
If you’ve got $400 to spend on an Apple product this season, you may face a tough choice: an 8GB iPhone (after the recent price drop), or a 16 GB iPod Touch, a near-replica of the iPhone that works in the same way but has fewer features.
See how the iPod touch compares to the iPhone in my iPod touch vs. iPhone feature comparison:
iPod touch features
Every feature on iPod touch has already been seen on the iPhone — expect for the iTunes WiFi music store, which will debut on iPhone sometime this month (read more about it below). Not every iPhone feature is on iPod touch, however.
Some of the useful applications on iPod touch include:
| Safari | |
| Just like the iPhone, iPod touch will let you surf the web over a WiFi Internet connection. You’re out of luck if there are no networks nearby, though, since iPod touch lacks iPhone’s EDGE network. |
| YouTube | |
| Also like the iPhone, iPod touch will feature a YouTube application for watching videos on the run. From the looks of it, you won’t be able to comment on videos, a feature also lacking on the iPhone — I referred to the lack of a YouTube comment interface on my list of 25 things wrong with the iPhone. |
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The iPod touch will play and sort through your music and videos in the same way as iPhone does. But instead of music and video being subdivisions of the “iPod”, like with the iPhone, the Music and Video applications will each have icons on the home screen. |
| Contacts | |
| As with the iPhone, iPod touch lets you sync your contacts, only you won’t be able to dial them. Instead of listing contacts as a subdivision of the phone (like on iPhone), iPod touch displays a Contacts icon on the home screen. iPhone should feature this Contacts shortcut as well, in my opinion. |
| Photos | |
| The iPod touch photo album works just like iPhone’s. You can flick through photos with your finger and zoom in by “pinching” the screen. The only difference is that iPod touch won’t have a camera, so there will be no Camera Roll in the Photos app, like in iPhone. |
iPod touch will also have iPhone’s Calendar, Clock and Calculator applications.
7 iPhone features iPod touch lacks
All of the following applications are on the iPhone, but lacking on the iPod touch:
- Phone (including SMS)
- Camera
- Stocks
- Maps
- Weather
- Notes
Update: Apple has issued an iPod Touch update that upgrades the device to include the Mail, Maps, Stocks, Notes & Weather applications found on the iPhone. The upgrade costs $20 via iTunes.
For more info on iPhone features, check out my iPhone review.
What’s new on iPod touch?
I’m particularly excited about one new feature addition to both the iPhone and iPod touch:
iTunes WiFi Music Store
With the iPod touch, Apple will introduce what will essentially be a mobile version of iTunes. With the iTunes WiFi music store, you’ll be able to sort through, preview and buy music, videos and audiobooks on your iPod. This feature is coming soon to iPhone via a software update.




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58 Comments So Far...
Thanks for the iPod Touch info. I’ve been holding out on getting an iPhone and now with the release of the iPod touch at the same time as the price drop of the iPhone my decision is even harder. I’m in Canada so the phone is pretty much useless to me at the moment, but the crippling lack of some of the better features in the iPod touch is really annoying. You can’t even add things to the calendar – why does Apple take AWAY functionality?
Anyhow, this info will help me decide come Sept 28 which one I want. Thanks!
Another noticble difference between the iPod Touch and iPhone is the screen quality. Shades of black are handled much better on the iPhone than the iPod Touch. Apple claimed that the difference is almost unnoticable, but when putting the two side by side that bad quality of the iPod Touch is very noticable.
It’s not something I’m too concerned about, because I’ll be getting an iPod Touch just for it’s internet capabilities and music. Plus, the slick design is to die for.
its really very boring how things go in and out of fashion. a while back i got a 2 gig ipod nano that was state of the art when i bought it, and a month later the latest type of ipod came out. man, that sucks!
Thanks for the comparison, it really influenced my decision on which one to get
hi, i was wondering. because in my country the iphone is not in service yet but i’m still able to get one. after seeing your review it clearly is obvious that the iphone is better. however i was wondering is it possible to buy an iphone and not insert a sim card and still be able to use all its other functions? thanks
Hey, i live in australia and can’t wait till the iPhone comes out. Is there anything that the Iphone is lacking? or that isnt as good as it should be?
Jezzika, you might want to take a look at my article 25 Things Wrong With the iPhone. My iPhone review covers some pros & cons as well.
If the ipod touch has wifi, why only youtube is availible? why not mail, maps, etc…?
what is the release date of the iphone in australia?
I have both the iphone and the ipod touch. I first got the ipod since I wanted one, then i picked up the iphone because it got so much hype. After trying both I gave the iphone to my wife. Reason, very simple. The iphone does not work with reguar headphones! I have bose 3 noise cancelling headphones and you cant use stereo with the iphone.
How can the Ipod touch lack anything that the Iphone has????
IT IS AN MP4 PLAYER, NOT A PHONE…DUH….So why compare the features on the two???? Dont waist a whole day deciding what to get…do you want to make calls and txs??? yes?? get the iphone… Do you just want to watch movies, listen to music and other things that dont include contacting anyone??? Get the touch…. just be smart…damn.
The iPod Touch lacks 2 more features. The iPhone has these features but the touch does not:
1. External Speaker
2. External Volume buttons
Why would we want to make a better iPod than the acctual iPhone. It would ruin our marketing if the iPod was better.
~I am sorry for using your email, Mr. Jobs, sir
Both of them do not have am/fm radio and tv app. Will these features be available in the next release?
hey i i need a new phone and ipod…. my phone still works but its 2 years old and i want a new 1…. are the plans for the iphone affordable? i heard they are like 75 a month which i think is a lil iffy…. if so ill just get touch and a new phone… i also heard the iphone has gps… and can the iphone reiceve internet connection anywhere?
This is a really tough choice. He are some arguments for the iPod Touch:
-Less battery drain
-More storage for your buck
-Now has maps and mail, etc.
-Don’t have to worry about dropping your phone when you go to the bar
Bascially, the only thing the iPhone has going for it is that you have all of your devices in one convenient package, so you don’t have to carry your phone separately. I just got a new phone 3 months ago, so I’m wondering if it’s worth it…
This must be old, the touch has the same features as the iPhone execpt for camere and calling for free on 2.0, the new version even has a built in speaker.
Well…actually, in my country its easy to afford the call costs, but its pretty hard to buy a iphone. Here the iphone costs about $665 in our currency. So I chose ipod touch as the better deal. It has built in speakers, volume keys, and shares an identical look with the iphone. Except for phone and camera facilities, ipod touch is equal to iphone. Is this true? Or are there any other major differences?
Well the only difference really is that the iPhone is a phone and the iPod Touch is a new generation of iPods. It is unfair to compare them because they do not fit in the same categories. They may look the same, feel the same, and possibly smell the same. But, they are two very different things. In my opinion the iPod Touch is very very advanced for its matter because how can you compare it to a phone? The iPhone was a big hit in the beginning having internet, GPS etc. and is still the most popular phone. But people treat it as a alternate computer than a phone or mp4. While the iPod Touch is just a better formed mp4 like its little brothers.
And the screen quality difference IS nearly the same. Really, would you actually count that as a defending point as saying the iPhone was better?
Also I forgot to say that the new 2.0 iPod Touch SLIMNESS is incredible. And think about it, it also has built in speakers!
Easy solution on which one to get:
What you have:
[ ]Do you already have a phone?
[ ]Do you already have a MP4/iPod?
What you want/need:
[ ]Do you really think the iPhone is a alternate computer solution for you?
[ ]Do you really think the iPod Touch is too expensive for a iPod?
AFTER YOU DO IT, IT SHOULD LOOK LIKE…
——————————
What you have:
[X]Do you already have a phone?
[ ]Do you already have a MP4/iPod?
What you want/need:
[ ]Do you really think the iPhone is a alternate computer solution for you?
[X]Do you really think the iPod Touch is too expensive for a iPod?
—————————–
PS put an [X] if you do have/want it. Put [ ] if you don’t
CONCLUSION:
Obviously the iPhone is better. But, if you just wanna watch movies with something thin and cool….I recomend the iPod Touch.
Thank you,
Apple Creator
Ok, the iphone is just way tooo much money, and its lacko=ing somethings the i thouch has! So definitly I’m asking for the ipod touch! WHOOOO!
ipod touch does have notes,mail,maps and a free weather application. and if u use tele flip or a number of free applications you can use SMS
The way i look at it is, that you can get the iphone which is cool and more worker friendly with internet at all.
or you can get the ipod touch, which costs less and really only doesnt have the actual phone and camera.
but
you NEVER have to worry about internet charges and roaming fees for the internet.
so.
there you go
ipod touch hands down
its going to be a very hard choice
and i mean verry
i have a phone but its out of date but i never had an ipod b4
the arguements are strong but still im in confusion!!!!
i hear the iphone is realy expensive per month
but the ipod touch is lacking some necessisties
I think that people should quite arrguing about it and either get the iphone or ipod touch. either you want a cell phone payment or you dont its that simple. it would be cheaper just to go and get a regular old flip phone and get a 8gb ipod touch and call it quites. a payment for the iphone is out of site. i have an ipod touch and a motorolla rokr slider and it works just fine. my cell payment is only 37 dollars a month, that beets 80 to 100 dollar cell payment. so that just gos to show that the ipod touch would be the better choice money wise.
can you say, quit griping. all it is is it looks like the freakin iphone & now everybody thinks it should be the same. Like if i named my son bob and so did my best friend. my sons name would be bob martin hers would be bob mills. they have the same certain characteristics but they aren’t exact. they are both boys same name but they are different because of looks and parents and all that!!! people please just be smart and USE UR FRIGGIN BRAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (btw im ordering my ipod touch today~!!!!!!!!~)
iam geting an ipod toch for christmas i think
and i have to say the the ipohon is not perfect
but nethet is the ipod toch .i think u pepole shood stop piking out the bad fings on the ipod toch and ipohon u shood look at the good fings and if u cat find any dont get one
soory about the speeling
if u are looking for a pohon its simmpl get the iphon but if u have a phon that you are happy whit get the ipod toch simpl as
i bought the ipod touch second generation in october for $300 and i absolutely love it. the only real features that the ipod touch lacks compared to the iphone is the camera and microphone(phone). by using new FREE applications you can call other ipod touch or iphone users by downloading truphone which with a headset(with microphone). another FREE app is email2sms which allows you to text iphone users, just put in your email text and their phone number. the camera on the iphone isnt al that god anyway so that isnt quite so big a feature downfall. the games graphics and video is great. thee internal speaker comes in quite useful and is one of my favorite features that the ipod touch first generation didnt have. the ipod, music/itunes is the whole point hence IPODtouch and the music has its own bottom of menu icon link. i researched the ipod touch for atleast a few months and found it to be a better deal in my situation and many to get the ipod touch. i thought it was so good that i started up my own business and sold things to buy the ipod touch and accessories. as for accessories definetely get the griffin wall outlet to usb converter for charging. i absolutely love my ipod touch and i have 110+ free apps allready. i definetely reccomend getting the ipod touch and if you do need a phone then the iphone is the best but get the 3g. sorry for my bad grammar, english, and spelling. thanks for taking the time to read
-satisfied ipod touch 2G 16GB
just buy a ipod touch less money need then buy a good cellphone most cellphones cost less then the iphone monthly
ipodtouch2g – thanks for the great review of ITouch 2g. I just got one and will write up my own review after using the device for a while.
i was the annomise person back on december 9th 2008 and as of then i have gotten an ipod touch and let me tell ya itz the same as an iphone. you can do the same things with it and even call with the app you can buy from itunes. you can e-mail, watch you tube, check stocks, and even have a direct connetion with itunes with out useing your computer. although you can do that with an iphone you have to pay for all of it with an ipod touch you can pick what you want installed to it. and look above and see how many other peopole think the sam about it, ipod touch all the way!
I personally cant wait to get my itouch because im getting it shipped to my house late next week. But i have one question: do u need to buy a charger, or does it come with it? and does an itouch have texing on it becuz ive been told that by many people now.
cant wait ot get the itouch
Bria-the ipod touch 2g does come woth a usb charger cable for a usb (thumbrive input) hookup to a computer. I suggest getting a wall plug usb coverter as well because then you dont have to rely on a working computer. Another useful accesorie(spelled right?) is a wireless AA battery charger from office max costco or online. Dont buy a case get the invisible shield and be sure to align it perfectly how you want it when you first install it. The texting is available but through email only to iphone users, you can jailbreak and turn it into a fully functional phone but i dont suggest it. This is all typed from my beloved ipodtouch2g. Have fun and dont be cheap wheb buying accesories-ipodtouch2g
thanks 4 the helpful info but i have one last question: what really is the difference between the 1st and 2nd generation of the ipod touch be cuz i dont know which one i ordered . But b4 i jailbreak it, does the ipod touch come with internet once u get it or do u have to install it or jailbreak it, or watever. im really not good with getting internet on portabale things.and one more thing: how come i shouldnt get a case why should i get the invisible shield? thanks for the help.
does the itouch come with a charger?
the difference is mainly that the 2g has internal speakers and doesnt require headphones. there are more differences like software upgrades and more available applications. internet does come on the home screen of the 1g and 2g so no need to jailbreak for internet. jailbreaking will only work on the 1g and 2g if you downgrade the software. the invisible shield is the best case for many reasons, one of which it is invincible, another it was used for military technology originally, another it will be able to fit in an ihome with ease istead of a bulky case that wouldnt, the biggest is it doesnt very much change the original sleek look of the ipodtouch2g and adds grip. 2 million have bee sold. go to google and type in invisble shield homepage.. yes it does come with acharger but only a usb plug so get a wall outlet converter.
you can also scroll up and click on the link attached to the invisible shield video
ok well im getting my ipod touch on friday, so wats the very first thing i should buy 4 it. Should it be the cord? be cuz do i really need the cord? or should i not?
Hey Bria, according to the iPod touch specs on the Apple site, the iPod touch comes with a USB cord for charging on your computer, but not an adapter for plugging into the wall.
the case and then the wall outlet charger and then a case to put all of it in( cleaner cloth headphone ipod battery charger)
you dont need the cord because it comes with one but it is a matter of convenience and i personally thhink that the $15 i payed for mine was worth it (i got a cheap one but it works fine)
i have a regular i pod and i cant decide 2 get an i pod tuch or just keep saving (i dont have a job)
I HAVE NO IDEA HELP ME OUT!!!
B)
can you get any apps on the itouch as the iphone? and my friend had an iphone and unlocked it(jailbreak) and he had alot of NES games on it, if you jailbreak the itouch what does it do to the itouch?
well to tell you the truth your friend is just lien to you because their isent an app for that. he most likely just bought the game apps and told you that their was some way you could get them. and any way just buy them straight up and not on those shareing sites. i can tell you all that now, your gonna get in troble for that one day. and to answer your first question yes you can get any app just like the iphone i personaly have about 50apps. just go to apple.com and go to shop to find them all or if you have wifi connectivity like im on now you can download it directly to your ipod touch. i use my ipod touch about every day. oh and puple guy up thier just read my other reviews and others they will tell you what you should do in your occasion.
I like the iPhone
I can’t decide between an 8G or a 16G. I don’t have a ton of music, want some apps and have two kids so I will have games and videos but not an extensive amount. Any suggestions?
Beth – 8gigs is farily large. To put things in perspective my computers harddrive is 4 gigs. (on the other hand I dont run microscrap products, nor do I have large ammounts of media files (maybe 1.5-2 gigs total was my max, and never could listen/watch everything over the course of a few days.)
You cant upgrade however, but theres only so much you can rally do at one time, and you can always change what you store on your device.
I did not see an answer to JO790.. as to getting iPhone and not enabling phone service. Can you use it as an iTouch only then? I heard GPS is not voice.. you have to read it. Disappointed in that.
What’s this.. if you get 8G you CAN’T upgrade to 16G? This is not just a memory chip? hmmmm definitely a drawback there.
I may wait for 3rd generation.
hey guys
should i buy iphone or the ipod???
ipod touch 2nd gen can have a phone and unlimted free text viz wi-fi for texting download texplus and for calling download truphone or skype on itunes i’d choose iopd touch beacuse you can do almost everythiing the iphone can but for free and with the iphone you gotta pay about 80 buck a month that hurts
Everybody knows iphone is way better than the ipod touch. The new iphone 3Gs came out and I am gonna get it. It has voice control, cut and paste and many more new features. The thing i dont like is that it is not as thin as the ipod touch. How disappionting. The Iphone 3Gs only costs $199 and + tax $212
Dear Danny,
I completely agree with you except for the fact you are wrong about price, the iphone plan (required) will cost you atleast $50+ per month for the media package. I love the new iphone but for that price i could probably pay off some loans instead of gavinf a fancy peice of electronics. I know it is amazing but you will end up paying an insane amount of $$$$$. If you’re loaded, go for it but dont say i didnt warn you about price.
I really don’t like the iphone because the ipod touch is the same. People say if you jail break it you could call people and download apps. But i like the iphone 3gS. It makes more sense because there are lots of fun and different stuff that you can do on it. If you know somebody who has a iphone regular or a ipod touch ask what’s the different. Plus the ipod touch is only $200 at some places or $230. (I never jail breaked though.) And touch is slimer.
I forgot to include the iphone 3G
The iphone 3G and i phone 3GS
they are alright