iPhone 5 - Should You Upgrade?

The iPhone 5 arrives on store shelves at the end of this week (September 21, 2012), and much like the release of previous Apple devices there are already people lined up on the streets to get one. Seriously. I think people who line up days in advance are seeking the media attention more than anything else, but as an Apple aficionado myself I do get excited for their latest offerings. I draw the line, however, at camping on the street when I can pre-order a device online in the comfort of my own home.

Are you looking to upgrade to the iPhone 5 from a previous iPhone? Or are you looking to switch over from a Blackberry or Android smartphone? Here’s the skinny…

Making the upgrade:

If you own an iPhone 3GS or iPhone 4, you are likely eligible for a carrier-subsidized upgrade depending on the date of purchase/contract renewal. The 16 gigabyte iPhone 5 is $199. The benefits of the upgrade include a larger screen size (great for watching movies or streaming Netflix), thinner profile, and faster data speeds with a 4G/LTE data plan. Much of southern Westchester County and NYC has 4G data coverage with Verizon and AT&T. Sprint has 4G coverage as well, but generally not in Scarsdale (at least not yet). Other improvements to the phone include a faster processor and camera, and longer battery life.

Apple has changed the dock connector from a 30-pin connector to an 8-pin. The 30-pin connector has been widely used on all previous iPhones, iPod, iPod Touch devices, and the iPad. For folks like me with multiple Apple devices, you will no longer be able to use old data cables to charge your iPhone 5, unless you fork over $20-$40 for an adapter. This has been a sore spot with many Apple consumers since it will require such adapters to work with older third-party devices (home stereo system receivers, alarm clocks, etc.) that only use the 30-pin dock connector…AND, the adapter is not guaranteed to work with all devices. Folks who connect their iPhones to their car stereo systems via proprietary cables may no longer be able to do so. Please check with your vehicle’s manufacturer.

Switching to Apple from a different device:

If you’ve been waiting to make the switch to an iPhone, now is the best time to do it. You will have the latest and greatest device that you’ll surely be happy with. The previous iPhone models (the iPhone 4 and 4S) are still being sold by Apple, but now at a lower cost than the iPhone 5. These phones are still fast and current with great cameras and screen resolution. If having 4G/LTE data speeds is not a concern to you, if you live in an area that has spotty or no 4G/LTE coverage, or if you have a teenager begging you for an iPhone, getting an iPhone 4 or 4S is a great alternative that will save money.

How to get one:

For those like me who don’t want to wait in line on launch day, the best bet is to pre-order an iPhone 5 online and have it delivered to you. This is a relatively hassle-free process and the phone will arrive pre-activated when ordered through your carrier’s website. There’s also something to be said for waiting a few days or weeks for the hoopla to die down. By waiting and visiting an Apple store, Best Buy, or your carrier’s store, you should be able to get one provided that inventory is still available. The iPhone is offered in black or white, both of which are sleek and attractive. You can’t go wrong with either one.

Have any iPhone questions or anything else Apple-related? Add a comment below or send me a tweet @jasonbajor.

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A lover of all kinds of technology, Jason Bajor is a freelance website designer and owns JB Web & Photo, based in White Plains. He can be reached at jason@jbwp.com.