The new Apple iPhone 4 is an impressive smartphone with many features that make it superior to the iPhone 3GS, including a higher resolution screen, improved camera and FaceTime video calling? But the lower-priced iPhone 3GS is still one of the best smartphones on the market and does everything that most people would need, only recently being surpassed by the HTC Desire, HTC Evo 4G and now the iPhone 4 as well.
So what should people consider when choosing which iPhone to buy?
iPhone 3.5 -inch Touchscreen Display
Both the iPhone 4 and 3GS feature 3.5-inch touchscreen displays but the difference is that the display on the iPhone 4 is four times the resolution of the 3GS and features a technology that Apple calls Retina Display. This technology, also used in the iPad, gives the iPhone 4 a very high pixel density and four times the contrast ratio which makes both text and pictures look very sharp.
The Retina Display gives the iPhone 4 a clear advantage when viewing photographs or text but the iPhone 3GS still has one of the best screens of any smartphone with a bright and detailed display.
iPhone Camera
The iPhone 4 improves camera resolution from 3.2 to 5 megapixels and adds an LED flash where the 3GS had none. This means the iPhone 4 can produce higher-quality images, and in low-light, although its megapixel count is still a long way behind some other phones like the Sony Ericsson Satio which have 12 megapixel cameras. Unless higher resolution pictures is a top priority, the 3.2 megapixel camera of the iPhone's 3GS may be adequate for many people and is certainly good enough for posting on sites like Facebook.
However, another advantage of the new iPhone 4 is the ability to film 720P HD video, compared to the much lower VGA video of the 3GS. Although it still can't match a dedicated HD camcorder, the video quality of the iPhone 4 is impressive and may be a deciding factor for many people. There is also a new app, called iMovie, that allows for simple video editing such as timelines, transitions and titling.
iPhone 4 FaceTime Video Calls
The iPhone 4 has a front facing VGA camera that gives the ability for users to make video calls using a feature Apple calls FaceTime. It's an impressive feature but the problem is that you can only have FaceTime video calls with other iPhone 4 users and it only works with WiFi connections and not over 3G.
The iPhone 3GS can't make video calls at all but the value of FaceTime to users will depend on whether they know other people with an iPhone 4.
iPhone Speed Performance
The iPhone 4 features the same 1GHz Apple A4 processor of the iPad so outperforms the 600 MHz processor of the iPhone 3GS when opening apps, multitasking or viewing Web pages. But the 3GS remains one of the fastest smartphones available and most apps should run equally well on it, although some newer games may benefit from the A4 processor.
iPhone Casing
The new look of the iPhone 4 may be one of the biggest factors for many people as it's the first redesign of the iPhone since the original model in 2007. It's 24% thinner than the iPhone 3GS and Apple claim it's the world's thinnest smartphone. It also weighs slightly less than the 3GS and has glass on both the front and back and a stainless steel band around the edge.
The iPhone 4 looks very different to previous iPhones and so makes it obvious to people that you have the new model may be enough for some people to choose it over the 3GS. The 3GS still has a very stylish design and some people may prefer it over the less curvy lines of the iPhone 4. The 3GS is now also only available in black while the iPhone 4 is available in white as well.
Other iPhone Features
The iPhone 4 is available in both 16GB and 32GB versions but the 3GS now only has a single 8GB version. How important this is will depend upon the user but even 8GB is enough to store hundreds of music tracks, photos and apps.
Both iPhones feature the same iOS 4 operating system which has over one hundred new features, including multitasking, folders, home screen wallpaper and iBooks.
The iPhone 4 has a superior battery which, together with the A4 processor which is more energy efficient, makes it possible to use for longer between recharges. For example, it now allows for up to seven hours of 3G talktime compared to five for the 3GS and up to six hours of 3G Internet use instead of five, although a few simple tips to extend battery life should still be followed. The standby time of 300 hours is the same for both iPhones.
The iPhone 4 and 3GS both feature an accelerometer, compass, GPS and the same ports and both feature similar connectivity options for 3G, HSDPA, WiFi and BlueTooth.
Which iPhone to Buy?
The iPhone 4 is priced at $100 - $200 more than the iPhone 3GS, depending on whether you choose the 16GB or 32MB model, so this may be a big deciding factor for many people.
Both iPhones are excellent smartphones with access to over 200,000 apps and great for accessing the Web and emails or for playing music. The superior Retina Display screen, camera and FaceTime video calling feature sets the iPhone 4 apart but the 3GS remains a superb smartphone that may offer some users all the features they could need.
Get more help on buying a 3G smartphone.
Jason Glover - Jason Glover has worked in the marketing teams of major companies for over twenty years, including over ten years in online marketing ...
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