WHCH IS THE RIGHT iPHONE FOR YOU?

Which is the right iPHONE for you?
For the first time since the iPhone came into existence, Indian consumers have three different editions of the device to choose from.
Tips on how to choose the one that suits you best
An iPhone a year, though it be a trifle dear” seems to have been Apple's maxim when it comes to releasing versions of its iconic iPhone. The result has been that there has never been more than a single iPhone released in a year right from 2007, which in turn means that customers have generally not had more than two models (the new one and its predecessor) to choose from. This is especially the case in India, where of the five iPhone versions, one did not get released at all, and two (the iPhone 3GS and iPhone 4) came in relatively late. The result: Indian consumers who wanted a legitimate, non-grey market iPhone often had to choose between a slightly old and an even older model, with generally not too much separating them in terms of price. That has changed with the relatively quick arrival of the iPhone 4S on Indian shores (and stores). Now, if you are looking for an iPhone, you have three options to choose from, and the price differential is staggeringly significant — the lowest priced of the three costs less than half of the highest priced one. What's more, all three remain equally relevant for users looking to get their slice of the iPhone experience, as they are all running the same OS as the most recent edition of the device. So if you are looking to jump on to the iPhone bandwagon, this might be a good time, as you are unlikely to have this kind of choice before.

The iPhone minus

THE PHONE?

For more than four years now, the iPod Touch has been the go-to device for all those who wanted their iPhone fix but could not afford the device. Available at a price that has generally been less than half of the latest iPhone model, the iPod Touch shares most of the specs of the iPhone (including the retina display), although it has a much more limited camera, and of course, no phone functionality (it connects to the Internet over Wi-Fi). It can still run most of the apps that run on the iPhone, is even slimmer, and when you consider that you can get the latest iPod touch for 13,500 as compared to 44,500 for the latest iPhone, well, you understand why the device has such a huge following. Definitely an option for those who want the iPhone experience, but are not too worried about calls or photography.

Got an iPhone?

Get a Plan!

Airtel has similar postpaid plans for all three iPhones, ranging from 300 to 2,000 per month Airtel's plans are more centered around data usage, while Aircel's offer more in the way of calls Aircel has separate plans for each of the three devices - it offers the iPhone 4S at monthly rentals of 950 (for the16GB model) and 1150 (for the 32GB model), has a 399 and 699 per month rental plans for the iPhone 4, and offers the iPhone 3GS at 299 and 599 per month Each operator claims that their plans are heavily discounted, allowing users to recover part of the cost of the device over one or two years Since all iPhones sold officially in India are unlocked, you can actually opt for any GPRS/ EDGE/3G plan - many of them actually work out a whole lot cheaper than some of the 'tailored' plans Bottom line - Don't get mesmerised by the 'special plans.' In many cases, a 'regular' GPRS plan will work and turn out to be a whole lot more affordable iPhone 3GS Still getting around 20,990 onwards When the iPhone 3GS was released in 2009, Android was just beginning to make its presence felt. So the very fact that the device is not just alive, but also kicking a fair deal of smartphone backside is a tribute to it. It might seem a blast from the past in terms of specs – a 600 Mhz single-core processor, a 3MPcamera and a display with a 320 x 480 resolution — but it still manages to run iOS 5.0 complete with the notification bar, still looks awesome with its curved back, and, here's the killer, is capable of handling the vast majority of the applications found in the iTunes App Store, and what you have is not an obsolete device struggling to keep up with younger contemporaries, but a phone that still offers enough bang for the bucks it costs. The fact that the 3GS comes with the lowest price tag ever to be carried by an iPhone in the country, makes it the perfect device for those who want to get a feel of an iPhone without blowing a big hole in their wallets. Get it if: You have never used an iPhone before and you love messing with applications. Steer clear if: You are looking to try out some really high-end games or shoot lots of pictures and videos.

iPhone 4

Not the latest, not a veteran 37,900 onwards Today, the iPhone 4 finds itself caught between the relatively low-priced iPhone 3GS and the rather expensive iPhone 4S – both in terms of price and performance. While it represents a considerable step up from the 3GS in performance and spec terms – it has a 1 Ghz processor, the amazing retina display, and a very good 5.0-megapixel camera – it is not quite in the same league as the new iPhone 4S, which has a much better camera and Siri, the virtual assistant who responds to your voice. The fact that it is priced closer to the iPhone 4S also means that it gets into contention as a superior device for those with really deep pockets. That said, there is no doubt that when it comes to performance and looks (it is slimmer), it represents a huge step forward from the 3GS and runs almost every app on that iTunes App Store. It remains a very good smartphone, although thanks to the emergence of the 4S, it no longer can claim to be the best of its kind. Get it if: You want to upgrade from 3GS or want a good smartphone with a budget of about 35,000. Steer clear if: You are an iPhone fan and want the latest and very best for your money. iPhone 4S The pricey performer 44,500 onwards Its arrival in India has been cheered and jeered in equal measure. The cheers were for its relatively quick arrival and the fact that, while retaining the sleek and smart looks of its predecessor as well as its retina display, the iPhone 4S packs in a much more powerful processor, a spectacular camera and of course, the virtual assistant who responds to your voice, Siri. The jeers were for a price tag that was the highest that had been seen on a regular edition smartphone in the country for a while now. While it would be foolish to deny that the phone is an expensive proposition, it would be equally daft to say that it offers nothing new for the price. The new dual core A5 processor makes tasks like gaming and video editing much more smooth and the 8.0-megapixel shooter is among the best we have seen on a handset. Top that off with Siri, and the trademark iPhone app-interface combo, and you have a formidable device, albeit at a formidable price. Get it if: If money is no object and you want the latest powerful smartphone with stacks of apps. Steer clear if: You are not enamored of virtual assistants and if you rarely take pictures with your phone. - Nimish Dubey ET 7D1211