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Video review
It’s fair to say that the arrival of the second iPhone has caused a bit of a fuss. Interestingly, the new features it has – 3G, GPS, the ability to run third-party applications – only just bring it up to the level at which most mobile manufacturers have been running for some years.
But we’re not going to get bogged down in industry implications of the iPhone 3G, just get on with reviewing the hardware, and the new features of iPhone software 2.0.
Familiar face
From the front, the iPhone is largely unchanged. It still uses solid-state memory in 8GB or 16GB capacities. It gets a new curved back panel that comes in shiny black plastic or, with the 16GB version, the choice of a white finish.
Don’t be alarmed by the word ‘plastic’: typically for an Apple product, it feels solid and classy, and nearly all the people we polled preferred it to the old matt silver metal finish. On paper, the new iPhone is not thinner than its predecessor, but the curved back makes it feel so nonetheless.
The recessed headphone socket is gone so you can use any headphones, without an adaptor. Great news, even if a little of the jack is exposed due to the curved back.
Impressive GPS
As you’d expect, the inclusion of GPS doesn’t mean any unsightly external aerial. It locked onto satellites quickly, taking between 30-45 seconds from ‘cold’ (when started up in an entirely new location).
A blue marker shows your position on the familiar Google Maps application, and it will do visual and text – but not spoken – directions to a location. It uses A-GPS, which means that it gets (A)ssistance from the network provider to maintain a good fix even in built-up areas. It dropped out in a couple of London’s alleyways, but quickly recovered once you got back to wider streets.
Supercharged web browsing
So, to the headline: 3G, or, more accurately, 3.5G, as there’s support for O2’s HSDPA network too. Unsurprisingly, it’s all good. Clearly, download speeds over are greatly improved over its EDGE-only predecessor.
But there’s more good news. We raced it against a Nokia N-series mobile running on Vodafone’s HSDPA network, and the iPhone was first nearly every time. Whether this is down to the network, or Safari’s superior rendering, is unclear, but the benefit is: your webpages and downloads, faster.
There’s more. Wi-Fi reception seems to be improved over the previous iPhone. In one part of our office, the new iPhone showed full wireless signal; the old iPhone only one bar.
Music and video playback are excellent. You still need a Wi-Fi network to connect to the iTunes Store, so you can’t threaten the data usage policy by downloading videos.
Well juiced
Battery life seems to be close to Apple’s claims: five hours of phone action, seven hours of video, and 24 hours of audio. All figures aside, it passed the real-life test – we haven’t been able to keep our hands off the thing, and it still had battery left at the end of the day.
Other iPhone 3G highlights come courtesy of the new 2.0 software. Microsoft Exchange support we’ll be handling as part of our review of the new third-party apps. The ability to delete and move multiple messages is a boon – although copy and paste is still absent. Support for PowerPoint and Office documents is welcome, and the new scientific calculator is a nice touch.
Review continues after the break...
The downsides
Drawbacks? The camera remains just 2megapixel, with no flash or auto-focus. Thankfully, the camera software works well to overcome these failings, adjusting for low light admirably. Some people still find the on-screen keyboard tricky – yes, it auto-corrects in body copy, but web addresses and map searches can be a pain.
Time for the big question. Should you buy, or upgrade to, an iPhone 3G? Yes. It’s a faster, cleverer version of an already remarkable phone, and one that’s about to be buoyed by the arrival of a load of retail apps.
But we’ve saved the best for last: the price. At the very most, you’ll pay £160 for a 16GB iPhone with the cheapest contract. More than most high-end mobiles, yes, but worth it for the entertainment, connectivity and productivity the iPhone gives you.
Tech Specs
- Bluetooth
- Yes
- Dedicated MP3 player software
- Yes
- Dimensions
- 115.5 x 62.1 x 12.3mm
- FM radio
- No
- Main camera resolution
- 2MP
- Operating system
- Mac OS X
- Screen resolution
- 480x320px
- Standby time
- 300 hours
- Storage
- 8GB, 16GB
- Supported music formats
- AAC, Protected AAC, MP3, Apple Lossless, AIFF, WAV
- Talktime
- 5 hours
- Triband
- Yes
- Weight
- 133g
- Wi-Fi
- Yes
- Xenon flash
- No
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AlPal
2 years ago
I have got a 16gb 3g i-phone as when checking it out before a bought an iphone, I was told by some dealers that there had been problems with the 32gb phone software.
I am pleased with the phone although sometimes a bit slow loading emails or items from the internet but not sure if this because I am on Tesco payg, but I can live with this, has some useful apps, would recommend this phone to people looking to buy a phone, but I would go for the I-phone 4.
VeeJay
3 years ago
I havent got an iphone......and am not seriously considering gettin 1. I'm waiting for a proper job Sony Satio!
sammymc8
4 years ago
As u probobly all know about the upcoming iPhone that's comin in June I have been reserching about it and I can tell u it's going to be great. They have put copy and paist in which is really easy to use, u just hold ur finger on the text u want and 4 blue dots come up and u move those around the text u want then in that box u make hold ur finger down and will give u an option to copy so u click on copy and the maybe u wanted to put that text into an email. U would hold ur finger down and then click on paist . There's also in app purchuse and now in stocks, notes and email u can turn the devils horizontal . And all these features will be in the 3.0 iPhone and iPod touch software coming In afew months and before I forget the will be MMS.
newmacgeek.com
4 years ago
An Awesome handset with great potential! but.. New iPhone coming soon!!?? check it out see what you think? http://tinyurl.com/aampx7 If this is the case then i would suggest holding out for just a few more months! what do you think?
kacey68
4 years ago
Well 1 week on and I got wi-fi added (but lost me unlimeted o2 to o2 calls which I never used anyway) and a few apps and wow is still the word. I found thta I can't forward text's though or I ain't found a way yet. I still caning the battery though, it only last 1.5 days at most but I do use the iPod each day and the Internet + checking e mails. The camera is better than I thought it would be for only 2mp. I am one happy customer really but can't help thinking about the next one that Apple will launch.
kacey68
4 years ago
Well.. I just picked up my first (yes i intend to get better ones later on)iphone 3G 8g and yes it needs more time to use for example texting but I am really enjoying it. I did not pay loads through a contract but instead traded xbox, old phone tec, to get it. So, no wi fi contract but i can use my own wi fi at home and the 3g side of it but dont get the maps when out and about... which is a shame. I love the ipod side of it but there seem to be a few things missing like a crossfade!. It sounds great even with just the standard bundled earphones. I just purchased the new apple in ear ones from the Apple store costing £54.00 and they were pants.. all tinny with almost no bass. Clarity was good though. Needless to say they went straight back after 20 mins. My only 2 bug bears was- 1. I could not bluetooth my contacts and photo's from my old phone 2. Restricted use as not tied to o2's iphone specific contract Oh and I reckon the battery life could be a bit better but I suppose I am tearing the *** out of it at the moment
adammcg
4 years ago
I've used the 8GB 3G iPhone for a few months now and I couldn't be without it! It does my sms, email, youtube and has a whole range of apps! Get it and you won't regret it. Only gripes are the lack of cut and paste and video recording but Apple should fix that in a new fireware update. I got my from http://www.freeo2iphone.co.uk
CrusaderUK
4 years ago
I have got to agree that the Google Phone actually beats the Iphone 3G and if you want to know why then here goes... Google Phone Has:.. MMS (picture messages) Better Camera Removable Battery Removable Memory Proper Keyboard Trackball Copy & Paste Better Call Quality Cheaper and on better contracts Faster 3G So there you have it.
Jjasonbsmith
4 years ago
g1 rocks harder than iphone.
donalm95
4 years ago
Is the iphone worth buying now?
kierangodfrey91
4 years ago
I have one my self and it is by far the best phone of all time!!
dooby
4 years ago
Can someone please help me - I tried to send a phone number from my contacts (by SMS) to my brother, and cant do it!! I know I'm being stupid but please help. Thanks in advance.
Als60
4 years ago
I think as with most Apple products there is a lot of "over" hype with this phone. It might (to some) look pretty but functionality wise its nothing special. I am not a lover of touch screen phones, all those fingerprints over the screen would drive me mad. There are a lot more phones out there that crush this into the oblivion. I would suggest that rather than be caught up in the hype surrounding the phone and buying a below average gadget have a look around, don't be a typical blinkered Apple fan.... .
adammac5000
4 years ago
Ha, I've just noticed all of my grammar and spelling mistakes. D'oh!
adammac5000
4 years ago
BELIEVE THE HYPE! After been a faithful Nokia smartphone user for the last 3+ years, I took the brave step of forgoing the N96 and getting an iPhone. I've never looked back. Anyone who enjoys the buzz of playing with a gadget needs to get the iPhone. I have had a go on a friends N96 since getting my iPhone is lightyears ahead. I'll be the first to admit that it has it's faults. Little features that have been available on "normal" handsets for years such as MMS, video recording etc have inexplicably been ommited from the iPhone. But what it lacks in some basic features it more than makes up for in the groundbreaking new features it has introduced. Make no mistake, this is the future of mobile phones, I'm suprised daily at how high apple have set the bar above all other dedicated mobile manufacturers. Any problems with software bugs and poor 3G reception seem to have been addressed with firmware updates, so if you don't own one, go get one!
adlersc
4 years ago
Had the first version and was pleased. Just got the 3G version and am over the moon. Fantastic phone with all the bells and whistles you will need. The Apps store is worth the contract on it's own. Push e-mail allows me to keep bang up-to-date and visual voicemail is a godsend. No negatives from me. Superb.....just get one
Rev Aardvark
4 years ago
I am sorry, but if you have to get a pay as you go phone you really shouldn't be looking at an iPhone. Get something you can afford and keep it in your track suit bottoms.
waterhouse_melons
4 years ago
worth £350 quid anyone?
gteverall84
4 years ago
Still no news on the iphone coming to other networks!?
Smithy1428
4 years ago
The best gadget that I have ever bought... I have had 3 previous iPods and use Apple TV with an iMac, so yes, I have bought into Apple as a company but the iPhone 3G really is as good as the hype. I have taken steps to cover any problems with battery life by purchasing office and car chargers as well as the Kensington battery extender. The device just does it all... I live in a small home counties town and the location services are just fantastic. It won't be able to replace my TomTom for full on navigation but Google Maps and the GPS work so well together - applications like Vicinity and Showtime are other excellent applications that integrate well to give added value to your phone - the first giving you fast access to local info such as cash points and take-aways etc and the latter giving you direct access to the cinema listings at all of your local cinemas and the ability to then link directly to IMDB and stream the movie trailer. The App store offers up such things as Last.fm that allow you to share your iTunes play history and then stream new music or 'suggested' music to your iphone by wi-fi or 3G. The Tuner application lets you stream from any Internet radio station. Add into all of this the fact that you can seemlessly share your iTUNES content with Apple TV and your iPhone and it really does live up to the hype - heck, the Remote App, even lets you control your playback on your Mac, PC or Apple TV - this sounds simple but when you realise that it also lets you enter any search criteria rather than use the Apple Remote - and that you can see your Playlists as you would see them on your iPod - the possibilities seem endless.
JasonShaw
4 years ago
Looks like an awesome gadget. All I need now is some money ...
niphone
4 years ago
You can go onto a website called mebbo which allows u 2 use msn
Tom800
4 years ago
Cant wait for it to come out on PAYG
joshiboi93
4 years ago
Does anyone know if you can download windows live messenger or any im that works with hotmail from the app store?
Jah
4 years ago
See this really long list of issues iPhone owners have with the 3G iPhone: http://www.engadget.com/2008/08/01/how-would-you-change-apples-iphone-3g/#comments Stuff really need to reconsider the top rating they give this phone. Unresponsible consumer advice.
gteverall84
4 years ago
I really want the iPhone!!!!! The only thing is O2 no use to me where I live, so does anyone know if it will ever get onto another network!? Or even how long O2 have exclusivity!?
smudgechr
4 years ago
Well what can I say I have had my IPhone 3G 16Gb for 5 days and am seriously thinking of giving it back. As a next gen gadget it’s the best but as a phone it just does not cut it. Has anyone tried to send a contact to a friend, or forward on a text sent to them? Now I know it does not do MMS (how 1990) but if you do take a photo you then can’t send to a mate by Bluetooth. Trust me if its winding me up this much after 5 days what’s it going to be like after 6 months .
matt869
4 years ago
i bought an iphone 3g 8gb a few days ago. i would have to say the iphone is very good but it isnt without its problems. I find that it can be a bit slow during some operations. When i was running apps (more notably 'Safari') they kept cutting back to the home screen and i would have to restart what i was doing. Then just today it has crashed completly and all i have is a white screen. I am now waiting on a replacement. I may of had a faulty one like 'Jah' said about the US models. I hope anyway. It sounds similar. Never the less i am happy to be getting a replacement and so long as those niggles are sorted out i will be happy. The only thing that needs tweaked is the battery life. i noticed in the 3 days i had it was down to 20% battery life after just a day and so was charging it regular. not sure this was just because i had a faulty handset or wether this is what the battery life is like on all models but it really is the only thing i can see holding it back.
jaz146
4 years ago
o2 is one of the worst for support coverage is poor texting is slow. i wanted the white iphone. but no luck had to settle for black one
jaz146
4 years ago
my iphone is being exchanged for freezing, restarting, when they battery is low it runs really slow text typing is ridiculous. the phone battery lasts just under 8 hours with out any phone calls i have charged it every day since the 23rd july and made 22 minutes of calls since. it took me 2 hours on the phone for carphone warehouse to tell me it needs to be exchanged and told me to go apple help desk i called them they said we can repair it after being connected for 3 days. apple passed me back to carphone warehouse who have reluctantly offered to exchange they said go to apple then they said i send it back and pay the cost to return then they are collecting it hopefully tomorrow.
Jah
4 years ago
Really the Stuff review needs to be updated now that the iPhone 3G has been around for a few weeks; comments that are relevant but don't appear in the review: - poor battery life in poor 3G coverage - OS slowing down randomly (e.g. writing an email) - no Profiles like on Nokia/SE phones - no navigation at all, GPS is pointless - no A2DP; for a media device in 2008 this really is poor - no HID BT profile, so you can't use an external keyboard (again very poor for a 3G Smartphone) - no read & write for office applications - no file system (so how do you carry around business docs?) Stuff do seem a bit iPhone biased.
garfieldjk
4 years ago
I waited for a week to let the hype settle down and so on 19th I got up early went to the Apple Store in Regent Street to find a four hour queue (it was only 9.30). I had far more important things to do so left the desperados to their sad fate, knowing that several people in that queue would queue and not get an iPhone that day. I walked the length of Oxford street going into each 02 & Carphone Warehouse store to find that some had black 8GB but no white whilst others were still waiting; it seemed that Apple had coveted all the 16Gb for themselves. OK I'll get on with the story. Stayed with relatives in Essex and got up early that Sunday and went to Lakeside to visit the Apple store where to my surprise there were no queues and several iphones sadly only in white. I snapped it up it and began to experimenting. I only bought it so I could show it off to my work mate who recently bought a 1.0 phone and had it unlocked. 3G coverage- 3/5- crap, terrible, frustrating including in Canary Wharf, Essex, Central London. I'll let you know about Manchester. I went so far as to test the claims on the site "lonely planet downloads on Edge", sadly Apple got the download time right and nearly a minute later I had the homepage up. Free wifi- Canary Wharf has free wifi, but my iPhone didn't pick it up so I was stick on 3G/ Edge. Games/ Apps- Fantastic Ease of use 5/5 Email- 3/5, although I get to see my emails how teh sender wanted me to see it, I can't copy and paste text like I can on a blackberry and I'm forever having to zoom in and to read stuff. It's basically a .pdf. Text- 2/5- No multiple contacts for same message you"ll have to forward one at a time, how lazy is that for Apple! if you can send an email to multiple people why can't you do it as a text? Overall I worked it the total cost on 02s crap network at £35 pcm and £150 for the handset will set me back £800 for the contract which is dearer than a return trip on the Eurostar and buying a pay as you go from Orange or whom ever ah sit over there. I am contemplating this as I think Apple made the worst mistake in only releasing to one supplier. Buy or Not to Buy- I'd say wait or buy a touch.
jaz146
4 years ago
hi my iphone still not connected o2 having problems so i don't actually know what the network or gps is like. The staff at carphone warehouse are usless and not helpful. i would recommend the iphone but not from carphone warehouse
fitskin
4 years ago
With regard to buying an iPhone, what are you waiting for? Nobody will give you one, if you know what I mean as they would sensibly keep it for themselves. This thing is brilliant and annoying at the same time, especially when you add Apps to it like REMOTE and wonder why the volume is going up and down and tracks are changing left right and centre on iTunes, is the first time me and the significant other have had a tiff. Have just been totally bowled over by the iPhone and now just wonder where Apple are going to take it next?, i'm sure with the talent, bordering the genius that they have (and isn't it a British Guy up there somewhere for them) that they won't rest on their laurels with the competition, not exactly hot on their heels but certainly not wanting to be left out, from going. Just BUY IT, you won't be disappointed.
Rev Aardvark
4 years ago
I do think it is time that Stuff starts to edit reviews. It seems that some of those who submit reviews do not actually write in English, and spelling seems alien. Text 'speak' demonstrates stupidity and in my humble opinion only written reviews should be allowed. Oscarforest & coold need an education!
coold
4 years ago
i have owned loads off mobiles but this 1 is the best ever its got everything u would want in a fone if u r thinking off getting 1 go 4 it they r gr8
Jah
4 years ago
2 more questions for iPhone owners: 1. Is Office available for read/write? 2. Is there a navigation application to make use of the AGPS (like Tom Tom)
22197
4 years ago
I want my PAYG iphone
sir spimalot
4 years ago
iPhone 3G features aGPS, which is assisted by the cellular network. The 'a' part of it might not work so well in the country if there are fewer cell towers with which to triangulate your position. That means it might take longer to get a fix - a couple of minutes rather than 30 seconds.
konfusedkris
4 years ago
GPS should almost always be better in the country - less interence from signal bounce off buildings etc.
DdMcB
4 years ago
I havent got an iphone......but am seriously considering gettin 1. Whats the GPS like in rural areas...as that will probably swing it for me. I tried 1 an the software is definatley better.
fergy
4 years ago
I got my 8gig iphone on the day they came out, and i am very impressed with it ive had no issues with connection or crashing best phone since sliced bread. ps.. i am from the uk
Jah
4 years ago
Lots of US owners are having issues with poor signal quality, software crashing while running 3G, and slow down once synced with MS Exchange. What about UK users using UK 3G - is the iPhone more stable when not using 3G?
chrisgroom
4 years ago
Spelling ?
obuckley
4 years ago
Punctuation?
oscarforest1
4 years ago
i have got the 16gb iphone 3g black back btu it is not sctivated as you may of heard or have experienced that apples activation of the iphone section is down and they say will be back up tomorrow and also this morning when i was at my local o2 store all the o2 systems where down ad they said it was happening every where as every o2 store carphonewarhouse and other retailers wher eall going on to it to activate the iphones i was in the shop for 2 hours and the manual set up people where told not to allow any store to do manual activations soo at about 10 i left and they held it for me in the store and i went back after school and o2 where makind people not do in on the computer and just doing it by hand and then sending it off and now as i am at home and phone o2 on my old iphone they say i can not activate it till the morning when the system is back up but at least i know i have a 16gb iphone 3g and to make matter worest i accentently clicked restore on my old iphone settings and so my old iphone is not activ at the moment till the morning but you would of thought that apple and 02 would of tested and made it so it would not happen