gdgt

The only reason I can think of that makes the analogy not fit is that the 3GS had a new hardware feature--the compass sensor. The iPhone 4S only has improved hardware, no new features.

yes. its the same theme "same design but better hardware specs"

I don't see how people can justify upgrading to this after a year. Sure it's faster, but that's it. With no HSPA+ and just a new ios version, it hasn't even crossed my mind.
But then again I'm not a fanboy.

I think the 4S is a more significant upgrade to the 4 than the 3GS was to the 3G. The camera improvements are more significant and the speed increase especially the 7X graphics is also a big improvement. If the call quality and data speeds improve, that should quiet some of the criticisms of the iPhone particularly on AT&T. Unfortunately, I don't think the data speeds or call quality will be much better on Verizon or Sprint since their 3G EVDO networks just aren't capable of higher data speeds that Apple was saying the 4S is capable of. At least the call quality will still be good on Verizon as it was with the iPhone 4.

Siri is interesting but I don't use the voice features that much on Android so not sure how much I would use it with the 4S. It is still a little strange to talk to the phone especially in a public place.

I think it's safe to say at this point that the iPhone only goes through a major revamp every two years (except for the jump from iPhone to iPhone 3G). I actually like this model better compared to the way Android has a new 2 trillion core phone every 3 months because you know that you're phone will still feel fresh and new for at 2 years since developers will more than likely continue to develop for your phone during that time. This is also perfect for 2 year contracts. Now I know that, if I want to get an iPhone, I should wait until next year so that I'll get the new completely revamped version each time I renew my contract.