Over the weekend, two days after the official release of the iPhone 4s (simul by Smart and Globe), I finally got mine. Here are unboxing photos. Not a full review. Since I’m up for retention on my Smart postpaid (Gold), I got the 4S for just P2,500 cash out. Here’s what’s inside the Smart box.

Unboxing the Apple iPhone 4S

Below, opening the box

(Below) more close-up shots of the iPhone 4S…

(Below) What’s inside the box (aside from the phone)

You also get the handy-dandy sim-card slot opener! Although, a paperclip will do. This one lets you open it up the “classy” way!

Of course, two Apple stickers and an instruction manual (who reads that?!?)

Here’s everything inside the box (below)

Smart made me do a *face-palm* when they released thousands of units without stock for the microsim. They told me to go back next week since they could not keep up with the demand (FAIL!).

I was so annoyed that I actually cut my ordinary SIM to the micro-sim size! Thank you, youtube!

After doing some initial play-testing, here are some of my preliminary notes:

• The battery life is lower (initial impressions) than the iPhone 4
• The size and bulk is the same as of that of the iPhone 4
• Siri can’t understand my Filipino-English accent. You have do “American slang” in order for her to recognize your commands. For example, my family name should be pronounced; Mah-Cue-Thay. Sigh
• Sir also can’t search for locations or restaurants (etc.) in the Philippines. That sucks!
• The camera is awesome! 8 MP of glorious power. I will post a few photos here when I update this article.
• Smart’s network coverage isn’t all that good. I’ve experienced lost connections and intermittent signals. Maybe the usage is stressing the network.
• There are a lot of improvements in the new OS. All helpful. Details in coming review, folks

If you wanna know, I now have Smart’s PLAN 2000 for the iPhone. This gives me Unli Data monthly and 200 free SMS and 150 minutes of calls. Anything above that I pay. I upgraded my plan 1,800 since I was already up for retention. The cash out? P2,500. Wohooo!

Gotta go! Time to play with my new toy!

And yeah, my BB will be envious.

Cheers!

PS. If you can spare something this Christmas, please help our brothers in Iligan who were victims of Sendong. Thanks!