There’s a reason why the hardware is called the iPhone 3G and the software update is called iPhone 2.0. It’s because the iPhone 2.0 software brings much more innovation to the table, from the Apps Store (which lets you download a host of compelling third-party applications for the first time) to Microsoft Exchange support (for push e-mail and calendar), and lots of other small but important enhancements. And this software is readily available for the first-generation iPhone.
So the iPhone 3G itself ($199 for AT&T) is no big deal, right? Wrong. Its data speeds are more than twice as fast as the original iPhone, and the call quality difference is almost as dramatic. Even though the built-in assisted GPS technology hasn’t yet realized its full potential, the iPhone 3G is easily the best touchscreen phone you can buy--even if it remains our second-favorite smart phone.
Slightly Improved Design
The first iPhone’s design was practically perfect, so we’re glad Apple didn’t tinker too much this time around. The dimensions of the 3G and original iPhone are basically identical, but on a table the iPhone 3G seems just slightly thicker. However, the 3G is just a bit lighter than the original at 4.7 versus 4.8 ounces. The overall design is still slim enough to easily slip into a pocket.
The biggest change is on the back of the iPhone 3G, which is now made of smooth but durable black plastic instead of the aluminum back found on the first iPhone. This change has two benefits. One, plastic causes less interference than metal when it comes to the internal radios, so you should get better reception. Second, the iPhone 3G feels better in the hand and is less slippery. The only downside is that the glossy back, like the front, picks up fingerprints quickly.
The left side of the iPhone 3G still houses the Volume Up/Down buttons and Ring/Silent switch, but they’re now metal instead of plastic, giving the design a sturdier and classier look. The Sleek/Wake button on top is also silvery chic. There’s even a silvery ring around the 3.5mm audio jack, which unlike the first iPhone is flush against the case so you don’t have to spring for proprietary earphones.
From the front, the iPhone 3G looks nearly identical to the iPhone when turned off, with the exception of a silver mesh behind the speaker (it was previously black). When turned on we were surprised to see that the iPhone 3G’s 3.5-inch glass display was brighter than the iPhone’s, even though it still sports the same 480 x 320-pixel resolution. Web pages, for example, popped more, as did the touch keyboard layout. The iPhone 3G's display has a slight yellowish cast to it compared to the iPhone, but Apple says it purposely made the screen "warmer" and more natural by design.
If there’s one thing we still wish Apple would add it’s dedicated send and end buttons for making calls, as opposed to having hit the Home button, then hitting the phone icon, and then dialing out.
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