So -- is it time to switch to an iPhone? Seems as though Buzzers are still pretty convinced it's the best solution out there? I simply don't have time to sift all the pros/cons, look for some quick takeaways -- is there something else I should consider/compare an iPhone to? Any significant cons on the iPhone?
I don't think you should waste time considering the competitors. The iPhone is good for a solid year after it's release, then the next version comes out and you will inevitably want it, but probably skip it and wait for the second coming of that phone. Android based phones are released quite frequently and in large numbers, making them harder to compare and leaves you wish you had the one that comes out next week vs the one that came out last week.
The camera on the iPhone 4s is far superior to any other camera on any other mobile phone. People will argue this because they have 8.1 megapixels in their camera, but the ability to take a faster and higher quality shot exists with the iPhone. I compare the pictures often and I don't think that any of the Android newer phones are close.
The cost of iPhone parts and repair is where I think people miss out when they are looking at new phones. Chances are, your phone will break and when it does, do you want to be out $200 or do you want to be out around $100. People say the Android phones *Android is the OS* don't tend to break. About 30% of my repair requests are for a phone that carries the Android OS (HTC, Samsung, Nexus, whatever). This equates to the market share those phones have, so I would say you are just as likely to break either phone. The iPhone 4s is a super phone and I am very happy with it, the problems that existed in the ATT iPhone 4 are gone with the switch to Verizon and the new phone improvements.
If you were into tinkering with the OS of a phone, I would say yeah, maybe the Android based phones are for you, but I don't really think that is your thing.
And if I switch to an iPhone, obviously have to switch carriers -- Sprint looks like the clear cut choice. Still happy Ken? I assume that I'll have no problem using the phone in Europe or South America? Am guessing standard roaming is going to apply based on local carrier networks you hook up to, probably no pricing plan get you away from those international fees that really do gouge you.
Sprint and Verizon will enable your "world" iPhone. However, as to what the fees are when you are using your phone outside of the states, is something I don't know much about. Getting an unlocked "world" phone that you can use on other carriers may work better for you. You can get an unlocked iPhone from Apple. Also the unlocked world SIM in a Verizon/Sprint phone should give you the ability to use a local SIM.
Also - if I switch from T-Mobile, will want to port my existing number to new carrier -- have not tried to do that previously, that go pretty smoothly with carriers now or a hassle?
Anyways -- appreciate any/all comments folks!
Porting my number from ATT to Verizon took about 30 seconds and was done through an automated phone system.
I obviously am a fan of the iPhone, but the honest reason for that is that I see what happens when people get Android based phones (they change back to iPhone). It has happened to about 5 of the people I work with in 30 feet of in the last few months. They got the Droid Bionic and left it in a matter of weeks.
