iPhone 4 impressions

[Sirf]

Hi guys

A buddy of mine got the new iPhone yesterday and I'd just like to give you my impressions. (Full disclosure: from an HTC Desire owner)

The screen does look amazing. They weren't lying, it is crystal clear. The increased resolution on a similar sized screen actually makes a big difference. The speed can't be beat, I thought that my HTC was silky smooth until I used his phone. The video recording is better. It seems to be recording at a higher FPS (both on 720p).

After all of this, I was feeling pretty down considering I'm paying a similar amount for my phone that I could have if I went with the iPhone. But then...

I asked if he downloaded an app to read ebooks on the phone. He told me that Apple has an app called iBooks. So I checked it out... And I was horrified! It only has the oldest books available for download! And an select few at best (Android has a free app with some of the latest books available). We then realized that SA has limited access to the iStore. Granted that it's the same situation with the Android, you can purchase many of the best apps straight from the developers instead of the market. Because Apple does not allow this, you're essentially stuck with what they give you. This was a scary thought considering he purchased the phone for its amazing selection of apps and games which he now has no access to.

I know that iPhone users have the option to jailbreak their phones. But there isn't a jailbreak available for the iPhone 4 at present. Also, I know that jailbreaking your phone gives you access to most apps for free, but that's illegal. He wants to pay for the apps but does not have the option.

I think that in a country that has full access to the iStore, the iPhone would probably be the best option. But in SA it can't possibly be the case. What do you guys think? Which is better, a stock iPhone 4 or a high end Android phone?

 

[BeVonk!]

There's effective ways around the iTunes and iBook store limitations. Getting a US iTunes account is easy and then the user has full access to everything (no jailbreaks/rooting required). Without a US account the iPhone is severely crippled. If we will ever get full iTunes/app/iBook Store access in SA is up to Apple (who seems to ignore us). Kindle is obviously available for the iPhone so the iBook limitations are not really an issue. Kindle offers by far the most books anyway.

 

[sand_man]

I still love my 3GS but the screen is tired in relation to my Desire. From an ease of use perspective my jailbroken 3GS offers a far more "accurate" and less cluttered experience. Simplicity really is king when it comes to technology and Apple does intuitive better than any one else.

Sure Android market offers a huge array of apps but a good percentage of them don't actually work all that well... In my experience in any event... The apps off itunes almost always work 100%.

I'm enjoying my Desire but Android is still a very immature piece of software (although it's maturing at an astonishing rate).

I'm more than ready for an iPhone 4 but will want it jailbroken...

 

[Maddmatt]

I consider the Samsung Galaxy S to be superior to the iPhone.
But there are a few things that I envy about the iPhone 4. HD video recording is sharper, and it can record in stereo (I think?). It's better looking too.
People always say my Galaxy S looks like an iPhone (earlier models than 4). At least I can replace the knockoff iPhone interface with a nice custom launcher though.

I'm not going to write the usual "iPhone sucks" stuff here since this thread is dedicated to the iPhone 4 so I'd rather not derail it. I wont be mean

I don't know how much it will cost, but if it's any more than R6000 cash then I'll call it a rip-off. The Galaxy S is under R5500 and has similar hardware inside.

Sure Android market offers a huge array of apps but a good percentage of them don't actually work all that well... In my experience in any event... The apps off itunes almost always work 100%.

For every task that you would want an app for I'm sure you can find a good quality app that works well on Android. What can't you find a good Android app for?
I've found good quality apps to cover everything I want, from instant messaging to office (Word, Excel) to remote controlling my PC

 

[sand_man]

For every task that you would want an app for I'm sure you can find a good quality app that works well on Android. What can't you find a good Android app for?
I've found good quality apps to cover everything I want, from instant messaging to office (Word, Excel) to remote controlling my PC

On my 3GS I use Skype and Yahoo messenger for IM and I haven't found anything that functions on a par for the Android (although haven't really looked all that hard). I use RDP and Teamviewer to remote on iPhone. Again I've tried a few of the Android equivalents and haven't found anything vaguely as efficient.

Enlighten me!

 

[Maddmatt]

Enlighten me!

You can't get an official Skype client because Skype are greedy sellouts and their Android app is only available to certain US networks that they have some kind of deal with
So yes things suck if you rely on Skype, that's Skype's fault.
You can use Nimbuzz for Skype, but it doesn't support group chats or video calls. Fring used to do Skype video calls but the bastards at Skype blocked them.

Personally I use Ebuddy, which is a great IM app (pure IM, so no voice or video). Maybe not suitable for you since it doesn't support Skype, that's why I mentioned Nimbuzz and Fring.
Both Nimbuzz and Ebuddy support Yahoo.

Trillian is working on an Android version of their app, maybe that will turn out better than the others.

I have Unified Remote for controlling my PC, I admit I hardly make use of it but it seems to be able to control every aspect of your Windows PC. File browsing, task switch, keyboard and mouse. It also has modes for specific programs like Powerpoint and Windows Media Player.