Apple iPhone 3G

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Stuff says
Unquestionably worth the pre-launch hype, and at the price, definitely worth snaffling. Time to join the queue…

UPDATE – Check out our exclusive hands-on video review of the iPhone 3G

iPhone hands-on 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.


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.


Get the latest updates from our Apple iPhone 3G blog

Witness our iPhone 3G unboxing

Or check out the rivals:

Nokia N95 8GB review

Nokia N96 preview

Sony ericsson review

HTC Touch Diamond review

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