Today is the big day. Prospective iPhone 5 purchasers can now pre-order the device. Aside from the conference itself, today was a day many individuals have been looking forward to. However, as with all launch days, the website can go down, orders can not get processed, and other technicalities. Today, we will go over your options, the process, and give this a more holistic view, rather than just for the iPhone 5. Why? In my opinion, this is the best time to purchase an iPhone. If you want the latest in iOS technology, the iPhone 5 can offer that. But, as mentioned previously, the iPhone 4S, dubbed by Apple previously as “best iPhone yet”, is now $100 cheaper than last week. Let’s take a look and get to pre-ordering!
Your Options: Devices
After the release of the iPhone 5, the selection of devices have changed a bit. Now, your available options are iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, and iPhone 5. The iPhone 3GS, as you can see, has been retired.
The difference between the iPhone 4 and the other two devices:
- The iPhone 4 has a smaller screen (3.5 vs 4 inches) compared to the iPhone 5, the iPhone 4S shares the same screen size.
- The iPhone 5 also has LTE, the other two do not.
- Compared to the iPhone 4S and iPhone 5, the iPhone 4 doesn’t have Siri.
- The iPhone 4S and iPhone 5 have an 8-megapixel camera, while the iPhone 4 has a 5-megapixel. One thing to remember, the iPhone 4S and iPhone 5 both have Panorama mode, the iPhone 4 doesn’t.
Three more points to make:
- You can only use FaceTime through WIFI on the iPhone 4, the iPhone 4S and iPhone 5 allows you to do so through cellular service or WIFI.
- Secondly, the iPhone 4S and iPhone 5 both have 1080p video, the iPhone 4 has 720p.
- Lastly, with the iPhone 5, you can take photos while recording video.
Your Options: Service Providers
The service providers available include AT&T, Verizon, and Sprint. As mentioned before, all three have LTE support and they all allow FaceTime over the cellular data if the device (iPhone 4S and iPhone 5) permit it. Additionally, it is important to remember that you can’t call and use data at the same time with Verizon and Sprint. With these providers, LTE is a separate signal that deals just with data. Since you can’t get two differing signals at the same time, you can’t have both the LTE data and Verizon/Sprint networks in use. AT&T, as we all know, doesn’t have that problem – thankfully!
Expected Time of Arrival
The official estimated time of arrival is September 21st, however, there are individuals who have reported being confirmed to wait two weeks or more for their devices. This could be a precaution on the service provider’s side to prevent irate customers who don’t receive their phones come September 21st. Regardless, if you want to ensure you get your device when you want it, your best bet is having it shipped to store. This allows you to purchase it there. However, it does mean waiting in line and whether or not the store is in stock. If not, you may have to come back.
The Accessories
Announced at the event were two changes in accessories with Apple. First off, we have confirmed that the Earpod is standard for iPhone 5 devices only, iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S devices are shipped with the previous model of headphones. Regardless, if you don’t know, Earpod is Apple’s new earphone design that is better fitted and has larger controls for volume and answer/hang up calls.
Aside from the Earpods, Apple also released the new charging port known as Lightning. This, however, is standard for all new Apple devices. The charging port replaces the 30-pin connector, 80% smaller to be exact. While adapters are available and something you should get eventually, the $29 price tag may set you back a bit.
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