iPhone 3G: More tests, more findings

Update, 7/18/08: We've completed our testing of the iPhone 3G. ConsumerReports.org subscribers can access our full Ratings of the iPhone 3G -- along with our take on more than a dozen other smart phones -- here.

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We didn't expect to find many differences between the old and new iPhone beyond 3G network and GPS capability.

(Our colleagues over at the Cars blog are taking a closer look at the iPhone as a portable GPS navigation device. You can read their initial thoughts on the iPhone's GPS capabilities and watch our short video review of the iPhone 3G for more details.)

Both phones share the same brilliant, high-definition display, the same built-in 1.9 megapixel digital camera, and the same intuitive interface.

But our voice-quality tests turned up a pleasant surprise: Voice quality for talking—how you sound to others—was very good, compared with just good for the previous iPhone. That's especially welcome news considering that its listening quality—how incoming calls sound to you—was still only fair, the same as the old iPhone and most other GSM cell phones.

We also had the chance to download a few of the hundreds of applications on Apple's new App Store, now available to all iPhone and iPod Touch users who upgrade to iTunes 7.7 (Touch owners must pay a $10 upgrade fee), which should take you just a few minutes over a Wi-Fi connection. You can also use the 3G data connection to upgrade, when a hot spot isn't available, but not to download songs from iTunes.

Many of the new applications are free, though a records-tracking program for medical professionals, called My Life, costs a whopping $50. Expect to pay $10 or less for a premium application or game. One we found hard to put down: SEGA's Super Monkey Ball, which takes advantage of iPhone's accelerometer by having you tilt the phone to get the animated monkey to travel a maze rife with pitfalls. In fact, many applications make use of the iPhone 3G's innovative features. This includes Where, a free title that uses iPhone's GPS to help you find nearby businesses and other points of interest.

For more information and help on deciding if the iPhone is for you, see our free How to choose a smartphone section and other cellphone buying advice on ConsumerReports.org.

Stay tuned for more findings as we continue to test the iPhone 3G.

—Mike Gikas

Comments

[Bob]

I have had my iPhone for over a year and claim responsibility for getting 20+ family, friends and co-workers to buy one too. It has been a great phone and is now even better with the 2.0 upgrade. It works great as a phone and a 'mini' computer. I have about 20 apps currently, which really improves functionality. I had Verizon and don't miss them at all - ATT has been fine.

[Johny]

Now onto the product....simple, sleek, amazing. Set up out of the box could not have been easier. Make sure you have the most updated version of itunes onyour computer, plug in the USB cord and you're up and running. Give it a full 3-4 hour charge first time through. Load up your music, pictures, videos. The software is simplicty defined. If you can use a toaster over, you can use this device. The wi-fi immediatley found my home network (and my neighbor's). Setting up email: simple. Surfing the web: simple. And, oh yeah, using it to listen to music (ostensibly what it is for): a lifting and beautiful experience.

Might as well buy this newer version with the new software loaded. With amazon's discount, it only a few dollars more than the old version without the upgrade after you pay for it and upload it youself. Save yourself the hassle and get the new version.

So you know, this thing will get fingerprinted fast. I got a Griffin leather hard shell case with a protective screen cover for about $20.00. A bit pricey but worth it to protect your investment.

I went with the 8 gig verion for a few reasons and it's more than enough space. I am a music nut...I loaded it with more music that I can digest in two weeks and there's still 3 gigs free. Sure I'll eventually fill it (I guess...) but I really don't mind swapping music out for fresh music thereby making my ipod new and fresh again. I also thought if I somehow lose the thing, I'd be out a lot more money with the 16 or 32 gig version. But honestly, it's more than enough space for me.

The one caveat I discovered the hard way: shut off the wi-fi connection when you're not using it. I charged it up, thought I turned it off, and then went to bed. In the morning, the battery was fully drained. Instead of turning off, I only put the unit to sleep. (To turn off, you need to press and hold the sleep button until the power off slider comes on-screen and you turn it off fully.) And while it was in sleep mode with the wi-fi still on, it kept checking my email, etc, thus draining the battery. Just turn off wi-fi when you're not using it and you're battery will keep running.

Concluding, I love this thing, and don't know how I got by without it.