Smartphone Smackdown: T-Mobile G1 vs. iPhone 3G

We pit T-Mobile's new Google Android-powered G1 handset against Apple's uber popular iPhone 3G to see how the two devices measure up.

By Tom Spring
Wed, September 24, 2008

PC World — Since the iPhone was launched 15 months ago it has defined, for many, what a smartphone experience should be. But today T-Mobile gives the iPhone a run for its money with the launch of the G1 smartphone. From the details that have emerged today regarding the G1, Apple now has a reason to be looking over its' shoulder.

T-Mobile's Google Android G1 Phone: What You Need to Know

Google's Android Mobile Platform and the Enterprise

Here is a look at how G1 and the iPhone compare to one another.

Platform and Device

In contrast to Apple that built its own phone, operating system, and content ecosystem, the G1 is based on an open platform. That means any software publisher can design programs that run on the G1 and its Android operating system. The potential universe of T-Mobile G1 applications is huge. Yet, it's too early to know whether mobile application developers will flock to the Android platform.

At least for now Apple has the upper hand when it comes to the device. The number of iPhone mobile applications (accessible via Apple's App Store) is growing every day. However, Apple's total control over the iPhone can also be bad because Apple can choose to exert too much control over what applications run on the iPhone and bar those that it doesn't like, upsetting users.

Hardware Specs G1 vs iPhone:

Weight: G1 = 158g vs iPhone = 133g

Battery Life: G1 = 5 hours talk time, 130 hours standby vs iPhone = 5 hours talk time, 300 hours standby

Screen Size: G1 = 3.2inches vs iPhone = 3.5in

Camera: G1 = 3MP vs iPhone = 2MP

Storage: G1 = 2GB (expandable to 8GB) vs iPhone = 8GB or 16GB

Mobile Apps

The big difference between G1 and iPhone is how you put music, videos, games, and productivity applications on your phone. The iPhone has iTunes, mobile iTunes (for iPod Touch and iPhone) and the App Store.

Things work differently with T-Mobile's G1. The G1 doesn't require a desktop software porgram similar to iTunes to add content to your phone. Content can be added via a removeable storage card, but most content T-Mobile says will be downloaded using Wi-Fi connection.

Many Google applications will come pre-loaded onto the G1, for example push Gmail service, Google Maps functionality, Google Calendar, and YouTube. T-Mobile is only talking about a handful of third-party applications right now. There are likely loads more to be announced leading up the G1's October 22 debut. Some include a ShopSavvy, a program that turns your phone into a barcode scanner able to read UPC codes and deliver instant price comparisons and PedNav, and location-aware application that helps you find nearby public transit options and walking routes.

These mobile applications will be available through Android Market - a competitor to Apple's App Store.

1 2 next page »

What is Tech Briefcase?

TechBriefcase is a new, free service where IT Professionals can Search, Store and Share IT white papers and content like this. Learn more

Bookmark content

Speed up your research efforts with content across the web.

Search and Store

Find the white papers you need. Create folders for any topic.

View Anywhere

Open your briefcase on your iPhone, tablet or desktop. Share with colleagues.

Don't have an account yet?

You are here: Technology Topics » Mobile/Wireless » Feature

Most Recent Mobile/Wireless Stories

White Papers »

Gartner Report on BYOD: Media Tablets and Beyond

This research assesses the impact of the growth in media tablets and other "off desktop" form factors entering IT deployments and makes recommendations on building an enterprise management plan based on industry best practices.

BYOD Policy Implementation Guide

This BYOD implementation guide from Absolute Software provides three simple steps to legally secure and manage employee-owned devices within a corporate environment.

The most simple & secure solution for Intranet access from mobile devices

The promise of enterprise mobility means that employees are more productive and address business issues in a timely, untethered manner.

Mobile Middleware Strategies

Learn why a mobile development platform is critical to be able to support today's complex enterprise mobility strategies. Learn what to look for in a mobile development platform and how apply these tools whether you're developing a dedicated app for one device or multiple apps running across multiple devices.

Native & HTML5 Mobile Apps: Not an either or, but a where and when

Learn how developers are using HTML5 and native development methods to build mobile apps. Get practical insights on how these tools are being used, what's driving their usage, and how to choose the best development approach for your business.

The Evolution of Enterprise Mobile App Development

Driven by explosive growth in smartphone and tablet sales, enterprise mobility has become an essential part of business. Organizations across industries are developing internal- and external-facing mobile applications that drive revenue, build brand loyalty, strengthen communication with partners, and enhance employee productivity. Learn how keeping pace in this market requires an agile, flexible, and iterative approach to application development.

Webcasts »

Set It & Forget It - Apple Devices in the Enterprise

Ben Snyder, Desktop Support Analyst at Under Armour, discusses how this fast-growing company with thousands of mobile employees uses an automated process to manage its mix of PC and Apple devices from a single console.

Take Control and Empower users with BlackBerry Mobile Fusion from RIM

At one time, a smart phone was only on executive tool that increased productivity. But now, more employees than ever before are bringing their own mobile devices and tablets into the workplace. CIOs must satisfy this new class of users but they need the tools to manage the growing number of devices and tablets over a wider variety of mobile operating systems.

Join David Heit, Senior Director of Product Strategy for Research In Motion (RIM) and award-winning technology editor Stan Gibson for a look at the forces that are transforming mobile IT today. In this Webcast you will learn about BlackBerry(R) Mobile Fusion and now you can manage and secure BlackBerry(R), iOS and Android(TM) devices all from one unified interface.

Mobility KnowledgeVault

How "mobile ready" is your infrastructure? This Mobility Knowledge Vault provides a wide variety of expert advice on how to strike a balance between end user ease-of-use and security. Prepare your organization with primers on data encryption and user authentication, device disablement and devising an employee-liable device strategy that makes both IT and users happy.

Successful Mobility: Access and Performance Anywhere

Today's workforce is truly mobile. At the office, from customer sites, even at home or in a hotel - their connectivity and application performance needs remain the same. But even though their requirements don't change, the challenges in meeting their expectations do.

Workday's Mobile Solution for iPad

Stay connected while on the go
As the workforce around the world becomes more mobile, enterprises are enabling their workers to stay informed and connected while on the go. Deploying Workday's cloud-based mobile solutions could not be easier!

Embracing BYOD: Best Practices from the Front Lines

Mobility is reshaping business worldwide. It's also reshaping how IT operates, fueled by the "Bring Your Own Device" trend, a trend that's been in the making since at least 2008. In this webcast, you'll learn how world IT leader SAP has embraced BYOD for lower costs, higher employee satisfaction and better business outcomes.

Newsletter Sign-Up »

Receive the latest news test, reviews and trends on your favorite technology topics

Choose a newsletter