When Steve Jobs revealed the iPhone 4 to the world–we had already seen its industrial design thanks to a certain tech blog buying a stolen prototype. From that day onwards, the world again went iPhone-crazy.
In Canada, we’ve always had our iPhone-lust at an all-time high. There are many out there including myself that bought the first iPhone from the USA and brought it back home to jailbreak/activate. Those were the good ol’ days.
Canada’s iPhone 4 launch was unfortunately delayed to the second batch of countries, which Apple announced for the iPhone to arrive on July 30th. We waited in line for the iPhone 4 and it definitely paid off (except for people waiting for Rogers activations!). People are still waiting in line today for the phone a month later!
Review: Using the iPhone 4 for a Month
It’s been a month since I got my hands on the iPhone 4. After using the phone for a month, I’m going to compare it to my old 3GS (which my wife was happy to take off my hands!). I’ll explain my experiences with the phone and in particular the new features and form factor. I am not going to waste your time reviewing the features and write 5000 words for the sake of writing 5000 words. Here we go!
Unboxing the iPhone 4
When I got my iPhone 4, I had the Apple Store activate it for me so I could start playing with it right away. When the employee made that first cut into the plastic wrap, I told them I wanted to unwrap the phone. They happily obliged of course and I unboxed the phone right inside the store.
My first impression of the phone was how much heavier it felt. Although it’s only two grams heavier than the iPhone 3GS (137g vs 135g), the iPhone 4 feels much “meatier” in your hands. The stainless steel band gives the phone a much more industrial feel and look. The iPhone 4 is also thinner than the 3GS (9.3mm vs 12.3mm).
People who hold the iPhone 4 for the first time always comment that it feels “thicker”–this is only because the 3GS body was tapered and rounded on the edges. I still hold up the iPhone 4 and marvel at how thin the body is. It almost reminds me of the “candybar” cellphone days, albeit larger and thinner.
iPhone 4 with the ZAGG invisibleSHIELD
Click here to read our iPhone 4 invisibleSHIELD review!
iPhone 4 with the ZAGG invisibleSHIELD (Back)
The Retina Display–It’s Clearer Than You Think
Now this is what I believe is the best feature of the iPhone 4–the amazing display. Coming from the iPhone 3GS, the iPhone 4 screen trumps anything I’ve ever seen. The clarity of text is so outstanding that it’s hard to go back to anything else. Because of this, I find myself surfing the web and checking email more on my iPhone 4 now instead of my iPad. Images, video, and text is crystal clear. People always comment “wow, the screen is so clear!” when they check out my iPhone 4. It really is almost like ‘looking at paper’ on your phone.
My iPhone 4 homescreen in all its glory.
5MP HD Camera: Lowlight Images Captured with Ease
When the original iPhone launched people were excited because they would no longer have to carry their iPods with them–it was now built into their phone. With the new 5MP high definition camera on the iPhone 4, people no longer have to carry their point and shoot and HD cameras–the iPhone 4 can be an excellent replacement.
720p high definition videos look amazing–the only problem is trying to hold the iPhone body still during filming. Double tapping the screen in video mode will allow you to shoot in widescreen format. What I loved about filming videos was using the iMovie iPhone app to film movies on the fly. Never before could you put together a mini masterpiece with such ease. iMovie is limited in its features, but there’s enough in there to document your weekend getaway or birthday party.
Here’s a 720p video filmed and edited with iMovie, and uploaded to YouTube via PixelPipe (make sure 720p is selected on your computer):
The front facing VGA camera is good enough for self portraits–but the picture quality is disappointing. I expect Apple to upgrade this in the future.
The LED flash is a nice touch (it took a long time for this one to arrive) and it’s useful when you’re in extreme low light situations that warrant flash. It does the job well and does not overexpose shots. Also, when coupled with a flashlight app, it’s extremely bright at night.
The 5MP camera is also excellent. The new backside illumination sensor has allowed me to capture lowlight images with such ease–not even my point and shoot can keep up! The clarity of images taken with this tiny lens is remarkable. The images below speak for themselves:
The "focus" tap was on the bee.
Out for sushi dinner with my wife. Hitoe Sushi on West 4th.
Taken in extreme low light at the Experience Music Project in Seattle. Shutter fires quickly!
Fun with the now "removed" Camera+ app.
The A4 Chip Hard at Work
The iPhone 4 houses the same in-house designed chip as the iPad. You notice this immediately as switching between applications, and loading of webpages is lightning fast. I did notice that power hungry apps such as iMovie did result in lag at times though. Either way, playing graphic intensive games such as Let’s Golf 2 is a joy as gameplay is buttery smooth.
The iPhone 4 Battery Will Finally Last You a Full Day…Sort Of
One of the biggest weaknesses of the iPhone 3G/3GS was the absolutely abysmal battery life (3G kills your battery). I was barely able to last a full day with moderate usage and always had to carry around some battery packs (such as the Richard Solo 1800). The improved battery life of the iPhone 4 is noticeable immediately. Once I take my iPhone off the charger in the morning, standby barely dents the battery at all. I will most likely see 100% or 99% after an hour or so of standby.
The best part is with moderate web surfing, tweeting, listening to music, snapping pictures, etc.–the iPhone 4 will last you a full day and more. Apple’s decision to move the antennas to the exterior of the phone to make room for a bigger battery was a good one (well, minus the antenna issues experience by some!). This new battery leaves you feeling confident that your phone will last you an entire work day and more.
FaceTime: It’s a Neat Feature But the “Wow” Factor Dies Quickly
To start a video chat on your iPhone 4 with FaceTime is dead easy. One tap is all it takes to call people–and it’s a free voice call if you initiate it via your contacts. When I first tested this feature I was absolutely amazed at how simple it was. However, now that I’m a month in the novelty of this feature has worn off a bit. It’s only useful if you know enough people with iPhone 4s and you’re in an environment that warrants a video call. How often do you use FaceTime? What about FaceTime over 3G?
Other Miscellaneous iPhone Thoughts:
Should You Buy the iPhone 4?
Overall, I am extremely happy with the iPhone 4. The build quality is excellent, the camera is much improved, and most of all the battery actually lasts a day. Coupled with iOS 4.0, the iPhone 4 rocks with the beautiful Retina Display. Even though the battery has been improved–I still think it could be better.
If the iPhone 4 has been your first iPhone, congratulations for waiting this long, as this fourth generation is definitely the smartphone to beat. Given that people are still waiting in line to get this device (due to massive demand and supply shortages) a month after the launch, that should indicate just how many people want this phone.
How do you like your iPhone 4? Or are you still waiting to get one?!
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Man looks like you got the ZAGG invisibleSHIELD on flawlessly. I want to send you mine so you can do it for me because I am terrible at putting those on.
It was a perfect install, I’ve been doing them for a while. 😉
The trick is to spray both the shield and the iPhone (not the speaker)
liberally. Then, when you wick away the water with the squeegee, it’ll take
out the air bubbles too.
I like to wrap the squeegee with a damp paper towel so there less friction
when wiping the water out. This allows you to still get rid of the tiny
bubbles afterwards, without having the shield “glued” on too tight from the
original squeegeeing.
Hope this helps. 🙂
I still haven’t gotten to try FaceTime. Nona of my friends got an iPhone 4, so I’m out of luck till I find someone else who has one.
Wow great post! Makes my 3GS look like crap 😉
Don’t worry, I have a feeling you’ll be getting an iPhone 4 next year. 🙂
I just sprayed the shield and not the phone, so maybe next time I will try that. This was my first iPhone and first time doing it, so maybe I need a little more practice. To bad I have to spend $30 bucks each time I try. : /
Thanks for the advice though.
I just sprayed the shield and not the phone, so maybe next time I will try that. This was my first iPhone and first time doing it, so maybe I need a little more practice. To bad I have to spend $30 bucks each time I try. : /
Thanks for the advice though.
ZAGG has a lifetime warranty. Just email them for a replacement, you pay shipping only.
Try our iPhoneinCanada Forums: https://www.iphoneincanada.ca/forums/showthread.php?9194-FaceTime-test-thread&highlight=facetime+test
That is amazing. You just saved me $30!
Thanks! 🙂
And to answer the last question of your review. Love the iPhone which is a huge step up from my HTC phone. I still haven’t tried face time yet, but I think it would be kind of awkward really.
I waited in line WITH YOU. And i am SOOOOOO HAPPY! Its my baby!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You’re welcome!
Also, we have a site code “iphoneinca” that will save you 20% off your entire ZAGG order, anytime! https://www.iphoneincanada.ca/zagg
Love the new iPhone4 – I got mine through work last week (don’t know how we pulled that one off) then waiting in line for 4 hours for to get one for my wife (big-time brownie points).
A few of us at work have the new phone and since we have wifi at the office we chat using face-time instead of using our desk phone. It think we’ll see more businesses adopt the iPhone for these types of applications: i can see using FT with customers as a step up from regular phone and not quite as elaborate as video conference.
coming from an iphone 3g and an htc hero, the iphone 4 is definitely the best current smartphone in the market. there are nicely specced android phones available but who cares when their app marketplace is completely abysmal.
So I was going to upgrade from my iPhone 3G to this new iPhone 4G with the Rogers upgrade offer for only $150 for the 16GB version and $260 for the 32 GB version. I previously had many problems with my iPhone 3G such as screen off-centered, dead pixels, dust under screen, wifi doesn’t work. After buying apple care with 5 iPhone replacements and 2 screen replacement, apple upgraded my iPhone 3G to the iPhone 3Gs for free, the best part was they didn’t even tell me it was the 3Gs. I got my replacement and walked right out the store with the phone in my pocket, I was playing with it on my way home when I realized Apple gave me the newer version.
So now I will wait for iPhone 5 🙂
Nice! FT while in the office now that’s hilarious. Takes ‘water cooler chat’ to a whole new level! 😉
The “free for all” of the Android Market is a good thing and bad thing. Right now, it’s not looking polished at all with spyware and other crazy apps.
Thanks for sharing Tris and congrats on switching away from a BB! It must be a world of a difference. When I see the puny screen on my brother’s BB I cringe. And the Torch…try again RIM.
My wife gets all my iPhone/Apple “hand me downs” so she’s pretty lucky. Hoping your wife gets an iPhone 4 soon too!
Damn I’m still waiting for mine….. I ordered aug 18 and I still dont have the email for the shipping info 🙁 the site says sep 9 ship
sept 15 delivery
i hope to get it at least a week earlier 🙁
here goes attempt number two. ugh
I have a full case VIRGIN gave me that protects the back but now I wanna try it with the bumper. I miss how the back of the phone looks! 🙁
can’t wait to get my hands on it
Shortage of IPHOne 4 still not able to get one..
I’ve had the 4 for two weeks now, works really well, well better than my 3G, the screen is awesome. Yesterday I received the bumper, put it on, none of my docks would work, took it off, put in in the drawer! Really it’s about the only negative I found. I got it on a Friday & Saturday we went to Maine, no problems with ATT signal, Whale watching, lost the signal at 10 miles out, go figure!!!
It’s simply amazing.
Really love the 4. Retina display is my favourite “feature;” I can’t believe how much more I use the phone for e-mail and surfing, because it’s so easy on the eyes. Also, tons more gaming thanks to the display and speed.
Loving the camera too but am still disappointed in low-light situations…. maybe I’m a crappy photographer but I can’t seem to get pics to turn out like yours from the music project. Mine turn out dull and grainy. 🙁
Still waiting on mine from Bell, should be the next 24-48 hours according to the rep. First iPhone wish me luck! Bye bye Blackberry.
I was disappointed that you could not create still shots from the video footage. That’s what I love about the Flip HD Video camera. Or did I miss something here. Anybody?
I’m so jealous that you have the Camera+ app! This is my first iPhone and I’m glad I made the switch (said goodbye to my Samsung Instinct). The one thing that really surprised me was the battery – it lasted at least 1 whole day for me. Incredible.
1) Go to Apple Store (most have free WiFi in store)
2) Use their in-store display iPhone 4’s to make a call to your iPhone 4 (their display phones have sim cards in it with a working telephone number)
3) When your iPhone 4 rings, click the FaceTime button on your phone’s screen
4) Accept FaceTime on the in-store display phone from which you dialed your telephone number
5) Once connected test both the front and rear camera on your iPhone 4
6) After testing is done, clear call history from the in-store display phone so your number is not available for others to play pranks with and to protect your privacy
Enjoy:)
I have had 2G, 3G and now the 4. It was incredible going from the 3G to the 4.
Fantastic piece of equipment. Only problem with it is I am getting more dropped calls from it than the 3G here in Kelowna. It especially happens in my house mostly. Where I get a constant 2 – 3 bars??
Called Rogers and they say it is an iphone 4 issue with the phone and Apple is aware. It is happening with 2 and 3 bars on the phone so not sure if it is an antenna issue or not.You owners that live in the city just have more towers for reception. I envy that!!
I agree Gary on the typing accurancy. Sometimes I am shocked at what the auto spell comes up with sometimes. LOL
I was able to save stills from my videos. If you play one of your videos, you will notice at the top a series of frames from the video. You can use your finger to select any of these frames and it will appear as a still on your screen. Then just depress the power and home buttons to capture it as a photo.
Hey I’m in Kelowna too, when my iPhone finally ships I’ll check and see if I get the same problem as you.
Hi,
I’m getting my iphone shipped to me soon, and I also purchased the full-body Zigg. I’ve never installed the zigg before so I’m somewhat worried I’d screw up. The biggest concern is how to avoid having dust getting between the film and the phone. Also if you spray both the film and the phone, would the water get in the phone thru the seams?? And when you squeegee the film, wouldn’t you squeegee all the water into the side seam of the phone and possibly into the speaker(earpiece)?? Would that damage the phone??
My favourite new features are the retina display and the improved camera (though LOVE the extended battery life & speed boost over my old 3G!). As a professional photographer I could never find a ‘pocket camera’ that I wanted to carry around with me. Well, the iPhone 4 camera + apps is the perfect pocket camera for me! With the apps available I can combat that “everything in focus” aspect of a P&S camera, fabulous! You can see some of my iPhone photography on my website, if you are interested: http://hollysissonphotography.com/category/iphone/
Hi Holly – I was wondering what app did you use to combat the “everything in focus” aspect of a P&S camera. Thanks.
Interesting, I have had my iPhone 4 one week and I am considering returning it. As much as I thought all of the complaints were exagerated I have personally had all of these problems:
1) build quality: the sim cover will not go flush with the case.
2) dropped calls: Richmond, Delta, Vancouver… Way more than my 3GS.
3) ear dialing: hang-ups, muting, dialing random contacts and even deleting random contacts and launching random apps.
4) hands free in the car: I have never had so many people say they can’t understand me. The so nd kee s cut ng
“If you own an iPhone or iPhone 3G —> YES. It’s time to upgrade!”
Hey! that’s my case but I’m with Fido… Where are the d*nm phone???
I tried to get one since its launch: impossible, they’re too rare. What’s the problem? Should I wait ’till the iPhone 5 event?
hipstastic is a great camera app, my wife uses it constantly, it allows lens changes (virtual) and filters. We both love our Iphone 4, took some time to get it from Fido but we finally got them more then a week ago. Love the battery life over my 3g and so fast, love reading with it. While she doesn’t have the antenna issue, i do, but i never actually notice it, and have to work at actually getting it to happen. Toronto has great signal strength. Can’t wait for iOS 4.1 and .2 for the new features.
Thank you so much Panda! Why didn’t I realize this? I’ll blame it on the heat. 🙂
I can’t watch your YouTube video on my I4, how ironic is that?! There’s a line across the triangle, why in the world did you make a video that’s I4 unfriendly?
Glad to help! It is one of my fave features, being able to capture stills. I have a son in hockey and box lacrosse, and it is SO hard to get a decent picture with a regular camera in the arenas. The flash makes everything dark, and if you don’t use a flash the picture is blurry. Well, now I can just take video and extract photos from that! I’m a scrapbooker, so that makes me happy 😉
Hi ChowFun,
I used TiltShift or BlurFX to keep my subject in focus, and throw the background out of focus. PhotoFX, which is completely worth what ever it costs, also has the ability to do this PLUS a ton of other effects that you can just layer on top of each other, so you can achieve a unique look (but it’s a bit easier to do the blurring in TilfShift/BlurFX). I usually finish the image up in PictureShow, which has different effects, frames, noise (texture), light leaks, etc. Also recommend TouchRetouch which does an amazing job of cloning out distracting elements in a photo, think it was 99¢, completely worth it! HTH!
Why would you take an iPhone 4 to the Hinterland of God-Awful kelowna? Euww! to show the local Hillbillies.
Hot weather, sun, golf, and wineries. I can’t complain. 🙂
Hot weather, sun, golf, and wineries. I can’t complain. 🙂
Hot weather, sun, golf, and wineries. I can’t complain. 🙂
Hot weather, sun, golf, and wineries. I can’t complain. 🙂
Gary? you are a great writer. I was like reading a very interesting magazine….
Gary? you are a great writer. I was like reading a very interesting magazine….
Gary? you are a great writer. I was like reading a very interesting magazine….