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If you wish to upgrade to an iPhone 4S from another iPhone, it may not cost you as much as you think! iPhones tend to be fairly good at holding their value (kind of like the Porsche of the smartphone world) but it can be difficult to know exactly how much you should expect to get if you wish to sell your handset. I am a firm believer that something is only worth whatever you can sell it for, so with that in mind, I have compiled the information below from the average ebay sale price of each handset across the last 10 weeks. If this page has a strong audience however, I will look to update it in the future. Each price is for an unlocked handset, so if your phone is locked, consider asking your network to unlock it for you, or your phone may be worth a little less than the value indicated below.
iPhone resale values: October 2011 (data taken from August 5th - October 15th)
iPhone 4
16gb: £400 32gb: £440
iPhone 3gs
8gb: £220 16gb: £250 32gb: £280
iPhone 3g
8gb: £200 16gb: £220
iPhone 2g
8gb: £75 16gb: £90
Interestingly, white versions of the above handsets tend to sell for slightly higher prices than black versions. Therefore if you wish to sell your iPhone for more money in the future, it may be worth buying a white one to begin with!
Get 50gb of free on-line storage, courtesy of box.com
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Today I bring you a fantastic offer, the opportunity to get 50gb of on-line storage for free! If you need to back up documents, music and videos this solution easily beats the 2gb of storage space offered by dropbox and also lasts forever!
Where do I get it?
Simply download the box.com app on your iOS device and set up an account. This takes under 2 minutes and you are rewarded with 50gb of free storage instantly.
What happens if I don't have an iOS device, but want to take advantage of this offer?
Either borrow one from a friend or visit an Apple store or any store with iOS products on display. You can download the app there, set up your account, then delete the app when you are done.
How long does the offer last?
50 days from today, which is up to Saturday, 3rd December 2011.
Why should I use this over iCloud or Dropbox?
Don't use it over the other options, all offer their benefits and I would advise that like me, you sign up for all three. The clear advantage of dropbox is the space offered.
55gb on iCloud costs $100 per year, 50gb on dropbox costs $9.99 per month.
What is the catch
The only problem I can see with this offer is that the maximum filesize allowed to be uploaded is only 100mb. This is fine for (most) documents and music files, but not large enough for medium long video files such as episodes of television. The service also seems to be less "automatic" than the one dropbox provides.
Made use of this offer? Let me know below!
Where do I get it?
Simply download the box.com app on your iOS device and set up an account. This takes under 2 minutes and you are rewarded with 50gb of free storage instantly.
What happens if I don't have an iOS device, but want to take advantage of this offer?
Either borrow one from a friend or visit an Apple store or any store with iOS products on display. You can download the app there, set up your account, then delete the app when you are done.
How long does the offer last?
50 days from today, which is up to Saturday, 3rd December 2011.
Why should I use this over iCloud or Dropbox?
Don't use it over the other options, all offer their benefits and I would advise that like me, you sign up for all three. The clear advantage of dropbox is the space offered.
55gb on iCloud costs $100 per year, 50gb on dropbox costs $9.99 per month.
What is the catch
The only problem I can see with this offer is that the maximum filesize allowed to be uploaded is only 100mb. This is fine for (most) documents and music files, but not large enough for medium long video files such as episodes of television. The service also seems to be less "automatic" than the one dropbox provides.
Made use of this offer? Let me know below!
Every 24 month iPhone 4S contract, compared
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With the iPhone 4S available on all the major UK networks and each network offering it with a variety of different contract options, it can be confusing as to how you should buy the iPhone 4S. Personally I would buy the iPhone 4S like this, but if you want to go down the traditional contract route, or you don't have £499 to spend upfront the table below should have you covered!
The table is sorted by "overall cost" which is the upfront cost plus the cost of the contract over 24 months. All capacity handsets are considered.
Though most people buy a smartphone on a 24 month contract, some networks offer shorter contracts too. I can upload tables for these by request.
Best value options are highlighted in green.
The table is sorted by "overall cost" which is the upfront cost plus the cost of the contract over 24 months. All capacity handsets are considered.
Though most people buy a smartphone on a 24 month contract, some networks offer shorter contracts too. I can upload tables for these by request.
Best value options are highlighted in green.
Buying the iPhone 4S, SIM free
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Long time readers of this blog will probably be aware that when it comes to buying a new iPhone, my preferred method is to buy an unlocked handset direct from Apple and put my own SIM card in it. This gives several benefits and I always encourage others to do the same
Pros:
Pros:
- Usually works out cheaper over the duration of a 24 month contract.
- Flexibility, SIM only deals usually allow you to change plan before the 24 month period is up.
- iPhones bought from the UK Apple website come unlocked, increasing their resale value and allowing you to use them with a local SIM abroad.
The thing that puts most people off doing this however is the upfront cost. With the most basic iPhone 4S (the 16gb model) costing £499 from the apple website, many people wrongly consider a contract from a UK network to offer better value, or are put off by the high initial cost.
To prove my theory, I am going to compare my recommended way of buying the iPhone 4S with the "standard" way, getting it on a 2 year contract with a major network.
I am going to start by looking at contracts offering 600 minutes, a pretty average figure and a contract that many people sign up for. I am going to start by looking at Vodafone, the biggest UK network.
Firstly, the Vodafone offer seems alright, for £36p/m you can get 600 minutes, unlimited texts and 500mb data per month and only have to pay £159 upfront for a 16gb handset. But the deal is actually even better. If you pre-order now, Vodafone are offering £59 cashback which they will credit to your account in November. For the next 7 days, Quidco will also give you £40 cashback if you order an iPhone 4S.
So lets do the maths:
Upfront cost = £159
Contract cost = 24 x £36 = £864
Cashback = £59 + £40 = £99
Total cost over 24 months = £924
Now, to go the "non-contract route", a 16gb iPhone 4S from apple will cost £499.
£924 - £499 = £425
£425/24 = £17.71
So, if we can find a SIM only contract, for less than £17.71 per month, this will work out better value.
And this is easy.
Firstly, just looking at Vodafone's website, a 12 month SIM only contract offering 600 minutes, 3000 texts and 500mb internet costs £20.50 per month. Currently Quidco are offering £100 cash-back for this offer from Vodafone. Let's assume this deal will still be available next year, which it almost certainly will, allowing the cash-back reward to be collected twice, if a new SIM is purchased next summer, once now and once in twelve months time.
£20.50 x 24 = £492
£100 x 2 = £200
Total cost of contract = £292
Cost of contract plus phone = £791
So, to recap, buying the iPhone 4S, on a 24 month contract with Vodafone will cost you £924 over 2 years. Buying the (unlocked!) handset from apple and using a Vodafone SIM offering the same deal will cost you only £791. Thats a saving of £133! It should also be remembered that the Vodafone contract includes £59 cash-back for making a pre-order, so unless you buy quickly, the actual cost of the contract would be £983 and the difference would go up to £192!
Now, we can look at this in different ways. You could choose to keep the £133 as a saving, you could buy a SIM only deal offering 900 minutes (and £120 cash-back) to give a roughly similar cost over 24 months as buying the phone with 600 minutes per month on contract, or you could go a third route which is the one I consider to be the most appealing.
A 32gb iPhone 4S retails from apple at £599 (which sounds horrendous and in my opinion is far too much for a mobile phone). But, with the saving of £133, you could purchase a 32gb iPhone 4S instead of a 16gb model and still save £33 compared to if you had bought the 16gb model on a 24 month contract with Vodafone. Tempting!
In summary, buying a phone on a contract is like purchasing something on a credit card. If you can't afford the cost of something, with a contract, a network is "lending" you the money to purchase the phone and allowing you to pay it back in "instalments" over the duration of your contract. This will always result in you paying back more than if you had paid for the phone yourself, upfront.
I have bought both my iPhone 3g and my iPhone 4 using this method and if you can stomach the high upfront costs associated with it, I would advise you to do the same!
I'll finish by posting the following, which demonstrates that the theory holds for any type of contract, from any network! This compares the cheapest contract available with each number of minutes to a SIM only offer that includes the same number of minutes. The SIM only offers are cheaper every time!
I'll finish by posting the following, which demonstrates that the theory holds for any type of contract, from any network! This compares the cheapest contract available with each number of minutes to a SIM only offer that includes the same number of minutes. The SIM only offers are cheaper every time!
The iPhone 4S
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It's been a long time since I posted anything here, but today, I bring something good! The newest iPhone and the successor to the insanely popular iPhone 4, the iPhone 4S!
So, as you have probably guessed by the name, the iPhone 4S is to the iPhone 4 the same as the iPhone 3gs was to the iPhone 3g. That is, to start with, it looks almost exactly the same.
But, like the iPhone 3gs, the real improvements are hidden away inside the device.
Apple A5 processor
Its dual-core and twice as fast as the A4 processor in the iPhone 4, according to Apple. Right now, I'm betting the difference won't be an issue for most users, but maybe it will a couple in a couple of software updates time.
Dual core graphics
Seven times faster than the graphics chip found in the iPhone 4, should provide a great performance boost for those that play graphically demanding games on their device.
New antennae
The much-maligned antenna from the iPhone 4 has been modified and can now switch between transmitting and receiving automatically. The antennae takes the same shape as the CDMA iPhone 4, so for UK users this is one easy way to distinguish between the iPhone 4 and the iPhone 4s without using it. Apparently this will solve the issue of the "death grip" that some users reported on the original iPhone 4. Hopefully this will also put an end to the lame jokes about a £500 phone that can't make phone calls.
Improved 3g internet speeds
Whilst the iPhone 4 has a maximum 3g download speed of 7.2mbps (a speed you would be unlikely to ever reach anyway) the iPhone 4S boosts this to 14.4mbps. A great improvement once significant improvement to 3g coverage and speed is made by the UK carriers.
New camera
Big changes here. The camera goes from 5.0mp in the iPhone 4 all the way up to 8.0mp in the iPhone 4S. But there are more changes. The iPhone 4S adds a backside illuminated CMOS sensor for better performance in low light, ideal for taking photographs indoors. The camera supports apertures down to f/2.4. The video camera has also been given an upgrade and can now record 1080p video compared to the 720p video of the iPhone 4. Whilst this appears to be an improvement, I'm slightly skeptical. 1080p video files are HUGE and owners of the 16gb iPhone 4S model may find free space lacking. Also, unless you're planning on playing your phone recorded videos on a huge TV or monitor you are unlikely to appreciate the upgrade in size. A definite upgrade is the addition of facial recognition and image stabilisation, features often not found on smartphones. The camera is faster than most other popular smartphones with only a 1.1 second wait required before a photo can be taken. The camera also contains a "five element lens" for sharper images. White balance is improved by 26%.
Decent battery life
Don't listen to what non-users say, iPhones have always had great battery life compared to the competition. Battery life for a variety of uses can be seen in the pic below.
Siri Voice control
A cool, but maybe slightly gimmicky feature, the iPhone 4S has the ability to "intelligently" respond to verbal questions and commands. For example, ask what time it is and your iPhone will tell you. Instruct your iPhone to set an alarm and it will. Looks cool and will no doubt draw many people into buying a new iPhone, even if they already own an iPhone 4. To me, this is probably the iPhone 4S' "killer" feature. Siri can also be used to dictate, instead of typing, the user can hit the microphone button, speak and watch their words be replicated as text.
64gb
The iPhone can finally be bought in a capacity over 32gb but with a 2 year contract upfront cost of $399 in the US, this could very well cost over £700 in the UK without contract. Which would be ridiculous.
So, as you have probably guessed by the name, the iPhone 4S is to the iPhone 4 the same as the iPhone 3gs was to the iPhone 3g. That is, to start with, it looks almost exactly the same.
But, like the iPhone 3gs, the real improvements are hidden away inside the device.
Apple A5 processor
Its dual-core and twice as fast as the A4 processor in the iPhone 4, according to Apple. Right now, I'm betting the difference won't be an issue for most users, but maybe it will a couple in a couple of software updates time.
Dual core graphics
Seven times faster than the graphics chip found in the iPhone 4, should provide a great performance boost for those that play graphically demanding games on their device.
New antennae
The much-maligned antenna from the iPhone 4 has been modified and can now switch between transmitting and receiving automatically. The antennae takes the same shape as the CDMA iPhone 4, so for UK users this is one easy way to distinguish between the iPhone 4 and the iPhone 4s without using it. Apparently this will solve the issue of the "death grip" that some users reported on the original iPhone 4. Hopefully this will also put an end to the lame jokes about a £500 phone that can't make phone calls.
Improved 3g internet speeds
Whilst the iPhone 4 has a maximum 3g download speed of 7.2mbps (a speed you would be unlikely to ever reach anyway) the iPhone 4S boosts this to 14.4mbps. A great improvement once significant improvement to 3g coverage and speed is made by the UK carriers.
New camera
Big changes here. The camera goes from 5.0mp in the iPhone 4 all the way up to 8.0mp in the iPhone 4S. But there are more changes. The iPhone 4S adds a backside illuminated CMOS sensor for better performance in low light, ideal for taking photographs indoors. The camera supports apertures down to f/2.4. The video camera has also been given an upgrade and can now record 1080p video compared to the 720p video of the iPhone 4. Whilst this appears to be an improvement, I'm slightly skeptical. 1080p video files are HUGE and owners of the 16gb iPhone 4S model may find free space lacking. Also, unless you're planning on playing your phone recorded videos on a huge TV or monitor you are unlikely to appreciate the upgrade in size. A definite upgrade is the addition of facial recognition and image stabilisation, features often not found on smartphones. The camera is faster than most other popular smartphones with only a 1.1 second wait required before a photo can be taken. The camera also contains a "five element lens" for sharper images. White balance is improved by 26%.
Decent battery life
Don't listen to what non-users say, iPhones have always had great battery life compared to the competition. Battery life for a variety of uses can be seen in the pic below.
Siri Voice control
A cool, but maybe slightly gimmicky feature, the iPhone 4S has the ability to "intelligently" respond to verbal questions and commands. For example, ask what time it is and your iPhone will tell you. Instruct your iPhone to set an alarm and it will. Looks cool and will no doubt draw many people into buying a new iPhone, even if they already own an iPhone 4. To me, this is probably the iPhone 4S' "killer" feature. Siri can also be used to dictate, instead of typing, the user can hit the microphone button, speak and watch their words be replicated as text.
64gb
The iPhone can finally be bought in a capacity over 32gb but with a 2 year contract upfront cost of $399 in the US, this could very well cost over £700 in the UK without contract. Which would be ridiculous.
iOS 5.0
The iPhone 4S will ship running iOS 5.0 but iOS 5.0 will also be available for several other devices. The best features in iOS 5.0 can be seen here.
Come back soon to see my review of the newest iPhone!
Thanks for reading!
August 2011 Update
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It's been a while since I have posted anything on here and this is down to two reasons. One, it's the summer and as normal I am very busy and two, not a lot of note has been happening in the iOS arena of late.
This post is an FAQ of the common questions floating about at the minute, relevant to iPhones and iOS.
Where is the cheapest place to buy an iPhone 4?
Here for only £36 per month with an added bonus of £40 automatic cashback
When will the iPhone 5 launch?
At the moment, nobody is quite sure and Apple have yet to release any information. If I were pushed to make I guess, I would say that a new iPhone is likely to be announced at Apple's annual iPod event in September. This is purely an estimate by me,but other sources seem to agree.
How about the iPad 3?
It is very unlikely that a new iPad will be released until the new year, possibly in February or March.
Can I jailbreak my device?
To see latest jailbreak information check this page, updated frequently.
I'm bored of all my apps, have you got any suggestions for new ones?
If you haven't seen it yet, check out this post I wrote a while ago. If you've tried all these check out my "app reviews" tab.
You haven't answered my question!
Please leave it below!
This post is an FAQ of the common questions floating about at the minute, relevant to iPhones and iOS.
Where is the cheapest place to buy an iPhone 4?
Here for only £36 per month with an added bonus of £40 automatic cashback
When will the iPhone 5 launch?
At the moment, nobody is quite sure and Apple have yet to release any information. If I were pushed to make I guess, I would say that a new iPhone is likely to be announced at Apple's annual iPod event in September. This is purely an estimate by me,but other sources seem to agree.
How about the iPad 3?
It is very unlikely that a new iPad will be released until the new year, possibly in February or March.
Can I jailbreak my device?
To see latest jailbreak information check this page, updated frequently.
I'm bored of all my apps, have you got any suggestions for new ones?
If you haven't seen it yet, check out this post I wrote a while ago. If you've tried all these check out my "app reviews" tab.
You haven't answered my question!
Please leave it below!
Save £150 on a 12 month o2 contract with Quidco
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Last year I wrote a blog post where I highlighted how you could save £120 by buying a 12 month SIM only plan with Vodafone via Quidco. Earlier this year I posted information on what I believe to be the best value SIM only contract in the UK.
For a very short period of time (up to August 1st) a new offer is available via Quidco on the o2 network. This offer includes the following:
For a very short period of time (up to August 1st) a new offer is available via Quidco on the o2 network. This offer includes the following:
- £100 automatic cashback from Quidco
- £50 Marks and Spencers Voucher
To take advantage of the offer all you need to do is purchase a SIM only contract from o2 after clicking the link on the Quidco website here.
There are several different plans available which are summarised below. The cheapest contract available is £15.50 per month. This means once the £100 cashback is taken into account, the contract comes to a only £7.17 per month, which is even cheaper than the GiffGaff offer and offers the benefit of o2's fantastic customer service.
Remember with o2's SIM only contracts the prices stated above do not include data (if you have an iPhone you will almost certainly want to add on one of the data "bolt-ons" below:
There are several different plans available which are summarised below. The cheapest contract available is £15.50 per month. This means once the £100 cashback is taken into account, the contract comes to a only £7.17 per month, which is even cheaper than the GiffGaff offer and offers the benefit of o2's fantastic customer service.
- £3 per month for 100mb of data per month.
- £6 per month for 500mb of data, unlimited cloud WiFi and 20 MMS messages per month.
- £10 per month for 1gb of data, unlimited cloud WiFi and 50 MMS messages per month.
It is also important to realise that with o2, unlike almost all networks, the data you purchase can be used on your device or tethered or a mixture of the two without any extra "tethering costs".
These offers are ideal for people (like me) who purchased their iPhone without a contract, or those that do not wish to purchase the next iPhone on contract.
Quidco also offers £15 cashback on a 30 day SIM only contract, this offer can be found here.
I will probably be taking advantage of this offer at some point over the next week, let me know in the comment below if you decide to too!
I will probably be taking advantage of this offer at some point over the next week, let me know in the comment below if you decide to too!
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