[shinobi602]

If own an iPad, I don't see the point. The iPhone is just an iPad that can dial numbers.

Mix it up a bit, since you have so many Apple products already, give the S3 a shot.

[Diablohead]

I say if you want an Android phone go for the S3, and if you want an iOS based phone or already own a lot of itunes content, the iphone 5 if you can wait.

[godelsmetric]

Come on, the iPhone 4 is beautiful, but this is more than just beautiful

Urggh I want one so bad.

Gatt damn WP :(

[mescalineeyes]

If the iPhone 4S was the 5th iPhone why didn't they just call it that?

Because it was a beefed up iPhone 4 with added Siri and Speed.

Gaddamn WP :(

Don't knock it until you tried it, sis.

[godelsmetric]

Don't knock it until you tried it, sis.

I've had a fiddle with it. I like WP7 a lot, especially the design. But I think this far behind the game they're just not going to catch up. Plus I've already invested a lot in iOS.

Plus I'm not sure about WP8. I'm not sure, given the changes, that MS actually understand what made WP7 so gorgeous.

[JayDub]

I'm in the same boat. I was really hoping for something special with iOS 6, but Apple just likes to focus on one thing every year. This year I'm guessing it's the NFC/Passport and Maps feature on the OS side, and the bigger screen physically. Last year it was Siri. It's all so incremental, it drives me nuts. The MAIN feature I love about the S3 is the expandable memory, and he fact that you can hide carrier bloat ware.

I'm waiting for the reveal, let the hype die down for a month and decide with a clear head.

[mescalineeyes]

I changed my mind OP.

Go iPhone, it has Tweetbot.

[Bgamer90]

You are missing my point. They reset (or established depending on how you look at it) the naming convention with four because the name lined up with the iteration and it came after the 3G/3GS.

Yes this is true. However, if they named it the 5, it wouldn't line up since the 4S was the 5th iPhone.

Or I could be completely wrong. My opinion is just as valid as anyone else's here. However I personally see no way that it would make sense to call it iPhone 6. If they did, what happened to iPhone 5?

Again, the 5th iPhone was the 4S.

If the iPhone 4S was the 5th iPhone why didn't they just call it that?

Because it wasn't a huge change like the 4 was to the 3GS.

The "S" came over from the 3G & 3GS. The 3GS wasn't a major change from the 3G.

Like I said, the best thing would be to just call it the new iPhone.

[Hoo-doo]

There have been a lot of good looking phones prior to the 4S, that look at least as good as the 4S, the Touch Diamond for example (imo):

Eh. Seriously?
This thing is a complete eyesore, and the back is just design wankery for the sake of design, it has nothing to do with style, quality materials, impressive engineering, function or usability.

[silentspork]

Because it was a beefed up iPhone 4 with added Siri and Speed.

That is the point. If they intended to name it after the generation of the phone it would have been called an iPhone 5, but it clearly is not.

Edit: Whatever, done arguing over something stupid.

[HollovVpo1nt]

I've had a fiddle with it. I like WP7 a lot, especially the design. But I think this far behind the game they're just not going to catch up. Plus I've already invested a lot in iOS. Plus I'm not sure about WP8. I'm not sure, given the changes, that MS actually understand what made WP7 so gorgeous.

Dude, aside from the start screen, WP8 is WP7 with a lot better hardware and developement support. Basically, they adressed stuff that make WP7 lag behind in WP8, aside from the start screen, which is a hit or miss. So I don't know why you're so unsure about WP8.

[godelsmetric]

The back of that HTC reminds me of Zaha Hadid's work.

Dude, aside from the start screen, WP8 is WP7 with a lot better hardware and developement support. Basically, they adressed stuff that make WP7 lag behind in WP8, aside from the start screen, which is a hit or miss. So I don't know why you're so unsure about WP8.

Yeah, it's mainly the start screen to be honest. I guess I'll keep my eye on it.

Though, given the state of W8 itself I don't hold out much hope.

[tarius1210]

lol. My user name isn't changing. Check out this thread.

LOL, silly GAFers.

[Tomcat]

Except for it running WP8.

thats the best part

[HollovVpo1nt]

Eh. Seriously? This thing is a complete eyesore, and the back is just design wankery for the sake of design, it has nothing to do with style, quality materials, impressive engineering, function or usability.

Well yeah comparing it to the build quality of today, oufcorse it's worse. But I was talking about the design, which I find really great.

[f0lken]

Urggh I want one so bad. Gatt damn WP :(

If it could be upgraded to WP8 it will be an awesome option, hopefully Nokia will keep the design and add that pureview so I can record videos with this audio quality http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oue6G4a_xCc

[rinse82]

There have been a lot of good looking phones prior to the 4S, that look at least as good as the 4S, the Touch Diamond for example (imo): Lumia 800 >>>>>>>>>>> Lumia 900 And what would be wrong with that?

That HTC Diamond is ugly as fuck.

[Kentpaul]

HTC Diamond looks like a cheap budget phone a clueless soccer gran would buy her grand kids.

[HollovVpo1nt]

The back of that HTC reminds me of Zaha Hadid's work. Yeah, it's mainly the start screen to be honest. I guess I'll keep my eye on it.

If you're into user experience, then you really should. WP7 devices are ranked highest when it comes to user satisfaction. WP deserves a fair chance, it's really a beautiful OS, which in it's current form (7) is limited compared to the competition. WP8 should adress that. Plus, WP8 was revealed at a dev conference. The consumer features are yet to be revealed.

[MrOogieBoogie]

Wait, people are really gonna say the S3 is an ugly phone aesthetically? I think it looks beautiful.

[HollovVpo1nt]

If it could be upgraded to WP8 it will be an awesome option, hopefully Nokia will keep the design and add that pureview so I can record videos with this audio quality http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oue6G4a_xCc

I read somewhere that Nokia will adopt the Lumia 800/900 design for WP8. They'll basically release Lumia 800/900 with WP8 and new colors, from what I read.

[godelsmetric]

Wait, people are really gonna say the S3 is an ugly phone aesthetically? I think it looks beautiful.

Sure, yes I am. The S3 is the ugliest flagship phone on the market.

[Radec]

Since we're on the design topic now..

I think this is currently the king:

[Ollie Pooch]

Come on, the iPhone 4 is beautiful, but this is more than just beautiful

I don't see it - its nice, no doubt. The colours make it look like an ipod nano to me.

The 4 is unbelievably slick, understated and just plain cool. No other manufacturers seem to get it . The white One X is very nice, though. Pity mine's dull grey... Xperia S is really sharp too but they went and made it out of cheap plastic.

Haha, beaten - XS design is stunning. The build isn't ideal but yeah, I love mine. So sharp.

[Kentpaul]

Since we're on the design topic now.. I think this is currently the king:

Ruined by the bottom part.. Looks like a plug in ram extension or someshit

[rinse82]

Since we're on the design topic now.. I think this is currently the king:

It's a black...rectangle....

[surly]

The 4 is unbelievably slick, understated and just plain cool. No other manufacturers seem to get it.

Or perhaps it's largely a matter of opinion. That Sony phone posted above your comment is better looking than an iPhone IMO.

[Slavik81]

The G doesn't stand for Generation. The 3G wasn't the 3rd Generation iPhone. It was the first iPhone with a 3G Antenna.

The G in "3G antenna" stands for generation. 3G was named that because it was the 3rd generation of cellular technology.

[Hoo-doo]

Wait, people are really gonna say the S3 is an ugly phone aesthetically? I think it looks beautiful.

Absolutely. It's like a 2009 HTC. No thought put into the design whatsoever.

[magicstop]

I'd have to agree that the iPhone 4 and 4S are the design kings. They may not rock the biggest screen (though I think it's adequate - I will be pumped for 4" though), but as far as a beautiful package that is a pleasure to hold and use, they've nailed it.

As for the OP, wait. It's hard, but just forget about it. Stop checking this thread, stop debating it, and just wait for the iPhone 5 reveal. Then decide.

[Ollie Pooch]

Or perhaps it's largely a matter of opinion. That Sony phone posted above your comment is better looking than an iPhone IMO.

Its great, I own one and bought it after becoming obsessed with it :P But the finish isn't there - the back is flimsy cheap plastic. It could have been THE one to beat, the whole package - but I'll agree its just a matter of opinion really..

[Krabardaf]

Got a Lumia 610 for my father and I absolutely love the OS.
Non resizable tiles are a bit disappointing, but Microsoft should address that in W8 so it's cool.
Now when it comes to apps, sadly, it can't compete with Android and iOS. I could get over that, and get one myself, if and only if someone releases a WP Phone with more than 16Go of memory.
Seriously that's ridiculous, smartphones are supposed to be your companion and to do anything, but i can't even put half of my media content on any WP phone. It's frustrating and stupid, especially when flash memory is getting cheaper everyday, and when the device already cost >400€.

[PrimaNocta]

Get the S3 now. Then if you're not happy with it or the android system, then the iPhone 5 is just around the corner.

your forgetting a key element, a 2 year contract.

[Audioboxer]

Technology is the waiting game.

If you don't jump in when you see something affordable and beneficial that you like, you'll forever be waiting for the next thing. There is no way to 'keep ahead of the trend', just accept and enjoy that when you buy something it might be fresh for a short amount of time, but very quickly someone else online/in person will have the next biggest piece of hardware. That being said buying something a week before you know a successor/competition is out isn't that wise, but months, months are all that separates one device from the next, buy and enjoy.

In this specific topic, it's android vs iOS, as per my advice above the hardware is really a non-issue here if both fit will fit your criteria.

[godelsmetric]

Since we're on the design topic now.. I think this is currently the king:

Yeah, SE have been doing some nice stuff.

I like the Sharp Aquos phone from this page, but I don't know if it's just a mockup or what:

http://www.theverge.com/2012/6/19/30...-feel-ux-sharp

[edit]Apparently it's a Sharp Aquos 106SH. I like it.

[Tomcat]

Since we're on the design topic now.. I think this is currently the king:

no especially if have held it on your hand
the build quality is not great

[Katana_Strikes]

I think I'm gonna wait for the 5... well I'm waiting for it anyways before a decision is made. Personally can't see me straying from the iPhone. I absolutely love the 4, and in October I'll have had it 2 years. TBH this phone is more than enough for what I want in a phone. It's perfect... bar a bigger screen now maybe, but that's happening anyways.

There really isn't another phone on the market that looks as good as the iPhone or I like to use as much. The iPhone is so nice to and easy to use and that's why I don't fancy a change.

[SpinDasher]

Wow, I never saw what was so appealing about the iPhone 4 design. Perhaps I'm just tired of seeing it.(A lot of people I know have one).

EDIT: I love the Xperia S design, and those Windows Phones look dam nice too.

[TheDanger]

wait for the next iPhone and jailbreak it once you get it.

[Bgamer90]

Wow, I never saw what was so appealing about the iPhone 4 design. Perhaps I'm just tired of seeing it. "A lot of people I know have one".

Minimalism FTW.

The iPhone 4 will more than likely still look good 20 years from now.

[PrimaNocta]

I've been debating this myself since I'm no longer in contract but I decided to just wait until the reveal for the iphone 5. I just want a larger screen from apple and i'm happy. 4+inch screen will keep me satisfied.

[Hoo-doo]

Minimalism FTW. The iPhone 4 will more than likely still look good 20 years from now.

Yup, the Lumia will also probably stand the test of time.

[f0lken]

Technology is the waiting game.

QFT, if someone is indecise between getting an S3 now or waiting for the neXt iPhone they will be indecise between getting the neXt iPhone or waiting for the new Nexus perpetuating the cycle

[godelsmetric]

I actually sometimes still just spend some time looking at my 4. Every detail on it is perfect. The radiuses of the corners, the width of the antenna band and the chamfering, the proportions of it, the perfect understated simplicity of the thing.

The build quality is also insane (home button notwithstanding). It still just feels like quality in your hand. Perfect weight, perfect size, outstanding materials (glass and stainless).

Siiiiigh. I'm gonna miss you, old buddy.

[Bgamer90]

I actually sometimes still just spend some time looking at my 4. Every detail on it is perfect. The radiuses of the corners, the width of the antenna band and the chamfering, the proportions of it, the perfect understated simplicity of the thing. The build quality is also insane (home button notwithstanding). It still just feels like quality in your hand. Perfect weight, perfect size, outstanding materials (glass and stainless). Siiiiigh. I'm gonna miss you, old buddy.

Haha... you're crazy!

No just playing. I definitely know what you mean. I like studying/reading about product design.

[SmokyDave]

I actually sometimes still just spend some time looking at my 4. Every detail on it is perfect. The radiuses of the corners, the width of the antenna band and the chamfering, the proportions of it, the perfect understated simplicity of the thing. The build quality is also insane (home button notwithstanding). It still just feels like quality in your hand. Perfect weight, perfect size, outstanding materials (glass and stainless). Siiiiigh. I'm gonna miss you, old buddy.

Yup, I'm with ya. It's the absolute pinnacle of consumer electronics design. I'm holding on to mine when I get the new iPhone because (I kid you not), I'll probably find some way to frame / display it. It's fucking gorgeous and it's only going to look better as time goes on.

[Zeppu]

Dem iphone sharp edges make my palms bleed.

[magicstop]

Yup, I'm with ya. It's the absolute pinnacle of consumer electronics design. I'm holding on to mine when I get the new iPhone because (I kid you not), I'll probably find some way to frame / display it. It's fucking gorgeous and it's only going to look better as time goes on.

Just use it as a remote for your computer or TV or something.

Dem iphone sharp edges make my palms bleed.

Are your hands made out of wet tissue or something?

[Salvor.Hardin]

Yup, I'm with ya. It's the absolute pinnacle of consumer electronics design. I'm holding on to mine when I get the new iPhone because (I kid you not), I'll probably find some way to frame / display it. It's fucking gorgeous and it's only going to look better as time goes on.

Haha. Wow. You can't make this shit up.

[TxdoHawk]

Should I go for an Android now, or wait for the new iPhone?

The ideology of the two platforms couldn't be any further apart. You need to not worry about specs too much, and focus on what each platform provides. Any high-end phone will now give you enough juice to let their respective platform fly these days.

If you really can't decide, get the iPhone 5, and if you don't like it you can buy an Android phone off-contract, sell your 5, and not be out of much money (if any at all). Apple products hold their value ridiculously well due to demand, which is why I'm suggesting this way, and not the other way around (buy Android, resell if unhappy).