Form over function - the iPhone 4 as a fashion accessory
The iPhone 4 is perhaps one of the most useful fashion accessories today. It has a remarkable camera, a high quality display screen, easy-to-use social sharing and access to hundreds of applications that enhance shopping and fashion browsing. This is wrapped in a slick, silver bullet of a design that, when compared to the iPhone 3GS, wins in almost every way. Yet, antenna problems have resulted in an unappealing solution which leaves the iPhone 4 in an awkward position.The iPhone 3GS was not known for its great camera. Users in search of a great picture would bring their digital cameras with them. The iPhone 4 has overhauled the camera, boasting high quality photos and beating out a number of other mobile phone cameras. This is particularly useful when considering the iPhone as an accessory, it enables easy on-the-go high quality pictures that are ready to share in an instant. I got in close to take a picture of my own, and I was impressed with the result.
While applications are not exclusive to the iPhone 4, the retina display screen enhances the visual experience of graphic intensive apps. Apps that showcase fashion editorial, runway and other fashion photography greatly benefit. Style.com, for example, has an app that share video and photos straight from the runway. From my experience the retina display delivers photo and video flawlessly, creating a strong viewing experience. Magazine applications (such as the new Interview application available on both the iPad and the iPhone) will benefit for the same reason.Yet, the iPhone 4 faces one major hurdle as to winning over fashion. The bumpers that are Apple’s solution to the antennae problems are just not that great.
Reviews say the bumpers feel ‘somewhat cheap in your hand.’ The way it fits around the phone also creates a raised edge that is somewhat uncomfortable to hold. They are great if you like cases and colours, but they detract from the slickness of phone we loved to begin with.The iPhone 4 looks great, it’s got a good camera, a good screen, and opens the gateway to fashion on the go. Yet requiring these bumpers in order to retain full phone functionality is a significant downside. I’m not completely sure whether I'd make the investment. Are you?