Fantastic 4…
If you don’t like Apple products, then stop reading now. Seriously – I’m tired of all the hating (I’ve gotten enough of that from all the Laker Haters). Guess what? Apple isn’t forcing you to buy anything so go get an HTC Incrediwhatever, Droid Megasize or whatever floats your boat. If you want some info on the Apple iPhone 4 – read on. Sure, I like Apple products, but I’ll always give you a fair opinion on their stuff. I’ve only messed with it for about 3 hours so look for a more extensive review later, for now – here are my initial impressions.
First off – I want to address the two largest problems that surround the launch:
A. Do I have the yellow blotches? Nope. Although it plagues some, I’ve heard its an issue with the adhesive not fully evaporating and goes away after some use. Either way, I don’t have the issue.
B. Do I lose reception when I hold the phone with my left hand in palm as a result of the external antenna? Nope. I tried even cupping the sucker in both hands – no noticeable difference in reception.
Moving on…I have some questions for prospective buyers:
1. Do you own a 3GS?
No I have a 3G = Go get the iPhone 4.
Yes I own a 3GS= Did you upgrade to iOS4?
2. I have a 3GS and I have iOS4.
Do you want HD Video/HD Pics? Flash?
Are you satisfied with your current screen?
Do you want Facetime?
I ask these questions because they can lead you to a good decision as to whether or not you really “need” a 4G.
I0S4 is VERY slick on the 3GS, runs great – the additional speed on the camera is nice (not to mention the zoom) and the whole experience is definitely more zippy. I don’t think it’s fair to sing the praises of multi-tasking yet since it’s not supported by all apps. The iOS4 upgrade might be enough for those 3GS owners that aren’t eligible for an upgrade or aren’t ready to get new hardware.
The answer was simple for me – they’re coming out with something new, it’s badass, I’m getting it. LOL. But in all seriousness – if you have a 3GS and if you haven’t played with a “4″ yet, don’t do it…you’ll want one.
I was one of the lucky few that pre-ordered and didn’t have to deal with the lines today. Luckily Wendy was on summer break so rather than take a day off (like I did while waiting for my iPad) – my wonderful wife stayed home to make sure I got my new toy.
Out of the box, the phone looks noticeably more “narrow” or “taller” – this makes it feel better in hand and when talking on the phone- like a dedicated cell phone as opposed to a smart phone (think flip phone) Ergonomically its just better. There seems to be a more solid feel to it than the 3GS, my best analogy would be that the 3GS is like a Honda interior. Looks good, does the job, plasticy but done well. The 4 is a BMW, next level, great engineering and fitment – solid. Apple was smart to bring back a metal/aluminum feel to the phone (as in the original iPhone) – it definitely feels more substantial.
Here it is next to my 3GS – a little bit of a play on perspective but you get the idea…
Out of the box and ready to sync – *that’s my old Scion Daily Driver that my nephew now rocks @Berkeley.
Back of both – 3GS soap bar on the right.
You’d think that the curves of the 3GS would be nicer for your palm, but the 4’s form factor is amazing in hand. It always felt like I might lose grip of the 3GS, not so with the 4…or maybe I’m just more attentive to not dropping it lol.
Another shot, 4 on the left, 3GS on the right.
So a quick hit on some of the more noted “features” that are on the 4:
Retina Display – AMAZING. Makes the 3GS look pretty crappy to be honest. Apps that I’ve been using for a long time looked as if they’d had a redesign…seriously. Everything looks so much more elegant.
Facetime – We’re in the Jetsons era, still a bit choppy when I used it with my brother (granted he was at an apple store using their wifi) but I’d say it’s comparable to iChat for sure..the front and rear camera swap is slick.
HD Vid and Camera / Flash- I haven’t played with these yet, will def post some pics from it once skinned and ready to go.
Multitasking – as mentioned above, not applicable to all apps so I’ll have to wait to review this IMO.
and FWIW, the 4 feels noticeably faster than the 3GS running iOS4.
More to come as I break this sucker in…Apple – I hate you and love you at the same time LOL.
