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The Apple iPhone 5, A Buyer's Guide
1. The Apple iPhone 5, A Buyer's Guide
Introduction .............................................................................................................................................. 2
Who Is The iPhone 5 Aimed At?..................................................................................................... 2
The iPhone 5 Versus Other Smartphones....................................................................................... 3
Apple iPhone 5 ..................................................................................................................................... 3
Samsung Galaxy S III .......................................................................................................................... 3
Nokia Lumia 920 ................................................................................................................................. 4
Other Smartphone Options ............................................................................................................. 4
Choosing The Right iPhone For You ................................................................................................. 4
iPhone 5 Vs. Older Models ............................................................................................................... 4
iPhone 5 Storage Size ........................................................................................................................ 5
iPhone Color ......................................................................................................................................... 7
Where To Buy Your iPhone 5 .............................................................................................................. 7
Apple Online ......................................................................................................................................... 8
Apple Retail Store ............................................................................................................................... 8
Service Carrier Retail Store ............................................................................................................ 8
Choosing The Right iPhone Carrier................................................................................................... 9
Verizon ................................................................................................................................................... 9
AT&T ....................................................................................................................................................... 9
Sprint....................................................................................................................................................... 9
A Guide to Selling Your Old iPhone if You Need the Cash to Upgrade ............................... 10
Online Used Phone Buyers ........................................................................................................... 10
Buyers Looking for Unlocked or Jailbreak Phones ............................................................. 10
Does Your Phone Hold Value? ..................................................................................................... 11
2. Introduction
The release of the iPhone 5 is probably one of the most hyped-up events of the year. It’s not
surprising, considering the success of the previous iPhones. Although there are a number of
other excellent smartphones out there, the iPhone is regularly considered the cream of the
crop, and is one of the most desired gadgets out there.
Who Is The iPhone 5 Aimed At?
With some new features included, the iPhone 5 is certainly an attractive phone, but who is it
really aimed at? Are you the ideal buyer?
The Smartphone Newbie
For the person who is only now trying out a smartphone for the first time, the iPhone 5 offers
heavy temptation. After all, it is the most popular phone in the market at the moment, and has a
whole load of features in it that the newbie may not have experienced before. This
technological wonderland will keep the newbie entertained for weeks, months, and potentially
years (until the next iPhone is released!).
The Apple Enthusiast
The enthusiast can be recognized immediately at first glance; by the iPhone they hold in their
hand, the earphones they wear connected to the iPod they have in their pocket or clipped onto
their clothing, and the iPad in a protective casing they carry in their backpack/briefcase/hand.
The enthusiast loves all things Apple, and is usually the one waiting overnight in line to be
among the first people to spend their earnings on a newly released Apple product. It’s unlikely
you fall into this category – if you did, you’d already own an iPhone 5!
The Technology Junkie
The upgrade seeker knows all the wonders that the iPhone offers, but finds some minor things
that they don’t like. Perhaps it’s the slow Internet speed, or the small screen that they wished
was bigger so that YouTube videos would be more fun to watch. The upgrade seeker sees the
improvements that the iPhone 5 has compared to their current phone, and wants to enhance
their experience without waiting for their current contract to expire.
The Internet Junkie
The Internet junkie would get depressed if they had to go more than several hours without
Internet access, and basically spends a lot of their time online. The iPhone 5 is equipped with
LTE 4G, which is a much-anticipated high-speed Internet facility. However, not many networks
have the infrastructure to support this advancement, so the Internet junkie should definitely
check with their network first.
3. Of course, just about anyone could be a potential buyer of the iPhone 5, but these users are
probably the ones Apple is targeting specifically. Apple has known who to target so far
successfully, this probably won’t be any different!
The iPhone 5 Versus Other Smartphones
There are three main competitors in the smartphone marketplace – Apple, Samsung, and Nokia.
These Smartphones compete in the market where customers want to receive information
quickly and efficiently.
So how do you know which phone is best for you? It depends on your individual needs and
preferences, as all the smartphones are easy to use immediately after purchasing. Here’s a quick
guide to the top 3 to get you thinking.
Apple iPhone 5
Apple’s iPhone 5 has made a great leap in the Smartphone market with its new faster processor,
the Apple A6. Those who are dedicated Apple users and own an Apple personal computer or
tablet will often stick with the same brand.
This phone runs an iOS 6 operating system, which bring many new features and applications to
the iPhone 5. Its screen is wider than previous models at four inches, and its camera takes high-
quality pictures and videos in panoramic viewing (no other Smartphone has panoramic viewing).
It also has upgraded its Siri (voice control) feature.
Out of all its competitors, Apple is the only one that offers its customers 64 GB storage space on
its iPhone 5. If you will be using your phone for media, gaming, videotaping, picture taking,
reading books and magazines, or downloading documents, this would be the phone for you. It
does connect to other personal computer brands, but works best with an Apple.
Samsung Galaxy S III
The operating power behind the Samsung Galaxy S III is the Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich
operating system. It is the largest Smartphone, at 5.38 inches tall, and has the largest display
screen at 4.8 inches.
It has the same camera options of the Apple iPhone 5, except that the Samsung Galaxy S III
cannot take panoramic view still shots or videos. This phone also has its own version of a
personal assistant, though not as advanced as Apple’s Siri.
4. Samsung Galaxy S III has a micro USB port for easy connecting to any tablet or personal
computer if you need to transfer or download information. Another one of its notable features
is that you can watch a video at the same time you can be working on different applications.
Nokia Lumia 920
The Nokia Lumia 920 has a Windows Phone 8 operating system, making it compatible to those
who already run Windows on their personal computers. It has a fairly large size at 5.11 inches
and a nice wide screen at 4.5 inches.
This phone has a slightly higher megapixel camera in comparison to its two other main
competitors, but it does not have the panoramic viewing option. It also has the same quality in
videotaping at 1080p HD video.
The one downfall maybe to this phone is that it only comes in one data storage size of 32 GB.
This doesn’t really give you a choice of needing fewer or more data storage capabilities;
however, it also uses the USB connector capability so you can transfer information to any
personal computer or tablet.
As can be seen, it really depends on where your dedication lies, and what features and styling
you prefer. The Apple iPhone comes only in the standard black and white, but the other phones
offer more colors. So it depends solely on personal preference.
Other Smartphone Options
This is just a comparison of three popular smartphones to give you an idea of where to start. In
truth, there are a number of popular models out there. If you know you prefer the Apple
interface, then you already know you want an iPhone. Android, however, is a smartphone
operating system that runs on a number of different models. It all depends on what you’re
looking for in a phone.
Choosing The Right iPhone For You
If you’ve already decided that the iPhone is the right device for you, it’s time to get shopping
and choose the model that’ll suit your lifestyle best. Here’s a guide to what you need to know
when shopping for your new Apple smartphone.
iPhone 5 Vs. Older Models
Dedicated Apple users know what Apple has to offer, and the iPhone 5 is a means to keep up
with the demands of its customers. With a new model, it may be enticing to purchase; however,
before making that leap there are a few things to consider:
5. 1) Cost of the iPhone 4 and 4S versus the iPhone 5
The cost of the iPhone 5 without a service provider can run up to $899. Many people choose to
purchase phones this way to avoid contracts with service providers; however, by purchasing a
new phone with a contract, the cost can drop to approximately $399 for an iPhone 5.
With the iPhone 5, Apple and service providers have reduced the cost of the 2010 iPhone 4 and
the 2011 iPhone 4S to around $99 with a two-year contract. If you are on a tight budget and just
need a smartphone with basic features, purchasing one of Apple’s earlier iPhones is your best
option.
2) Features of the iPhone 4 and 4S versus the iPhone 5
Both the iPhone 4 and 4S are very similar in their features, and have received the latest updated
software from Apple when the iPhone 5 was launched.
The iPhone 4 and 4S both have the identical retina display that is also available on the iPhone 5.
The only difference is the iPhone 5 has an upgraded camera for clearer pictures and videos,
including panoramic views. The older iPhone models also have the popular front-facing camera
that has been a big hit with FaceTime and other video calling applications, such as Skype.
The iPhone 5’s processor (Apple A6) is much faster than the processor in the iPhone 4 and 4S. So
if you are looking to store and use lots of data, the new processor in the iPhone 5 would be your
better choice. If you not going to use the phone for much media, gaming, or reading books, the
iPhone 4 or 4S is a great choice.
3) Design of the iPhone 4 and 4S versus the iPhone 5
At first glance, you can’t really tell the difference between the iPhone 4 and 4S, but you can tell
the difference with an iPhone 5. The iPhone 5 has a larger viewing screen of four inches, and
comes with a new metal backing to the phone.
The iPhone 5 comes in the famous black and white colors, with a little twist – the black version
has a black and slate coloring, and the white version has white and silver coloring. The larger
screen makes it great for viewing pictures and even documents.
If you have the money and the need to run large amounts of data, then the iPhone 5 is a great
choice for you. If you are okay with the slightly slower processing of data and don’t take lots of
pictures and videos with your smartphone, the older version of the iPhone is perfect. So when
deciding which to choose, it basically depends on your needs and size of your wallet.
iPhone 5 Storage Size
6. If you’re planning to buy the new iPhone 5, one big factor is the amount of storage you’ll need.
The different storage capacities are suited for different kinds of users, so to choose the best one
for you, you should know how you’ll be using your iPhone 5.
iPhone 5 Prices
Although the iPhone 5 is not offered as unlocked yet in the US, let’s look at the iPhone 5 prices
with carrier subsidies and the estimated prices when unlocked.
As you can see, the 32GB and 64GB models cost an extra $100 and $200 respectively. Although
you can get memory cards of those capacities at a lower price, the iPhone 5 doesn’t have an
external memory slot so it’s more cost effective to get the higher capacity models. But of course,
you have to use the extra storage if you want to pay for them.
Storage Capacity for Different Users
If you’re a light phone user and only plan to have a few apps, games, music, or videos on your
iPhone 5, then the 16GB model should be enough for you. However, some people might want to
take many pictures and videos, and have a lot of apps for entertainment and work. For this
purpose, the 32GB iPhone 5 would be better. With 32GB, your iPhone 5 can be your main device
on the go for music, photos, gaming, and more.
For a power user who keeps everything on his/her iPhone 5 from photos, movies, music, and
various apps, then the 64GB model is more suitable. Having a big library of music, photos,
videos, and not to mention some power apps can fill up your phone very quickly. With the 64GB
capacity iPhone 5, you can snap pictures, record videos, and download whatever content you
want into your phone without worrying about running out of storage.
iCloud
iCloud is a cloud storage which gives you free 5GB of storage for files of any type, plus an
unlimited storage for content purchased from iTunes. This includes music, videos, audiobooks,
and more. You can also purchase extra iCloud storage for a yearly fee of $20 for 10GB, $40 for
20GB, or $100 for 50GB of storage.
Although iCloud offers what looks like a lot of storage for everything that you need, you still
need to download your content from iCloud when you want to use it. This means that it’s still
necessary to have enough memory on your phone. Also, remember that there is an exchange
period after purchasing your iPhone 5. So if you find that you’ve bought too little or too much
storage, you can always exchange the phone for another model that suits you.
7. iPhone Color
Currently, there are two colors available:
Black & Slate
White & Silver
Basically it all boils down to what you prefer and also how the color of the iPhone 5 affects the
display. Some people have certain pet peeves that others may be totally okay with. Before that
is discussed any further, let’s look at the advantages of each color of the iPhone 5.
Black & Slate Advantages
The iPhone 5 has borders on its display that are black, and this is unnoticeable in the
Black & Slate version since the borders blend into sides of the display.
Black is a versatile and popular color that many people adore.
When watching videos or playing games on the Black & Slate version, it’s easier to focus
on the display (for some people), since the sides of the phone go unnoticed due to the
black color.
White & Silver Advantages
The white versions of any iPhone are sometimes released in limited quantities
compared to the black version, so some people may perceive that having a white iPhone
brings a feel of exclusivity.
White & Silver iPhone 5s stand out more due to their bright color, and this makes it
potentially easier to find when misplaced.
The two-tone appearance (black display and white phone) when the display is dimmed
appeals to some people.
As you can see, there are advantages to both colors, and it should be noted that an advantage
to some may be a turn-off for others. In the end, only you know what you prefer in your iPhone
5.
Where To Buy Your iPhone 5
The iPhone 5 is available for use through three main service providers – Verizon, AT&T, and
Sprint (see below for more info on carriers). Although limited in service providers, your options
of where to purchase your iPhone 5 is not limited.
The best means of determining how you should purchase your iPhone 5, is by determining what
works best for you. Overall, you should be looking at cost, convenience, and service. Depending
on whether you are purchasing your first smartphone, or replacing an old smartphone, will
determine what works best for you in purchasing an iPhone 5.
8. Apple Online
The Apple company has an online store where you can directly purchase the iPhone 5 with the
accompanying service provider plan. This is available whether you are a new customer, or
wanting to upgrade your phone.
With online purchasing, you still get the same choices on the iPhone 5. You can pick the black
and silver or white and slate styling, with 16 GB, 32 GB, or 64 GB of memory. At the time you
pick your phone, which can be purchased for as low as $199, you will need to choose a service
provider.
There is free shipping from Apple, but your phone will arrive in three to five days. Despite the
few days wait, you have the convenience of receiving the phone directly at your front door or
office. The setup is effortless, but you will have to do it all yourself.
Apple Retail Store
Whether you purchase the iPhone 5 online through Apple or at its retail store, you will receive
the same pricing. You will also have to choose your service provider, as well as your calling and
data plan.
The great thing about purchasing your iPhone 5 from the retail store is you get all the service
you need and all your questions asked at one time. You receive the one-on-one customer
service and attention.
The customer service representative will help you choose a service plan that is right for you,
help you setup your phone, and also personalize your phone for you. You do no work, except
syncing your phone with your personal computer when you return home.
Service Carrier Retail Store
You also have the option of purchasing the iPhone 5 from your current service provider, or a
new service provider of your choice. When going to the service provider directly, you will
receive the one-on-one service of phone setup and personalization. You will also be able to
directly receive information on the service plans and coverage that will suit your needs.
A service carrier retail store also has knowledgeable sales people available to assist you, but
remember, depending on the plan you choose, the iPhone 5 could be more or less expensive
than Apple’s prices. Also, if you are still on contract, you may end up having to pay full retail
price for the iPhone 5, in which case you may find a better deal elsewhere online, such as eBay.
9. Choosing The Right iPhone Carrier
One of the variables in choosing the right cellular carrier for your iPhone 5, is cost. Of course you
can purchase the iPhone 5 anywhere on the Internet, such as on eBay, without a service plan;
however, you will eventually need to choose a service provider.
Each service provider will give you an option on a phone and data plan that suits your needs. In
some cases, you may be offered a lower price on the iPhone device itself, if you purchase the
smartphone directly from the service provider. Again, it depends on whether you are already
with a service provider, or if you are a new customer. Here is what the main iPhone 5 carriers
offer:
Verizon
Across the United States, not including the outer-lying islands of Hawaii, Verizon advertises that
it has the most 4G/LTE service coverage than any other carrier. It also claims that it has great
coverage in Europe and Asia.
Verizon usually will offer its current customers the option of remaining on their lower calling
service plan, with the addition of adding a reasonable data plan. The catch to keeping your
original calling service when switching to a smartphone is that Verizon may not give you a good
price on the iPhone 5.
When being offered the unlimited data plan, think thoroughly about it. If you use more than 5
GB of data, this data plan is not worth the money, because you will be paying more for the
iPhone 5 from Verizon. If most of your time using the iPhone 5 is through Wi-Fi, you don’t need
this type of plan.
AT&T
Unlike Verizon, AT&T lets you access data with a wireless connection, even when you are using
the device as a phone. They offer the same choices in data plans, and appear to have the same
coverage in the 4G/LTE networking.
With AT&T’s unlimited data plan, once you use 5 GB of data, the service network access begins
to diminish. If you are used to receiving data quickly, regardless of how much you are using,
AT&T can’t provide the fast service after this level. So if you are a high user, this service provider
is not for you.
Sprint
10. Although Sprint has the least amount of service coverage for 4G/LTE networking, it has the best
unlimited data plan for the iPhone 5. As long as you are in a coverage area, no matter how much
data you use, you will still receive the fast service of the 4G/LTE networking.
Due to its limited coverage area, the iPhone 5 will often revert back to using the 3G network. In
this instance, it is not worth the cost of the plan and phone, because you won’t be getting a
wide-range of service as you would with either Verizon or AT&T.
A Guide to Selling Your Old iPhone if You Need the Cash to
Upgrade
The option of selling your older model phone is great for getting some extra cash to purchase
the new, and more expensive, iPhone 5, for example
If your phone is very damaged and shows a lot of wear, it’s best to use it as a backup, give it to a
friend or family member, or to simply recycle the phone. You will most likely not be able to sell a
phone for a good price if it has various signs of damage. But if your phone is in great condition,
you can expect to see a nice little profit.
Online Used Phone Buyers
There are a variety of online used phone buyers that will buy your phone, regardless of the
condition, and give you cash or credit to an upgraded phone. The determining factor in how
much you will get for your used phone will be if you have all the accessories that came with the
phone, the overall appearance of your phone, and whether the phone works or not.
This process is so simple. Based on what you input on the form to sell your phone, you will be
given an estimate of the price the company is willing to give you. This is a great way to even sell
broken phones that you may have lying around to gain even more cash for your new upgrade.
Buyers Looking for Unlocked or Jailbreak Phones
If your phone is in top quality, you can unlock or jailbreak your phone to have it ready to sell on
online selling services such as eBay or Craigslist. When you phone is unlocked, the person buying
your phone can simply choose the service provider of their choice. This is why unlocked phones
sell for a much higher price, because they don’t come attached to a contract or service provider.
Some service providers will unlock your phone for you if you are not on contract, otherwise you
would have to do it yourself; however, you probably wouldn’t be selling your phone if you were
on contract due to the penalty costs. There is much information on the Internet on how to
unlock different phone models, giving you one of the best options for selling your used phone.
11. Does Your Phone Hold Value?
Apple iPhones are one of the only smartphones that hold their value, but that doesn’t mean you
can’t sell another smartphone model. The key is to take care of your phone so it is something
that someone would consider buying. If the phone is cracked and there are lots of nicks and
scratches on the phone, the resell value will be less.
When selling your phone, regardless of the brand, always include all the accessories. This will
give you more leverage in selling your used phone for a higher price. It is also more of an
incentive for someone to buy a used phone.