Rating from the perspective of 3GS-Umsteigers

As part of the mobile extension of the contract I am from an iPhone 3GS 8GB (iOS 5.0.1) upgraded to an iPhone 4S 16GB. The technical specifications of the 4S are well known, so I'm going to this subsequently no longer a. I want to explain briefly what benefits or changes have occurred to me as a former 3GS users through the transition.

Before the extension of the contract I had fluctuated between the 4S and the Nokia 800 Lumia. I am not a classical Apple users, but come from the Windows section. The concept of the Lumia 800 has pleased me very well. The design, materials and workmanship, the intuitive handling and the fresh, unused design and the look and feel of Windows Phone 7.5 are very tempting. What were nevertheless kept me from switching to the Lumia 800 already existing in our household iOS devices like the iPhone and the iPad 16GB 8GS. In my iTunes library there are currently more than 430 music albums, more than 180 partly paid apps as well as a plethora of podcasts and even some movies. Economically the transition would be me dearly. From the time spent on porting the library to Zune to mention. Apart from that, iOS and iTunes has proven itself. It works simply, reliably and safely.

Now I'd like to finally get to talk to the iPhone 4S. The first contact was gratifying. The quality materials and workmanship is at the highest level. Here I was already spoiled by my 3GS. However, the 4S is not quite as enjoyable as the flatterer 3GS, which is better in your hand due to the rounded corners and edges. The commissioning was very simple. Thanks to the previously created backups in iTunes installation was done quickly. All that remained was to fill the free space available with music. The 8GB of its predecessor but had become very short of time.

Thanks to a dual-core processor, the iPhone 4S to have become noticeably faster. Of this I have, however, been noticed not much. Certainly launch various programs or the camera a little bit quicker and I do not have very demanding apps (such as games) installed. This point has been for me (so far) do not give a real advantage.

Siri is a 'nice to have' but not really necessary. A toy for techies. Neither I like the very synthetic voice, still can convince the functionality. Siri is located in a beta that is sure to continue for a long time, because the system has to be developed by a variety of types of questions and the many country-specific dialects and user-typical language accents. Therefore you should give Siri a little more time and not immediately make a final judgment. At the moment, however, Siri is a system component, to which one can do without.

A true enrichment is the 8MP camera. As an amateur photographer with an extensive DSLR equipment I always had to go as a lightweight hand luggage a compact digital camera (Canon Ixus 220HS) take as the camera of the 3GS was neither high nor functionally really useful to use. The built-in camera 4S has been able to convince me, however. The images are sharp, balanced and also exposed the noise behavior is for a mobile notches entirely justifiable. The focusing and tripping time is very short and suitable for snapshots. Although the settings such as exposure, sensitivity to light, and so are not available, but for a quick recording with good image quality the camera feature of the 4S is absolutely sufficient. Not great to think, just pull the trigger and have enjoyed a surprisingly good picture quality. The built-in LED flash, however, is a little puny, but lit close range from adequate. An additional compact digital camera I can now leave without a bad conscience at home.

FaceTime has not been able to arouse my interest. To my knowledge, this feature can only be used as long as the other party also has a terminal with integrated FaceTime and a WiFi connection. These conditions limit the possible use of course significantly.

A reduction in battery life so far I could not identify. I have now got used to it, that a smartphone must be connected to the power supply overnight.

Last but not least, the Retina Display. Very high resolution, sharp and pleasant strong but not too bright colors. Really great. Just a pity that the screen size has not changed. After my experience a display size from 3.7 to 4 inches would be optimal for the various apps and even comfortable use with one hand. A screen larger than 4 inches I do not consider sensible from an ergonomic point.

Certainly there are a few other changes compared to the 3GS, these are for me but not enough relevant here to write about it. For me, the change has paid off mainly because of the camera. The Retina display, FaceTime, Siri and fast processor are quite nice and useful sometimes, but mostly dispensable for me in daily contact with the smartphone. iOS 5.0 I had been on the 3GS. Increases the quality of a smartphone and falls with the operating system. Here Apple did a great job. Everything works fast, stable, and it can be operated intuitively. The 4S is generally recommended for the Apple entry or upgrading from an iPhone 3GS or earlier. However, owners of an iPhone 4 I advise of a switch. This should be better on an iPhone 5, which will certainly be presented in 2012 waiting.