iPhone 4 in a word? iAwesome.
It’s here! The iPhone 4 is now available in Canada — so does it deliver the goods or are there reception issues that have dogged the U.S. launch (well, from a PR perspective anyway). Here’s the scoop.
Apple's iPhone 4
Having sold more than 3 million iPhone 4s in just three weeks in the U.S. and elsewhere, Apple is introducing its latest smartphone in the Great White North on Friday morning – but it arrives atop a wave of negative press stemming from alleged reception problems.
Did Apple – a company whose market value is now bigger than Microsoft’s (at last check, $238 billion U.S. compared to $227 billion U.S.) – launch a subpar product and hope no one will notice?
No.
Whether these issues were overblown by the media or specifically related to the AT&T network, I experienced no “Antennagate” reception issues over the past week—on both the Bell and Telus networks, by holding the iPhone 4 in a number of ways, and with and without the complimentary wraparound “bumper” being given away to appease concerned customers.
Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, here’s what you need to know about the iPhone 4 ($159 for 16GB or $269 for 32GB on a 3-year term).
New look and feel
The first thing you’ll notice about the smartphone is its sleek redesign.
The iPhone 4 is much slimmer (9.3mm), flatter, and feels like a sturdier smartphone than the iPhone 3GS thanks to stainless steel along the edges and reinforced glass on both sides (said to be 30 times harder than plastic).
It also feels a tad heavier, by just 2 grams (now 137g). The volume up and down buttons are now metal and separated. The iPhone 4 is available only in black at this time, but a white version will be coming later this year.
Better screen
Apple has been boasting about its new “Retina” display, with its incredibly high-resolution of 326 pixels per inch (ppi), four times sharper than past iPhones. This is quite evident when you’re reading text on websites and emails on the 3.5-inch screen.
Even more noticeable, however, is how much better the contrast is on the new iPhone 4, with much deeper blacks and richer colours compared to the iPhone 3GS—with a screen that looked washed out when viewed side by side with the iPhone 4.
Face it
One of my favourite new features of the iPhone 4 is FaceTime, which can best be described as a Skype-like webcam chat between two people over a Wi-Fi connection – but both chatters need an iPhone 4 (Apple says they’ll “open up” the software in the near future so that it’ll work on multiple devices, and over 3G networks, too).
Using the front-facing camera, I tested FaceTime four times this week and it worked like a charm. You can see who you’re talking to (and see yourself in a smaller picture-in-picture window), and with the tap of a button you can flip to the other camera if you want the person to see what you’re seeing. Video calling on cell phones has been around for a few years, sure, but it hasn’t been this clear or intuitive to use.
Say cheese
Compared to other smartphones, iPhones always lacked in the camera department. The new iPhone 4 takes much better pictures with its 5-megapixel camera, LED flash and a larger sensor that delivers better low-light performance.
The iPhone 4 can also shoot HD video (720p quality at 30 frames per second) and despite not having good zoom, the clarity, colour and handling of motion was very impressive – especially for a smartphone. The H.264 video of my kids playing in a waterpark looked great when played back on a computer and HDTV (via PlayStation 3). It was also easy to edit and export the footage on the iPhone 4 itself with the downloadable iMovie app ($4.99).
And more…
Other new features didn’t seem to be as striking. For example, the processor didn’t appear to be any faster than the one powering the iPhone 3GS; battery life seemed comparable (though claiming to offer 40 per cent more talk time); and the 3-axis gyroscope isn’t as big a deal in gaming – to me anyway – as Steve Jobs made it out to be at the iPhone 4 unveiling.
The new iOS4 software is already included in the iPhone 4 (previous iPhone owners must download the free update from iTunes) and offers multitasking, folders, consolidated email inboxes, the iBooks app, better enterprise support, and more.
Summary
Without question, the iPhone 4 is the most impressive smartphone I’ve ever tested, not to mention it works well with the roughly 250,000 apps already available at the iTunes App Store – a huge value proposition to those interested in picking up Apple’s latest.
If you already own an iPhone 3GS, though, and you’ve downloaded the iOS4 operating system, I’d say you don’t need to upgrade to iPhone 4 despite its better design, FaceTime and HD video recording. Plus, price will likely be a consideration, too. The iPhone 4 without a contract will run you $659 for the 16GB model, or a whopping $779 for the 32GB version.
You can get a substantially reduced price if you sign up for a contract. Bell Mobility for instance is offering the 16GB model for $159 on a 3-year term.
Cost notwithstanding, the iPhone 4 packs a serious punch against the competition in the highly-competitive smartphone space.
Filed Under: Featured Posts > First Look > Uncategorized
Tags: antenna, bell, canada, iPhone, marc, reception, review, Rogers, saltzman, Telus
Hi Marc:
Thank you for this article on the Apple iPhone 4 and how you felt about it after spending some time with it. Glad to see you had a positive experience considering all the negative press it got in the US. I am hoping to get one in the near future.
That being said, I did have a question for you pertaining to your non ‘Antennagate’ – is your iPhone 4 experience based on usage in a large city or small rural/urban area? It seems to be more of an issue in the US around big cities.
Again, thank you for the article.
Edward Walsh
Marystown, Newfoundland
Canada
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I didn’t find any antenna problem in a Rogers connection. Thanks to them Rogers having more experience than Bell/Telus network.
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Marc…glad you did not experience the antennae issues. However, it doesn’t mean they were fixed, just covered up by a complimentary “guard”. Studies from the UK have shown the problem as Apple has experienced is unique to the iphone 4 and not all smart phones. However, the complimentary bumper does help reduce the issues. For me 250,000 apps in a controlled world such as Apples’s wasn’t worth it and I got rid of my iphone last month. Facetime…how often will anyone really use it. The HD video…okay in a pinch but better to get a dedicated camera don’t you think?
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To Ed, I tested the iPhone 4 in large urban areas, such as Toronto, as well as in the suburbs and even the countryside on one occasion — no problems each time.
To Paul, I didn’t use the bumper until Wed. (2 full days with it on) but there was no difference in reception at all). It was fine for both. Yes, Apple’s “walled garden” is good for quality control but some resent that Apple must approve everything (unlike the Android Market). I love FaceTime and when my wife gets an iPhone 4 I’m sure we’ll use it all the time. But hey. there are no shortage of smartphones, so there’s lots of selection.
Best,
Marc
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[...] Saltzman said To Ed, I tested the iPhone 4 in large urban areas, such as Toronto, as well as in the suburbs… on iPhone 4 in a word? [...]
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I am optimistic the reception concern is an US issue. Apple is peeking my interest more and more even though I am a die-hard fan of the BB. The best feature other than just looking cool is the FaceTime feature, when away from family, seeing and talking with each other is fantastic; Skype is great for that as well. Being off the continent often it would be nice to show my wife the view from the hotel, while talking.
BB is pissing me off with having to pull the battery once a month to gain back all too precious Application Memory. RIM does a terrible job allocating and freeing up memory. With over 884 GB in Device and Media Card Memory Application Memory goes to zero all too often especially with the use of news services something I rely on. In addition, Memory Cleaner does not give back much in the way of freed up memory either. Apple does not seem to have such issues, Apple is so non-geek I am not sure I can do non-geek.
The killer is that Apple does not have encryption technology.
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I didn’t find any antenna problem in a Rogers connection. Thanks to them Rogers having more experience than Bell/Telus network.
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Although I like what Apple has done for the smart phones industry, I wouldn’t jump on buying any apple products. My concern is singular and you have said it “Apple must approve”. I spent 550 bucks (plus taxes) on Sony Xperia X10 and got a 10 times better smart phone (hardware wise). I mean a faster processor, basically everything iphone 3gs had but faster.
That being said however, this isn’t bashing the iphone. I like that there are people willing to buy it, that means it would force makers like Sony to come up with phones like the xperia. It means we non-apple consumers would continue to win, and win big.
Thanks apple owners, for giving me a smart phone I can be proud of (By the way its not the Iphone).
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I drank the Apple Kool Aid decades ago, starting with the tiny grey box that gulped in floppies. I moved on to the aqua beach ball rainbow computer, followed by the inverted white half cantaloupe on a stand and the current sleek glass and aluminum iMac that is my magic bridge to new worlds. I even bought the stock back in 1997 and sold it when my portfolio manager did not support it. It’s only natural that I would scour the net for every pearly word regarding the iPhone4G
I have sensitivities to some electronics with high SARS ratings and use an old candy bar 2007 Nokia 6030, ( FIDO prepaid $10 per month plan) and a celluloid magnifying card from TD bank to enlarge its tiny fonts.
If ever there was a candidate for the iPhone in its most advanced incarnation, it was I. After getting incorrect information from Bell about its :”Remorse Policy” ( told return is in thirty days, when it is actually fourteen) I went up to Yorkdale for a test drive and failed miserably tilting, tapping and touching, pinching and spreading. It made me crazy. TMI. Smart girl, smart phone, dumb fingers and all for $2360 over a period of three years.
I called Andrea at FIDO and stuffed an extra twenty bucks into the candy bar and went to look at a nice Nespresso coffee machine at Williams-Sonoma, but the clerk says it doesn’t make phone calls.
That iPhone is for those who can pat their head and rub their tummy at the same time.
Regards,
The Eighty Year Old Virgin
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@Phil…it will be interesting to see the reviews of BB OS6 on the 9800 slider due on the 3rd of August. I agree that the BB OS does seem to have memory issues when it comes to releasing memory. I do use a memory boost program that seems to help. In any event I do pull the battery once a month all the same. I like the freedom of choice. The BIS works for me far better than the iphone 3GS I had and like yourself I like the encryption. In the meantime I will admit the iphone 4 looks like a nice phone, but like any phone it is far from perfect. When accidentally dropped from waste height the glass can crack on the back or the front. Just do a search on youtube and you will see what I mean. I would like to see what comes out at years end before making any final decisions in that regard. Android is newer and gaining marketshare.
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Hi Marc,
Quick app questions for you!
Safari is okay but kinda slow so what would be the best iPhone browser to download? Firefox? Opera? Others?
I’ve already downloaded Camera+ for photos so what would be the best all around videography Iphone app? iVideoCamera? Others?
Thanks in advance
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Hi Pierre,
I tried a couple, such as Firefox and CloudBrowse, but still prefer Safari overall. Are you sure it’s not your connection speed that’s slowing you down? I can also tell the difference with the WiFi N in the iPhone 4 (on my WiFi N router). Wow!
Best,
Marc
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Hi Marc,
Thanks for the info on Safari!
What about a great app for filming videos? iVideoCamera any good?
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Sorry Pierre,
I’ve only used iMovie ($5) on the iPhone 4 to edit videos shot on the smartphone.
Here’s a couple reviews of iVideoCamera:
http://appadvice.com/appnn/2010/02/review-ivideocamera/
and
http://www.cultofmac.com/review-ivideocamera-doesnt-do-great-video-but-its-a-start/23516
Best,
Marc
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[...] Saltzman said Sorry Pierre, I’ve only used iMovie ($5) on the iPhone 4 to edit videos shot on the… on iPhone 4 in a word? [...]
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How does one get an iPhone 4 in Canada without wasting several hours in line outside an Apple store? I’ve tried my local Apple store several times only to see huge queues or to learn they’re s/o. A third-party website said Rogers was getting a shipment today. THAT was false information. I’d like to get an iPhone 4 but it seems my chances are zero to none because I don’t want to pay $700 for an unlocked phone nore do I want to waste several hours outside an Apple store. So, I guess unless you’re willing to do either of these steps, you’re sol. Apple didn’t think this one out very well.
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Hmmmmm!
I don’t think people go outside the box of the majors cellphone providers when looking for a new product.
Try the Virgin Mobile, Telus or Fido store/kiosk in the malls!
Or try calling your cellphone provider and ask them about availability of the iPhone4. Say you are thinking of leaving them for another provider cuz they have it in stock. Off to retention dept you go and they might find you one in a store or independant retailer somewhere in your area.
It happens! I’m living proof of it when I was looking for a 3GS a few weeks before the i4 came out…
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I’ve tried other locations and EVERYONE is sold out. I’m sticking with Rogers so for that reason, I can’t go to Telus or Virgin Mobile (I don’t think either of them have the iPhone on their plan) or Fido.
It’s just very frustrating and I know I’m not the only person. When I walk by Apple stores, 90% of the people in line are young male Asians. I wonder how many of these guys have stood in line a few times to buy 2 unlocked phones per visit (the max) to ship back home or to re-sell on eBay or Craig’s List.
Those of us who want the iPhone 4 for PERSONAL use seem to be out of luck unless we’re willing to wait indefinitely.
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Other carriers do have the iPhone 4 with plans. You don’t believe me? It’s just an internet click away to verify! Hahahaha…
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[...] the free band offered to us after the problem was already identified and resolved (note: though I didn’t find any such issue in [...]
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