Finally! The Iphone 3G S is here and not even the recession could stop lines from forming outside the Apple stores.
Congratulations! For those who patiently waited for the opportunity of trying both devices by yourselves before making your decision, and 2 year commitment. (thanks to the Pre availability which also helped)
So, you have played with both devices, don’t care for the app store and still don’t know which direction to go? Then you must get down into the hardware and see what you are getting for your money besides 3.0 and Web OS.
Here are the main differences for $ 199.00 with new contract:
- 3.5 inch (320X480) vs. 3.1 inch (480x320) in Pre
- 16 GB vs. 8 GB in Pre
- 3MP Camera vs. 3.15 MP Camera w/ LED Flash in pre
- 600 MHz Processor vs. 600 MHz in the Pre*
- Compass in Iphone 3G S vs. No Compass in Pre
- No Physical Keyboard vs. Physical Keyboard in Pre
- Scratch & Oil resistant screen vs. Plastic screen in Pre
*It must be noted and although unconfirmed the Pre’s processor is said to work up to 1 GHz, and the Iphone 3G S up to 833 MHz, both are currently undercloked to 600 MHz.
If you have to see it by yourself, here is the teardown, and chip specs for the Iphone 3G S and Palm Pre.
So there you go, with the Pre you are getting a physical keyboard, LED flash and arguably a faster processor, while the new Iphone offers you a larger screen, twice the memory and Compass. If you care for more space, $ 100.00 more buys you 4 times the Palm Pre’s memory. But of course, the hardware isn't everything, and usually the OS that makes best use of the resources is the winner, as you can see in the web browser speed comparison here.
Comments
Thanks for the comparo, but seriously; is a compass really going to sway a purchase decision involving a 2 year investment of > $2000 (with the contract)?
I don't think the compass will sway my decision but we still got to see what types of applications besides the GPS will make good use of it, nice comp though
I sure am glad that I got a Palm Pre. This phone is great. I'm glad I ignored the hype from the iPhone fanatics. I love the apps I've downloaded so far, and I can't wait for more.
I got my Palm Pre and it is stunning. I am hoping to see more apps soon. I like the physical keyboard and the freaking good UI in Pre!
you also forget to mention the huge difference in price. 2 years with at&t's unlimited plan $150 vs 2 years with sprint's unlimited plan $100 is a huge difference.
Buying the palm Pre was the best decision that i've ever made. I snubbed ATT's iPhone to replace it with this beautiful creature. It Is a beast of multi-talents and I absolutely love it. If I want a compass i will go buy one or find a tree with moss growing on it. The pre is the way to go. iPhone is so 2005
Palm pre has some nice features but the overall feel of it is underwhelming. It is plasticky and squeaks and creeps just get on my nerve after a day or two :(
I think that Iphone 3G beats Palm Pre
palm pre fits better in my pocket than an oversized iphone. palm pre works as an 8GB USB flash drive for my PC. fake on-screen keyboard? no thanks, a real keyboard is the best for any smartphone.
why does anyone need a useless compass when Palm Pre already includes talking turn-by-turn GPS navigation software?
I have read several reviews concerning hardware on these two phones, but the OS is where it all comes together. being a long time iphone user i still find myself sick every time i see a apple fanboy go on their ill advised rants about their apple products. i believe that since they are both matched at 600mHz processors its left in the hand of the OS to put that power to work. only time will tell which one of these great phones will put its power to its full potential
@Ash, yeah, but that extra $50/month gets you (most people) better coverage and faster speeds and simultaneous voice/data. Try checking sports scores or buying movie tickets online while you're on the phone on the Pre.
Pretty much the only thing going for the Pre is the physical keyboard and multitasking. The physical keyboard is actually a negative for me. I love the iPhone's virtual one. Multitasking would be nice, but I honestly don't need it. I know a lot of people do, though, and would want a physical keyboard, so those people get the Pre.
The Pre definitely isn't an iPhone killer, but it's still a great phone. If I was stuck with Sprint, I'd buy a Pre.
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