Is it Worth Upgrading to the New Apple iPhone 4?

Photos via: GDGT Information via: Gizmodo Live

Is it worth upgrading to the new iPhone 4?

Well, obviously that is a bit subjective, but some of the new features in Apple’s new iPhone 4 are definite game-changers in the world of mobile technology.

Today at the Apple Worldwide Developer’s Conference Steve Jobs, CEO of Apple Inc., unveiled the features of the new device. I say device, because this is hardly a telephone anymore.

Here is a brief breakdown of some of the features on the new iPhone 4:

• Front and rear facing camera which doubles as a 5 megapixel camera, HD video recorder, and webcam for video chat. The video recorder is capable of recording full HD video at 720p/30fps which effectively kills the need for Canon’s latest SX210 which touts HD video recording. Also, the front facing camera has an LED flash and will also kill off the Samsung PL150 compact still camera with the additional “selfy” front facing shooting screen. Basically Apple addresses all of the current issues with the iPhone camera.
• 40% longer top time. This is a nice bonus over the iPhone 3GS with it’s fairly pathetic battery
• FaceTime video chat which allows for Skype-like video chat between iPhone users. I wonder if this will be compatible with iChat users on laptops also? I also will assume that a Skype for iPhone 4 App will be released in the very near future. Unfortunately FaceTime only works over WiFi, but I think that is a minor issue at this point.
• Higher resolution screen (named Retina display) which displays at 960 × 640 pixels which translates to sharper text, more of each website on screen, nicer photo viewing
• LED camera flash + higher ISO/light sensitivity which means better all around low-light performance for photo and video
• Gyroscope – this camera has a built in high-performance gyroscope which will detect motion in every possible direction and rotation opening up a wide range of new possibilities for apps and games.
• iMovie for iPhone – this is super cool. The $5 app will allow you to edit HD video home movies, add effects, add soundtrack, and upload to popular sites like YouTube all from your iPhone 4.
• iBooks for iPhone – a new way of organizing your iBooks and PDF documents on the iPhone

So is it worth the extra money to upgrade to the new iPhone 4? For me personally I’m going to say yes. The new features in the camera alone basically eliminate the need to carry another camera. At 5 megapixels with HD 720p video this device will take pictures and videos that far exceed anything ever done on a phone.

This is a true convergence device and once again a game-changing product release from Apple. I can’t wait to get my hands on one.

Read more at the Definitive Guide to iPhone 4