September 23, 2008 5:08 PM PDT
T-Mobile G1 Vs. Apple iPhone 3G
After the T-Mobile G1 was announced this morning, we went over the features of the G1, compared it to other phones, and listed what was missing. But we think a lot of you are asking if this compares well to the Apple iPhone 3G, and if it's a so-called "iPhone killer." Here's a simple side-by-side comparison chart of the two devices, with what we think are important design and feature differences (Bear in mind that some of these features might change as new applications surface). Let us know what you think.
| T-Mobile G1 | Apple iPhone 3G | |
| Dimensions | 4.60 inches x 2.16 inches x 0.62 inch | 5.5 inches x 2.4 inches x 0.48 inch |
| Screen size | 3.2 inch | 3.5 inch |
| Navigation | Touch screen, QWERTY keyboard, trackball and navigation keys. No multitouch-gesture support. | Touch screen, Home button. Multitouch-gesture support. |
| Camera | 3.2 megapixels, no video recording | 2.0 megapixels, no video recording |
| Connectivity | Quad-band GSM, dual-band UMTS, Wi-Fi. Bluetooth-headset profile is supported, but no stereo Bluetooth, no tethering. | Quad-band GSM, tri-band UMTS/HSDPA, Wi-Fi. Bluetooth-headset profile is supported, but no stereo Bluetooth, no tethering. |
| Accelerometer | Yes | Yes |
| GPS | Yes | Yes |
| Maps | Google Maps with Satellite View, Traffic, and Street View. Also has a compass mode that orients the screen as you move. | Google Maps with Satellite View and Traffic. No Street View |
| Memory | MicroSD-card slot expandable up to 8GB, with MicroSDHC-card support. Comes with a 1GB card preloaded | 8GB or 16GB, no expansion slot |
| Push Gmail, POP3, IMAP, no Exchange | POP3, IMAP, Exchange support | |
| Syncing | Over-the-air synchronization | Desktop synchronization, with over-the-air sync for certain cloud-based applications like Web mail and online calendars. |
| Visual Voicemail | Don't know yet, presumably no | Yes |
| Music Store | Amazon MP3 Store | iTunes Store |
| Application Store | Android Market. The SDK is open source and applications don't need to be vetted for approval. | iTunes Application Store. Applications need to be approved by Apple to appear in the store. |
| Multimedia Messaging | Yes | No |
| Copy and Paste | Yes | No |
| Voice dial | Yes | No |
| 3.5mm headset jack | No | Yes |
| Removable battery | Yes | No |
| Price | $179 with two-year service agreement | $199 with two-year service agreement for 8GB, $299 with two-year service agreement for 16GB |
| Data plan | $35 a month for unlimited Web, e-mail, messaging, and T-Mobile HotSpot access; $25 a month for unlimited Web, e-mail, unlimited IM on Google Talk, 400 total messages (text, picture messages, non-Google Talk IM), and T-Mobile HotSpot access. | $30 a month for unlimited consumer data plan, $45 a month for unlimited business data plan, $5 a month for 200 text messages, $15 a month for 1,500 text messages, $20 a month for unlimited text messages |
Nicole Lee is an associate editor for CNET, covering cell phones, Bluetooth headsets, and all things mobile. She's also pretty geeky--she likes World of Warcraft, comic books, and shiny gadgets. E-mail Nicole. 
I think I'm gonna stick with my original iPhone.
The G1 has a smaller, lower resolution, less sensitive screen, with NO multi touch support.
The kicker is the headphone jack issue. Having no quality control for the apps is just going to frustrate users.
And yeah the G1 is ugly as sin, it will fail ... just like all of the other wannabee iPhones. But it's great that they keep trying, as it just makes Apple work harder to outpace the competition :)
Its great to see some competition for the iPhone but as I see it, it's not even close just yet. The operating system for the iPhone is just too slick, too vibrant and polished as of now. The G1 & Android is a good start but NOT better than the iPhone in every way as posted. Slow your roll !!!!!
1. G1 is 30% Thicker than the iPhone
2. Desktop Calender/Contact Sync
3. Multitouch
* Unknown is the G1's graphic capability and the responsiveness of the interface (think Windows Mobile).
* Not related, but when you have unlimited data and IM, who needs Text-Messaging?
No you are not locked into using Google Apps, there is a unvetted app store.
Yah I'm sure toilet tissue paper looks better than the G1 (sarcasm was intended). I don't need a slick and sexy phone to make myself feel better. Nor do I need a slick and sexy phone to know that my phone does what I need want it to do without Apple's express consent.
@pcfish: Uhh the article said that you can sync over the air, so calendar/mail syncing over the air isn't exactly an advantage that the iPhone has. I'm not sure if the G1 has desktop syncing though...I'm sure it does, though, what smartphone would come without being able to sync with a PC?
Do any of you remember how many iphone commercials had to be shown? I couldnt watch tv for 10 minutes without seeing one of those commercials. Well the iphone sold 1 million devices in 74 days. WOOPIE! Tmobile's G1 has sold over 1.5 million people have ordered the G1 in the U.S. Not including Europe. And thats happened before the G1 even came on. Well if this isnt impressive enough, Tmobile hasnt had to spam your tv with non-stop commercials in order to sell. Just a fact to all of you iphone loves and G1 haters. =)
You know, it's funny, you're right! Because the iPhone has the ability to store roughly 4,000 songs for only $20 more! What an insignificant difference! You also forgot the larger screen.
I think it's interesting, that as always CNET is biased against Apple's iPhone. No mention of visual voicemail? Does the G1 have accelers' built into it?
Look, I'm all about fair, but this is ridiculous. How about some objective reporting?
Granted, this phone does look really cool. I really want to try Google's OS. I just wish they would've included built in memory for the price. That is a big difference, regardless of how people slice it. I'm looking to replace my crappy LG Chocolate by July next year, and for $20 more, I would probably go with the iPhone. I think the capacity included outweighs that I can't cut and past (yet), but all people are different.
Oh and heres a link to buy a 8gb MicroSD Card for $28.
http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?InvtId=SDSDQ-8192-C2-BULK&cm_mmc=GoogleProducts-_-FlashMemory/CardReaders-_-MicroSecureDigital(microSD)-_-SDSDQ-8192-C2-BULK&zmam=2003677&zmas=1&zmac=129&zmap=SDSDQ-8192-C2-BULK
Its not like 8gb costs that much. And it comes with an SD converter so you can stick it right into your computer and backup all your memory.
Plus the iPhone doesn't even have simple phone stuff like MMS come on thats sad. Plus texting sucks period on the iPhone. Also, T-Mobiles data and texting plans are cheaper and so are there calling plans.
Besides, how can a side-by-side comparison be subjective?
"Because the iPhone has the ability to store roughly 4,000 songs for only $20 more! What an insignificant difference!" It's called a cheap SD card. You can get 8 or 16gb and you can change your SD card whenever you want.
"You also forgot the larger screen" Oh right so the iPhone is suddenly miles ahead of the competition because its screen is 0.3 inches bigger. A big screen is all very nice but you're going to get a headache if you stare at that screen for more than half an hour.
You just overlooked all the other features that the G1 was better at and concentrated on the few points that the iPhone beat the G1.
Well there is a way to send MMS so scratch that downfall.........all you need to know is the providers extension i.e(pm.sprint.com) and add the cell number before it lol........iPhone wins again
Maps: Satelite, traffic, and street views.
Creating ringtones from songs on the device.
Managing your music from the device instead of from your computer.
Provide immediate feedback on content purchased from the Android market.
I prefer having a removable battery instead of having to send the whole unit in to get serviced.
Will not lose customer service from manufacturer if you get it unlocked.
And the OS is more wiling to accept 3rd party applications which will continue to enhance user experience.
And this is the first to come from T-Mobile's line up of iPhone competitors.
"Provide immediate feedback on content purchased from the Android market."
What's so unqiue about it?
http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?InvtId=SDSDQ-8192-C2-BULK&cm_mmc=GoogleProducts-_-FlashMemory/CardReaders-_-MicroSecureDigital(microSD)-_-SDSDQ-8192-C2-BULK&zmam=2003677&zmas=1&zmac=129&zmap=SDSDQ-8192-C2-BULK
I wrote few things about it yesterday
http://www.livecrunch.com
From wikipedia: "Cards 4 GB and larger are only available in the newer SDHC format." Which would mean that if it accepts 8GB, it will accept larger than 8GB when they are available.
Also from wikipedia
"As of mid 2008, most sold SD cards are of the SDHC variant with a capacity of 4GB or more."
Unless, of course, there's some type of software tweak that doesn't read more than 8GB (can you say Motorola ROKR with iTunes?) but that will probably be remedied with firmware upgrades to android or a 3rd party app.
... oh, and publicity ... even you're talking about Apple, ha!
Did you say " NO HEADPHONE JACK" unless you have a "USB ATTACHMENT TO CARRY AROUND" ?
Did you say the screen touch is like using an ATM " ONLY CLICKS AND DRAGS" ?
Did you say the slide feature will brake faster then you can say Motorola flip phone ?
DId you say anyone can write programs for it and steal your information off your phone without google having any control over it or stopping it ?
I thought you did . :)
I worry on my privacy for that fact. Think of how you would feel if you downloaded an app and all of a sudden your contacts are gone...or your phone calls are recorded by someone who plans on using the information in a malicious way.
-You can buy USB headphones, and $2 adapters that are small and simple.
-if you're referring to multitouch, the hardware supports it, but Google/HTC are concerned about a lawsuit from Apple if they implemented multi-touch
-I've had a T-Mobile Wing (also made by HTC) and have had no problems with the slide feature. Had it over a year and dropped it half a dozen times.
-Uh, I don't need Apple, or anyone else big-brothering me to keep me safe. I can look out for myself. If you're downloading and installing everything you see online, you're going to have problems. It's not the manufacturer's responsibility to save you from your own stupidity.
Apple is a control freak. Remember this is the company that decided that you only needed ONE button on a mouse and that color was overrated.
Did you say "GET A DAM IPOD INSTEAD?" (well you're probably right on this one lol, but personally I would get a separate mp3)
Did you say "YOU DON'T NEED TO DO FANCY TRICKS, IT'S A DAM PHONE"
Did you say "YOU CAN'T PROVE THIS, HTC HAS A TRACK RECORD OF MAKING RELIABLE PRODUCTS"
Did you say "YOU DON'T NEED A DAM COMPANY FILTERING WHAT'S GOOD AND WHAT'S BAD FOR YOU. GET SOME BRAINS AND DOWNLOAD APPS FROM A REPUTABLE SOURCE. THIS OPEN APP STORE PROMOTES DEVELOPER FREEDOM AND ALLOWS DEVELOPERS TO FULLY EXPLOIT THE PHONE TO ITS LIMITS"
Additional points:
Did you say that "THE G1 HAS COPY AND PASTE? *GASPS*"
Did you say that "THE G1 DOESN'T NEED A OVERPRICED SERVICE TO SYNC YOUR PHONE?" (I am referring to MobileMe)
Did you say that "THE G1 HAS A 3.2MP CAMERA?" (which is 62.5% better than the iPhone camera)
Did you say that "IT HAS A PHYSICAL KEYBOARD" (which you may or may not want)
Did you say that "IT HAS MMS?"
Did you say that "ALL THE MUSIC YOU PURCHASE ON YOUR PHONE CAN BE USED ON ANY DEVICE AND IS DRM-FREE?" (unlike the DRM-laced iTunes store)
Did you say that "YOU CAN VOICE DIAL?"
Did you say that "YOU CAN REPLACE THE BATTERY IN YOUR G1?"
Yes, the screen is 8.6% smaller, there is no multitouch and no 3.5mm headphone jack. The 3.5mm headphone jack is definitely a let down, but would you notice an 8.6% difference in screen size? Or does your phone experience heavily rely on being able to use TWO fingers instead of one to nagivate your phone? (It's a phone, dammit) And of course, the G1 is probably a little fatter and less sexy than an iPhone. Will 0.14 inches of additional fatness render your phone too big to fit in your pocket? Is a phone built as a status symbol to show off to your friends? If you answered yes to any of the questions that I asked above, then you are probably better off with your iPhone. But for the rest of us, the G1 is the better choice.
There are a few hardware differences that are IMHO described as follows:
G1 = 4.60 in x 2.16 in x 0.62 in ; iPhone 5.5 in x 2.4 in x 0.48 in : Advantage iPhone
G1 = Keyboard slider ; iPhone = candy bar ; Advantage G1, I hate my iPhone's touch keyboard.
G1 = SD card slot ; iPhone = No SD card slot ; Advantage G1
G1 = Less that 512 mb onboard ; iPhone = 8 or 16 gb onboard ; Advantage iPhone
G1 = 3.2in LCD ; iPhone = 3.5in LCD ; not much in it... advantage iPhone
G1 = User Removable battery ; iPhone = Dealer only Removable battery ; don't really care. Equal.
G1 = Applications do not need to be vetted.; iPhone = applications need be vetted; Adv. G1
G1 = Sync OTA ; iPhone = Sync via PC or OTA payable (MyMobile) ;Advantage G1
G1 = MMS ; iPhone = No MMS's ; don't care Advantage G1
G1 = Amazon Shop ; iPhone = iTunes ; Both are very good. iTunes has podcasts advantage iphone.
G1 = Has copy & paste ; iPhone = No copy and paste ; c'mon apple! Advantage G1
G1 = 1019$ for 2 yrs inc. 179$ outlay ; iPhone = 920 inc. 200$ outlay ; iPhone (personal data plans only)
Also for the G1 one has to buy memory.....
G1 = 8 ; iPhone = 7 : Damned close.
if Apple fixed the copy and paste, allowed one to type horizontally and fixed the iPhone so that a syncML app can modify the calendar then we're all good to go. Apple all the way.
The G1 although more expensive is very tempting from a 3rd party applications point of view as apple have a very annoying big brother approach.
Having had the Nokia N95 and now an iPhone Apple have produced a really beautiful object that is technically well on par however slightly let down by the onboard software.
If you're not technically minded, go the apple way, if you like fiddling go the G1 way.
Also your size comparison? G1=6.16 cubic inches; iPhone=6.34 cubic inches : Advantage G1
User replaceable battery a user issue but most would like to have the option themselves
Thus:
G1 = 10 and iPhone = 5
Just my $.02
Also, comparing cubic inches is a joke - how about we compare the dimensions to that of a standard jeans pocket. Hint - the limiting factor for most jeans is the thickness of the phone - not if it's a little bit longer (at least for guys jeans anyway).
User replaceable battery is a total non-issue - you're going to trade in the phone by the time the battery even starts to wear down and considering the ease of charging an iPhone virtually anywhere it's pretty pointless to talk about extra batteries. (Unless of course you want to add that to the cost of the phone and then again to the weight/size of the phone so in that scenario iPhone wins cost and makes the physical comparison a complete joke)
As far as the Applications go - that's a big plus for iPhone. Piece of mind when dealing with something that has every single persons name, e-mail address and phone number is much more important to the masses than if they can have multiple mail clients. I'm not going to take the time to make sure it's virus free so I appreciate that Apple does it.
And no multi-touch? I guess that rules out virtually every single good game on the iPhone (yes, one of the best parts of the iPhone is the gaming).
G1: 6 iPhone 10 (changed the application thing, called syncing a tie (if you can't sync via PC that's just annoyingly slow compared to the data throughput of a hard connection not to mention the battery required to sync OTA), added 3.5mm headphone jack, and added Multi-Touch)
Here is the most crucial difference:
G1: Android Market is open source, SOFTWARE NOT VETTED FOR APPROVAL.
3G: iTunes App. Store, SOFTWARE MUST BE APPROVED BY APPLE TO JOIN STORE.
Knowing full well that malicious hack experts will take brutal advantage of the Android open source, you can bet that all manner of Trojan horses and donkeys, not to mention (but I do) viruses, worms, spyware and a host of other malware will be hidden in some of the open source apps. Without testing and supervision, I see here a major problem. I'd much rather download from the iTunes store, knowing that chances are good the app is clean!
So for the info deficient let me lay it out. When an app is installed on the phone through the Android Market the application MUST first tell you all the tasks its plans to do in a very simple interface. If you see a calculator app saying it needs to send information out over the internet then you should obviously reconsider using that app. Its that simple.
Hidden...in OPEN source apps?? Do you even understand what open source means?
In addition to the iPhone 3G troubles, Apple's MobileMe online services debut was such a dud that Apple had to apologize twice and later provide free months of service. Meanwhile, Apple is investigating episodes of overheating iPods in Japan and this week, had to recall iPhone 3G power adapters.
Those problems have contributed to a sell-off in the Cupertino, Calif., company's stock that has stripped $24 billion in market capitalization since Apple shares hit an all-time high Dec. 27.
- by Composer_1777 September 24, 2008 11:21 AM PDT
- Android/G1 has better memory capabilities then I phone. Once you get an i phone you are stuck... What if you want multiple SD cards for different situations, or to store an unlimited amount of data. Think people 10 8 gig cards = 80 gigs 1 i phone = 16 gigs at most.... From the specs i'd go with G1 hands down.
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- by bigmc6000 September 24, 2008 11:55 AM PDT
- Who the F is going to walk around with 10 8GB cards?!?!?! Have you ever heard of a laptop????
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- by alexacker September 24, 2008 6:57 PM PDT
- What a stupid, insane comment... you must be a definite hardcore geek. Do you have a pocket protector and tape between your 'revenge of the nerds' glasses too? Geez.
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- by Galenn20K September 25, 2008 6:10 AM PDT
- That has to be the Most Pompous STatement I've ever heard. YOu may want to rethink your words and show some Respect next time Composer_1777.
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- by kris11842 December 27, 2008 4:58 PM PST
- Wow I don't know why people are complaining, the G1 is definitely better than the iPhone. I'm sick and tired of seeing those crappy phones everywhere I go, I used to want it badly until I realized how retarded it is. You can't even forward text messages, its annoying. My best friend has the G1 he lets me use it all the time, I see a difference from the iPhone, its way better and has more features. Thats why its more expensive for you people who are saying iPhone is better. The only reason why they made the iPhone is for YouTube. But when you have an even BETTER phone, you have no competition because the G1 is just better, so tough luck.
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Showing 1 of 5 pages (176 Comments)Don't complain about ATT because you are poor with no credit. Thats what cheapy carriers are for.
People will allot the amount of stuff they put on their phone based on 1 card - only the truly, truly hard core geeks (it's CNet so I'm sure there's at least a few on here) are going to bother with such a ridiculous hassle...