The iPhone 3G was launched more than one year after Apple introduced its first iPhone model. The latest version is barely distinguishable from the first model in terms of physical design, but it does deliver more advanced features and new functions, including faster 3G network access, a wide range of third-party applications and Microsoft Exchange server e-mail. Though the iPhone 3G lacks some basic features, it is seen as a turning point in the history of the smartphone industry.
The iPhone 3G has addressed some of the glitches seen in the first Apple model. Volume is louder and background noise has been dramatically reduced, though music and video quality are barely changed.
The 3.5inch screen has a resolution of 480×320 pixels. It has the same dimensions as the first Apple model, but the iPhone 3G has slightly more dots per inch (163 vs. 160). Image quality is also improved, thanks to its sharper graphics and fluid movements.
The iPhone 3G comes with tons of web 2.0 applications and widgets, online financial tools, YouTube widgets, threaded texting and visual voice mail, among many others.
Another major improvement seen in the iPhone 3G is interoperability with Microsoft Exchange server. This model also works with multiple POP3 accounts and allows faster e-mail syncing. Apple’s Mobile Me service, which synchronises with Mac’s e-mail functionalities, is also supported by iPhone 3G.
The speed of data transmission also sets the iPhone 3G apart from its predecessor and 3G connectivity dramatically reduces download time. For instance, a web page that takes 2.75minutes to download using 2.5G EDGE, takes less than a minute to be accessed on 3G.
