Other Is it me or does the IPhone 14 design seem boring.

[ian87w]

iPhone 5 was a downgrade respect iPhone 4.
While 5 was one aluminum case the 4 was a multilayers case in glass and stainless steel.
When you try to open a 5 you need to dissembled whole device, on 4 just slide the rear glass panel.
iPhone 4 was the most designed iPhone ever, with all its issues.
Compare iPhone 4 design and Mac Studio and you could understand how the old Apple Design Team add value (value, not cost, Apple's prices aren't better today) on them devices.

I don't think it's a downgrade. The iPhone 5 design was probably already approved by Jobs before he passed away.

As for ease of disassembly, since when Apple cared about that? Apple also changed the screws of the iPhone 4 from regular phillips to penta-lobe mid-cycle. That's how bad Apple doesn't want you to disassemble the device.

I do agree that the iPhone 4 design is great. But imo the iPhone 5 is not a downgrade. It's the natural progression of Apple.

 

[shinkansenwarrior]

4, 5 and iPhone X for me.

Yeah me too. Owned 4S, 5S and now soon to go 6S. Still have my original 4S box with goodies inside in pristine condition! (upon delving in I thought for a moment there was a free Apple cleaning cloth inside a thin white box that was soft upon touch but it was a quickstart guide LOL).
The X in particular was radical but beautifully balanced.

 

[ian87w]

You’re right, smartphone design did or will peak very soon. Then the awful forced change silliness will come.

The iOS 7 of iPhones has yet to be seen…. ?

I think it has "peaked" with the iPhone 6 (aluminum unibody) and 8/X (glass sandwich). The iPhone 12/13 does look different, but in essence it's still the same concept as the 8/X glass sandwich design.

Remember during the days of iPhone 6/6s, literally all Android OEMs, especially the Chinese, copied the design to death.

And it's not like Android is any different. The flagships are the same glass sandwich design. Changing the camera holes and island shape is trivial, but the base design is still the same. Samsung design in essence is still the same since the Galaxy S6, glass sandwich design. All they do is just moving the camera holes around.

 

[Tozovac]

I think it has "peaked" with the iPhone 6 (aluminum unibody) and 8/X (glass sandwich). The iPhone 12/13 does look different, but in essence it's still the same concept as the 8/X glass sandwich design.

Remember during the days of iPhone 6/6s, literally all Android OEMs, especially the Chinese, copied the design to death.

And it's not like Android is any different. The flagships are the same glass sandwich design. Changing the camera holes and island shape is trivial, but the base design is still the same. Samsung design in essence is still the same since the Galaxy S6, glass sandwich design. All they do is just moving the camera holes around.

I personally think a huge opportunity lies in external durability. The first iPhone design that fashionably integrates better drop damage resistance without needing a case will be a major improvement.

The current jewelry-like iPhone is a lot like single use plastic bags and straws. So much room for a longer-term, bigger picture improvements beyond focusing mostly on shock and awe aesthetics.

Help the gorilla glass with a decent surrounding structure. Unfortunately this is a problem in our myopic design/consumer shareholder-wants-revenue-growth-driven society. Car design (external looks) also peaked several years or decades ago. So all we get are rehashings and caricatures now. Cars barely have bumpers that are more pointed for art than roundish for load distribution, and the slightest touch leaves a mark instead of being able to do its bumper job while leaving barely a trace.

 

[Andeddu]

As far as aesthetics, I don’t think any phone has impressed me since iPhone 5.

The 12 and 13 use the same design language as the 5. The Mini is basically a modern 5 with no bezels. That’s why I prematurely upgraded because I missed the chamfered edge design and was never keen on the rounded edges of the 6-11.

 

[Makisupa Policeman]

At least it will be a good chance to upgrade to a 12 or 13 when their prices inevitably drop in the fall. Im still rocking the X

 

[lybentius]

As far as aesthetics, I don’t think any phone has impressed me since iPhone 5.

My favourite iPhone design!

 

[Splitrail]

The phone is a tool and should be viewed as such, not as a fashion statement meant to keep people from being bored with themselves.

Will the new phone meet your actual needs? That is what the focus should be about, in my opinion.

To many people, it's both.
Nothing wrong with a good tool that is also attractive, enjoyable, and customizable.
That becomes clear when reading through the various threads about cases.
Phones have become a personal accessory to many.

 

[Apple_Robert]

To many people, it's both.
Nothing wrong with a good tool that is also attractive, enjoyable, and customizable.
That becomes clear when reading through the various threads about cases.
Phones have become a personal accessory to many.

Valid point.

My post was mainly calling out those who complain about an old design form factor and then complaining about Apple and the new phone, as if it is Apple's duty to keep the buyer entertained at all levels. In my opinion, that alleged duty is not Apple's responsibility. In my opinion, a person complaining about a rumored new phone design as being boring etc. is a person seeking to buy the latest tech for either bragging rights or some kind of inner self-fulfillment based on agreeing with what Apple produces. In my opinion, both of those teach reasons very poor reasons to upgrade a phone.

 

[NeonIbis]

I agree that the 5 / original SE design is – in my view – 'what a phone should be', and we shouldn't need/expect massive progress beyond that. Personally I don't want a folding phone or one with no bezels. I would still be using my 1st gen SE if the battery controller hadn't gone bad. The SE replaced an iPhone 5 which replaced a 3S (my first iPhone). I currently use an 2020 SE and the only things I can think of that it doesn't have/do, that I would actually benefit from, are some degree of optical zoom and longer battery life. I can't imagine spending $1,000+ on a new phone every year or two. I don't use social media or games, but even so. I'm generally very happy with the photos I take. I would be excited if Apple brought back a 5 lookalike with faster processor and better camera, though!

 

[Ram65]

I usually update my IPhone whenever Apple updates it’s design. However for the first time, I am confused about the iPhone 14 design.

According to rumours:

The form factor will be identical to the iPhone 12. It seems tempting to hang on to my iPhone 12 Pro Max

The two pill shaped design is about the same size as the current notch, and may be more visible and annoying than the notch.

It would have been nice if they had to increase the screen estate on the pro max to 6.9”

The new iPhone will be thicker, heavier, and is bringing back those tiny annoying volume circle keys which I find hard to press.

They are changing the speaker grills, I actually preferred the current design.

Camera was looking forward to a periscope lens, but with Apple I guess I cannot have everything.

In terms of features it seems lacklustre: car crash detection, satellite connectivity, no sim does not inspire me to go running out to buy one.

The price with chip shortage etc, it may justify me holding out till they release a foldable iphone with Face ID built into the display.

These are my thoughts anyone else here, on the fence with the iPhone 14 and even 15 design.

It doesn’t matter if the design for the iphone 14 is boring you and everybody else is still gonna upgrade apple can’t loose lol ??

 

[Splitrail]

Valid point.

My post was mainly calling out those who complain about an old design form factor and then complaining about Apple and the new phone, as if it is Apple's duty to keep the buyer entertained at all levels. In my opinion, that alleged duty is not Apple's responsibility. In my opinion, a person complaining about a rumored new phone design as being boring etc. is a person seeking to buy the latest tech for either bragging rights or some kind of inner self-fulfillment based on agreeing with what Apple produces. In my opinion, both of those teach reasons very poor reasons to upgrade a phone.

I'm in a unique situation.
At 70 years old, I recently got my first "smart phone" (13 Pro), having had nothing but "old man" flip phones until now.
So I have no reference points in regard to older models or upcoming features that new models may have.

 

[Apple_Robert]

I'm in a unique situation.
At 70 years old, I recently got my first "smart phone" (13 Pro), having had nothing but "old man" flip phones until now.
So I have no reference points in regard to older models or upcoming features that new models may have.

Congrats on your first iPhone. I hope you are enjoying it over the flip.

 

[kstewart61]

Just got the 13 this year not interested in the newer devices for another two years. Unless the trade in is great!

 

[Splitrail]

Congrats on your first iPhone. I hope you are enjoying it over the flip.

Thanks, I AM!
The flip was always strictly utility, calls from & to, and voicemail. Texting was a hassle, so I didn't.
At my age and retired, technology was racing forward and getting away from me.
My entire career was in the technical and service management end of the motorcycle & power sports industry, but being away from that for 13 years I began to feel as though my technical skills were waning.
The new phone has filled a portion of that gap in that it is a versatile tool and something new to learn.
Quite fun, actually!

 

[Fred Zed]

I don’t care. I want bigger screen. 😂

 

[cuzo]

Maximum brightness on the 13 and 13 pro is the same 1200 nits for HDR content, Samsung‘s 1750 is for HDR content exclusively as well I believe (someone correct me if I’m wrong).

You are correct 100% and my year the brightness is maxed at 800

The iPhone 11 Pro Max also has a Record Full Screen Peak Brightness of 770 nits, and 820 nits for the typical Average Picture Level of 50%, which is roughly double of most high-end Smartphones. Compared to the iPhone XS Max, the iPhone 11 Pro Max has a number of notable improvements including 17% higher Full Screen Peak Brightness and up to 15% higher Display Power Efficiency.

iPhone 11 Pro Max OLED Display Technology Shoot-Out

www.displaymate.com

Crazy how these phones are getting brighter every year.

 

[Tozovac]

To many people, it's both.
Nothing wrong with a good tool that is also attractive, enjoyable, and customizable.
That becomes clear when reading through the various threads about cases.
Phones have become a personal accessory to many.

That is true.

The "fault" or “ignored need” perhaps is that Apple sells it focused as a personal accessory first and foremost, and leaves it up the customer to modify it with the trade off of added weight and non-optimized “cumbersomeness.” Offering an option with just a few svelte built-in corner raised bumpers that would also protect the camera bump would go a long way to permitting non-customized non-gimped (weighed down) built-in durability for customers.

I’d buy that option in a heartbeat. Given the large love of the SE, it’s obvious there is a large quantity of customers not looking for the absolute latest, greatest, fastest, slimmest, trendiest design. We just want a good phone that does more than the average user will ever possibly fully exploit, and which will last a long time.

 

[ian87w]

I personally think a huge opportunity lies in external durability. The first iPhone design that fashionably integrates better drop damage resistance without needing a case will be a major improvement.

The current jewelry-like iPhone is a lot like single use plastic bags and straws. So much room for a longer-term, bigger picture improvements beyond focusing mostly on shock and awe aesthetics.

Help the gorilla glass with a decent surrounding structure. Unfortunately this is a problem in our myopic design/consumer shareholder-wants-revenue-growth-driven society. Car design (external looks) also peaked several years or decades ago. So all we get are rehashings and caricatures now. Cars barely have bumpers that are more pointed for art than roundish for load distribution, and the slightest touch leaves a mark instead of being able to do its bumper job while leaving barely a trace.

True. I miss the old days where I'm not worried carrying a phone naked without a case (eg. my Moto X). My Moto X used that soft-touch plastic, that not only it's durable, it doesn't feel cheap, and it's adds grip as well. Too bad everyone wants things to be shiny bling nowadays.

And it's actually quite funny looking how Apple uses glass, and worked so hard to make it durable (ceramic shield...)... but in the end, glass is glass. It's bad enough that users have to worry about the front screen since everything is touch based, but now even the back is not safe from shattering. This is also why I kinda want plastic back, and love my S21. I don't feel like I have to baby my S21.

 

[Splitrail]

That is true.

The "fault" or “ignored need” perhaps is that Apple sells it focused as a personal accessory first and foremost, and leaves it up the customer to modify it with the trade off of added weight and non-optimized “cumbersomeness.” Offering an option with just a few svelte built-in corner raised bumpers that would also protect the camera bump would go a long way to permitting non-customized non-gimped (weighed down) built-in durability for customers.

I’d buy that option in a heartbeat. Given the large love of the SE, it’s obvious there is a large quantity of customers not looking for the absolute latest, greatest, fastest, slimmest, trendiest design. We just want a good phone that does more than the average user will ever possibly fully exploit, and which will last a long time.

I would have jumped on that option as well, as function and durability is far more important to me than glamor or flashy appearance.
I have no problem with an "industrial" or military appearance.
I guess that's not what people demand though, as there are very few phones offering anything other than trendy designs.

 

[ericwn]

I don’t care. I want bigger screen.

Maybe a cellular iPad then?

 

[Splitrail]

I don’t care. I want bigger screen. ?

I was originally attracted to the 13 Mini because if it's size, very pocketable and convenient.
My 70 year old eyes convinced me otherwise, so I got the 13 Pro instead.
I'm glad I did, but it's a BIG phone!
I'd still like a bigger screen than the 13 Pro, but the overall size of a bigger phone is not an attractive option.

 

[Fred Zed]

Maybe a cellular iPad then?

I don’t think cellular iPads can receive and place phone calls in the USA.

 

[turbineseaplane]

I'm mainly bummed out that there is nothing smaller than an iPhone 13 Mini ... and apparently not even an iPhone 14 Mini anymore.

Being the type of user who simply wants the smallest and lightest iPhone for doing calls/messages/photos on the go -- I'm left mostly out to dry.

It sucks.

Still using and loving my 2016 iPhone SE1 -- but I do worry about my future plans at some point.

 

[Splitrail]

I'm mainly bummed out that there is nothing smaller than an iPhone 13 Mini ... and apparently not even an iPhone 14 Mini anymore.

Being the type of user who simply wants the smallest and lightest iPhone for doing calls/messages/photos on the go -- I'm left mostly out to dry.

It sucks.

Still using and loving my 2016 iPhone SE1 -- but I do worry about my future plans at some point.

I'm not sorry I didn't get the mini, but with the overall size of the 13 Pro, I sometimes wonder if I might have gotten by with the smaller phone. To me, the mini is the perfect physical size. To my eyes, however..................