Cheaper alternatives to iPhone4S

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Apple unveils its new iPhone, but many were disappointed it was the iPhone 4S, not the much anticipated iPhone 5.

Apple CEO Tim Cook speaks at the event introducing the new iPhone 4S in Cupertino, California. Picture:AFP
Source: AFP

Experts say there are plenty of smartphone alternatives that not only provide the latest and best technology, but save money.

It follows the mass disappointment of Apple fans after hopes for an all-new iPhone5 - which may be released in Australia by May - were dashed, with a less exciting upgrade revealed.

Phonechoice.com.au spokesman Douglas Purdie said rivals, including HTC, Samsung and Sony Ericsson, offered Android phones often just as good or better than the iPhone.

Will you bother snapping up an iPhone4S? Add your comment below.

Competition is expected to intensify next week with the rumoured announcement of Google and Samsung’s flagship Nexus Prime handset.

“There are fantastic smartphones out there that people don’t think about,” Mr Purdie said.

“All they think about is the iPhone for some reason, because the marketing is so good.”

Mr Purdie believed the iPhone4S would still “sell like hotcakes”, despite initial disappointment, but he urged existing iPhone owners to wait for an iPhone5.

“You can guarantee there is a new model around the corner,” he said.

New Apple boss Tim Cook has promised an October 14 launch of the iPhone4S in Australia.

Pre-orders begin on Saturday.

The phone will cost $799 for the 16GB model, $899 for 32GB and $999 for 64GB.

Features include a souped-up 8-megapixel camera and a voice-recognition feature called Siri that allows users to read text messages, set reminders and even ask whether they need an umbrella at the weekend.

It now uses the same dual-core processor that runs the iPad 2, has two internal 3G antennas and allows users to wirelessly store content using the iCloud service.

Telsyte research director Foad Fadaghi said Apple held a 38 per cent share of the Australian smartphone market at the end of June, tipped to increase to 42 per cent by year’s end.

The popularity of Android handsets was growing even faster, expected to rise from 18 per cent to 29 per cent.

“I think consumers are really spoilt for choice right now,” he said.

- with Jennifer Dudley-Nicholson