.
4)
Cost: One of the major concerns for buying an iPhone is the cost. The current price for the 16 GB iPhone 4S is Rs. 44,500 and the 64 GB unit will cost you Rs. 57,500. The prices here are way too high for an average consumer who just wouldn’t buy this phone for unless they want to show it off.
These are the main factors why I wouldn’t fall for buying this phone. Instead, I would like to present you 5 other phones which are much better than the iPhone 4S and wouldn’t cost a bomb.
1)
Samsung Galaxy Note:
This is arguably the best Android phone in the market at present. Comes with a massive 5.3” Super AMOLED display which straddles between a smartphone and a tablet, a 1.4 GHz dual core processor to speed up processing of your applications which lets you multi task and an 8 MP camera. It is unwieldy and difficult to use it with one hand. The enormous screen of the Galaxy Note makes the iPhone 4S look diminutive. It also comes with an input device named ‘S-Pen’ which helps you scribble on the screen easily.
Cost: Rs. 32,700/- for the 16 GB unit.
2)
Samsung Galaxy S2:
Since its release in June 2011, this phone has been the best Android phone ever. The Galaxy S2 has a 4.3” Super AMOLED display, a 1.2 GHz dual core processor, an 8 MP camera which is the best for mobile photography. This is one of the most complete smartphone ever manufactured. It has a thin body, powerful hardware, brilliant display and a price that wouldn’t make you think of robbing a bank.
Cost: Rs. 29,999/- for the 16 GB unit.
3)
HTC Sensation XE:
This one’s for the music enthusiasts. Another Android phone loaded with a 1.5 GHz dual core processor, 4.7” S-LCD screen, 8 MP Dual LED flash. This is also the first phone to be produced after the collaboration between HTC and Beats by Dr. Dre. Thought the iPhone will score over this phone on the audio clarity, it’s the OS, screen size and processor that wins.
Cost: Rs. 32,249/-
4)
Nokia Lumia 800:
Nowadays everyone has an iPhone or an android powered handset. If you are the one who wants to stand out of the crowd and be different, Nokia brings you the Lumia 800 powered by Windows Phone 7 OS. Loaded with a 1.4 Ghz single core processor, 8 MP camera, 3.7” AMOLED display screen, this is Nokia’s first Metro styled UI phone with Windows Phone 7 OS. The Metro user interface of WP 7.5 is neat and brings more functionality with live tiles. The app store is still growing for the Window Phone 7 OS market.
Cost: Rs. 23790/-
5)
Blackberry Bold 9900:
I wouldn’t suggest this, but most of you might be using this for business purposes. You won’t get as many applications as iPhone or Android has, but its Email, messaging features are really good. This phone also comes with a QWERTY keyboard. This phone is embedded with a 1.2 Ghz processor, a 2.8” LCD display and a 5 MP camera. You won’t be able to customize this phone as you would with iPhone or Android devices.
Cost: Rs. 31,999/-
To sum it all, decide what you will be using your next handset for? Take into consideration all the features you would need ie the operating system, camera, storage space and then take the leap on buying the best smartphone.
PS: Prices mentioned here are as of 19th March 2012 for the Indian markets.
