iPhone (1ST GEN) vs. iPhone (3G)

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Level 1

4 points

iPhone (1ST GEN) vs. iPhone (3G)

Would anyone here mind giving me the differences between the 1st generation iPhone and the 3G iPhone? I need to know what is different regarding features (both hardware & software) between the two phones, as well as size and weight differences.

Just trying to tie up a few lose ends before I decide which phone I want to buy. There are still some 1st generation phones out there and I just want to make an informed decision. I realize Apple gives the info on the new phone on their site, but there doesn't seem to be any kind of 'compare' chart with regards to the 1st generation phone.

Appreciate any help.

Thanks!

Dell XPS M1530, Windows Vista

Posted on Sep 3, 2008 5:28 AM

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Answer 1

Tbo6652

Level 4

1,081 points

Sep 3, 2008 5:38 AM in response to Dayvidpriddy

pretty much the same phones, same software...except 3G has 3G technology and GPS

one is slightly bigger than the other but its not noticeable

3G's monthly payments are a little bit more than the original's

i have the the original...i still enjoy it despite not have 3G or GPS

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Answer 2

Dayvidpriddy Author

Level 1

4 points

Sep 3, 2008 5:47 AM in response to Tbo6652

Can you explain the GPS part of it? I thought my 1st generation phone had GPS (exactly what was the difference or what was it lacking with regards to that then the 3G version has?

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Answer 3

DaVBMan

Level 6

9,280 points

Sep 3, 2008 5:49 AM in response to Dayvidpriddy

1st Gen doesn't have GPS. It has the ability to show you on the map (or other apps) your general location based off of what tower you are hitting (will draw big circle saying you are somewhere in this area), or via known and mapped out WiFi hotspot (can narrow you down close from database of known WiFi spots). That is it.

New iPhone 3G has A-GPS chip in it, it actually can talk with sats and thus be far more accurate and follow you as you move where as the 1st gen will only update location once you hit a new tower or new WiFi hotspot.

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Answer 4

Sep 3, 2008 5:51 AM in response to Dayvidpriddy

This link should help answer your question.

http://www.apple.com/iphone/features/maps.html

The first generation iPhone includes wi-fi and cell tower location, not GPS.

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Answer 5

Dayvidpriddy Author

Level 1

4 points

Sep 3, 2008 6:34 AM in response to Dayvidpriddy

Thanks for the info guys so you are saying I shouldn't notice a weight difference between the two phones?

Also when using GPS on iPhone 3G, do you have to be connected via 3G or will it work on EDGE as well?

Thanks!

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Answer 6

Sep 3, 2008 6:46 AM in response to Dayvidpriddy

GPS is short for global positioning system. In order to have GPS access with a cell phone, the phone must have a GPS radio which is separate from cell phone data access.

The iPhone 3G has what is called A-GPS or assisted GPS. It is assisted with wi-fi and cell tower triangulation. Maps are downloaded to the iPhone via the internet - via a wi-fi connection, 3G or EDGE.

If you don't have cellular reception via 3G or EDGE, you can have GPS access but you won't have access to any maps data. GPS and maps access works on EDGE as well - just as a first generation iPhone has access to maps data via EDGE.

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Answer 7

W9FIF

Level 2

315 points

Sep 3, 2008 6:54 AM in response to Allan Sampson

I find my 3G has better audio on speaker phone. It's noticeably louder and clearer and those on the receiving end report clearer audio. BT works fine with my MOTO Pure and the GPS is spot on. I'm hoping for GPS enhancements with the next major software bump. I'm still working with 2.0. and NO 3rd party software.

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