This week saw the public launch event of the iPhone 4S, which came as quite a shock for those who were waiting for the iPhone 5. Many fans of Apple had been waiting 18 months for this but instead were presented with an updated version of the iPhone 4.
So, was it worth the wait? We take a moment to review the changes that Apple has made to the iPhone 4 handset and if the new version improves on it.
Pros
The iPhone 4S benefits from having the dual core A5 processor, which means it has increased speed. The phone also has an increased memory of 64 GB, making it the highest capacity smartphone on the market today.
The iPhone 4S uses an improved antenna system that automatically switches between two antennas. This helps users to find the best signal possible.
The camera of the iPhone is capable of shooting 8MP stills and record 1080p videos. The camera is also more accessible as can be reached from the lock screen.
However, the major addition is the new automated voice control system, which is called 'Siri'. Siri can complete spoken tasks from users. For example, a user may say "What will the weather be like today?" and Siri will reply "It will be rainy today and the average temperature will be 16 degrees".
Cons
One of the major disadvantages of the new handset is that it suffers from a shorter battery life. The iPhone 4 has a battery life of 300 hours, whilst the new iPhone 4S can only last for 200 hours.
The phone screen is also an issue for some users. At only 3.5 inches, the iPhone 4S screen feels a little small compared to other Android phones.
On the whole, it seems that most users are pleased with the superior hardware but may still be waiting for more significant changes to be made.
When a new model becomes available, the market for accessories becomes crowded. Users can compensate for the shorter battery life of the iPhone 4S by investing in an iPhone 4S charger.
A busy market means that users should get prepared and buy accessories, such as iPhone 4S cases which can prevent screen damage. A screen protector is hugely appreciated if a phone is dropped.
To summarise, the new model has some holdbacks such as battery life and screen size but Apple once again aim for greatness. The aesthetic may not be hugely different but the advances in hardware, and the addition of Siri, show Apple's iPhone to be the forward-thinking phone.
