iphone 4S worth it?

[stiggygonzalez]

A friend of mine wants an iphone 4S for their birthday and was wondering whether it's a good idea.
I'd like to know what the pros and cons of this phone are and Apple in general.
Is it a money pit full of proprietary hardware and software or a good smartphone?
My personal view,is that Apple are overrated and hyped beyond belief and are too expensive,but I've never owned an Apple product,only had a try of iphones and tablets in-store.
I'm interested in this phone:http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Cubot-S30...59080?pt=UK_Mobile_Phones&hash=item27e79ea7c8

Is this phone a good alternative?

Bear in mind,my friend's on a budget.(under 200 GBP)

 

[xZAMGMarmite]

Other. Don't buy these Chinese look a like phones as they have spyware hidden in them and send infomation back to China with out the users knowledge. [Link, http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-27908105 <'Edit:fixed link'

So thats either a used or a slighlty older model Samsung (A S3 is only about £156, http://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/221435964041?nav=SEARCH) or other well known brand of Android phone like a HTC (A One M7 is around £160, http://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/201134267441?nav=SEARCH)or LG (A Nexus 4 is about £145, http://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/141359864892?nav=SEARCH). Or this, https://www.aldi.co.uk/en/specialbu...uct-detail/ps/p/smartphone-medion-life-e4001/

Hope this is of any help.

 

[stiggygonzalez]

The bbc link is broken.
I'm guessing you take privacy very seriously by your sig.
Aren't all phones monitored anyway?
Can't the spyware be removed?
My friend would prefer new as well.(sorry for not specifying)
What's your view on Apple?
Nice phones you've linked though,I'm all for value and I'd buy them.

 

[acascianelli]

The iPhone 4S will be getting close to end of life soon. I would spend the extra money for a iPhone 5C, or said until the 6 comes out to see if you can afford that. If not, then it will push the price of the 5S/5C down.

Don't really have an opinion on Android phones since I don't have one, but I agree with AMG. I would not but a Chinese knock-off Android phone.

 

[stiggygonzalez]

I was worried about the 4S' support status.
So when the 6 comes out,no more support for 4S?
Like apps,updates etc?

Other. Don't buy these Chinese look a like phones as they have spyware hidden in them and send infomation back to China with out the users knowledge. [Link, http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-27908105 <'Edit:fixed link'

So thats either a used or a slighlty older model Samsung (A S3 is only about £156, http://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/221435964041?nav=SEARCH) or other well known brand of Android phone like a HTC (A One M7 is around £160, http://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/201134267441?nav=SEARCH)or LG (A Nexus 4 is about £145, http://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/141359864892?nav=SEARCH). Or this, https://www.aldi.co.uk/en/specialbu...uct-detail/ps/p/smartphone-medion-life-e4001/

Hope this is of any help.

Thanks for clearing that up.
If it's too good to be true...

 

[acascianelli]

They kinda phase them out completely with iOS releases. For example, the iPhone 4 will not support iOS 8. My guess would be that iOS 8 will be the last major release for the iPhone 4S.

 

[stiggygonzalez]

Can apps still be downloaded and internet be used?
Just latest iOS can't be used?(security updates etc)
The iphone 2 can still be online and download apps?(for example)

 

[xZAMGMarmite]

The bbc link is broken.
I'm guessing you take privacy very seriously by your sig.
Aren't all phones monitored anyway?
Can't the spyware be removed?
My friend would prefer new as well.(sorry for not specifying)
What's your view on Apple?
Nice phones you've linked though,I'm all for value and I'd buy them.

Fixed the BBC link.

Yes I do, I tend to look in to a lot of stuff before I download a app or join a website. As examples.

Yes but that is just phone calls, text messages,emails,etc.. These Chinese look a like phones send all of the users data like photos, other peoples contact details as well as what I said.

Nope its a modified Google Play store app with spyware, the orginal Google Play App is clean in comparison.

A new S3 can be cheaper than a used one on Ebay (http://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/221497638019?nav=SEARCH) [8GB model, as an example, SD cards are quite cheap now, 16GB is about £8)

My view on Apple, over priced devices and in terms of features vs. Android it is about 3 years or more behind on features such as live wallpapers (came in iOS7), battery saving, apps from more than one source, small screens, customisable keyboards (e.g. Swiftkey) (coming in iOS8), more freedom, widgets, it goes on and on..

Also if your friend wants the latest version of Android but doesnt want wait, root it. But that will void any warranty from the OEM.

 

[Saidur_Ali]

Get at least the iPhone 5 or 5C, don't bother with 4S. Also if looking at Android phone, something like this will be good: Link

 

[stiggygonzalez]

Saidur_Ali Great find!
Does sim free mean the same as unlocked I'm unsure?

 

[xZAMGMarmite]

Saidur_Ali Great find!
Does sim free mean the same as unlocked I'm unsure?

Yes.

 

[Saidur_Ali]

Saidur_Ali Great find!
Does sim free mean the same as unlocked I'm unsure?

It is better than unlocked as it means it never was locked in the first place. It is open to all networks from the start. If you make use of cashback site and use the £15 off code, it is at quite a good price for a newly released phone.


Processor in iPhone 5S is still market leader I think but soon as next year new Android phones will likely get a quantum leap in performance too once Qualcomm and others get their act together. Quite embarrassing that they managed to get beaten by Apple by such a margin.

 

[stiggygonzalez]

What about iphone 4S support?
Can it still be online after it's no longer supported?
Or is the same as when video games' servers shut down,no more online functionality?

 

[Saidur_Ali]

What about iphone 4S support?
Can it still be online after it's no longer supported?
Or is the same as when video games' servers shut down,no more online functionality?

It will work fine online, problem is it is quite dated hardware so you will not be getting that good battery life and performance as some of the cheap budget Android phones or newer iPhones and reliability can also be an issue.

 

[stiggygonzalez]

Okay,so iphone 4S isn't really that good anymore.
Android looks the way to go like that deal you linked.

 

[TB]

Can apps still be downloaded and internet be used?

Based on the Touch I have, the internet will still work, but apps will end up requiring a version of iOS that you can't install meaning no new apps. Apps you already have will still function, though.

 

[stiggygonzalez]

Based on the Touch I have, the internet will still work, but apps will end up requiring a version of iOS that you can't install meaning no new apps. Apps you already have will still function, though.

Okay,thanks for info.

 

[Saidur_Ali]

Okay,so iphone 4S isn't really that good anymore.
Android looks the way to go like that deal you linked.

iPhone 5 or iPhone 5C is what you should be aiming for if going iPhone route as a minimum. Android phone like Moto G 4G is good way to go as it is new and have peace of mind from warranty and there will be new better budget smartphones to upgrade to in a years time. Unlikely also to lose much money upgrading too as likely will keep reasonable resale value.

Another option is to look at Blackberry phones. I personally switched recently from an Android phone to a Blackberry Q10. I prefer keyboard phones and on Android there became very few ones with keyboard and decent hardware. I also like UI of BB10, reminds me much of my Nokia N900. Sailfish OS might be my next route if it turns out to be supported well.

Based on the Touch I have, the internet will still work, but apps will end up requiring a version of iOS that you can't install meaning no new apps. Apps you already have will still function, though.

I think it will be a while before iOS wise it will be outdated as it is getting iOS 8 too, just performance of hardware I think will be an annoyance when there are much faster new phones out there supporting latest mobile network technology such as 4G and HSPA+ at full speed for the same price as a used iPhone 4S.

 

[stiggygonzalez]

Interesting.
I think my friend will get a 5c or S at some point,depending on whether they like the 4S.

 

[Saidur_Ali]

Interesting.
I think my friend will get a 5c or S at some point,depending on whether they like the 4S.

Also regarding sim card, your friend would need a Micro sim for iPhone 4S or say the Moto G phone, Nano sim if going straight to iPhone 5 route. Would be a good idea to order new sim in advance of birthday to avoid disapointment although activation of sim can still take a few hours.

Also what network is your friend on as might make a difference in terms of network speed? I'm on Three which has very fast 3.5G speeds, it is faster than my Internet at home but only got to experience it due to my new phone supporting latest HSPA+. Also got free 4G upgrade so can make use of that too when it becomes available in my area.

 

[stiggygonzalez]

Also regarding sim card, your friend would need a Micro sim for iPhone 4S or say the Moto G phone, Nano sim if going straight to iPhone 5 route. Would be a good idea to order new sim in advance of birthday to avoid disapointment although activation of sim can still take a few hours.

Also what network is your friend on as might make a difference in terms of network speed? I'm on Three which has very fast 3.5G speeds, it is faster than my Internet at home but only got to experience it due to my new phone supporting latest HSPA+. Also got free 4G upgrade so can make use of that too when it becomes available in my area.

Orange.

 

[Moglet]

Another user on Three here, their speeds are awesome. Their phones also come unlocked, you can use your phone for free in 19 countries and their unlimited data is truly unlimited. Oh and don't forget the free 4G upgrade when it hits your area!

 

[Danoff]

Android

 

[Shoogar]

I might be a bit late to the party, but I recently "upgraded" from an iPhone 4 to a 4S and the battery life is much much worse. I would say avoid getting an iPhone 4 or 4S and either go straight for a 5 or android.

 

[Saidur_Ali]

Orange.

Should notice benefit in speed, is your friend on contract?

There is a good deal for iPhone 5C 32gb on same network: Link
I would recommend getting something like iPhone 5 onwards with warranty so either new from contract purchase or new from retailer or used from retailer that offers warranty for preowned products.

 

[mp10]

I might be a bit late to the party, but I recently "upgraded" from an iPhone 4 to a 4S and the battery life is much much worse. I would say avoid getting an iPhone 4 or 4S and either go straight for a 5 or android.

Have you upgraded to ios 7?

 

[All Your Base]

I'm from the US, but I would like to suggest a few phones for you. Note all of these are SIM free.

Sony Xperia M2 (it's relatively new, under the max price, but there's only 13 in stock as of August 10, 2014): www.amazon.co.uk/Sony-Xperia-Sim-Free-Smartphone-Black/dp/B00J22FDRC

Nokia Lumia 925 (it's also newer than both phones, but it has fewer apps on it): www.amazon.co.uk/Nokia-Lumia-16GB-Windows-Smartphone-Black/dp/B00CTKH8I6

Acer Liquid E3 Duo Plus (2 GB of RAM, 1.2 GHz processor speed, 189 euros, this is a steal): www.store.acer.com/store/aceremea/en_GB/pd/ThemeID.26339800/productID.300536600?utm_source=en_GB_MKTG-SP-Cat&utm_medium=Banner&utm_campaign=LiquidE3

 

[stiggygonzalez]

Should notice benefit in speed, is your friend on contract?

There is a good deal for iPhone 5C 32gb on same network: Link
I would recommend getting something like iPhone 5 onwards with warranty so either new from contract purchase or new from retailer or used from retailer that offers warranty for preowned products.

My friend was on a pay as you go sim,with their old phone.
My friend has gotten the 4S aswell.
I couldn't convince my friend to get something better,and they really like it so far.
I would say it was more about the logo than specs.
My friend has it unlocked and is on a virgin PAYG sim.

 

[Shoogar]

Have you upgraded to ios 7?

Yes, unfortunately. Im guessing it's the reason of such poor battery life? Recently it's been dying at 30-40%. If I give it 10-20 minutes and turn it back on, I get my 30-40% of battery life back. Strange.

 

[mp10]

Yes, unfortunately. Im guessing it's the reason of such poor battery life? Recently it's been dying at 30-40%. If I give it 10-20 minutes and turn it back on, I get my 30-40% of battery life back. Strange.

Yep, at the shop i work at most customers think its the battery that the problem when its actually the update. but then again your battery dying at 30% is a little strange. if you still have it under warranty with apple, then take it down there.