[swampy353]

Originally Posted by Sad Professor

I'm kind out of the loop when it comes to the numerous Android handsets, but what exactly are they offering now in the way of hardware features that's superior to the iPhone?

NFC, better cameras, form choice. Apple wins in terms of software but if the hardware doesn't get changed there's not going to be a substantive reason to upgrade. 4s is a perfect example, while there have been some hardware improvements the aesthetic has remained the same and it's not exactly the svelte form factor when you compare to the one x or even sg2.
Apple used to innovate but they just appear to be playing catch up with android. Also with android you have a huge range of manufacturers which cater for each market segment. Apple is only aiming at the top end of the market, people who are spending real money and expect it to be latest and greatest and while some people will buy into the brand there is a large segment of the demographic who just want the coolest gadget and if apple don't come up with something radically different they will move to android

[Sad Professor]

Hmmm, everything you guys just described are spec bumps. Adding more memory, cores, megapixels, etc to a device is not innovation. I'm talking about new features that allow you do something that you couldn't do before. Apple have always prioritised the user experience (which they define in terms of software and design) over having the latest and greatest specs.

[whiterebel]

Originally Posted by swampy353

NFC, better cameras, form choice. Apple wins in terms of software but if the hardware doesn't get changed there's not going to be a substantive reason to upgrade. 4s is a perfect example, while there have been some hardware improvements the aesthetic has remained the same and it's not exactly the svelte form factor when you compare to the one x or even sg2.
Apple used to innovate but they just appear to be playing catch up with android. Also with android you have a huge range of manufacturers which cater for each market segment. Apple is only aiming at the top end of the market, people who are spending real money and expect it to be latest and greatest and while some people will buy into the brand there is a large segment of the demographic who just want the coolest gadget and if apple don't come up with something radically different they will move to android

And that's why Apple can't compete. They are better staying true to their own Values rather than worrying about Android....

[1ZRed]

Originally Posted by APM

the battery life needs to be improved before they do anything else. I have a 4S and the battery is stupidly bad

I know but thats the case with all smartphones unfortunately. I think they will improve the battery because they have managed to do it with the new iPad.
But they'd better change the charging port because I'm not waiting an extra 2 or 3+ for my phone to charge!

[murpho999]

Why are people comparing Android which is software to an iPhone which is hardware?

Going on about better cameras etc (buy a camera then, not a phone as it's lens and sensor quality not megapixels that are important there).

To me HTC and Galaxy are reactions to iPhone and it comes down then to specs and most buyers don't care what chip is inside the phone.

I think Apple changed the market when the brought out the iPhone creating a whole new type of phone and who knows what they will come up with next.

They could easily bring out something completely different. We just don't know.

[swampy353]

Originally Posted by murpho999

Why are people comparing Android which is software to an iPhone which is hardware?

Going on about better cameras etc (buy a camera then, not a phone as it's lens and sensor quality not megapixels that are important there).

To me HTC and Galaxy are reactions to iPhone and it comes down then to specs and most buyers don't care what chip is inside the phone.

I think Apple changed the market when the brought out the iPhone creating a whole new type of phone and who knows what they will come up with next.

They could easily bring out something completely different. We just don't know.

Android is been compared to the iPhone because the iPhone and iOS are inextricably linked. And when I was referring to android was talking about the hardware that runs the software.
In terms of camera, the vast majority of people have effectively replaced there digital camera with their phone. No one expects the same quality as using a dlsr, just a camera that suitable for day to day use.
Samsung and htc have followed trends that apple started but in most areas have surpassed apple. People who are just following fashion go for the brand but people who know there tech do think about specs.
There is no doubt that apple changed the market with the iPhone but unless apple come up with a significant improvement over the 4s they will be left behind the likes of Samsung or HTC

[murpho999]

Originally Posted by swampy353

Android is been compared to the iPhone because the iPhone and iOS are inextricably linked. And when I was referring to android was talking about the hardware that runs the software.
In terms of camera, the vast majority of people have effectively replaced there digital camera with their phone. No one expects the same quality as using a dlsr, just a camera that suitable for day to day use.
Samsung and htc have followed trends that apple started but in most areas have surpassed apple. People who are just following fashion go for the brand but people who know there tech do think about specs.
There is no doubt that apple changed the market with the iPhone but unless apple come up with a significant improvement over the 4s they will be left behind the likes of Samsung or HTC

I still think it's an unfair comparison......Android is the OS for many devices but iOS is for just one, so combining the hardware of several phones to say Android is better is wrong.
Also when I ask what is better about Android all I hear is custom options and widgets ...wow!

I still don't see how Apple are being left behind by Samsung or HTC. Extra megapixels on a camera or larger screen doesn't mean that they are way ahead.
Would not agree that people have replaced cameras with their phones, go to any tourist attraction and people are using compact & dslr cameras rather than phones. Camera phones are a lot better than they used to be but are not there yet!

Also, those people who are just following fashion are very very sizeable and I would argue outnumber 'people who know their tech' and would not know what A5 chip is or what dual/quad core is.

Don't see how people can say that Apple are way behind as the differences are marginal. Samsung has faster processor whilst iPhone has higher resolution screen. Screen size is a personal choice.
At the end of the day they are all good phones and consumers have a great choice.
I just hate Android users saying that Apple are being left behind based on small differences and not knowing what their next product will be.

[kaizersoze]

Originally Posted by Sad Professor

Hmmm, everything you guys just described are spec bumps. Adding more memory, cores, megapixels, etc to a device is not innovation. I'm talking about new features that allow you do something that you couldn't do before. Apple have always prioritised the user experience (which they define in terms of software and design) over having the latest and greatest specs.

You had that answer ready before asking the question, hadn't you?
Be honest.

[lordgoat]

I love how people warn apple they'll be playing catch up when the market, says and will continue to say otherwise. iPhones sell. I expect the iP5 to do just as well as it's predecessors and outsell them comfortably.

[kaizersoze]

Originally Posted by lordgoat

I love how people warn apple they'll be playing catch up when the market, says and will continue to say otherwise. iPhones sell. I expect the iP5 to do just as well as it's predecessors and outsell them comfortably.

Very true but as a 4 owner I didn't fall for the 4S and won't be getting 5 unless there is a significant change.

[lordgoat]

Originally Posted by kaizersoze

Very true but as a 4 owner I didn't fall for the 4S and won't be getting 5 unless there is a significant change.

yep, same here

[tigershould]

i doubt apple were aiming the iphone4s at existing iphone4 users. as has been the case during the brief history of this device the interim model is always just a specs upgrade. major form factor changes and possible hardware innovations are only to be expected every two years.

whats the point spending €400+ every year for a phone? at that price the device should be lasting 3-4 years IMO.

showing that you are dissapointed that a very capable phone hasnt changed drastically in design is just unreasonable IMO - i'm sure apple have a 2 year design programme for the iphone.

ergo the NEW iphone will look fundementally different to the iphone4/4s.

[tigershould]

having said that the NEW iphone will look different doesnt mean there will be amazing new hadware innovation. what more is there?

better camera, better camera flash, bigger screen, more processor speed?

these arent innovations, just spec upgrades.

someone mentioned NFC - but this tech isnt mature yet, no point putting something into a phone that isnt widely used.

IMO smartphone innovations are going to come from the OS - which is an entirely different debate.

[1ZRed]

Originally Posted by lordgoat

yep, same here

That goes for me too.

[kingofslaves]

I got a IP4 on release day, but didn't go for the 4S as really there wasn't much to impress me. SIRI is good but not here, and the faster processor is a good change, but a lot of people have said really it's not that noticable in terms of speed. Except launching apps faster.

The reason the iPhone have made the screen that size is because apparently that it the most comfortable reach of thumbs and fingers. If you go to http://www.redmondpie.com/ they usually have the most up to date info on release dates, concepts, and also jailbreaking information.

I for one won't be getting the next iPhone as mine does what it says on the tin and that's good for me. I can listen to music, check email on the move, check the weather, book a taxi, find out when the next dart is, make phone calls and send texts and take photos and video. That's enough for me. Oh and I've had a ifrogz cover on it since day one and there's no scratches on it at all, but I always make sure it's the only thing in my pocket ! (no keys, coins etc)