A full-page newspaper advertisement for a new flagship smartphone is not news. But a full-page advertisement for a phone that came out two years ago might not make sense to even ad gurus. But that is the clout of the
iPhone 4 , which at a cheaper Rs 26,500 is still one of the best phones in the market. So how does the iPhone 4 stay relevant even in 2013?
DISPLAYApple increased the iPhone 5's display to 4-inch from the 3.5 inch (measured diagonally) though retaining its width at 2.31 inches. This means, Apple has just increased the height of the iPhone 5 by a 0.37inches. Hence, the 3.5-inch Retina Display of the iPhone 4 isn't small in comparison to the latest version. Unlike some of the biggish phones today, that need to be operated with both hands, the iPhone 4 can be comfortably held and used with a single hand, using the thumb to type. Introduced in 2010, the Retina display with 960x640 pixel resolution and 330 ppi pixel density is still amongst the best around.
IOS 6The biggest benefit of using an Apple product is the
democratised software support one enjoys. As and when Apple updates the OS, every user, irrespective of their location, is entitled to update the phone's software. When launched, the Apple iPhone 4 ran the iOS 4. Buy one today and you will get it with iOS 6.
PROCESSORIn 2010, a 1GHz processor was considered powerful enough to handle all operations. Now, the iPhone 4's 1GHz single-core A4 processor might seem outdated in comparison to the quad-cores and dual-cores. But the fact is that we still don't have much apps that need multiple cores to run or can utilise this extra processing power. So the iPhone 4 is still good enough and performs without any lag.
CAMERATHE CLASS OF 2010
The pace at which the leading handset manufacturers launch smartphones has reduced the shelf life of the existing ones to a maximum of 18 months. But the Apple iPhone 4 is not alone. Before the launch of 808 PureView, the Nokia N8 was one of the best camera phones in the industry. Launched in 2010, the Nokia N8 has a 12-megapixel autofocus camera with xenon flash that captures really stunning images. The 3.5inch capacitive touch display of the N8 is very responsive. The Symbian operating system might not impress everyone, but it good enough to ensure that 680MHz processor is not stressed out. The Nokia N8 is retailing for Rs 18,990 and still makes for a good camera phone. |
What good are megapixels if you can't get a good image? Most flagship smartphones today have 8MP cameras and even midsegment phones sport 5MPs like the iPhone 4. But it still shines above the rest thanks to the backside-illuminated sensor that is more sensitive to light. It also features a powerful built-in LED flash. Apple had also pioneered HDR settings on a smartphone with this model. Actually, this feature has only recently started making its entry into other phones. Combining three images captured at different exposure, this feature can deliver images better than regular ones. Along with still images, one can easily record and edit HD videos on the iPhone 4.
APPSApple's App Store is undoubtedly the best application stores today. Everyone criticises Apple for its strict policy regarding apps, but this ensures that there are no bugs or malware in any of its apps. A vast majority of apps on the store are still compatible with the iPhone 4. In case an app is not compatible with the device, the store prompts you about the same.
BATTERYThe biggest challenge one faces with smartphones today is the poor battery backup. With so much loaded on these devices, even the high-end ones fail to last a day with average usage. But surprisingly, the Apple iPhone 4 has no trouble giving you a day-and-a-half.
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