iPhone 4
Here's the breakdown on the iPhone 4.
No one can deny Apple. The iPhone 4 wrecked AT&T networks (which was not surprising, sadly) with an estimated 600,000 pre-orders, changed the face of phones forever with the original iPhone, and invaded popular culture ("there's an app for that") with the iPhone 3G -- quite an impressive resume.
With the iPhone 4, Apple was doing something it hasn't ever had to do with the iPhone -- catch up. Google's Android went from an infant experiment, to a full-featured alternative in the year between the iPhone 3GS and the iPhone 4. All the while, HTC's line-up of the HD2 and Evo4G began to raise the bar with 4.3 inch screens and external HDMI ports.
So, did apple catch-up and leapfrog the competition? Did they do enough to be crowned the undisputed king of smartphones?
Hit and miss.
Hardware/Design
Hits
-
The iPhone 4 is probably the most expensive looking, and feeling device you can buy for $200 (16GB with AT&T 2-year contract).
-
The "Retina Display" is stunning. Reviewers and users have all agreed text looks as if it's printed on paper.
-
Gyroscope time! Expect gaming to be taken to another level with the addition of a gyroscope in the iPhone 4.
Misses
-
The same Retina Display has been shown to have a yellow-tint discoloration issue. It seems the issue is temporary, and perhaps caused by heat, but this detractor has been heartbreaking for early iPhone 4 owners.
-
It looks expense, and if you drop it, it breaks like it's expensive. Gone are the days of the plastic case, usher in the days of glass that is 30-times harder than plastic. Whether or not thats true, it breaks like glass.
Software
Hits
-
Apple now has mulit-tasking, digital zoom for the camera, threaded emails, and home screen folders integrated in a clean, slick, and efficient manner with iOS4 (also what the iPad runs).
Misses
-
The multi-tasking isn't "true muli-tasking", as only certain apps are able to run in the background as of now. This list is sure to grow however. There is a cap of 7 at a time.
-
Android still has a leg up with its widget home screen system, which Apple didn't address in iOS4. Alongside notification issues.
Overall
The iPhone 4 gives more of the same from Apple. "It just works" feels like a mantra stamped all over the iPhone 4. Apple managed to catch up on much needed software issue with iOS4, while managing to integrate a classic "Apple" integration.
Even though the iPhone 4 has had some issues, the phone is definitely in the top rung of the smartphone market. Is it worth upgraded from you 3GS? If you are happy with the 3GS/iOS4 combo, then probably not (though you won't be as cool for sure).
It would be hard to recommend anyone who is happy with their cellular provider to jump ship just for the iPhone 4, when the Droid X, Droid Incedible, and Evo4G are all nearly on level footing with the iPhone 4. It seems for now, personal taste will have to be the guiding barometer for consumers.
Tags: News, Reviews, iPhone 4, Apple, AT&T
