I think my 3GS is actually faster on IOS 5 - pretty easy install

Question

It seems faster and much smoother than on 4xx.  I didn't expect that.  I actually ordered a 4s because my old phone was getting very slow.  A pleasant surpise for only until my 4s comes today.
It installed OK - not really as promised but I think that was partially my fault and one thing that Apple should probably "fix".  IOS5 installed quickly and then it went into restoring apps mode.  Here where Apple should fix - there was no progress bar on this and so I thought (after reading tons of threads here) that it had hung so I stopped the restore and the subsequent ones.  Also I forgot that under IOS5 you can actually do things with the phone while it is updating and syncing so I thought the process was hung.  When I killed the restore it went into SYNC which added the rest of my apps, my music etc.  All data was still there and all ended up back fine on my phone.  The only problem I really had was that my application ICONS weren't were they used to be - should have taken  a snapshot before but I'll get used to what I haven't fixed.
Before I did upgrade I made sure that I had plenty of space on my PC and plenty on the phone - I deleted a couple of movies knowing I could add them back.  The over capacity bar while it was syncing scared me a bit but it went away when done.
Overall I think it went well and I'm very please with the new IOS5 even though I haven't figured out 1/2 of it yet.
Great advice on this forum - thanks.

Answer 1

And after 4 days of normal use, I am getting better battery life than I did using iOS 7.X.  I can get through the day, listening to music, playing a few games, texting, emailing, web searches, and even a few phone calls.  GPS apps like Maps still kill the battery but I expected that. 
I didn't even do a full discharge/recharge cycle.  I started getting better battery life as son as I updated my phone and did a restart.