Comparing Two Phones

Aesthetically, there are a few differences between the original and the 3G model.

The first noticeable change is on the back of the phone: Where there was once a silver aluminum finish is now occupied by a plastic panel. This back plastic panel comes in either black or white.

The white is only available in a 16GB model, while the black version comes in either the 8GB or 16GB models.

Replacing the aluminum back with the plastic is a functional necessity as the new iPhone 3G has more
antennas inside the phone and the plastic allows for better reception and transmission. As a plus, the back features a curve which allows ones palm to have a more secure grip on the iPhone 3G. The aluminum backing always felt slippery on the original iPhone. The main drawback to this new shape is that previous model hard cases do not fit the iPhone 3G. Luckily, most rubbery, soft cases do fit the iPhone 3G.

Another noticeable replacement is that a standard 3.5 mm headphone jack has replaced the recessed headphone jack. Thank God!!!!! That was one of my biggest pet peeves. Why does Apple need to reinvent the wheel? The recessed jack was sold as a preventative measure to protect the headphone jack from being damaged. I personally have never had the headphone jack on a music player go bad. The headphones, the 3.5 mm plug – yes, the jack –no.

At the bottom of the phone, a new style of speakers bookends the dock connector. Supposedly these speakers provide better sound quality over the previous generation’s.

The physical buttons on the side and top of the iPhone 3G are now composed of metal instead of the plastic ones on the original model.

Physically, the front of the iPhone 3G is the same as the older model. Luckily, screen protectors for the original model, easily fit on the 3G version.