iPhone & iPhone 3G comparison from an Indian perspective

Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (Original - Left, 3G - Right)

I had the joy of using both the models of iPhone. My 1st was bought from USA and unlocked using ziPhone in India. As iPhone 3G can’t be unlocked as of now, so I had to buy that from India.

Let’s discuss how the 2 phones are different for a user in India.


I will start with the advantages that the original iPhone has over 3G:

1. 1. Cheaper
Although the 3G model is cheaper in USA ($ 199 instead of $399 for original one), but when purchased in India from grey market, it’s around 20 – 22 K INR, which is about INR 10K cheaper that the 3G model.



2. 2. Sturdy
   
Original iPhone back is made of anodized aluminum, which is stronger and more durable than the all plastic back of 3G. Even if used without a case, the only part which is prone to scratches is the apple logo on back & to some extent the sides which are of steel finish. Also there won’t be any smudges, fingerprints on back side. In case of 3G the back is entirely plastic, and it’s extremely prone to scratches and smudges. Infact I am taking utmost care of my 3G, as my case is yet to arrive from USA & I keep my phone only on soft surfaces, still I can see some scratches on it already.



3. 3. Unlock
   
Any software version of the original iPhone can be unlocked free of cost & used with any GSM provider in the world. A software based unlock for the 3G is not yet out. Although some rebel sim solutions are available for unlocking 3G, but they are expensive (US$ 50) and are not very reliable also.



4. 4. Dock
Apple had included the dock for original iPhone, which is not there for 3G in the box. It has to be purchased separately for 3G (US$ 29)



5. 5. Cydia & Installer
When iPhone is jail broken, you get 2 more installers in addition to the App Store, viz. Cydia & Installer. These unleash the true potential of iPhone & remove the limitations like SMS forwarding, individual sms deletion, etc. Although the iPhone 3G can be jail broken, but then the warranty gets void.



6. 6. 3G
There is no 3G in India as of now. So as long as it’s not available, the iPhone 3G and original iPhone make no difference to users in India.



7. 7. GPS
GPS in iPhone 3G does not have voice guided navigation as of now, so basically at the moment it’s more of a gimmick that a feature to have. By using Google maps in original iPhone, one can get a pretty close location (which is roughly about 100 meters from original).

Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (Left - Original, Middle & Right - 3G)

Now let’s see the advantages iPhone 3G has over the original iPhone

1. 1. Warranty
Purchasing iPhone 3G in India will give the warranty, which is absent for the grey market original iPhone.



2. 2. Better grip
iPhone 3G gives a better grip than the original one. This is because of the plastic back and the curved shape. So there are much less chances of phone slipping from your hands.



3. 3. Easy update of firmware
As the phone is officially purchased, so updating firmware is very simple by just updating from iTunes. For the original iPhone, there is a little more complicated process involved & also unlocks are not available immediately as the firmware gets released.



4. 4. 3G
Although 3G is not yet available in India, but in future when it’s eventually deployed, it can be a major advantage in terms of data transfer speeds.



5. 5. GPS
When major companies like Garmin, Tom-tom, etc release the voice based navigation softwares, the GPS of iPhone can be very useful. But at the moment it’s more of a gimmick than a use. Some minor uses of GPS are location tagging of photos or using softwares available on App Store to determine your exact location & mail it to relatives to let them see in Google maps as were exactly you are.



6. 6. Speed
iPhone 3G feels faster that the jail broken original iPhone. For opening applications, one can easily notice the difference in speeds.



7. 7. Better reception
Although I always had full network coverage in India in both the iPhones, but as per Apple the plastic back of 3G facilitates better reception.



8. 8. Battery
The battery life of 3G is significantly better than the original model. Also as the battery is not soldered, so the replacement should be easier. Also the 3G provides 2 small screws at the bottom to open the phone, which were absent in original.



9. 9. Headphone jack
The 3G iPhone has a normal headphone jack instead of the recessed one in original. So any headphones can be used in it.

Looking at the above comparison, both the phones have certain advantages and disadvantages over each other. But in the current scenario, the original iPhone seems a better bet. But as it’s no longer manufactured by apple, so getting one is bit difficult. And of course the users who have the original should not upgrade to the 3G in my opinion.

However it will all change when 3G services will be eventually available in India. But the cost of the 3G will be key, as India is a very price conscious market. But again people who can afford 31,000 for 3G iPhone won’t mind high 3G costs either….hehehe