subject: An introduction to the new iPhone 4 [print this page] An introduction to the new iPhone 4 An introduction to the new iPhone 4
After months of speculation, the release of the iPhone 4 is nearly upon us. We take a look at the handset and ask the important question, has it been worth the wait?
Hot on the heels of the worldwide success of the iPad, the iPhone 4 takes a leaf from its book and incorporates some of the same technology that the iPad sports. The A4 processor used in the phone is the same for example. As you would expect this means that using the handset is a breeze, with speedy multi tasking and seamless switching between various apps. What the A4 also offers is a superb power management system, which coupled with a larger capacity battery offers up to 40% improvement in battery life over the iPhone 3GS. The user interface is the same as the one found on previous models, giving a well layed out and functional series of homescreens, neatly displaying widgets and all easily accessible by simply swiping your finger across the screen. The user now has the option to add wallpapers to these screens, giving the phone a more modern look. Speaking of the host of applications available, these can be downloaded via iTunes, Apples excellent system which allows the user to download podcasts, books, music and applications, with a the most comprehensive range available compared to any other platform.
The iPhone 4 features a new "Retina Display". The screen is named this as its capabilities exceed what the human eye can actually see, so as you would expect the results are fantastic. The display is capable of showing over 326 pixels per inch and boasts a resolution of a massive 960 x 640 pixels, better than any other phone currently available. The results of such a great display is that web pages look very clear, and even when zoomed in to read smaller text the lines are still sharp and clear. Colour reproduction is great too at a contrast ratio of 800:1. The screen supports multi touch, meaning the excellent pinch and zoom facility is once again included. An accelerometer chip facilitates auto rotate function, however this now works alongside a new "Three Axis Gyro" sensor. What this new addition does is calculate the pitch, roll and yaw of the device. This opens the door to developers to produce better games and applications, and you can expect a host of these to hit iTunes anytime soon. So back to the original question, has it been worth the wait?? And the answer is a resounding yes. The handset looks better than ever and the retina display sets new standards in terms of screen production. HD video and a secondary camera all improve upon what was already the best package available.
