Cheaper, faster and with GPS, Apple's 3G iPhone is an upgrade that could well take one of the most admired handsets in the world into one of the most popular; be it the 8GB or 16GB, this is a phenomenal phone, and, with the iPhone 2.0 software and third-party apps it could well be 2008's must-have gadget.
Critics answered
When the original iPhone was released it faced several criticisms – the lack of 3G for a phone that was built for surfing, the quality of its camera and the lack of GPS to partner with its Google Maps application.
Apple has now answered two of these criticisms and its latest handset brings both the HSDPA connectivity that allows faster connections when the owner is outside of Wi-fi and a neat little personal navigation system that should make sure you can always find the nearest public loos, restaurant or tourist attraction.
At launch, with the right contract you can get hold of both 8GB and 16GB versions for no additional cash; the former will take a minimum of an 18 month £45 contract and the latter the £75 plan. For the smaller £35 contract the 8GB version will cost you £99 and the 16GB £159.
As always with Apple products, even unboxing is an event. The 3G iPhone sits right at the top of the neat box, with the standard white headphones, charger and USB cable beneath.
Quick installation
The installation process that the UK owners will run through is painless, as long as your iTunes is up to date you can quickly get your iPhone registered and paired with the computer.
The cosmetic changes from the previous iPhone are negligible, but what once was an aluminium back is now uniform plastic; the phone looks thinner, although in actual fact it is a little larger overall but bevelled to look less chunky.
3G seems fast, certainly an improvement on its predecessor's Edge network connection, but that was fairly inevitable. The downside is a much-reduced battery life, and this is a phone that will almost certainly require some carrying round of the charger if you plan to use it a lot.
The GPS is actually a joy, with a bit of patience and a couple of finger taps you will soon be able to track down your location, and after you set directions your movement will be tracked as a blue dot.
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Your comments (5) Click to add a new comment
cookie901
July 20th
5. Could someone tell me if that iphone 3g will connect to home wireless networks? been struggling to get an answer even from o2 reps. thanks
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tbanting
July 16th
4. queued like others to be the proud owner of an iPhone. I spend 4 days trying to get it activated. I had numerous calls into O2 customer service, I got transfered to Apple, I got another SIM card, I visited the store 3 times- no joy.
I have a faulty iPhone, along with many others when you look on internet. I get a SIM card error stating that a valid and unlocked SIM card needs to be installed. It is both valid and unlocked as I checked it with another handset.
Unfortunately o2 have no stock- so now I have an expensive door stop, no idea when replacement handsets will be in store- and O2 say iPhones will be on a first come, first served basis- despite me being a new customer to O2! Appauling customer service.
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calcio
July 14th
3. @Reload - my battery with early day overuse is not as bad as I thought it would be. It's getting through the day comfortably although i am currently afflicted with the lack of 3g / no cloud wi fi nonsense which might change things.
I'd put general usage battery at 12-15 hours
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reload
July 14th
2. What is the real world battery life on the new 3G IPhone?
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jodester
July 14th
1. Aussie proud owner of the new 3G iPhone. I have been wanting an Iphone since it was first released in the USA a year ago. I drove for 3 hours to Sydney's new Apple Store to purchase one and then another 5 hours wait in the line. The wait was certainly worth it. It is everything I dreamt of and a lot more. I spent a half day on line browsing through the Apps store. The wireless/3G is so fast, the phone is so clear and Ipod sound amazing, the graphics unbelievable and the simplicity of setting up email and syncing is like no other - I could rave on all day of how much in love I am with my new iPhone. This is the best and worth its weight in GOLD - thanks Apple
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