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Which iPhone Should I Buy?iPhone Generation Chart
The iPhone has now been through four hardware generations or evolutions in it's short life, beginning with the original iPhone, which was released in June of 2007. While the first iPhone utilized (and was criticized for) its lack of 3G cellular service, the 2nd generation iPhone rectified this situation and came standard with the (much faster) 3G service, and thus was dubbed by Apple as the iPhone 3G. Other significant features of the 3G included assisted GPS and of course, the introduction of iPhone OS 2.0. A year later, in Sept. 2009, Apple released the upgraded 3Gs with a faster processor, more RAM, upgraded 3MP camera with video capability and iPhone OS 3.0. Externally, there are few differences between the 1st 3 generations of hardware beyond the case backs, which went to all hi-gloss plastic after the 1st generation.
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|
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Model Name |
Availability
|
Notable Features/Specs
|
Storage | Processor/RAM |
 |
October 2011 -
Current |
|
16, 32 or 64 GB
Flash Memory |
(integrated on A5) |
|
| Model Name |
Availability
|
Notable Features/Specs
|
Storage | Processor/RAM | |
|
June 2010 - Current
|
+ 2-sided aluminosilacate engineered glass |
16 or 32 GB
Flash Memory |
(integrated on A4) |
|
 |
Sept. 2009 - Current
|
w/chrome bezel |
8 or 16 GB
Flash Memory |
|
|
 |
July 2008 -
June 2010 |
w/chrome bezel |
8 or 16 GB
Flash Memory |
32-bit RISC ARM |
|
 |
June 2007
- July 2008 |
w/chrome bezel |
4, 8 or 16 GB
Flash Memory |
32-bit RISC ARM |
While they have many similarities at first glance, the iPhone and the iPod touch also differ in a number of key areas. First, lets look at the similarities: They both run the same iPhone OS, (and most of the same apps). They both sport the same multi-touch interface. They both look suspiciously similar, at least from the front, but on closer comparison thats pretty much where the similarities end.
The most notable visual differences in the hardware can be seen from the back. Where the iPhone 3g back is made of either black (or white in the 3Gs) plastic, the iPod Touch sports a chromed metal back thats also noticeably thinner. Also on the flip side, the iPod Touch has no camera, and thus no camera lens in the upper left hand corner. Instead, the iPod has a small black plastic window cover for the WIFI antenna. As for identificaation, they all carry the Apple logo, beneath which youll find the name of the device (iPod or IPhone) along with it's capacity. As other external cues, the iPod has no ring/silent switch (upper left side, above the volume control), or front facing speaker.
The main differences between the iPhone and iPod Touch devices can be found in what the iTouch DOES NOT have, which includes:
As such, the iPod Touch is much better suited for those who want most of the benefits of an iPhone, without the monthly fees. Think iPod, gaming, and WIFI pocket computer).
