Finally I have got my 32Gb iPhone 4. I bought it as a Sim free and network unlocked version direct from the Apple store. I had admittedly wanted the Sim free white iPhone, but there's still no sign of this handset being in any place near released and thanks to the huge ask for the black model I still had to wait over three weeks for it. This my chronicle of the iPhone 4 32Gb. In the first part we will look at the packaging and appearance of the new phone.
iPhone 4 packaging
As can be expected of Apple, the packaging is minimal, arrival in the form of a matte white rectangular cardboard box. Contents included the phone, documentation, power adapter and Usb cable. If you needed anyone else (such as a dock or a spare cable) then you'll be paying extra for it.
The iPhone comes protected with a plastic sheet on both the front and back, and as the touch screen works fine with it in place I chose to leave it on for a small added security from scratches. I will order some further protectors for when this one starts to peel away.
iPhone 4 appearance
Although I have never had an iPhone before, I know plenty of people who have one of the earlier generation models. This new phone is a totally separate found to all of the others, which all share the same look. Rather than the curved plastic back of the iPhone 3Gs, this one has a very smart, squared off look. Both the front and back are made of a form of engineered glass (such as that used in aircraft windshields) for a highly scratch-resistance finish. Apple claim that the new glass casing is colse to fifteen times more scratch unyielding than that of earlier plastic iPhone casings. In my few days of relatively heavy use there is admittedly no sign of any marks on the phone, in fact it still looks brand new! The glass back and front is complemented by an aluminum band all the way colse to the side of the phone. This is split in two and doubles as the antenna for the Gsm networks as well as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The volume buttons are also contained within this strip and feel admittedly nice as they are machined out of aluminum rather than economy feeling plastic.
In addition to the approved single button, the front also sports a tiny camera to the left of the speaker near the top of the phone. This will be used with Apples FaceTime video calling function which has the added advantage of working over Wi-Fi, therefore salvage the user their network call charges. The back of the iPhone 4 contains a new 5Mp camera (with the lens in a similar position to the old one) as well as an Led flash. In addition to the afore mentioned volume operate buttons, there is also a switch for doing of the silent mode. A approved 3.5mm headphone jack and the lock button (to forestall accidental use) are both placed on the top of the device, whilst the approved Apple dock connector is located, as usual, on the bottom.
I like the use of the approved headphone socket, as this allows me to use my preferred white Sennheiser Cx 300 Ii Precision headphones in lieu of the approved Apple offerings. In fact, if you're an iPhone or iPod user, I urge you to try out some upgraded headphones as they made a huge disagreement in the sound ability to me.
Thanks for looking at part one of the Apple iPhone 32Gb review. Please look out for the subsequent articles where I look at the antenna issues, screen, MicroSim card use, setup and software.
Sim Free Apple iPhone 4 32Gb - A report