iPhone 3G Reviews

[Fanatic]

Rather than dish more of the same, here are the juicy bits from the top iPhone 3G reviews:

David Pogue | The New York Times

• The new iPhone feels better in your hand due to the “gracefully curved” back.
• The 3G network “brings you Web pages in less than half the time.”
• Audio quality for calls takes a “gigantic leap forward” and is “crystal clear” on either end of the call — something that only a few other phones can claim.
• Apple claims that the GPS receiver’s antenna is too small to replicate turn-by-turn navigation of a standalone GPS unit.
• As with most GPS devices, downtown buildings can block reception.
• Battery replacement will still cost $86.
• The AppStore is “drop-dead simple,” “hundreds (of apps)” available at launch with “thousands” in the wings
• Gaming on the iPhone is “dazzling”

Walt Mossberg | The Wall Street Journal

• The new phone “mostly keeps its promises.”
• The iPhone 3G “is much, much faster at fetching data over cellphone networks” than the original iPhone.
• Email and Web access were typically “between three and five times as fast on AT&T’s 3G network.” “In Washington and New York […] 3G speeds ranged between 200 and 500 kilobits per second compared to 70 and 150 kbps on EDGE.”
• The iPhone 3G frequently dropped calls in New York City while a “cheap Verizon phone” had “perfect reception.”
• While 3G was enabled, the iPhone 3G’s battery drained much more quickly than the original iPhone during a typical day of use.
• Audio is greatly improved for the iPhone 3G — the built-in speaker was louder for music and speakerphone conversations were better. There were some echoing issues while using the built-in Bluetooth system in a car.
• Setting up Exchange ActiveSync was quick and easy. Changes on the iPhone were instantly reflected in Microsoft Outlook. Push email was fast and instant.
• Exchange calendar sync will erase personal calendars and contacts in iPhone OS 2 software.
• Tested Apps: AOL Instant Messenger, AOL Radio, etc. on an original iPhone with OS 2.0 installed.

Edward Baig | USA Today

• “No equal among consumer-oriented smartphones.”
• Claims that it was a “relative cinch” to setup access to Exchange and works well.
• Mentions issues where even in New Jersey 3G coverage is not available or spotty.
• Popular Web sites take 10 to 30 seconds to load through 3G, which is a lot faster than on EDGE
• The iPhone 3G feels “perfectly comfortable” in the hand because of the plastic back.
• The plastic backing should improve reception versus the original’s aluminum backing.
• “Pretty impressed” by the GPS accuracy, but wants the phone to have voice turn-by-turn directions.
• Audio quality is better overall, particularly the speakerphone.
• Parental controls not only block access but remove icons from the home screen.
• Daily charging of the phone will be required if used regularly.
• Conclusion: an “enthusiastic thumbs up.”

[Jeff]

I've got the new iPhone 3G and generally agree with these reviewers.

One thing most noticable is that with everything on (wifi, blutooth, 3G, etc) the battery runs down faster.

The other thing is the screen. The first ten iPhone had a glass screen. The new ones have a plastic screen. It looks the same, but it feels different. Slightly "stickier".

And though not a feature of the new phone, I love the 2.0 firmware and the appstore!

[standby]

What I don't like is that there are to few good free apps in appstore.

[axelkan]

Now there are lots of stuff to buy and game-for-Iphone industry is booming

[axelkan]

It's interesting that stats show that 99% of people don't buy apps after using trial versions so far