While the rate at which technology changes and improves can sometimes be overwhelming and even frustrating — especially when you purchase a new piece of hardware only to find that a newer one has just been released — the benefits of technology’s advancements far outweigh the costs.
Apple iPhone users are currently experiencing this cost-benefit trade-off; the iPhone 4S recently replaced the iPhone 4, giving Apple fans yet another reason to open their wallets. Many customers, however, are hesitant to shell out another $100-$400 for a phone that at first glance doesn’t offer any significant upgrades to what is already a great product.
But looks, as they say, can be deceiving.
Underneath the case the houses the iPhone 4S there are 5 remarkable changes to the hardware that make the 4S the best iPhone yet.
1. The A5 processor chip
While the A5 is still only a single core processor (rumor has it that the iPhone 5 will have the A6, which is a dual core), it offers twice the processing speed of its predecessor, which means that processes, programs, multitasking, and apps will all be faster and more efficient, with less lag, so you can do what you need and want to more quickly.
2. The dual core graphics processor, along with the upgraded still and video cameras
While Apple has always been known for its multimedia capabilities, the iPhone 4S represents a new standard in stunning visuals, which are now seven times faster than they were before. That means that everything you see will be lighting fast, and ultra-responsive. Furthermore, the graphics processor drives the camera and video capabilities in the phone, which are both wonders in and of themselves. The still camera has over twice the resolution of the iPhone 4, and the video camera records in full 1080p, and also allows users to edit video on the go. You’ve simply got to see the clarity and speed of these features to believe them.
3. The SIRI voice assistant
By now you’ve probably seen the Apple commercials that showcase this feature. What the SIRI voice assistant does is make browsing and using your phone as hands off as possible. Simply tap the icon and ask a question or give a command and your phone will respond. It will read text messages, perform internet searches, find directions, set alarms, open apps, and much more. The new signal processor in the iPhone 4S makes the SIRI voice assistant possible, and is only installed in the 4S.
4. The new antennae
That’s right. Plural. That means better signal strength and fewer dropped calls. Need I say more?
5. The new OS and storage options
iOS5 was released in mid-October, and all new iPhone 4S’s come with it. iOS5 has more features than I can list here, but rest assured that they all work to make your phone experience, and your life, easier. With the 4S, customers also have the option of 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB models, so you can pick the phone that fits your price and storage preferences.
So, while it may seem like you won’t ever catch a break, and that Apple is always coming out with new and better phones faster than you can buy them, the truth is that the breakthroughs in technology are worth the extra buck now and then. Technology isn’t going to stop improving — if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em!
