iPhone 5: cost and second thoughts
Friday, September 14, 2012 at 2:59AM After my lengthy article yesterday in which I stated that I would be buying the iPhone 5, the inevitable second thoughts are starting to creep in. I am in a good place with the iPhone 4S and it is doing what I need which causes me to think again about the sheer costs involved in upgrading to the 5.
I am mid-way through my contract so would have to purchase SIM free and the prices Apple is quoting are not low at all. £529 is the minimum price for an iPhone 5 and with just 16GB that would be a struggle for me. 32GB is my sweet spot for a smartphone and so I am looking at more than £600. And then there is the Lightning to 30-pin adaptor which Apple is selling for £25. I have an FM Transmitter in the car which would require one and a charger next to my bed so that’s £50 already. I could in theory carry the adaptor with me all of the time when travelling and save £25, but that’s the type of inconvenience I left behind years ago. I have no problem with Apple changing the dock connector, but feel that charging £25 per adaptor is quite frankly taking the p*ss out of loyal customers.
And then I will need a new case. This is not Apple’s fault, but my preferred case costs £50 and so when the updated version comes out that will be added to the total. Let’s say that I get £300 for my mint 32GB 4S, I am left with a deficit of more than £400 to have the accessories I need and the iPhone 5. That is effectively the cost of a high-end Android handset. The problem is that of all the smartphones I have reviewed and tested over the past few months, not one makes me want to use it every day like the iPhone does.
It will now be a waiting game for me. Until the time comes that the iPhone 5 is required for specific apps and games, I don’t think there is enough here to justify such a large cost to me. It doesn’t make sense on any level and even though sense is rarely a factor when it comes to smartphone purchases for me, I just don’t see enough in the 5 to make me move up. Maybe Apple is aiming at people who are ready to upgrade on their contracts, but for the rest of us it looks like quite a hard sell.
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Reader Comments (66)
Similar issues here plus the S3 is a marvel. Moving away from the S3 I will lose so many simple things like smart & briefing alarms with snooze control, fm radio, led light notification, playing game emulators without rooting, sharing, USB host, instant theming & customisation using Apex Launcher Pro, Gmail app (handles every email account via gmail), motion controls, voice control, DNLA, Bluetooth stereo sound using apt-x codec, NFC, wifi direct, replaceable battery, expandable memory (a 64gb memory card is £42), quick launch of settings in notification bar, icons when new things happen on status bar, lock screen shortcuts, camera settings as a few examples.
If I move to the new iPhone, I would need the 64gb at £699. The S3 could achieve £400. That's £300 difference. As Shaun mentions I would need a few adapters , the micro USB one, 30 pin, plus a few cases and that's another £100. So an extra £500. So I lose all the above, but gain beautiful work of art phone, full integration and syncing with apple Eco system and better camera optics. Hmmm .
Not sure at all now.
I think Apple have created a new hardware platform in the iPhone 5 and so I think the real benefits will not appear until iPhone 6. This is similar to replacing a legacy IT system, very few real user benefits but a lot of IT benefits by having a new long term platform.
Don't do it, Gavin.
I just got my order number. 64Gb, black. Looking forward to next Friday - I sold my iPhone 4S for £500 a few weeks ago and have struggled along with an old Treo 650 and an Orange San Francisco. The Orange SanFran wins on paper, but it's the Treo that's in my pocket.
Won't bother with 4G, though. I don't even use 3G all that much.
Black pre ordered :-)
Anyone after a vgc Samsung S3 with massive range of cases, screen protector, usb otg cable, for £375 plus postage.
When Apple first started out back in the days of antiquity (Apple ][ and Macintosh range/s and the Newton), prices were disproportionally high against their competitors (that's why I had an Apple ][e clone).
Maybe Apple think that they have enough market share now with a loyalty base steady enough to stick with them through a new pricing policy.
No change too small, no fee too high!
I remember back when the Newton was announced, the promotional material showed people from students to pensioners using it. I was excited and waited with anticipation for the release. Then it hit like a bomb; AU$1300? At the time, I was using a top of the range Sharp IQ PDA at c.AU$300. My enthusiasm cooled as if dropped in liquid nitrogen.
Not sure how the pricing is overseas but they seem to have consistent pricing model.
It would be nice if the sim free was half the cost but that is wishful thinking.
My wife has said I just got my wedding anniversary and Christmas present for this year.
Just stared at the pre-order page for 5 minutes and the pressed the button.
The close button.
Simply cannot justify so much money for such a minor upgrade. Makes no sense to me.
So come on Gavin, we all want to know - did you? :)
I agree, Shaun. The iPhone evolves, year on year, but is still recognisably an iPhone in form and function. This is a much bigger spec bump from 4 to 4S, but still one that's aimed at the iPhone 4 owner coming near the end of a contract.
I'm able to write off the cost and I don't pay for my contract, either, so it's a much easier decision for me.
My last post confirmed that I pre ordered a black 64gb version. I had to phone order through though.
Hence why I need to quickly sell my s3, which is only a few months old, comes with loads of cases etc.
Ah - missed your post.
Just had a look at the apple store - theyve sold out already (ships in 2 weeks now).
And they say the iphone is dead :P
Surely you can get more than £375 for the S3, Gavin? It's quite new.
The Apple site was quite slow, this morning, but the order went through OK for delivery on the 21st. Looks like they sold out after less than two hours.
I give Shaun a month, before he caves in and visits the apple store :)
Don't forget you'll need your SIM changed to a new teeny weeny nano one!
Peter, yes I can get more, but it's an offer to LIM readers. And it's still under guarantee via Carphone Warehouse.
Make me feel better if it goes to a good home!
I don't think Shaun will waiver. Shaun has issue of needing loads of adapters. This adds to the cost big time.
Shaun will cave. If it takes a month it'll only be because of lack of availability ;o)
Gavin kinda surprised you caved; I think you'll come to regret it. It might be wise to hold onto the S3 if you're able to. It's a white one isn't it? My gf would like an S3 but she doesn't like white phones unfortunately.
"I don't think Shaun will waiver. Shaun has issue of needing loads of adapters. This adds to the cost big time."
It's not that, but the minimal changes from the 4S. Never had it slow down on me at all- will see how iOS 6 affects it.
Yes, probably worth hanging onto the S3 for a while, Gavin, just in case the iPhone 5 doesn't do it for you!
I have no peripherals for iOS, so there is nothing I need to buy. Perfectly happy with a new plug. I've heard some criticism of Apple for changing the 30 pin connector, but can you think of any other device maker that has kept exactly the same connector format for nine years across so many products, allowing a huge, vibrant ecosystem of peripherals to grow and evolve around them? I can't. Something had to change, eventually.
I can't sell the s3 until the iphone 5 arrives. I then have to visit a Three store to swap to the new nano sim. Then fire up iphone and pray I like it.
Yes it's a white s3.
"I've heard some criticism of Apple for changing the 30 pin connector, but can you think of any other device maker that has kept exactly the same connector format for nine years across so many products, allowing a huge, vibrant ecosystem of peripherals to grow and evolve around them? I can't. Something had to change, eventually."
No problem with that at all, but £25 for a simple adaptor? That's what people are complaining about.
I have just read that each iphone 5 has a free adapter.
I believe that is a microUSB adaptor for the European Law- looking at the pre-order page
Just took screen shot. See my twitter.
Looks from your screen shot Gavin that any additional adaptors are £30, not £25. Bargain!
Fair enough - I don't remember too many companies ever including an adaptor, either. Not rampant profiteering, then, for once.
Personally, I'm more interested in the headphone upgrade. I'm not an audiophile and value comfort over sound quality - all I really ever listen to is Radio 4 and the odd podcasts. The old headphones were one of the few comfortable sets I've ever owned. I'm curious to know if these ones are just as nice to wear for long periods.
I think the value in the new iPhone will not be evident for a while. Things like the new digital connector may be much more configurable and powerful than the old one. I've heard that the the adaptor has a chip in it that configures the pins for 30 pin, so it's not a simple mechanical adaptor. That may justify the price for Apple somewhat.
Patrick. The 0.2m adapter is £30 but the adapter without cable is £25.
Patrick the extra £5 obviously means that's it's an even better adapter and Apple is taking even better care of its customers! Isn't it better to pay £30 and know it'll just work? ;o)
Although I've been seeing £25 everywhere, so it's a bit odd if they've increased it.
Some extra info on the adapter, and an upcoming adapter: http://www.trustedreviews.com/news/iphone-5-lightning-connector-does-support-video-output-hdmi-and-vga-cables-incoming
I'll be getting the 64GB black model but with the discount. I rarely travel outside the country (Canada) and I don't have any major problems with the provider I use. Certainly the others are no better. I basically get a $450 discount. However, I'm in no rush so I'll wander in to my relatively local Apple Store later today and reserve.
Funny thing yesterday. I called my provider to confirm that I was eligible for an upgrade. He says yes, but there's an early upgrade fee. As I had read, they've changed the upgrade period to 2 1/2 years from 2. So he says that the early upgrade fee is $140, and then without missing a beat or me asking, he says but they'll give me 50% off of that. I'm hoping for a $50 hardware upgrade incentive so that nets out to $20. What's funny is how fast he offered. They must be getting lost of complaints and figure that they'll just offer the 50% to whoever calls.
Gavin, right, so that's with a short cable and £25 without. Makes sense now.
Bug, I couldn't possibly comment.
Peter M, intersting point about the headphones. The ones that came with my Note (and S3s too?) are disappointing. Have to be pushed well in to get the full bass sounds and then they become uncomfortable fairly quickly. Hopefully Apple's new ones are a positive redesign.
Patrick. I believe so although the pic next to the item was incorrect. Who knows what will turn up :)
Here are a couple of interesting views:
http://www.trustedreviews.com/opinions/iphone-5-missing-features
http://www.trustedreviews.com/opinions/iphone-5-features-we-love-and-hate
The site generally likes Apple stuff so they're reasonably balanced.
They've also done a comparison with the 4S: http://www.trustedreviews.com/opinions/iphone-5-vs-iphone-4s
Gavin, according to Engadget they now might not be including an adaptor for free. So you're right, who knows what will turn up with the phone.
The editor of Trusted Reviews (until July past) is my next door neighbour. Not useful, but true.
There is a free adaptor included so that saves 25 pounds. I have pre-ordered as well. I appreciate that the Samsung S3 has loads of features, but most of them I will never remember to use (how many gestures can one remember??), plus it just pocket dialled my boss just after I couldn't quickly turn off the GPS navigation instructions whilst talking to him. Will be selling it ASAP.
Now does anyone know how to get Orange to pony up a nano sim?
I spoke to a customer advisor there this morning and he didn't have the foggiest what I was on about.
OK Gavin. Be honest with us. You bought the iPhone 5 just because it's new and like many of us, you get bored easily. I present the following evidence from Lost In Mobile:)
Galaxy S III
The positives. My wife and I both think the curved design of the S3 is amazing. It is also super comfy in the hand, more so than the iPhone 4, but as comfy as the iPhone 3gs. It is small enough to use one handed completely.
Battery life. I have power saving mode enabled as standard. I don't notice the difference with it enabled either. WiFi is left to stay on and not allowed to sleep too. I can really hammer the phone all day and its lasts all day. 6am to 11pm.
Camera - photo quality and speed and options of camera are the best, better than the 4S. I do not have any third party camera apps installed. Don't need them.
Sound quality - awesome. I now use isyncr with isyncr wifi to sync across my iTunes media, and to sync back any amazon mp3 purchases. This piece of software makes moving music between the S3 and iTunes a joy as it is a 2 way sync.
Apps - everything is just so good. You really have to use the S3 properly. The screen is fantastic. I now use Chrome Beta as my web browser of choice and it feels like it was designed with the S3. The S3 feels more grown up and more easier and more flexible than any other phone I have had.
Data. Data can be shared (includes links, files, photos etc) far easier on the S3 than my 4S. Contacts can have contacts merged with many social networking sites, including pulling down photos of pictures if merged. iPhone does not have this flexibility out of the box.
Summary - Looks a million dollars (white version) and in use glides like a Rolls Royce Phantom.
Galaxy Note
The Note is a very different device to the iphone but I am finding the Note to be far superior in many ways. But it is not obvious from day one. After a month the extra touches become clearer. Some examples. Full office support is included out of the box with Polaris office. Inserting photos etc is a doddle. Free satnav software which works even in poor reception areas very well. Endless customization. Changeable battery. Decent battery life. Angry Birds is brilliant on the Note. Text inputs via keyboard, swype, or handwriting. Flash support. Sudoku using the s-pen recognises the numbers (free using Samsung apps) The way the operating system works on the Note is different to the iphone. You have to allow time to adjust. Once adjusted you realise how powerful the Note is.
Any carrier should be able to give you a new SIM card if you just pop into the shop and ask. The only gray area is whether they actually have a stock of nano-sims. I saw an article saying Vodafone have half a million put by for the iPhone launch, dunno about Orange but I would expect they'll have 'em too.
Poor Gavin!
He's only poor Peter because he has a new smartphone every other month ;-)
Looks like you might need to stump up another £25 as well Gavin.
http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/14/apple-iphone-5-free-lightning-adapter/
Shaun - circumstantial evidence not admissible. I've checked with Apple's lawyers. They seemed quite knowledgeable with laws.
Patrick / Peter - nothing wrong with boiled rice and peas :-)
I have tried 2 android phones but really need an iphone to link better with my Apple eco system. For the record the S3 is a better phone, probably better than anything else. But it's not the new
But it's not the new iphone.
For the record I will hold on to this for a few years!
'For the record I will hold on to this for a few years!' I saw what you did there Gavin; George and Fury years don't count!
Patrick you might have seen but the evidence has gone :-)
I've ordered my white iphone 5, 32gig. I was tempted by the Galaxy S3, but I like the Apple ecosystem too much. I'll see what next year brings, as I've only signed a 12 month contract.
"For the record I will hold on to this for a few years!"
Oh be fair. You said that to me when the iPhone 4 was announced. And the 4S, Note, S III etc. etc. etc.;)
The unsung hero of the press conference was the new iPod touch. I suspect that will be under more Christmas trees, this year, than the PS Vita and Nintendo 3DS combined. In fact, good as they may be, I think it's 'Game Over' for dedicated handhelds.
Along with the iPhone 5, Apple is on the way to a monster quarter. One for the record books, I imagine.
Most likely- a shame the watch idea didn't continue, would have liked to see a Nano that really felt like a watch. I think I am more annoyed at not wanting the 5 rather than not ordering one. I was looking forward to the upgrade and it all fell flat for me somehow.
I actually thought the iPod Nano and Touch were excellent. Probably sell bucket loads.
What gets me is that Apple's done so little in the past two years and still sells millions. The last significant change was the iPhone 4.
And no, I don't believe it's because it was already almost perfect and just needed refinement. Things have moved on a lot since 2007; the iPhone has moved far less.
Gavin, don't get too many iPhone 5 accessories. The Note 2 is coming out soon ;o)
Comment self-censored due to senseless exuberance. Suffice to say, I think the iPhone 5 is a pretty nice, ground-up redesign and I look forward to mucking around with it.