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How does the T-Mobile G1 compare to the iPhone? (Bonus: Android's biggest flaw)
It's impossible not to compare the first Google Android phone, the HTC-made G1 unveiled this morning by T-Mobile, to the iPhone. Like all iPhone clones, the Samsung Instinct, the LG Voyager, and varying HTC Touch models, the G1 includes all the usual spate of next-gen cellphone functions and capabilities (click here to see the G1's specs) — music player, e-mail and messaging, camera and photo viewer, cell-assisted GPS mapping, full HTML Web browsing, 3G, Wi-Fi, etc.
But there's a huge philosophical chasm between the G1 and the iPhone. How you view this chasm depends on whether you don't mind Apple's controlled ecosystem or are aching to be free. Just be careful what you wish for. You could be moving from a fascist state to a Wild West cow town with no Wyatt Earp to maintain law and order. Hit the Continue link below to see how the G1 and the iPhone measure up.
After playing with a G1 for around 15 to 20 minutes, it's apparent the G1 must be considered separately from its Android operating system. Android is designed to work on a multitude of devices from a variety of hardware makers, unlike the iPhone, which is a more integrated hardware/software experience.
Part 1: Hands on with the HTC G1
Let's take the G1 hardware first. The pedantic-looking handset more closely resembles the Sidekick or the LG Voyager than the sleek iPhone. The touchscreen, slightly smaller than the iPhone's, slides up and away to reveal a full QWERTY keypad. The keys are nearly flush the typing surface. As a result, the tactile feedback is actually less physical than the haptic response on the Instinct or the LG Voyager. On the white G1 (it also comes in black), the keys are silver with white icons on a silver background, all of which makes it nearly impossible to see what you're typing.
The G1's five front hard buttons — Send, Home, Back, End and Menu, are supplemented by a Blackberry-like track ball. But the G1 lacks a pile of amenities. Astoundingly, there's no 3.5mm headphone jack. Instead, there's an HTC proprietary jack for power and audio. I was told a microUSB jack would fit, but I didn't have one with me to test that assertion. Earbuds are included, but with no 3.5mm, or even an adapter (at least yet), you're stuck with what's in the box. I find this an egregious omission.
There's no substantial built-in memory. You have to add a microSD card into a slot buried in a compartment underneath the G1's slightly angled chin. Not even the demonstrator could get it open.
The camera, and there's no gentle way of putting this, sucks. Once you hit the track ball or the top-mounted "capture" button, the G1 takes 3 to 4 seconds to actually snap the photo, then another three seconds or so to process it. I couldn't find a zoom or a video recorder, though the iPhone doesn't have any of these, either. But the iPhone camera is much quicker than the G1's.
Part 2: Hands on with Android
A bit on T-Mobile's newly-minted 3G HSDPA network: T-Mobile has 16 3G markets right now, will have 22 by the time the G1 is available on October 22, and 27 markets by mid-November. All well and good, but I'm sure you've been following AT&T's 3G problems, and its 3G network is available in around 300 markets.
On the Android side, of course there'll be hundreds if not thousands of fun and functional apps to download. But no mention was made of security, which makes the coming Android app store a bit more caveat emptor than the carefully vetted Apple apps. It's too early to know how secure Android is, but will we eventually need spyware or other security software for the G1?
Android offers some nice touches, but it's missing some seemingly magical iPhone attributes. There's no multi-touch, but if you've never used an iPhone, you won't miss it. There's no automatic aspect shift from portrait to landscape; you have to flip out the keyboard to get the screen to flip. When you're done with a call, the screen doesn't display an "end call" screen.
But there's a clever "window shade" option when you've got music playing in the background. Instead of cycling back around through the home screen to get back to the music player to pause your tunes, you simple draw down the music player window from the top of whatever application or function window you're in.
Android's Biggest Problem
But Andoid's biggest problem is the lack of a corresponding desktop application, such as iTunes, to unify the syncing of the disparate bits and pieces you'll be loading into the G1. There is a cloud server for PIM functions: e-mail, contacts, calendar. But for syncing music, photos and other content — nada. If you've got a lot of ACC-ripped music for your iPod, you can't use iTunes, which doesn't recognize any other hardware other than Apple's, and Windows Media Player doesn't import AACs. For the average low-tech user, the lack of a unifying desktop application could prove fatally frustrating.
By Bratag at 11:53 AM ON 09/24/08
So lets address your problems.
1) The jack is a mini usb not a propriety HTC jack. Its the same type that HTC have been using on pretty much all their latest phones with the exception of the new HD. While I dont defend the lack of the 3.5 mm jack. Its not really surprising not that big of a deal as adapters are available from multiple sources for very little money.
2) The one thing the camera seems to lack over the iphone camera is speed. Its entirely possible the settings are like those of other HTC phones where you can configure how long it takes to show the preview etc. I may be wrong but if the only issue is speed I am sure it will be resolved very shortly either by Google or another developer.
3)There is no Multi Touch because good ole apple have IP on the tech so noone else can use it. In fact one of the techs mentions this in a video from another site.
4) Switching from to landscape from portrait is a basic function and the accelerometer will allow this easily. I suggest that the choice not to do this automatically may have even been deliberate as many people do not want their screen flipping back and forth as the move the phone.
4) Why do we need an end call screen? You have an end call button.
5) I see no reason why the security will function any different than that for linux apps.
6) Lack of desktop sync app. Whats wrong with drag and drop? The lack of an iTunes interface is obviously because of the deal with Amazon they have, which IMHO is a far better deal than iTunes.
By stypert10 at 1:20 PM ON 09/24/08
i second BRATAG's comments.
By budgethero at 2:20 PM ON 09/24/08
i'm no one to be talking about the technical aspects.
but i do like how comparisons were made with other phones besides the iphone. suddenly it feels like they exist. i also like how it was explained how you felt it necessary to compare this with the iphone. and even then i didn't find this as a constant reference to the iphone. many paragraphs were simply about the G1 with no comparison to anything. i liked that. and again, you shouldn't have to write to anyones standard but your own. i'm just saying this review is ok by me in my opinion.
By Midnitte at 4:54 PM ON 09/24/08
I agree with BRATAG; this is the first phone using version 1.0, its only going to get better. Add in the factor that everything is replacable by third party software and suddenly you do have a way to sync information or use a different picture processing program.
I do hope google and nvidia partner with some phone developer that way android can really push Nvidia's Tegra chip.
Congrats to Google for finally launching their Android. :)
By pheer6224 at 10:35 PM ON 09/24/08
why must every new platform and device be compared to the king of closed source, the iphone?
By Aaron459 at 2:38 AM ON 09/25/08
Everyone compares any new phone to the iphone only because it's changed the way we all view and use a cell phone. The iphone for cell phones is what Microsoft did when it created Windows, it changed the bar. And it seems that AT&T is still trying to raise the bar, even if they don't advertise it anymore.
By Semiazas at 2:47 AM ON 09/25/08
When listening to music double-tap the home button to bring up player controls. This also works while locked. Not a pull-down, but it works well enough.
By Anonymous at 8:56 AM ON 09/25/08
I fourth BRATAG's comments. Also, wouldn't the iPhone itself be a PocketPC/Windows Mobile clone? As for G1, it's more of an every-other-HTC-WiMo-phone clone than an iPhone clone (Tilt, TyTN, Wing, etc). Looks more like they took an existing Windows Mobile platform, and loaded a different OS on it, rather than try to clone an iPhone.
By dreasdad at 10:38 AM ON 09/25/08
I see no mention of Bluetooth, how can this be?
By AmerMale at 10:50 AM ON 09/25/08
The camera limitations are meaningless to me. I rarely if ever use the camera in my cell phone, because I carry an excellent Canon camera with all the speed, storage, and versatility that I need. While I am sure that there will be issues that early adopters will face, most of them are Apple-centric. I am looking forward to not being locked into iTunes and other Apple restricted technology. As a Linux user, I am thrilled by the Wild West. Lastly, since the G1 is WiFi enabled, syncing with my desktop will either be easy for me or will become easy for others as applications (FREE) are deployed. Frankly, I trust the Linux world far more than I trust the Apple/Microsoft monoliths.
By JackSprat at 10:58 AM ON 09/25/08
For the writer concerned about Bluetooth, it is included. Here is a more complete list of specs:
* Processor: Qualcomm® MSM7201A™, 528 MHz
* Operating System: Android
* Memory: ROM: 256 MB, RAM: 192 MB
* Dimensions (LxWxT): 117.7 mm x 55.7 mm x 17.1 mm (4.60 in x 2.16 in x 0.62 in)
* Weight: 158 grams (5.57 ounces) with battery
* Display: 3.2-inch TFT-LCD flat touch-sensitive screen with 320 x 480 (HVGA) resolution
* Network:
HSDPA/WCDMA: Europe: 2100 MHz US:1700/2100 MHz Up to 7.2 Mbps down-link (HSDPA) and 2 Mbps up-link (HSUPA) speeds
Quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE: 850/900/1800/1900 MHz
* Device Control: Trackball with Enter button
* Keyboard: Slide-out 5-row QWERTY keyboard
* GPS: GPS navigation capability with built-in GPS receiver and map software
* Connectivity:
Bluetooth® 2.0 with Enhanced Data Rate,
Wi-Fi®: IEEE 802.11b/g,
HTC ExtUSB™ (11-pin mini-USB 2.0 and audio jack in one)
* Camera: 3.2 megapixel color camera with fixed focus
* Audio: AAC, AAC+, AMR-NB, MIDI, MP3, WMA, WMV
* Battery: 1150 mAh
* Special Features: Digital Compass, Motion Sensor
By Caped Avenger at 11:11 AM ON 09/25/08
This concerns the lack of a music organizing program like iTunes. Who needs it? People who have purchased DRM music on iTunes will finally realize why having their music in a proprietary format is a bad idea. I'm THRILLED the phone doesn't have one of those programs. I want to be able to just toss my normal MP3s onto the micro-SD card and have the phone (or any other media device for that matter) find them and play them, end of story. No "syncing" required or strange software required. This is why I like getting my music from Amazon instead of iTunes.
By tweak_this at 11:22 AM ON 09/25/08
well I still do not know. if it is not to my liking I will just get a iphone, and unlock it.
But I am hoping that this will be up there with iphone.
By dagum at 12:59 PM ON 09/25/08
Android is an iPhone Clone?! LG's making an iPhone Clone?! Did Apple invent the touch screen?! Did Apple invent the mobile web browser?!
In fact, I believe I read recently that Apple licensed the iPhone hardware (including the multiple-touch-sensitive screen) from LG, so it really shouldn't be said that LG is making an iPhone clone, either.
By Pam at 7:10 PM ON 09/25/08
I deaf so tunes or calls on it isn't a option. But all the others sound ok. Now days it seems like everything is trying to be a computer anyway.
By jt12321 at 8:12 PM ON 09/25/08
iTunes? FEH! If your entire library is AAC, you get what you deserve. Unified applications for sync'ing? What? You know somebody will develop a plugin for sync'ing with Outlook or (preferably) iSync. Give it a month. I'm not worried. While it would be nice for a 3.5mm jack and faster performance, I'm quite excited about this phone and O/S. I'm a little disappointed in this review. It seems to cater to the technically un-savvy masses rather than the true geeks who have been wishing, obsessing, hoping for this to happen ever since the first qwerty phone ever appeared... Palm announced a Linux phone O/S about 4 years ago. Too bad they were so slow on the trigger. I fully expect the open nature of Android to be fierce in the marketplace. My only question is: buy version 1.0 and simply update the firmware, or wait for some new phones to come out before I dump my bberry :)
Props to Bratag - well put. Cheers JackSprat for the details!
-j
By aceofspades at 11:18 AM ON 09/26/08
Yes, thank you Bratag, there have been a couple different articles on this site 'bashing' this android phone from google. Stating what the iphone has that the android phone doesnt. In MY personal opinion, the way that the operating system functions alone is a revolutionary step forward in the advancement in operating systems for cell phones.
Im a proud owner of a blackberry but I HATE how long it takes to load certain things up sometimes. I specifically remember being on the phone with RIM tech support and the guy told me as the final step to do a battery pull (ANY blackberry owner knows that is done often and you just accept it), and stated he would wait a few minutes while the blackberry 'took its time' loading up. Now im not saying that the android loads up that much faster, but if you look into how they did the operating system to be able to handle Multiple programs at once without hogging all of the phones resources then you can definately justify switching from a blackberry to a android.
Ive used a I Phone, there are several awesome features about that phone as well, but Apple is getting more and more controlling over the apps that are being created by there customers, so ive stayed away from apple and held onto my crackberry for some time now. There are plenty of user created apps, alot of them even free, that make the phone capable of earning that title of Crackberry. But to have a phone that is linux based? Now THAT will lead to some amazing programs to be made tailored for my lifestyle.
Now im like a large amount of people in the world who use Google rather often, even gave up my hotmail for a gmail, to have my phone sync to and from my google account will be awesome as well. Even for the non-phone-savvy people out there, almost anyone can log into a google account, click on the callender, fill in the boxes, and close it. To have that automatically goto your phone will be a much enjoyed feature.
I also wish that this phone had a 3.5mm jack, just because every now and then id like to plug in my over priced bose earbuds but the fact remains that you WILL be able to use earbuds (just now your own, atleast not at first). This isnt the MOTOROKR nor was it intended to be.
I think the person who has been writing all these articles on the android phone vs the iphone is really looking for a phone that is tailored to his/her specific life style. This phone is going to be a extremely well rounded phone aimed towards the ENTIRE market of cell phone users, be it a email junky, someone who loves that pretty nifty GUI (myself), music lovers, and with the help of some 3rd party apps maybe even buisness professionals. Sure, it wont have enterprise like the Bberry but nor does apple. I just think that this phone will have a little bit of everything rather than a whole lot of something specific.
There are many phones on the market that target specific types of people, be it the camera, music, email, internet, or the text junky. For the first time a operating system is not only going to be a nice open sourced platform but its going to allow for users to have a out-of-the-box phone that does everything you would need directly from the phone without giving any one program to much attention and taking away from others.
Simply:
-Programs will be demanded from this phone that wont come with it out of the box at first.
-Those programs will be made and marketed to android owners in a way that no other phone has had before.
In short, what the android operating system is going to do for the cell phone industry is going to open up some eyes out there and hopefully push our cell phone technology forward greatly.
Just my opinion....
By prbsparx at 1:55 PM ON 09/26/08
@ACEOFSPADES:
Just wanted to let you know the iphone actually has enterprise support, Exchange ActiveSync is the same thing that the web based version of exchange and windows mobile use. The crackberries require server software that is extremely expensive to be compatible with enterprise software, and the exchange support is surprisingly good on the iphone.
Of course I can't wait for the G1 to come out, I just hope that it will also work with ActiveSync for calendar, email, and contacts cause then I can get one! Works requires activesync :(
By dc0de at 8:57 PM ON 09/26/08
With Regards to Aceofspades;
Yes, the iphone has some simple enterprise support, but comparing it to the blackberry, and bashing the blackberry server is an interesting take.
Blackberry devices can be configured and used in a FIPS-140-2 compliant way.
How long until the iphone can say that?
I'll bet that Android phones will beat the iphone to that punch...
--
dc0de.
By Aceofspades at 12:17 AM ON 09/27/08
@PRBSPARX the iphone DOES have enterprise support? is it just the new iphone or did the original have it to? my mistake the rep at the apple store told me it didnt and wouldnt any time soon...
thats cool though my bad for my inaccuracy
and DCODE, with all the open source possibilities i think if anyone can do it that the g1 definately will have a slight advantage being that the road will be a little easier
pbsparx why would you want it to work with active sync when it automatically uploads/downloads/syncs info with google? i mean if you use outlook (never been a fan of the insecurity of outlook myself) then yeah i understand activesync, but personally as stated above ive recently moved more towards using google account for most of my scheduling and the g1 will actually keep track with that by pushing events to and from the device
thanks again prbsparx for correcting me
By Aptox at 1:37 PM ON 09/28/08
The new mini-usb connector and the lack of a separate headset connector means that I must choose between charging the phone or having a wired handsfree headset. Yes - I don't like having to use a bluetooth headset. It may be fine around the house, but on an extended trip its yet another accessory to pack and it often needs its own separate charger. The same concern on long car or plane trips - I have to choose between listing to music or charging the phone.
By APTOX at 2:02 PM ON 09/28/08
A number of reviewers talk about how Android frees you from Apple's controlled ecosystem. Can some developer speak to this? From my casual glance at the Android development tools I see that I write to a java sdk and can use Eclipse as an IDE along with a google supplied emulator for debugging. ... Since Android is basically a net appliance, how do I, the home developer, put an application I developed, on to my own phone? Can I just put it on my own website and instruct my phone to install it? Or do I have to submit my application to some approval process before google or tmobile allows my app to appear someplace in their cloud of possible android applications. What I am asking is, am I really free to do what I want with my device, or does free mean that only developers (companies) with formal relationships with google or tmobile can create applications that I can use on my phone or share with my friends? If the later is the case then I don't see how the G1 is more open than the iPhone.
By SCREEN NAME at 10:24 AM ON 09/29/08
@APTOX
You can put the software on your phone. There is no such thing as an approval process for Android software. This has been discussed, at length, for a very long time.
By Aceofspades at 4:29 PM ON 09/29/08
@APTOX
While I do understand why you would like to have 2 separate ports imo 90% of users either use the phone as is or use bluetooth, wired handsfree headsets are dieing off quickly. Maybe aftermarket accessory will allow both, since its a miniusb it is possible to charge while using a wired headset.
and there are rumors that the new htc touch will be using the android os, so that phone might be more for you than this one but if i remember correctly youll lose the keyboard because if im right the touch has a onscreen keyboard.
By icedrakewl at 4:28 PM ON 10/08/08
@ Semiazas
thanx for the info about the double click ipod pop up. it always drove me crazy to unlock my LOVELY IPHONE, which i don't know how i lived before it. i'm not too computer savy, but i tend to talk a lot of older people, that know very little about cell phones, into getting the IPHONE because it IS computer/cell phone dummy friendly. if you want to do something just touch the pretty picture and go. i hope, at some point, all phones will get easier to use. i have to get a jitterbug phone for my g.ma because she can't figure out how to use a regular cell and no one else makes one for the elderly. i don't think we need to fight over which phone is better. just like everything else in America, we are free to make choices to suit our needs and the makers of these phones are doing a great job of keeping the options out there.
By UberGeek at 5:28 PM ON 11/19/08
One thing that I can not figure out, and is a software issue, is how to add a contact from a call. Once I finish a call I would like to add that person as a contact. Little over 45 minutes of trying, still no joy. Not sure if this is oversight, or my lack of 133t....
By honorundertech at 8:22 PM ON 02/06/09
is it me or did this review sound like a t-mobile rep wrote it... it does not give the g1 a slight chance, and it is not all bad...d:
By notimpressed at 1:48 PM ON 04/21/09
I'm packing up my G1 and taking it back to the store.
There are a lot of cool things about the phone but the things that are broken far outweigh the benefits.
It doesn't play .wav files which is how I receive voice messages from work.
It doesn't play .wmv files which is how most of the videos are sent.
I currently have a window mobile phone and am entrenched in the connectivity between my phone and Outlook. My contacts, my calendar, my email are almost always in sync and changes on one make it to the other easily.
I've setup the various sync softwares for the outlook to GMail and they are lacking. Calendar items don't have the details come through.
When email does get to my phone it can take up to 30 seconds for the client to load the email.
When I read an email on my phone it appears as unread after the next sync or two.
I hope they put more focus on the business user that needs that Outlook connectivity.
By joeyn at 2:25 AM ON 07/21/09
Is there any app that will allow this g1 to play a wav file? Please help.
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