iPhone 4 – Day 1
By Jon Cohen
Background: I took the plunge and bought what has been described by many users and critics as a defective product, the new iPhone 4 from Apple. I had to give the idea of buying the iPhone 4 some thought, but once I did buy it, I found myself hoping that I would not be disappointed by it. After all a lot of people are asking me for my thoughts on this new device. People want to know whether or not they should buy/upgrade to iPhone 4. So I opted to buy one and test it out for myself and thus allow me to give people an informed opinion.
The screen is so sharp to look at, both text and images are super clear that it made me almost forget that I was wanting to test it for signal issues and dropped calls. The first impressions of the new iPhone are summed up with one word “Wow”. Although it feels heavier then the 3GS iPhone (it is not, both are 4.8 ounces), but it also feels like the weight is in the right place to use this phone. Unlike the 3GS this iPhone sits in my hand comfortably, and feels solid! After syncing my data with iTunes the new iPhone was ready to use. (Apple deserves a lot of credit for shipping a phone that is charged out of the box)
I tried out the phone feature without using any case or bumper looking to drop calls and checking for the signal to deplete, both didn’t happen on Day 1. In fact the “Death Grip” that is much talked about all over the Internet was not causing me any issues. I did loose a bar from time to time, but it was not different on any other of the older iPhones I had used. I am using this phone on the Rogers Wireless network which has offered me wireless service over the past 10 years, I only wish the Internet speeds would be faster. I plan on testing with both Bell and Telus in days to come, provided that PR from each of the companies gets back to me.
After one day, my thoughts are the following; great display, super fast, and no signal issues. Tomorrow I plan on testing the video call feature known as “FaceTime” as well as doing some test images using both the front and rear cameras. So far I can’t find any reason why someone would not want to buy/upgrade to the iPhone 4. Stay tuned for Day 2 tomorrow.
very reassuring. i am waiting for the white iphone 4…very informative jon. well done..
Thanks for the review, Jon. I’m waiting for my iPhone 4 to arrive around mid-September. I was skeptical about purchasing it due to the bad press and snub by Consumer Reports. I believe the whole “death grip” signal issue was blown out of proportion. I’m even more excited for it to arrive now. Looking forward to your Day 2 article.
Hey Jon, thanks for this very personal review…i know I can trust your opinion. I read a lot of other reviews and they all sound like they bought their material like students who buy their research papers online lol
I’m still undecided between getting the iPhone because of its unmatched APP Store and an Android phone like the Moto Droid X.
Any chance for a review on your part and foresight on whether Canadian wireless will supply any good ones in the months to come?
Thanks Eyal for the comments!
As for your question, here is my answer: Like death and taxes you can bet new, faster, better phones will hit the Canadian market. Thus when you compare you must also include the 200,000+ Apps. that the iPhone offers. I think that both HTC and Motorola will have handsets that will be competitive to the iPhone and may even be faster in time. As well the Blackberry Torch will be able to compete for some business. But at the end of the day when you add up all the parts (Apps, Phone, Camera, HD Video, iTunes integration, Address book, FaceTime, Calendar sync, and Apps again) you find that Apple has built up a huge lead to anyone else. Thus I think the iPhone is the right choice for you.