iPhone 4 Review

The Good: The iPhone 4 offers enhanced performance, a nice Retina display, and an improved design. it also adds a ton of sorely needed features, both by itself and through the IOS 4 update.

The Bad: Multitasking entails some trade-offs, and the home screen folders are limited to 12 apps. AT&T
reception continues to be spotty, and you'll need a case for the best calling reception.

iPhone 4 vs 4S (Design)

External Differences

The iPhone 4S and the iPhone 4 Models all use the same general all stainless steel body design and a thin "metal band" that wraps around the sides of each phone. However, The 4 and the 4S(GSM) have an access panel on the right side ( and an enclosed Micro Sim Card) and the iPhone 4( CDMA) does not have a Sim tray.Additionally, the iPhone 4 (GSM) has three antenna "breaks" in the metal bands ( one on the top and one on each side towards the bottom).

The rear camera also has considerably better specs on the 4S  - capable of shooting 8 megapixels stills and 1080p 30 FPS video. Both lines have VGA quality front facing camera designed for use with Apple's "Facetime" software (although works well with third-part apps like Skype). The camera in the 4S is faster, too, and is ready to take photos within a second of launch and additional photos within half second.

Identification Differences

One simple way to externally identify the iPhone 4S and iPhone 4 models, as well as all other iPhone models, is by the model number printed in small type on the back of the phone.

The model number printed on the back of the GSM-equipped iPhone 4 is A1332, the model number on the back of the CDMA-equipped iPhone 4 is A1349, and the model number on the back of the iPhone 4S is A1387.

If the iPhone will boot, it may be even easier to lookup any of these models by order number with Everyi.com's Ultimate iLookup feature or the EveryMac app. Apple refers to the order number as "Model" in software. To find the "Model" select the "Settings" app and then click General > About > and scroll down until the field is visible.

Everyi.com's Ultimate iLookup and the EveryMac app also can identify these iPhone models by EMC number and the last four characters of their serial numbers.

Battery Life Differences

Battery life has changed a bit between the iPhone 4S and the previous iPhone 4 models. All of these models provide an Apple estimated 40 hours of audio playback, 10 hours of video playback and 6 hours of Internet use on 3G, but Apple has increased the official battery life estimates for the iPhone 4S to 8 hours of talk time on 3G (up from 7 hours on the iPhone 4 models) and reduced the official Internet use on wi-fi (9 hours down from 10 hours). Standby time also has been reduced from 300 hours to 200.

In "real world" testing, these differences are muted for most tasks, but the difference in battery life during 3D gaming use is the downside to the significantly improved performance of the iPhone 4S for graphics tasks.

Wireless Connectivity & Data Differences

A major point of differentiation is that the iPhone 4S is a dual-antenna equipped "world phone" that supports both GSM and CDMA networks -- UMTS/HSDPA/HSUPA (850, 900, 1900, 2100 MHz); GSM/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz), and CDMA EV-DO Rev. A (800, 1900 MHz) -- and the "antenna automatically switches between send and receive." It supports 802.11b/g/n and Bluetooth 4.0, too. HSDPA is up to a theoretical maximum of 14.4 Mbps.

AnandTech has additional information about the iPhone 4S antenna capabilities that also may be of interest.

By contrast, the earlier iPhone 4 models support either GSM or CDMA networks, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, and only support a maximum theoretical HSDPA download speed of 7.2 Mbps.

Unfortunately, it also is worth noting that Apple has disabled the CDMA capability onunlocked iPhone 4S models purchased in the United States.

Internal Differences

Internally, the iPhone 4S is considerably more powerful -- with a dual-core Apple A5 processor compared to a single core Apple A4 processor on the iPhone 4 models -- although the iPhone 4S and iPhone 4 both have 512 MB of RAM. Apple reports that the iPhone 4S is twice as fast overall and has seven times the graphics performance, and independent benchmarks and testing largely confirm this claim.

Capacity has been increased to 16 GB, 32 GB, and 64 GB for the iPhone 4S (16 GB for the current model), compared to 16 GB and 32 GB for the originally offered iPhone 4 models (and 8 GB for the current low-end models).

iOS Support & Software Differences

Both the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S are capable of running iOS 5 (as well as iOS 6), but only the iPhone 4S is capable officially of running "Siri," Apple's recently acquired "intelligent assistant" software program that endeavors to parse naturally spoken questions and provide voice answers using the web as its source and perform basic software tasks as well (like adding an appointment to a calendar or preparing and sending a text message).

In the "real world," Siri doesn't always perform perfectly, but it still can be useful.

When running iOS 6, the iPhone 4S also supports Turn-by-Turn Navigation, Flyover, Panorama photographic mode as well as "Made for iPhone" hearing aids, whereas the iPhone 4 supports none of those features. It still doesn't support "Siri" either, althoughhacks exist.

( You can get Siri on the iPhone 4 by Jail-breaking).

Comparison Chart

These differences -- processor, storage, connectivity, battery life, software, cameras, and identifiers -- along with pricing information are summarized below for your convenience:

	iPhone 4 (GSM)	iPhone 4 (CDMA)	iPhone 4S
Processor:	Apple A4	Apple A4	Apple A5
Original Storage:	16, 32 GB	16, 32 GB	16, 32, 64 GB
Current Storage:	8 GB	8 GB	16 GB
GSM/EDGE:	Yes	No	Yes
UMTS:	Yes	No	Yes
HSDPA:	Yes (7.2 Mbps)	No	Yes (14.4 Mbps)
HSUPA:	Yes	No	Yes
EV-DO:	No	Yes	Yes
Bluetooth:	2.1+EDR	2.1+EDR	4.0
Talk Time (3G):	7 Hours	7 Hours	8 Hours
Talk Time (2G):	14 Hours	None	14 Hours
Battery (3G Web):	6 Hours	6 Hours	6 Hours
Battery (Wi-Fi):	10 Hours	10 Hours	9 Hours
Battery (Music):	40 Hours	40 Hours	40 Hours
Battery (Video):	10 Hours	10 Hours	10 Hours
Standby Time:	300 Hours	300 Hours	200 Hours
SIM Card:	Micro	None	Micro
Original iOS:	iOS 4.0	iOS 4.3	iOS 5
Maximum iOS:	iOS 6 (Partial)	iOS 6 (Partial)	iOS 6 (Complete)
Siri Support:	No (Hacks Only)	No (Hacks Only)	Yes
iOS 6 Read Offline:	Yes	Yes	Yes
iOS 6 Turn-By-Turn:	No	No	Yes
iOS 6 Flyover:	No	No	Yes
iOS 6 Panorama:	No	No	Yes
Still Camera:	5 Megapixels	5 Megapixels	8 Megapixels
Video Camera:	720p	720p	1080p
Model No:	A1332	A1349	A1387
Price* (Intro):	US$199 US$299	US$199 US$299	US$199 US$299 US$399
Price* (Current):	US$0	US$0	US$99

So which one is the best for me ?

Ultimately, as the vast majority of the cost of owning the iPhone is tied to the plan rather than the upfront cost of the device -- at least in countries  where its sold locked and subsidized -- it make a little sense to not to purchase an iPhone 4S (or a newer iPhone 5) should you wish to purchase an iPhone.

The iPhone 4 is only marginally cheaper when the total cost of ownership over two years id considered, and those on tight budgets typically would be better off doing without a smartphone altogether than saving US$100 up front. However, those who find the faster performance, larger storage capacity, faster mobile data support, better camera, and additional software feature of the iPhone 4S unnecessary still could be happy with an iPhone 4 perhaps find a way to put the $100 saving to better use.


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iPhone 3G

The iPhone 3G is a smartphone that was designed and marketed by Apple Inc. It is the second generation of iPhone, and was introduced on June 9, 2008 at the WWDC 2008 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, United States.

The iPhone 3G was internally similar to its predecessor, but included several new hardware features, such as Assisted GPS, 3G data and tri-band UMTS/HSDPA. The device also benefited from software improvements introduced with iPhone OS 2.0, which was launched at the same time. As well as other features (including Push email and turn-by-turn navigation), this new operating system introduced the App Store—Apple's new distribution platform for third-party applications.^[12]]

On July 11,2008, Apple released the iPhone 3G across twenty-two countries in two storage

options, 8GB and 16GB. The 16GB model was available in either in white or black.

Following the release of the successor iPhone 3GS model one year later , the iPhone 3G 

remained on sale but became Apple's Budget phone offer, with its price cut in half. This $99

iPhone 3G was only available in black and with 8GB of storage, but came bundled with the 

iPhone OS 3.0 Software. On June 7, 2010, the iPhone 3G was discontinued, and placed as 

Apple's budget phone by an 8 GB iPhone 3GS selling for the same price of $99.

2G vs 3G

There are simple reasons why the iPhone 3G is better than the  2G 

Apple has eliminated so many annoying little hang-ups that you might run into when using the 

old one. The GPS pinpoints to meters instead of blocks. the 3G connection slashes 

web loading times by minutes to seconds. The most rounded case feels nice in the hand. Most

importantly the new software polishes the OS and opens the phone up to nearly unlimited 

capabilities through the countless programs that are already being written by the brilliant 

legions of faithful developers. 

iPhone 1st Generation

The iPhone 2G is not the 2nd Gen iPhone, it was dubbed the iPhone 2G when the 3G came out 

Specs

412 MHZ Single Core Processor 

PowerVR MBX GPU

8 GB Internal Storage (7GB avail to User)

128 MB Ram 

3.5in Screen 

2 MegaPixel Rear Camera

Ambient Light Sensor

Proximity Sensor

Gyro 

Weight: 135g

Apple iPhone (2G) Review

October 28, 2008 — tylertech1

The (original) iPhone is one of the first (if not the first) cell phone to fully incorporate most of its functions using a multi-touch screen. It only carries one main external button, and advanced motion features, including an 3-axis accelerometer, and changes according to its position. Having a very slim figure, it has the access to install games and other apps through iTunes, and incorporates an iPod.

Background Info / Highlights

• Release Date: June 29, 2007
• Features many advanced features, such as a touchscreen, iPod, web browser, and apps.
• Can be synced through iTunes, which gives very easy access to constant updates and bug fixes, as well as the convience to sync music, podcasts, movies, and apps.
• It was ranked a revolutionary phone
• It is only offered by AT&T (in the US, though this doesn’t stop a lot of people from alternative ways)

Purchase / Activation

Officially, the only way to purchase the original iPhone was through AT&T with a new service plan, however because of the iPhone 3G, you’re only likely to get it from alternate sources, such as from a friend, eBay, etc. Activation for the original iPhone is done through iTunes. I must note that you are required to have a brand new SIM card, even if you are a current AT&T customer, which they may or may not charge for. The reason is the iPhone has to recode the SIM for things specifically for the phone. Don’t worry though, you can do everything though iTunes.

No matter if you are a current AT&T customer ready to upgrade to an original iPhone, or a new one, everything is done though iTunes, and you don’t even have to step into an AT&T store. I found this highly convenient, as I didn’t have to mess with any sales associates. Because I’m a current AT&T user, I just plugged in my iPhone that I got from a friend, with the new SIM in it, followed the easy instructions, and had my phone setup in minutes.

However, it should be noted that with the original iPhone: if you are a current AT&T customer, you can keep your current plan, however you are required to upgrade your data plan to a $20 one (you will see why later). Also, you phone must be activated to access all of its functions, including the iPod.

Games / Apps

With the latest iPhone and iTunes update, you now have access to the iTunes app store. Apps can be any type of applications for your iPhone, including games.

Though a lot of the apps on iTunes are free, the rest cost money. There isn’t much to review in the category, as each app has its own reviews on iTunes, however I must say that I think the iPhone runs games and apps very well, and they load up almost instantly. A lot of people are claiming that the iPhone is as good as a Nintendo DS or PSP, if not better, which I agree on. You can also download them directly from your iPhone.

Other than that, there is not another official way to download apps on to your iPhone, however you can ‘Jailbreak’ it. Jailbreaking an iPhone basically allows it to be exploited for unoffiical third-party games, or other motifications. Although it may sound tempting, as it can even unlock your iPhone for another wireless service, I don’t see any reason to use it other than that.

YouTube, which is already included in newer updates, is very useful. All of the videos we searched from the main site appeared on the mobile version, and using Wi-Fi, videos were crystal clear, however this isn’t the case with EDGE. Despite this, YouTube videos started surprising quickly on EDGE.

The calendar can is basically just a calendar, although really helpful. It can be viewed in either Month, Day, or Year format, and it has a very clean interface. My only con is not with the app itself, but with the options on how to sync events. You can currently officially only sync events through iTunes, using programs like Microsoft Outlook. However, if you are using Google Calendar, and want to sync your events with that, and are using Microsoft Windows, check out my earlier post on how to do that without hacking (search ‘google calendar’).

Maps can be very useful, especially since they seemed to load up very fast, even on EDGE. Location services can be used to help determine your approximate location, although it may take a couple of tries until it gets your general area. Other than that, it worked great, and could quickly get you to your destination.

The iPod is basically like any other iPod, except it has the advantage of using a touchscreen and the accelerometer. Sound quality on the speaker was OK, however I suggest you use headphones, as the speaker can cause the sound to occasionally get muffuled.

Design / Functions

Personally, I feel that the iPhone is a very appealing device. It is more slim than I originally imagined, and once I got my hands on it, I didn’t want to let it go. Basically what you see is what you get: a very slim phone, and one main button.

Starting with the exterior design, the back of the iPhone 2G is metal, and it makes it very sturdy. The camera in the upper left corner has nothing around it to reflect on, so it can be hard to take pictures of yourself. On the left side, there is a small switch to change between normal and vibrate profiles, and the volume controls, all in the perfect spot.

At the top, the center is the SIM tray, which requires you to have a paperclip or other small object to get it out with, although I don’t see why you would need constant access to this. Next to that is the sleep/wake button, which as it says, wakes up the device from ‘sleep’ mode, or puts it in standby, or shuts it down. The other side carries the plug for the headphones. Unfortunately, although it snugly fits iPod headphones, most others require an adaptor. The button on the front basically only returns you to the home screen.

Unfortunately, the iPhone’s battery is internal, and once it goes dead for good, you’ll have to shovel out about $85 to get it replaced. There are some cheap battery replacement kits for it, however these are not official, and can void your warrenty. Luckily, Apple claims you can get around 300-600 full charges, from 0% to 100%.

The camera, a 2.0 megapixel, was very good. With most phones without a flash, you see the picture quality to deteriorate quickly. Although this is mostly the same case, it did hold up for a while. One of the cons on this is that there is little to none options for picture options. You are literally only given the option to take the picture. Although this is able to be changed though third party apps, it would have been nice to just have options on there to begin with.

The Wi-Fi signal quality was above average, and it connected quickly to nearby networks. Although it could take a bit to search for those further away, once it got a signal, it usually stuck with it the whole time. The Wi-Fi automatically replaces EDGE when in use, and greatly increases the speed to all applications requiring data. EDGE, however, is a different story. Unfortuanatly, some apps require that Wi-Fi must be used, and on YouTube, although you can used EDGE, video quality greatly decreases. There are a few postives; EDGE speeds seem to have increase, although nothing compared to 3G, and most applications work quickly with it.

Bluetooth was pretty good, however at the time of this review, all you can really do is connect a wireless headset just for calls.

The Safari web browser rendered pages very well, even complex ones that might confuse those on computers. Loading full-paged on EDGE was a little below average speeds, like dial up, however pages specially for the iPhone (like Walmart’s iPhone site) loaded pretty quick, and used simple flash. However, you can not view things like java in the browser.

Messaging and Email was very cool on the iPhone, and text messages displayed as a nice clean interface like an IM display in bubbles. You can now message to multiple people at once, however a big let down is that so far, you can’t send MMS messages, only email to use pictures or other media. Email can be checked at certain invervals, and can be displayed in it’s original format. One thing I didn’t like was that email services such as Gmail, where you are likely to have a lot of emails due to it’s ability to archive, when added, attempts to add every message. This means, though you can limit the amount of emails displayed, at the bottom you see something like “Load More Messages… 5830 messages total”.

The touch screen was very responsive, and it was very easy to scroll though menus and type on the virtual keyboard, though it can be awkward when you just start using it. One con I have is the fact that the keyboard, when in portrait mode, makes the keys very cramped can hard to type compared to landscape, and this can only be changed under some conditions.

Battery life was around average, depending on what you’re doing. Playing games or running intensive apps can drain the battery to dead in less than 4 or 5 hours, however this depends on what types of apps running. In general, the battery life was excellent when using the iPod or phone, and standby mode helps conserve it.

Conclusion

The iPhone, though having minor limitations, deserves it’s rank of phone of the year, and brings interactive cell phones with touchscreen technology to a new level. It’s an excellent phone to have, and can keep you entertained due to it’s continuous releases of apps and games, which can be reached directly from it.

• PhoneArena.com Rating: 8.8 / 10; Excellent
• CNET editors’ rating: 8.0 / 10; Excellent
• My Rating: 8.9 / 10