Introduction
The Apple iPhone is no longer the Superman of the cellphone world, despite all the hoopla, lines and glitz. Every carrier now has (or will have) at least one comparable Android superphone to the iPhone 4, such as Sprint’s EVO 4G, T-Mobile’s Google Nexus, the upcoming Droid X from Verizon on July 15, and Samsung’s Galaxy S from either AT&T or T-Mobile later this summer. Plus, the iPhone 4 also has to compete with the lower-priced 3G S, which also can run the new-and-improved multi-tasking iOS 4 operating system.
The question really isn’t whether the iPhone 4 is a cool, new phone – it is. Its video chatting FaceTime is fascinating and fun, the Retina high-resolution screen is a salve to squinters, its 5-megapixel camera is exceptional. But the iPhone 4 also suffers from a couple of niggling issues which, now that you have plenty of superphone choices, make it less than it could have been.
Design and Layout
Apple touts the iPhone 4 as being the thinnest smartphone ever. This is misleading. The iPhone 4 is actually thicker around the edges than the tapered 3G S, so it feels thicker. And its glass rear is slipperier than the plastic 3G S.
The iPhone 4 is a smidgen smaller all around than the 3G S and the same weight, but thanks to the metal band around the perimeter and the glass front and back, it feels more solid. It’s also squarer than the tapered 3G S, which means form-fitting skins won’t fit (they’ll be too small), and the upper frame by the earpiece has a sharper edge, which means a naked iPhone 4 held tight to your ear will feel sharp and uncomfortable.
The iPhone 4′s controls and jacks remain in the same place, but the volume controls and home key require a firmer touch, which eliminates accidental presses.
Storage
Inside the iPhone “General/About/Capacity” settings menu, we’re told the 32 GB S has 29.3 GB of user memory, and the iPhone 4 29.1 GB. When you plug the two phones into iTunes, you’re told the S has actually has 29.33 GB and the iPhone 4 just 29.06 GB. But that approximately 270 MB difference (if my math is right) is not big enough to account for the disparity between the content that fit on my S and what didn’t fit on my 4. I had 4,750 music tracks and 2,250 photos on my 3G S with 1.4 GB left to spare; I had to trim these down to 4,550 tracks and just 400 photos, with just 830 MB left over on the 4 (all other content – video, apps, books, et al – remaining consistent between the two). Considering I was hoping the iPhone 4 would be available in a 64 GB version, this memory short-sheeting is doubly disappointing.
Retina Display
Everyone will be talking about FaceTime, but the iPhone 4′s Retina screen that will be the longest-pleasing improvement.
The iPhone 4′s Retina 960 x 640 pixel screen leans to the greener end of the color spectrum compared to the 3G S’s cooler blue hue, most noticeable on white background Web pages, on faces, and on clear blue skies. But those extra pixels make a world of difference in illuminating tiny details and creating sharper edges in images and video. More importantly, the iPhone 4′s screen has deeper blacks (noticeable when comparing the iPhone 4 and the S when in sleep); colors pop in both tone and in contrast like never before.
But all of a sudden, the iPhone’s 3.5-inch screen seems small in the expanding world of 4-inch and larger superphone screens.
iTunes Integration
As it does for photos, the latest version of iTunes gives you the choice of down converting all higher bit-rated AAC and MP3 files to 128 Kbps AAC for use on your iPhone. We were able to save nearly 4GB of space by doing this, with no real loss of headphone sound quality.
Sound Quality
We could discern no qualitative improvement from the 3G S, but the speaker did pump out a bit more volume during FaceTime conversations. In a quiet room, we didn’t even have to go much beyond three quarters of maximum volume.
I`m not high tech., hardly can operate a regular cell phone. I`m looking for a phone with the I-phone 4 capabilities that even a dummy like me can use.
zzz
Full signal everywhere I go. Interesting how others are having a issue.
Honestly, I like the point that the reviewer makes. I have high fidelity headsets with mic and it works out great with my 3gs. It is definitely more convenient and could be safer as well. I understand antena might be an issue for some people and that is unfortunate. But there is really no point in calling it antenagate. I can use the same grip of death on my 3gs to much the same effect. But overall, what makes most difference is the quality of the network in the particular location. I (unfortunately) have been with ATT long enough to realize how bad the network can be. Compared to verizon, people never have problem telling that you are on cell phone (regardless of brand). I can make calls from my 3gs through skype and the difference is night and day.
I am not a fanboy, but it is not unreasonable to say that Iphone is amazing product. People buy it despite the fact that ATT often makes it completely useless as a phone.
Coming over from Sprints Blackberry Curve, I see a huge improvement going into an iphone4. For one, the reception is at least 3-4 times better. I used to drop important business calls almost every time, maybe 5-6 times a day, very frustrating. With the 4 never. The apps are exciting and new, I'm loading all the free apps I want, the apps to pay for can rack up a monthly bill quick, be careful. I definately use the Otter rubber case, I've already dropped my phone on cement once. The Otter took the hit, the iphone is totally unscathed. The insurance plan, Asurion, my rep recommended, is $11.99/mo. with a $200 ded., that's crazy! But the question is, What will repairs cost without it? The battery usually lasts until evening, so no prob w/ it dying in the middle of the business day, but buy the car-charger.
my iphone 4 is nearly dead.
Its only 2 months. I cannot talk..cracking noise…when i called apple..they confirmed it to be a hardware issue and ask to visit near by apple store to get it serviced..(you wont get a brand new phone. they may replace with a re-manufactured/refurbished one's) I wonder if they have so many remanufactured/refurbished one's in 3 months ?
i have used iphone yet so i can not give verdict on it . http://hubpages.com/hub/Dermitage-Reviews
No problems here. Lotsa bars — with either hand.
i've heard this phone might have a small problem, but i think people are taking it overboard. it's still a great phone. one of the best on the market. they're going to fix the small service problem and it'll be even better. my sister got one from gsmauthority.com and i've been really jealous. if you know any better/reliable sites to get it from let me know. i'm just looking for the best prices on unlocked touch screen phones. called and talked to the owner and this site seems pretty legit so far. and my sister's really happy with her phone. apple has really done a lot for the phone world.
Um.. as far as I'm aware FaceTime works over WiFi .. so naturally you're not going to have the reception (AND transmission) issue .. since you're not using 3G.
There are too many compromises in Apple devices .. such as the iPad and now the iPhone 4 .. Android and other operating systems are open and therefore superior as "Smartphone" operating systems. Until Apple gets its phone hardware design up to the quality of its competitors it will slip further behind.
I predict Android devices to overtake Apple in 2011, especially in the US. Nokia will continue to dominate the rest of the world.
Dude, look for nearest mental health clinic
Yea… just like the Droid X won't let you put on unsigned, unapproved things OR it goes into recovery mode til you factory restore it.
The Droid X is getting pretty bad reviews by the way – So while everyone waits for the iPhone killer (It's going to be the Storm! it's going to be the Pre! it's going to be the Droid! it's going to be the Droid X!) I will just continue to use my iPhone.
And if you don't like the ipad then it's not for you. There's nothing really like it right now.
I enjoy reading all your comments about iphone 4. Some have enjoy having iphone 4 but most have negative points and reviews. I have just got my new blackberry Torch and I must say I need to throw away my iphone 4 which I've bought it 3 months ago. useless
why is the videos from YOU TUBE all blurred? We went to the shop but they're all the same.
From all the research I have done on the web, the iPhone 4 has no real problems. People have shown that the antenna issue also happens on a 3G running iOS 4. This indicates that it is a software issue. The yellow spotting goes away within 3 days. And my response to all the comlaints about the "superglass" breaking is "Duh, its glass, it breaks when dropped from 5 feet onto asphalt."
what an amazing unlocked cell phone. much better than my old one. faster, screen is more responsive. love the email and facetime for me and the kids. apps keep my busy and it's great for my business too. got my last 2 unlocked phones at gsmallover.com and we couldn't be happier. 2 thumbs up
World complains about iphone 4 antena problem, http://hokumetai.com/htc-nokia-and-blackberry-com…
I bought the iPhone 4 and it is a great phone. Do I care about HDMI output? No. But if there are other highend phones with HDMI out, then it is worth mentioning it in this review (even the Zune HD has HDMI output….).
The screen is super sharp, but yes, there is a slight yellow tint versus the previous 3G's blue hue. Not a big deal in my opinion. The phone reception can be bad if you hold the phone a certain, unnatural way with your left hand. But when using the phone normally, it works fine.
I like Apple products and would recommend this phone too. I don't recommend talking to Apple fanatics like the people above me. You should talk to someone that is unbiased.
One Giant Leap for an iPhone http://toopone.blogspot.com/2010/06/one-giant-leap-for-iphone.html
"We held the iPhone 4 with our hands covering the metal perimeter band, a manner many folks have described as inhibiting reception, for two extended phone conversations and while using FaceTime without a single problem."
Sounds to me like he was testing the reception for both 3G and WiFi connections. What's wrong with that?
I'm not a die-hard apple fan, but I do like their products. However, this review doesn't seem particularly well put together. I particularly noticed the part on the reception issue, where they say they didn't notice any problems with reception while on 2 FaceTime calls and covering the metal band. FaceTime is only available on Wi-Fi and from what I've been reading, the problem is with phone signal, not Wi-Fi. Quite frankly, if this iPhone doesn't function well as a phone, I won't be getting it.
You should try the phone yourself instead of listening to everyone elses whining. The reception issue has been blown waaay out of proportion. My signal is awesome.
I have the iPhone 4 and I love it, I have had no problems with it at all. I have had the 3G and the 3GS and the iPhone exceeds them. I have a lot of apple products and I love them all.
"Less memory than the 3GS…". What complete rubbish. It has DOUBLE the memory of the 3GS – 512MB to be exact.
Why do they even GIVE these iPhones to people who are technically illiterate and know NOTHING about what they are reviewing? There are plenty of fanboi's out there who would have chewed off their own arm just to have a chance to review this phone!
To the author of this article: Don't even bother describe yourself as a "Journalist"… you don't deserve the title.
Brad, did you read the article? He gave it an award….
What I got from the comparison was that if both the 3Gs and the 4 had 32GB of storage, the iPhone 4 had less available because of the installed software etc.
False. 32GB is 32GB regardless of the device. And he meant RAM memory. The iPhone 4 has double. Reviewers need to get their facts straight as this is what causes misinformation for the masses.
False. From the review: "When you plug the two phones into iTunes, you’re told the S has actually has 29.33 GB and the iPhone 4 just 29.06 GB."
That's 200mb less. You got it wrong buddy.
Apple has done a lot of enhancements and added new features in the iPhone 4.
Find more information in the below post: http://www.etechplanet.com/post/2010/06/12/Apple-…
Got mine, haven't had any of the issues so far, fingers crossed.
Sounds like an unfair review, like a gnat nit-picking the space shuttle.
This device would even Spock turn in both his communicator AND tricorder.
I guess negative news AND reviews are the soup de jour in today's environment….
How is this an unfair review? He gave it an award, an 8.5/10!! Did you read the review or just come here from some other site that linked here but didn't bother to read it themselves?
I drop calls at least 3 times during any call. Very rarely happened with my 3. Can't lay it on my shoulder withou it doing something…..my cheek lays on it.
are you kidding me? the lows are: no HDMI? sharp edges? you forgot to say it doesn't make toast. Be fair… be factual. apparently you don't care for the phone and that is cool. is it a good upgrade from the first gen iPhone: definitely; 3G: definitely, 3gs: moderately-yes. But whom says a cell phone has to have HDMI? What about the updated ioS4?
my wife picked up a iphone4 and I still have a 3gs/32 as I am waiting to see what the white ones look like. will i upgrade? if my 3gs buyer still want to purchase it then for sure otherwise i may wait a bit and spring for an iPad for now.
Are you serious? They gave it a freaking editor's choice award! The Droid X has HDMI output on it (so you know, you can playback the movies you just recorded – Duh).
Obviously he cares about the phone, but if newer phones are coming out with HDMI, then it's worth mentioning that the iPhone 4 doesn't have it.
Hmm… I wonder how many people are having those reception issues versus people who aren't.
It still scares me enough to hold off buying this until next version.
The way I see it, the people having the issues are going to report it, as compared to the ones who aren't probably aren't going to go around saying that their iPhone 4 is fine.
I can chime in on my iPhone 4 being perfect with no reception issues or dropped calls.
They are very real on bot my wife's 16 gig and my 32 gig iPhone 4. In fact, something no one seems to be writing about, the wi-fi receiption is much less than my previous3GS – even when not holding the phone by the lower bottom left edge.
I have had zero reception issues! It was a bogus accusation by those who despise apple! iphone 4 .. I LOVE my iphone 4! I had a 3G so it was time to upgrade and i had wondered if i would return for a 3GS but i could never give up this camera and video now!!!!
Yes, I have one……wait!
I have not experienced any reception issues due to the new antenna. So far I am really happy with my iPhone 4. The video conferencing is fun, but more of a gimmick than anything. Is it worth upgrading from the 3GS? Probably not yet, but if you have an older phone then its worth it.
I've upgraded from the 2G, but I used the 3GS before hand.
I can tell you that if you have the extra cash and you're craving it and have patience to deal with getting one – go for it. But if you don't need to, cause most of the hype is within the iOS4, then the 3GS will suffice just fine.
Since not too many programs have taking full control of said "multi-task", there really isn't anything outdated in the 3GS that it can't handle on iOS4.
I brought an iphone4 had it for 3years now, the warranty is expired and the phone had been a problems for me lately.The caller can’t hear me and I went to AT&T store they told me to call AppleCare to tec support. Apple told me I need to paid $19.00 before Tec support can help me. I’m thinking of switch to Samsung products because many of the people I know don’t have any problems with their Samsung phone.