The back panel of the iPhone 3G is glossy plastic which is far better than previous phones' aluminium back, but the plastic also makes it a bit slippery. Everything else is almost like the first iPhone, like the 3.5 inch display and the bottom houses the speakers.

Don't fight it, you know you want one. Almost as good as Apple thinks it is.

Good to have it as a classic item

Original

I purchased this phone through buy.com only to find that the home button would not work properly. I had to press hard to have it work. The item was scratched on the steel band that is surrounding the phone. This is clearly a USED phone and not a refurbished phone that you and me are thinking about.

Editors' note, July 11, 2008: This is the review of the original first-generation iPhone model, released June 2007. Coverage of the 3G iPhone model released July 11, 2008 is available here. Editors' note, July 16, 2009: We have lowered the rating of this product from 8.0 to 7.6 in the wake of the release of the iPhone 3G S. For a full analysis of the iPhone OS 3.0 software update, please see our iPhone 3G S review. For ongoing coverage, please see our full coverage of the Apple iPhone.

Despite some important missing features, a slow data network, and call quality that doesn't always deliver, the Apple iPhone sets a new benchmark for an integrated cell phone and MP3 player.

The Apple iPhone has a stunning display, a sleek design, and an innovative multitouch user interface; Its Safari browser makes for a superb Web surfing experience, and it offers easy-to-use apps; As an iPod, it shines.

The Apple iPhone has variable call quality and lacks some basic features found in many cell phones, including stereo Bluetooth support and 3G compatibility; Integrated memory is stingy for an iPod, and you have to sync the iPhone to manage music content.

The iPhone 3G delivers on its promises by adding critical features and sharper call quality. The iTunes App Store is pretty amazing, and the 3G support is more than welcome. Critical features still are missing, and the battery depletes quickly under heavy use, but the iPhone 3G is a big improvement over the original model.

The Apple iPhone 3G offers critical new features including support for high-speed 3G networks, third-party applications, and expanded e-mail; Its call quality is improved and it continues to deliver an excellent music and video experience.

The iPhone 3G continues to lack some basic features that are available on even the simplest cell phone; Battery life was uneven, and the 3G connection tended to be shaky; Also, the e-mail syncing is not without its faults.

After selling more than 6 million units in other countries, the iPhone is finally here (officially). Australians can now get their hands on the iPhone 3G, Apple's second-generation mobile.

The iPhone 3G improves on its predecessor, refining its strengths and eliminating some of its flaws. On the way, however, it picked up a few more flaws. Exchange and MobileMe support are appealing, but poor battery life and substandard GPS implementation will deter some people.

Multi-touch navigation, HSDPA bandwidth, Exchange and MobileMe support;

Poor GPS implementation, no physical keyboard, poor battery life;

This touch-screen phone is innovative, but it’s expensive, lacks 3G network access.

Innovative design; Good mobile Web browser;

Expensive; No third-party non-Web apps (like Word);