BackThe new iPhone: Wait or buy?
With Apple all but certain to release the new iPhone come 9 September, does it make sense to wait for Cupertino's latest offering?
PremiumNEW DELHI :
Are you saving up to buy a flagship smartphone? Should you buy the current iPhone or one of the Android flagships, or wait for the next line-up of high-end phones? Apple’s new phone is likely to be unveiled next week. Over the next couple of months, Samsung, Sony and the other Android smartphone brands will also be rolling out their new phones—more powerful, and with some interesting features. Here’s a simple questionnaire that should help you make up your mind about waiting or grabbing the new iPhone now:
Why are you looking to buy a phone now?
A. Well, my existing one is not performing too well/has stopped working.
B. I have been using my existing phone for a while. I want to try something new.
C. A new, high-profile phone is coming out. I want it!
What do you prefer as a mobile operating system?
A. Nothing, really. I just want a phone that works well. BlackBerry, Android, Windows Phone...I am open to all, as long as they get my work done.
B. Well, it is a toss-up between iOS and Android—these are the two most influential ones in terms of apps and innovation.
C. I would go for iOS almost every time.
Do you always have to be the person with the latest phone?
A. Not really. I want something that works, irrespective of age, brand and platform.
B. A fair bit, but at the end of the day, it better do what I want.
C. A whole lot. I want to be the person with the hottest stuff in tech town.
Do you like to show off your phone?
A. Not really. I use it, that’s all.
B. A bit. It has so much of my data on it, and well, you never know what can make a good impression.
C. Absolutely, totally, always. Have it, flaunt it.
What factor do you keep uppermost in mind while buying a smartphone?
A. It has to be easy to use—calls, mail, browsing and social networks. That’s it really.
B. It has to be a specification monster—great hardware, new software, good design. Basically, it has to be cutting edge.
C. The fact that it is the latest and greatest in tech town. Anything that is even a few months old is passé!
Is spending close to ₹ 50,000-55,000 for a smartphone a good idea?
A. It is on the high side, but if it lasts you a long time, well, it beats buying one every year for four-five years.
B. Good hardware and software do not come cheap, but one would do well to check multiple options before investing that sort of money in a device.
C. Is there an alternative? The best never comes cheap. Suits me as it makes my phone appear more exclusive.
What features do you prize most in your phone?
A. The standard smartphone features—mail, browsing and apps.
B. Good hardware. Critical that I do not end up buying something that gets outdated soon. And good hardware means that software will run better too.
C. Is it in the news? If it is not, it does not really matter that much, if you know what I mean.
How often do you change your phone?
A. Not until it stops working.
B. Well, perhaps once a year or thereabouts. There is so much change happening that one has to keep switching devices to keep in touch.
C. Three-four times a year.
If you had to describe the iPhone in one word, what would it be?
A. Expensive.
B. Innovative.
C. God-phone.
Are you an Apple fan?
A. Not really. I just need a phone that’s good—the device is more important than the brand.
B. I do appreciate what the company has done, but would not call myself a fan. I like some of the features on their devices but well, other devices have good features too.
C. Steve Jobs/Tim Cook/Jony Ive are God!
Conclusion
If your score is:
■Below 15: You are looking for a smartphone that works, with performance mattering the most. Go right ahead and grab one from the current line-up of phones. There will always be something better around the corner, and you’ll end up waiting indefinitely.
■Between 16-24: You do serve on the altar of technology and while you would be pleased with the new iPhone, you would not be devastated if you don’t get it. We would advise you to take your pick of the Android flagships.
■Above 25: Lord of the Tech Flaunt art thou. Hold your horses a bit longer and get thee a new iPhone, when it is released in India, or get someone to send one over!
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