upgrading to iphone 5, few questions.
Wfs0801
Newbie

I've had my Droid Incredible 2 for a good while now (2 Years in September, maybe August), it is my first and only smartphone. I've never had issues with it that needed resolving so I don't know much about smartphones or how they work and function. When the next upgrade becomes available on my families contract I'm looking at getting an Iphone 5, but first I have a few questions I'd like answered and will list below. Thank you for your time Smiley Happy

1. Iphone 5 is '4G LTE' and this, to me, is a foreign language. I don't know much about what 4G or 3G is, but I've done some research this morning. Most of what I'm finding is that 4G is basically much faster than 3G. Most people say they eat through the data faster with 4G than they did with 3G, why is this? I've seen some say that the faster 4G simply allows for more surfing in the same amount of time, resulting in more data usage. Is this the only factor that makes 4G eat up data quicker? Or is there another reason added onto it?

2. I did some searching about the general pros and cons of Iphones, and 1 thing that everyone seems to say is that Iphone users tend to pay more per month than other smartphone users. Now that I am aware of the whole data thing, could this be the reason they pay more? Simply because they need a better data plan? My thing is, I'm on a line under my fathers' contract. We have a family plan, we share an allotted amount of minutes, have unlimited text, and my line has a 2GB data plan, I pay about $50 a month. Now, if my data usage really goes up with the Iphone 5, I may upgrade to a 5GB plan, but this will only affect my line correct? It won't affect the other 2 lines on the plan that have 2GB data plans? If I do get the 5GB plan, I should expect my bill to rise $20 (2GB plan is $30/month, 5GB is $50/month according to site), so should I see any other increases beside that and aside from initial fees at first? I just don't want to be surprised by a $100 bill/month for just my line, that's why I ask.

3. From your uses, do you think I'd really need to upgrade my data plan? I assume I will, simply because I like to listen to Pandora Radio while at work, and even now that tends to eat up my data (got the 90% data used text this morning, with tomorrow being the last day on the cycle). Aside from the radio, I only use data in quick small internet searches and FB for the most part. But if the 4G truly does eat data quicker, I figured I may need the new plan.

I really didn't mean for this to end up so long, but I really wanted to get my point across on each question. If you stuck through it all and are willing to help, again I must thank you, I really appreciate it.

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Re: upgrading to iphone 5, few questions.
Not applicable

4G is way faster then 3G but you must be in a 4G area to receive a 4G signal.  Otherwise, your 4G phone will revert to 3G.  Data is data, so I don't know why a 4G phone would use more data than a 3G phone if you are doing the exact same things.  That said, if you watch a Netflix movie, for example, I think the 4G speed will allow you to view a higher resolution that would result in considerably more data.  I see a lot of people complaining about data usage going up with an IPhone 5, but I don't know the exact reason.  My daughter just got an IPhone 5 and hardly uses any data.  Personally, I prefer Android, but I wouldn't hesitate to buy an IPhone 5 if that's what you want.  You could switch to a 5GB data plan and see how much data you actually use.  Then, switch back to 2GB if that's all you need.  I suspect you're going to need the 5GB plan.  And no, this will not affect the other phones on your dad's plan.

PS: You can upgrade your line with a new subsidized phone 20 months into your 24 month contract.

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Re: upgrading to iphone 5, few questions.
Not applicable

4G is way faster then 3G but you must be in a 4G area to receive a 4G signal.  Otherwise, your 4G phone will revert to 3G.  Data is data, so I don't know why a 4G phone would use more data than a 3G phone if you are doing the exact same things.  That said, if you watch a Netflix movie, for example, I think the 4G speed will allow you to view a higher resolution that would result in considerably more data.  I see a lot of people complaining about data usage going up with an IPhone 5, but I don't know the exact reason.  My daughter just got an IPhone 5 and hardly uses any data.  Personally, I prefer Android, but I wouldn't hesitate to buy an IPhone 5 if that's what you want.  You could switch to a 5GB data plan and see how much data you actually use.  Then, switch back to 2GB if that's all you need.  I suspect you're going to need the 5GB plan.  And no, this will not affect the other phones on your dad's plan.

PS: You can upgrade your line with a new subsidized phone 20 months into your 24 month contract.

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Re: upgrading to iphone 5, few questions.
Wfs0801
Newbie

Thank you very much for the reply. I was doing some further research and found, just as you said, that I could upgrade at 20 months without it being considered 'early' and I'm happy because that means in as little as 2 months I can upgrade. It makes sense that a video would come out in higher resolution and thus use more data, but I wonder if that would be the same for my Radio uses. It's something I'll have to look further in to. Thanks again for taking the time to answer my questions.

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Re: upgrading to iphone 5, few questions.
SydneyK
Master - Level 3

Hi there. I also have the Inc 2 and it's doing some wonky things since the software update, so I can understand why you want to upgrade ASAP.

Most people report using more data on 4G than they did with 3G. I guess I'd just keep an eye on data usage, but my gut feeling is you'll probably end up moving up a tier. Some ideas for managing your data: Change sync settings to manual (examples are e-mail, weather, Facebook notifications); that way, you can sync manually when you're on a Wi-Fi network at home or at work. And always use Wi-Fi when you can, especially for data-intensive apps like Pandora.

The only reason I can think of for iPhone users paying more per month is the Total Equipment Coverage. Insurance costs a few dollars more per month because iPhones are typically more expensive. Or simply just buying apps, because a lot of apps that are free on Android might cost a buck or two from Apple; but most users are happy with the app quality and don't mind.

Enjoy your new iPhone!

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Re: upgrading to iphone 5, few questions.
Heretic1989
Specialist - Level 2
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Re: upgrading to iphone 5, few questions.
Not applicable

Personally, I would NEVER buy insurance on a cell phone.  Just take care of your phone, don't lose it, don't let it get stolen, and don't drop it in a toilet??  Put the money in your Roth IRA.

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Re: upgrading to iphone 5, few questions.
SydneyK
Master - Level 3

I agree! Which reminds me -- I believe the iPhone deductible is also higher for an iPhone, isn't it?

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Re: upgrading to iphone 5, few questions.
tikibar1
Community Leader
Community Leader
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