MAKER OF SHINY TOYS Apple has announced the Iphone 4S, not the Iphone 5, so we take a look at the differences between the old and the new.
For starters the handset doesn't look any different from its predecessor, not a single thing has changed. So no one will even know that you have the new version. Considering it's an Apple product we expected it to at least be a bit thinner. However, Apple does claim that the device is a massive 3g lighter. With no face lift or tummy tuck, it's the hardware and software where we find some upgrades.
We'll start with the hardware and look at the processor first. This time round the Iphone 4S has been given an A5 dual-core chip. It's an upgrade from the A4 processor in the Iphone 4, which is only single-core. It's the same chip that the Ipad 2 has, which is clocked at 1GHz but it's unclear if this is the same on the Iphone 4S. Nevertheless, the fruit themed firm claims it can deliver up to twice the power and seven times faster graphics.
The other major hardware upgrade is to the phone's camera. The 5MP camera on the Iphone 4 has been bumped up to 8MP. Apple claims it "might be the best camera ever on a phone". It also has a bigger aperture of f/2.4, the illumination sensor has been ‘improved' and there's additional face detection. When it comes to video the camera will be able to shoot in HD 1080p as opposed to HD 720p, and it will have added video stabilisation that the Iphone 4 camera doesn't have.
Compared to the Iphone 4 the camera sounds like a decent upgrade, but compared to other smartphones it just brings the Iphone up to speed with current specifications.
Apple has made an improvement to the Iphone's storage too. The Iphone 4S offers up to 64GB of internal storage, which is twice as much as the biggest Iphone 4. The Iphone has never had a memory card slot for expansion so this will help users who require more space, especially now that video is in HD 1080p. It will also be available in 16GB and 32GB models.
You're probably aware of the issues surrounding the Iphone 4 antenna. Well Apple claims to have sorted this out with the Iphone 4S. It can apparently automatically switch between its two antennas for better call quality. The Iphone 4S doesn't have LTE technology but it does have upgraded HSDPA, which means better 3G speeds of 14.4Mbits/s compared to 7.2Mbits/s. This speed is possible in theory but is very unlikely to be reached at the moment and will depend on the mobile operator and your location.
The screen is still the same as before, but we'll let Apple off on this one seeing as how the Iphone 4 has such a high quality screen already. It has 640x960 resolution which results in a lovely 326ppi.
Moving on to software, the biggest change is the latest version of Apple's mobile operating system IOS. The Iphone 4S will come pre-loaded with IOS 5. Among other things it has an improved lock screen, a notifications centre, better Twitter integration and Imessage for instant messages.
All of this might be an upgrade from IOS 4 but it is swings and roundabouts when you compare it in terms of the two handsets. IOS 5 will be available for the Iphone 4 two days before the Iphone 4S goes on sale. In theory the new version of the operating system will run better on the Iphone 4S's better hardware.
Siri is a new voice control system that helps users carry out tasks on the Iphone. It can do basic things like call a contact or send a text. Furthermore you can ask Siri to arrange a meeting, set an alarm or ask a question like, "Do I need an umbrella?" Apple said "Siri understands what you say, knows what you mean and even talks back."
It is unclear whether this feature will be exclusive to the Iphone 4S but if it is, and it works as claimed, then it will be a significant upgrade to the voice recognition software on the Iphone 4.
Overall the Iphone 4S is not a massive upgrade from the Iphone 4. It has a better processor, an improved camera and more storage. We're disappointed that the handset has had nothing done to it to make it different from the Iphone 4 in terms of looks. IOS 5 is an upgrade, of course, but this will be available for Iphone 4 users as well.
If you're an Iphone 4 user then we recommend you hang on for the Iphone 5 unless you're desperate for the better camera or larger storage capacity. If you have an Iphone that predates the Iphone 4 then the Iphone 4S will be a nice upgrade.
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