Update (Apr 20, 2010): This post has been updated to reflect more current information on iPod Touch vs iPhone.
Decisions, decisions: Should you get an iPhone 3G, 3GS or iPod Touch, a near-replica of the iPhone that works in generally the same way but has fewer features?
I own the iPhone 3GS, but I’ve done some research on both the iPod Touch and the iPhone for this feature comparison.
See how the iPod Touch compares to the iPhone in my iPod touch vs. iPhone overview:
iPod Touch vs. iPhone
Every feature on the iPod Touch is also on the iPhone. But not every feature on the iPhone is on the iPod Touch. So first let me show you the features iPhone DOES have, then let me show you what the iPod Touch lacks:
Feature Breakdown:
*Note: Grey text denotes features common to all three models: iPhone 3G, iPhone 3GS and iPod Touch.
iPhone 3G Features:
Software:
- The latest iPhone OS, including the native apps: Messages, Calendar, Photos, Camera, YouTube, Stocks, Weather, Clock, Calculator, Notes, Settings, iTunes, App Store, Voice Memos
Hardware:
- 3G Internet
- 3 Megapixel Camera
- Harddrive: 16GB or 32GB
- Speed: 412MHz
- Memory: 133MB of RAM
- 3.5-inch Multi-Touch display
- GPS
- Wi-Fi
- Cellular service (AT&T in US, varies by country)
- 10 hours video playback
iPhone 3GS Features:
Software:
- The latest iPhone OS, including the native apps:
Hardware:
- 3G Internet
- 3 Megapixel Camera
- Harddrive: 16GB or 32GB
- Speed: 600MHz
- Memory: 133 MB of RAM
- Speed: 600MHz (up from 412 MHz)
- Memory: 256 MB of RAM (up from 133MB)
- 3.5-inch Multi-Touch display
- GPS
- Wi-Fi
- Cellular service (AT&T in US, varies by country)
- 10 hours video playback
- Compass
- Video Camera
iPod Touch Features:
Software:
- The latest iPhone OS, including the native apps: Messages, Calendar, Photos, Camera, YouTube, Stocks, Weather, Clock, Calculator, Notes, Settings, iTunes, App Store, Voice Memos
Hardware:
- Harddrive: 8GB, 32GB or 64GB (double the available iPhone capacities)
- Speed: Cortex A8, Apple chip
- Memory: 256MB of RAM
- 3.5-inch Multi-Touch display
- Wi-Fi
- 6 hours video playback
In summary, the iPod Touch runs on the same software as the iPhone, but LACKS mobile features like a cellular signal, GPS, data connectivity (3G/EDGE), and of course that pesky 2-year contract with AT&T, which is required to buy an iPhone.
The iPod touch is also thinner and usually cheaper than the iPhone depending on your agreement with your service provider.
Apple usually makes iPod Touch users pay $10-$20 for major OS updates, while iPhone users get them included as part of the service contract.
iPod touch (Buy on Amazon) is a great basic media devices, especially for children. An iPod Touch is also great for “non-techy” people who don’t require a full-blown mobile computer and telephone with a mobile service contract. But if you want to go all out and you want the ultimate portable assistant, then go with the iPhone.
Keep in mind: Apple often issues major updates to both the iPod Touch and the iPhone, usually during summer, so it might be worth waiting it out so your new device doesn’t start becoming obsolete a couple months after you buy it.
What do you think?
What is your media device of choice, iPhone or iPod touch? Why?
Helpful Links
iPhone specs: iPhone | Apple Store
iPod touch specs: iPod touch | Apple Store
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I think that if you dont need internet or email out and about, and can wait to check facebook when you have wifi, it is better to get the ipod touch. You save the monthly contract price! Just use a regular phone for phone calls and texts. If you want to do some web stuff just by a phone that has mobile web. You can do more than you think is possible on there. I have an ipod touch and i don’t miss any of the iphone features because i can do most of it on my regular phone which costs about 30 a month. It has mobile web so i can do some email and check websites that are not complicated. It is a better deal to get the ipod touch and save the money for a new laptop or something instead.
iPod Touch as your media device, Blackberry 9700 for phone. iPhone is crappy in terms of phone capability/ies.
I say, it all depends on your purpose. iPod touch is obviously an improved version of iPod. So if you are into just music or the old iPod “thing” and your budget is also limited (considering iPod Touch is cheaper than iPhone) you should settle with iPod. But if you want more, and you NEED the features found in iPhone then go for iPhone. I think it’s a miss match. For me it would be more appropriate to compare iPhone with Blackberry than comparing it with iPod touch. iPhone came from the line of mobile phones while iPod Touch came from iPod (generally for music, photos and video viewing purpose)
soo umm are people goin for ipod touch?
coz hav to choose and i DONT NO
Get an ipod touch. Even if just for a year, then you can buy an iphone next year, which will have more features.
Ugh! Everyone is saying different answers and it doesn’t tell which is better!! It’s so hard to decide!! Aaaaaaaah!
i have an iPod 3g. im 12 and i personally think the iPod is better because there is an app that you can call ant text people with(wi-fi required)P.S: oh and for call ing you need those special headsets
Definately iPhone. One device for multiple purposes.
..iPhone, but I can only afford the iPod Touch, and I’m getting an iPod touch fir my birthday
me too
im ten years old so im goin to get iphone bcause the telegragh say that by july its going to be £100 punds im saving money from now
i got a ipod touch but its rubbish i would prefer iphone coz u dont need wifi
on ipod touch you need wifi haw borin is dat
omg i think the ipod touch is better or maybe the iphone but if you were a kid thin i suggest the ipod touch but if you were a teen i suggest and iphone so i hope this help
thank you
Cool thanks heaps, can you also add iPhone 4 id love to see the speed and memory size of it.
I own an itouch 2g and i think its the best device i have bought so far, you can use MSN, go on websites, you can use all the same Apps as iphone, you just dont have the phone & camera no biggy.
i would love to buy an iphone but still too expensive
(Australia)
Thanks
iPhone is way better. I got an iPod touch for Christmas and it’s TERRIBLE. The wifi sucks, you can only get like half of the apps in the app store, it doesn’t have a phone, camera or texting (those apps that supposedly do that are fake) and barely any apps are tested on the itouch, so they have bugs and crashes, and the iPhone 3Gs is now only $100 and my iPod cost more than that, so cost is not an issue. iPhone, for sure. And, Itouch had terrible battery life.
ipod touch is way better
trust me i have both of them!
What makes the ipod touch better for you?
you can get this app for free calling and texting(only wi-fi is required) and a special headset used for calling while listening to music
thank you sooo much…. im trying to decide right now, and you really helped
well… your too greedy!! if you actually look at it…. it holds way more memory… mines is 8 gigabytes and i have 4 pages of things.. all that doesn’t take 1 gig
pfft! what do u mean ONLY 100 dollars?! u do know u have to pay monthly crap for it?