Buyers looking to pick up a smartphone typically have two questions on their mind. First, "Should I get the Google Phone?" and second, "Google Phone or iPhone? Which is it?" are the most frequently asked questions lobbed toward our editors. Rather than a quick quip to answer the question, lets try to break down the pros and the cons of 2008's most buzzed about cell phones.
Google Phone or G1?
Before we dive into the actual devices, lets get the device naming conventions straight. While Google developed the operating system behind the T-Mobile G1, they didn't exactly manufacture the device. The "ghost manufacturer du jour" called HTC actually manufactured the device, and T-Mobile is in fact marketing the device as its own handset. The phone is called the T-Mobile G1, so we're going to be referring to it as the G1. We wouldn't call it "The Google Phone," simply because there are going to be many different Google phones, all running Android and all tightly integrating with Google's services like search, mail, and maps. The G1 is the most accurate short name.
G1 vs iPhone: Google Maps
Oddly enough, for being competitors that are tightly compared, the G1 and the iPhone share many similarities, most strikingly Google Maps. Both devices can navigate in a similar manner through the map, opening a search window at the top to locate a specific place. Users can zoom by simply pinching their fingers together to zoom out and pushing them outward to zoom in. Both phones have GPS, though the G1 actually adds a compass to its version of Google Maps, which would definitely come in handy for navigating an unfamiliar city. The G1 also integrates turn-by-turn directions, making the G1 suitable to replace in-car GPS systems, and also offers Street View to give users a glimpse of where they're going before they get there. Sorry iPhone users, you're stuck with simple maps and directories. However, it's theoretically possible that Google could add these features to the iPhone, but we don't see the competitive advantage with the hardware market starting to crop up.
Winner: G1
G1 vs iPhone: Music management
While the G1 may have minor advancements on Google's own properties, the places where the device lacks are severe. Take, for example, music syncing. While Apple has been toiling over the last eight-ish years to create the preeminent online music retailer and syncing software to couple to its market-leading music device, Google has been, well, not investing in music. The company has amazing media management software, like Picasa for photos, yet seems to have largely avoided the music scene. Without a desktop, or online, application to gather music in together, the G1's media management functionality is severely crippled, leading to a wild west scenario. If you're looking for a simple way to manage playlists, the iPhone would be the simple way.
On the plus side, the G1 (and Android) have a music store that has many differing tracks through Amazon. All the tracks downloaded are free of any copying restrictions (DRM) so moving them from the phone to a desktop, or to any MP3 player shouldn't cause any heartache. However, Amazon's MP3 store definitely isn't enough to compete with the iTunes Music Store and iTunes syncing compatibility.
Winner: iPhone
G1 vs iPhone: Personal Information Management Syncing
While we've got into how to sync calendars together both on the desktop and on a mobile device, both the iPhone and G1 have excellent calendar, contacts and email support — though depending on price and provider, one may be better for your situation.
For Mac users, the iPhone syncs excellently with iCal, Address Book and Mac Mail, and MobileMe does a great job of syncing these items over-the-air. However, with its $99/year price-point, iPhone users will have to pony up additional cash to keep their contacts and calendars correct.
Meanwhile, users living in a Google Calendar, Google Mail and Google Contacts world will find the G1 syncs with their online life superbly, and won't cost anything extra on top of a service plan.
Winner: Tie, depending on situation.
G1 vs iPhone: Build quality
As Craig pointed out in his hands on impressions, users looking for devices that double as bling need to pick up Steve Jobs' flagship device. Unfortunately, the G1 isn't bringing the sexy like the iPhone. While the iPhone has sleek lines and an extremely elegant curved look, the G1 isn't exactly ugly though the sex appeal just isn't as strong. Craig also mentioned the plastics feel a little cheap, and the spring mechanism hiding the keyboard isn't up to par just yet.
Winner: iPhone
G1 vs iPhone: Carrier
Politics, religion and phone carriers: three talking points I prefer not to bring up in dinner conversations. Cell phone carriers seem to have their fans and enemies, and both are extremely vocal about the topic. While fanboys reign supreme, there are a few real world facts on which to base carrier choice. For starters, AT&T's 3G network is more widespread and mature than T-Mobile's recently launched network; however AT&T users claim overall signal strength isn't stellar on their iPhones. T-Mobile seems to fare pretty well in my experience, but in the end carrier choice should be a truly a geographical issue. Be sure to check out the carrier's official coverage maps before making a decision and, depending on where you live, you'll likely have friends to ask regarding coverage as well.
If I had to pick a favorite, personally I prefer T-Mobile. I've used all four big carriers over my cell phone career, and had some really poor customer support experiences with AT&T (years ago, things might have changed) but I've been a T-Mobile customer for 8 years and never had a single issue. Each time I've had an issue that required customer service, I left the situation with a positive taste in my mouth.
That being said, your experience may vary. Start with talking to your friends who use the services in your area, since experience with carriers is extremely regional.
Winner: Toss up to geography
G1 vs iPhone: App store
Lastly, we come to the least currently relevant aspect, but the aspect which holds the most promise in my mind: the application store. Right now, the iPhone has the benefit of being the first mover in the space, so Apple's App Store has the most applications. However, since Apple has previously restricted which apps can be distributed in the App store, and Google has already stated its intentions for a completely open marketplace, developers are evaluating their options between the two platforms. It'll really be interesting to see whether the application support gets there for Android, and if a killer app hits, it might help decide which platform developers latch, and which handsets sell.
Winner: iPhone (...for now)
Synopsis
The phones both have their advantages and disadvantages. I'd recommend the G1 for adventurous types who don't mind fiddling with their phone, while the iPhone is definitely a status symbol and has the most robust support currently behind it. People who want a phone to manage their music collections should definitely go iPhone, while users looking for an open marketplace for applications and who want free tightly integrated access to Google accounts should definitely go G1. (For a side by side spec comparison, head here)
As for me? I'm going neither, for now. I personally own an iPod touch, and always said my main beef with the iPhone was AT&T instead of Apple, but perhaps after saving up come cash, I'll walk away from a T-Mobile store with a G1. Till then, my trusty BlackBerry Pearl will have to do.
What do you think? Are you very happy with your iPhone? Pleasantly surprised by the G1? Think there's a better phone out there we didn't mention? Be sure to sound off in the comments.
- News by glossary term:
- GPS, DRM, AGPS, iTunes Store (iTMS)
- News by brand:
- Apple iPhone, Google Android
- Profile pages:
- Apple iPhone 3G, T-Mobile G1 (HTC Dream), Google Android, Google Maps, Google Android Market
Sony PS3 Slim image gallery
Comments (87)
Add a comment Inappropriate or promotional comments may be removed.
Kiran Patchigolla
(6:43 PM on Mon Oct 27, 2008)
Seems like this comparison is incomplete. Memory, iphone is a winner with 8 GB vs 1GB on G1. How about the Google Lock-in with all the services on G1? How about MS Exchange support? Comparing them at a smartphone levels are fine but the G1 device is plain ugly for my taste.
Randall Bennett
(6:54 PM on Mon Oct 27, 2008)
I think we'll have to do an "iPhone vs G1: The rematch" with your suggestions and others.
Kevin N (3:28 PM on Sat Nov 1, 2008)
Sorry, but the memory issue is not 8gb vs. 1gb. The G1 uses expandable memory (microSd, probably microSDHC) so it can expand to 8gb for around 20 bucks if you shop around. Also, you can expand in the future to 16gb (which has been tested) and potentially 32gb if it's supported. Could Apple have offered expandable memory? Probably. But then again, it wants people to buy the 16gb version at a higher cost. This is coming from an Iphone user, by the way. While I loved the iphone for what it does, I hate apple for crippling what it could have been. I still think, so far, the iphone is a better phone in terms of aesthetics, user interface, web browser, and music, I'm really thinking of switching. I'd rather back Google than Apple.
Marcy (9:38 PM on Sat Dec 27, 2008)
no one cares if your phone or any other phone is ugly ok. NO ONE CARES!!!!!!!!! it only matters when its clothing. and if someone does care then there stupid cause it matters how the phone works.
Jay (8:59 AM on Fri Feb 13, 2009)
well thats just not true. the look of a phone most definately matters. you wouldnt carry around an absolutely great performing machine if it looked like it spewed out of a dogs rectum...or would you. a few years back the top selling phone was the motorola razor and believe me, no one bought it out of functionality.
Anonymous (1:43 PM on Thu Jan 15, 2009)
You can replace the micro sd card up to 16gb. i got an 8gb for 30bucks?
Anonymous (4:00 AM on Tue Apr 7, 2009)
Actually the G1's 1GB mini sd card can be replaced with an up 16GB mini sd card.
Anonymous (11:11 AM on Wed Oct 29, 2008)
i think this is the best competition of tecnology in which the winner is going to be customer i think according to looks and some of the features vise i phone is the winneron the other hand i phone doent have magapixal camera on not competible with taking vidio at the sametime G1 hase these feature and on the affordability vise G1 is the winner so i think we have to give some time to other competitors to develope this smart phone so we can get the best smart phone which has every cool and great feature.
Anonymous (2:16 PM on Fri Nov 14, 2008)
I agree with Kevin N. Apple has a killer product now, but its actual potential is crippled. The best part about Android is how open it is, so as soon as someone makes a device that can really show off the OS, the iPhone is going to have tough time keeping up.
Anonymous (2:53 PM on Tue Nov 18, 2008)
Dj ReggOne
The G1 is a pretty good for except for the battery life it sucks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
i think this phone was put out in a rush im going to buy an i phone and unlock it to work in t mobile
Anonymous (8:11 PM on Mon Nov 24, 2008)
careful about having an unlocked iPhone... if you download ANY Apple iPhone updates it will no longer work with your computer and possibly cause service problems!!!
felicia (4:33 PM on Tue Apr 28, 2009)
My G1 has great battery life, you can also upgrade your battery if need be, and i love how it takes 30 min if that to charge. I think it depends on internet usage, if im on the internet all day it will obviously die faster.
Anonymous (5:00 PM on Sat Nov 22, 2008)
trying out a little resarch to see what i have here. Not accounting anyprices due to the fact money is paper we will spend it regardless. I hear alot the the G1 is a copy of the IPHONE someone trying to compete so its not the original. What type of car do you drive its not the orignal huh so lets scratch that complaint. Two it has no 3mm headphone jack. It has a USB headphone jack why complain headphone are headphone you cary what you need. It UGLY..maybe to you I like the looks. It only comes with 1gb compared to 16gb from the IPHONE...its a SD card and with the movment forward of mini-sd cards there is no limit with firmware updates you can already due 16gb beside the IPHONE but can grow unlike the IPHONE. battery life is a little weak but again can be upgraded unlike the IPHONE. The screen may be smaller by a fraction yes you got me there and the IPHONE had it patented multi-touch. Can be made to work on g1 but apple can place a lawsuit plus others say it is more compatable with other programs and apps without multi-touch. they bout support exchange just in a diffrent way. i like the keyboard on the g1 i like to feel the keys that why on a computer keyboard its not an electronic interface you have the groves on the keys to know where your hands are. The g1 lets other devolpers do there thing, yes more likley to viruses or malware attacks but who downloads illigal music same thing just have to have a good anti-virus. I dont need big brother (in this case apple) to watch over me they dont on my PC. Plus no drm on music i hate that about apple give me my music to put on my pc mp3 and phone without worrying about a drm converter. Updates over the air for the G1 i woke up and was informed i had an update didnt have to plug my iphone in to find out. Its made along with GOOGLE witch is becoming life they are one of the leading technolgy supporters and are going to be the most advanced user friendy supporter of technology known to man. Ask yahoo who was made a nobody by them. Please reply why your IPHONE is better so i can give you more reasons why it is not.
Anonymous (7:26 AM on Thu Jan 8, 2009)
More people might read past the first line or two of your comment if you had not flunked remedial grammar and spelling. At least try using a period occasionally.
Anonymous (3:27 AM on Mon Nov 24, 2008)
I own a G1 and I think you forgot a few things...
-Full QWERTY keyboard... it's so much easier to text when you can actually FEEL the keys
-Trackball, for when links are too closely spaced to touch, or just as an alternative
-Full factory support of AIM, google talk, MSN, and yahoo messenger
-Complete customization of phone, without needing to "hack" it and void a warranty. OPEN SOURCE, be patient until the market fills with even better apps than what's available.
-Able to send picture messages... through MMS and e-mail
Iphone
-Voicemail list probably one of the coolest features on any phone i've seen.
-Standard headphone jack
Anonymous (5:09 PM on Sun Nov 30, 2008)
iPhone can send pics through email, just not MMS ^
Anonymous (11:03 PM on Tue May 5, 2009)
but then people who do not have smartphones (thus not having internet capabilities) can't get pics sent to them via text msg/MMS style....g-1 does both.
Job Hamilton (8:09 AM on Tue Dec 23, 2008)
I got the G1 because I've been loyal to T-Mobil 4 almost 9 years, and I was just happy they came out with a nice phone. The pics are behind the times nor can u watch tv. But u can get a nice amount of free apps.
Anonymous (9:42 PM on Sat Dec 27, 2008)
good for you!!!!!!!. i love tmobile and sure the sevice isn't great but its better than at&t i can tell you that. oh and it is cool that you get free apps. unlike the iphone which you have to pay for the games and it like 10 dollars for a frecking game.
Marcy (9:36 PM on Sat Dec 27, 2008)
i think the iphone has its cons and pros but i have tested the G1 and the iphone on how fast the web was and the G1 totally owned the iphone. The iphone if you haven't noticed when you search the web it has errors and it even says it on the top of the screen. i have tmobile so i like the G1 and i don't care if its ugly cause to me its how it works. Plus i love shopping and i don't think that the iphones going to help me at all with my shopping. Oh also the tunes on the g1 are way cheaper and the basic plan is cheaper.
spice (11:26 AM on Wed Dec 31, 2008)
I love my G1 and she is not ugly at all, she's beautiful and a little thick and some of us don't mind a little weight when the G can cook! Anyway, my boyfriend is a programmer and I like the fact that he can create apps and we can create more technological democracy, that creates innovation.
Anonymous (5:14 PM on Mon Dec 29, 2008)
I agree with everyone who likes the g1 better lol. I have one and i love it. The open-ness of the OS is amazing. The fact that it has only begun and will only continue to get better is amazing. I have had mine about a week, and there are so many more apps today then there were when i got it. And they are ALL FREE. Something apple should have looked into. As for the 'multi-touch' yayaya its cool or whatever, but its quite minuscule. Just like the looks, sure the iphone is a little sleeker, but in my eyes, my G1 in white is damn sexy. just my 2 cents i guess
Anonymous (9:45 PM on Sat Dec 27, 2008)
boo hoo no one cares
Anonymous (9:44 PM on Sat Dec 27, 2008)
ok so wht if the g1 can't email a pic. but you can do that on a desk top or on a text.
P.s so many more people text than email is so last year.
anon (2:48 AM on Sat Feb 28, 2009)
I just checked on my g1. Yes,you can email a picture.
Karsus (3:55 PM on Fri Jan 2, 2009)
Personally I don't really like the iPhone, although I haven't really tried the G1. The touchscreen keyboard and intellisense both make things harder than I expected. Moving around a zoomed web page can be clunky with it often only moving horizontally or vertically. The gps with google maps is often off in where I am. That and the browser has a tendency of dying on heavy websites, not to mention the lack of decent flash support. In the 2 weeks I've had it, I've had to restart it twice because of the browser dying. That and the lack of copy paste and decent navigation in text you're writing(need arrow keys). And... The lack of convenient movement between the browser and the apps like google maps and YouTube which you would have working in a regular browser is annoying. Overall, it's a far inferior experience to what I was expecting.
Anonymous (4:55 PM on Tue Feb 24, 2009)
good point!
kerry (2:02 PM on Sat Jan 3, 2009)
can anyone suggest should i buy iphone or g1?
Andy (12:30 PM on Tue Jan 20, 2009)
You can buy any thing but I suggest G1 is better there is no limt of sky with G1 but iPhone everywhere is limitation like battery memmory applications.
Anonymous (1:42 AM on Wed Jan 7, 2009)
Kerry from the sound of it, it seems as if the G1 will out beat the iphone. osea!!!
quinn (10:08 PM on Wed Jan 7, 2009)
Yeah... I can't wait to see what the Android market puts out, but it has been a couple months and I haven't seen nearly as rapid of an increase as iphone's market had.
In the meantime the phone was obviously rushed to the market. The battery life BLOOOOOOWWS!!!!
Frankly, doesn't matter what the phone is capable of, or will be capable of if it can't stay on.
Anonymous (10:15 AM on Wed Jan 14, 2009)
The iPhone is really weak against the G1 -- this article is pretty funny. G1 = iPhone killer in many ways, do some research people. We're talking Google here. Use it.
Anonymous (1:01 PM on Wed Jan 14, 2009)
I've played with both phones and I personally feel the iPhone performs better. Hence why I just bought one. Plus check if your company can throw you a discount with AT&T (I live in the UK so they're called 02 here). I get 30% off my monthly contract - leaving me with £24 a month instead of £35. iPhone wins just on its iPod player.
Anonymous (10:40 PM on Thu Jan 15, 2009)
Thanks for all your comments......I thought it through.....Im buying the G1!!!! Mainly cuz the G1 is versatile and Apple charges for everything. It does add up. Heck, these days, I will prob get a new phone a year later anyways, so why not save a little now right? ~TN Chicago
Anonymous (1:59 PM on Thu Jan 15, 2009)
i have an android and this thing is Awesome! i went to the apple store to get an i phone and im so glad i didnt. You cant go wrong with the G1. There are a ton of cool and crazy apps and if your into modding your phone xda developers is the place to go. I modded mine and its also unlocked. The unlocking only took 30 bucks and no more than an hour wait for the code to be sent.
The battery does suck but that's because your downloading a ton of sh!t and playing with the GPS and showing it off. After a few tweeks it last for about a day in a half. And then with this CUPCAKE update coming soon it can only get better. Then the guys at XDA developers are going crazy with themes and custom boot screens and Apps. You'd be a fool to get an iPhone.
People, do not waste your time on the iphone! I am VERY happy with my Unlocked and Modded G1.
Iphoneuser (3:26 PM on Mon May 25, 2009)
Unlocking is free on iphone, just have to jailbreak it and then unlock, although apple are constantly squeezing this hack.
Al (11:49 PM on Fri Jan 16, 2009)
I have the g1. Need flashplayer. How do I get one
OLDFASHIONED (2:37 PM on Tue Jan 20, 2009)
look at all you losers spending hundereds on a phone..pathetic...Since when have phones become so major, to the point ppl are throwing hundreds on em. A PHONE IS USED TO MAKE CALLS not surf the net, or watch videos, or listen to music or that silly stuff. In my opinion, if you want to check email, surf the net..etc., you use a COMPUTER!
Phone - used to make calls.
Computer - net, email..etc.
Anonymous (8:56 PM on Sun Apr 5, 2009)
okay... if you are making a big deal about phones then why are you on this site? and wouldnt it be easier to spend 200 on a phone that can do ANYTHING you want and you can take it ANYWHERE?! Because as far as i know computers are alot more than 200, and its pretty hard to carry it around, and i know it doesnt fit in your pocket. so just shutup, cause you don't know anything.
Ed (1:37 PM on Wed Jan 21, 2009)
I had an iPhone. Went into T-mobile and after 10 secs of playing on a G1, i bought one...
The beauty of the G1, well, over here in the UK, is that you get it on a far better contract than the iPhone, and even any decent Blackberry that comes close to these. For £35 a month, I get 800 mins, unlimited texts and net usage, and the phone was free. 18 month contract, but its the first phone I've ever had that comes with a 2 year warranty instead of one. This is all as opposed to the £50-£75 you'd need to spend a month on iPhone contracts to get a similar deal.
The iPhone is good but too simple and less customizable. I had an iPhone, now I have a G1, I dont need to store music on my phone because I have internet faster than 3G, so I can stream it, which I hardly do, so my 3GB fair usage policy on 'unlimited internet usage' is relatively unlimited. I'll just use my iphone as an iPod. In terms of handyness, G1 trumps, because its got the whole google search thing on the main screen, and theres something about the internet on the iPhone which makes a simple google search for a shop or restaurant painfully slow, meaning I used to resolve the issue by calling 118247 (which, for any non UK residents reading this, is directory inquiries) but, as you are probably calling India, it costs a bomb... hence the ever useful google.
G1 is undoubtably cooler and as I have a gmail account, and you can download the facebook and msn messenger, its awsome...
Only thing bad is that the facebook application for the G1 is that it actually goes to iphone.facebook.com, and it has limited support because Facebook released an actual iPhone app, and thus gave up with iphone.facebook.com.
Anyway, my verdict is G1 over iPhone anyday.
And plus, I don't download music, I just bought a record player and some good ol' LPs.
Ed, 19, UK
Anonymous (2:21 PM on Sat Jan 31, 2009)
G1 is better Point Blank
Anonymous (3:01 PM on Sun Feb 1, 2009)
Ok i have a G1 and my friend has an I-phone and ive done my fair share of fiddling around on it. I think the one thing people need to realize is that the i-phone is second, andi think by now a 3rd gen phone, this is a first gen G1 and it, for the most part, is either the same or better than the i-phone, which says something. Yes i will admit that the lack of a 3.5mm headphone jack is very annoying, it does have the USB to 3.5mm jack converter, if only they came out with a converter that wasnt 2 feet long than that wouldnt bother me, but yes the i-phone wins on that. Mananagement of music is easier with the i-phone, but unless your an idiot than its not hard to copy and paste music into your G1. With that being said, i didnt get a G1 as a music player, i got it as a phone, so who cares about how easily music is managed, even though im about to chuck my i-pod and just use my G1, i woulda done it by now if the battery life didnt suck. I think the open market will eventually surpass apples market, but as to when that is, who knows. I believe the G1's internet is much faster than the i-phone', my G1, when im on a 3G network, is faster than my computer. The track ball is another improvement for your browsing. I am a little sad there isnt multi touch but now that i think about it, what would i need it for, there hasnt been anything, except for zooming, that i wished i had it for, but zooming is easy, Multitouch would be nice and im sure will be out eventually, i dont really care not having it. The QWERTY keyboard is way better than a touchscreen keyboard, some app i use, like Steel, use a touchscreen keyboard, but i always find my self opening up the G1's keyboard. I guess the bottom line is, if your an impaitent bastard that you should get the i-phone, but if you can wait for the market to be revamped, and an update to or 2 come out (even thought the G1 is already better), then get the G1. Besides, i forsee google taking over the world, so G1 is the way to go.
anel
(9:24 PM on Sun Feb 1, 2009)
i have a g1 and i like it but im also looking to buy an iphone because it looks beter. my phone acts up a lot!!! one weekend i couldnt even make calls and then the phone was calling random contacts in my sleep! crazy huh. and i dont have flash on my camera, no video recorder, and i can only see videos through youtube. wish they had a virtual keyboard already on here but i downloaded one from the android market and it can only be used for the internet. not texting. the phone does feel cheap and the iphone has way more apps. sounds like a bad phone and it just may be but i think the iphone has its flaws as well. i just plan on buying the ihpone, unlocking it and making it a t-mobile so i can just switch phones when the other pisses me off:)
Topz (10:05 PM on Tue Feb 3, 2009)
I got a transcend 8gig microsdhc CLASS 6 card for my g1 for only 13 bucks including shipping from newegg..
The price memory is getting cheaper and cheaper.
The g1 is better than apples proprietary shit.
Anonymous (5:30 PM on Wed Feb 4, 2009)
Nokia N95... Beats all hands down! I'm sick of smart phones that try to replace "everything I ever needed", after calling people without wanting to for ages with touchscreen phones, the N95 offers me all the connectivity that I need and on the bottom line is a phone that works like... A PHONE!! Compact and clever with enough apps available, great camera and did I mention first and foremost it is a mobile phone?
Anonymous (10:52 AM on Mon Feb 9, 2009)
Why choose between two phone, when we clearly know the G1 is better because it is not made from hippies like the iphone is.... but they are both awesome so the only solution is...... get tmoble G1 and at&t iphone
Anonymous (12:34 PM on Tue Feb 10, 2009)
G! the best. Look for jesus freke's update everything from multitoch to customization to thes and visual voicemail. Root and everything. Got 16gb for $20. Not paying $100 for 16gb. G1 cheap and the best. Everything feels so good. Headphone are needed to be carried. Get an adapter and use 3.5mm headphones. Headphone are to be carried no matter they are 2.5mm or USB. So go for g1. My personal experience. Have bothe Iphone 3g and g1. Use g1 more becuse iphone sucks.
nick (5:59 PM on Sun Feb 15, 2009)
iphone owns the g1 this whole site is just a bunch of g1 owners trying to defend their crappy phone. Multitouch, itunes, ipod, headphone jack, windows exchange, better apps, better battery, and looks better. Plus it works so well with macs since it uses the same calendar programs and so on. All the g1 has is a crappy slider keyboard which for one is just another thing to break and doesnt even really make that big of a difference since the iphone corrects your typing when you make a mistake.
GP
(9:38 AM on Mon Apr 6, 2009)
Blah Blah Blah...Not to be immature, but fan boy statements like that are very funny to me. You love your I-phone..great. You like it way beter then G1....Smashing. Your not giving notable facts, your just slinging mud cause you don't like the G1. On the meda synching, that review is a bit inaccurate. In fact my G1 hooks directly up to my Windows Media Players with no trouble at all, all I have to do is just drag and drop. I personally feel this is a battle between apple users and Open OS users. If you use -I-Tunes then duh of course your gonna love the -I-phone but you don't have to use Itunes so that review is a matter of choice. I persoanlly don't use either, you may prefer the easy synching but I actually like the manual feel and control of using my computer to go into my files and put in and take out whatever I want. Plus I use P2P for my music so who needs to synch, outside of synching with your computer in general. The G-1 has a Qwerty key-pad and a touchscreen so you have OPTIONS, why is that a bad thing to people? I have used both phones and all of your G-1 attacks are just skin deep cause the I-phone came first so you clung to it and are trying to remain loyal to your product. I don't have money to replace phones everytime a "better" one comes out, if that's the case I would be replacing phones every 6 months. I think the I-phone is amazing, but i's still heavily restricted by apple liscenses which are pricey. The g1 has some of the same kinds of apps (and yes it's a fact I have seen both phones and markets)and doesn't charge for 70% percent of them. And it regularly updates them and it is an open app store capable of more diverse applications, so Iphones app store being the winner for now is just stupid. Apple will never change how it does apps and it's plain to see that G1 wll overcome it at some point so why even declare a winner on that one? Now the look of The G1 is a bi bulky but that's passive, people are just pulling teeth. And the spring function is just as good as the sidekick if not better. In closing I have dealt with both phones, I think they are both kool, I just have this thing...what if for some reason your touchscreen locks up or plain stops responding?...I would like to have an alterior way to use my phone. For business the G1 is plain better and I am typing this from my G-1's Steel browser which uses...ahhh yes...multitouch screen functions so I don't have to use the slide out keypad...I choose too...So people G1 or Iphone? Just do you.....Cause I'm gone do me.
Anonymous (5:18 AM on Mon Jun 8, 2009)
I am with u on this.....not to mention I have some really big ass hands...lol the g1 allows me to send accurate text to friends and family quickly..I have the best of both worlds...everything I love about touch and the convenience of my keyboard...although the phone isn't all that sexy....the bronze style with silver board is quite handsome...the apple is sleak but like most others have said its all overpriced and my phone upgrades itself...I have a memory card and can upload lots of music and downloaded cool apps most of which....are! For free without what I like to call stutters.....so all in all its about affordability and personal prefference. My money is on the G1... literally......
cal
(3:57 AM on Mon Feb 16, 2009)
I've owned an iphone and now I have the white g1 and this is a cool phone the only suggestion I would make is keep your charger handy but the apps are free and I love the shop saavy app with the barcodes and the maps are great who needs in car navigation when you got this phone.
Anonymous (2:21 PM on Thu Feb 19, 2009)
This message is for OLDFASHIONED: I don't know why you are calling us losers. You obviously don't understand the convenience of a smart phone. Being able to surf the net, email, text message, and get gps directions are all very beneficial to me & my business. It helps me provide better customer service and work more efficiently. Technology helps keep crabby people like you satisfied.
namit (4:58 PM on Mon Mar 2, 2009)
Being the first geneartion phone, G1 is better,,,just imagine how G2 will be....I cant wait for G2 to come out. I will definitely buy G2 in a heartbeat. I just cant wait
Anonymous (1:39 PM on Mon Mar 2, 2009)
now that the G1 is out how about a more accurate discription of the phone. all of the comparison charts were comparing a phone that was not out to a phone that has been out for about a year now. so how about a rematch, Google phone wins hands down.... i own both...
Anonymous (6:32 PM on Wed Mar 4, 2009)
I kinda like both of them
Anonymous (3:48 AM on Fri Mar 6, 2009)
I have an unlocked 2g iPhone and am thinking of getting the g1 will I still get the OTA updates even if I'm not on T-Mobile?
Anonymous (9:37 PM on Tue Mar 10, 2009)
yea an updated comparison would be nice since it has been about 6 mos since release. anyone know how the app stores compare nowadays?
Anonymous (8:52 PM on Sun Apr 5, 2009)
The app's are both really nice. I prefer the G1, but I think they both have a lot of cool, free stuff.
g1 owner (11:11 AM on Fri Mar 20, 2009)
1 thing nobody has talk about, the G1 can be drop with an add cover and get a mark on it. I have had mine for 3 months, still look new.
Anonymous (6:30 PM on Mon Mar 23, 2009)
The iPhone has a nice screen, a clever interface and other useful features for those who like Apple's approach to things, but also has some limitations compared to other multimedia cell phones. I suspect the G1 will be more practical for some users, so consider your needs carefully instead of relying on vague reviews and marketing hype.
Anonymous (12:29 AM on Mon Mar 30, 2009)
I love my G1 and don't care that she may not be the prettiest girl on the block. She kicks ass and functions run like a charm. The whole reason users have stayed with Gmail and other Google products is because they offer so much potential. The apps feature of the G1 is the most exciting b/c the possibilities are endless. And Google encourages development by others rathers rather than being this monolithic proprietary shiny glossy white beast that Apple has become. Go and live in your perfect acrylic world with your perfect looking phone...I don't care if the G1 isn't as perfect and pretty as you would like...she's smart as hell and that makes her way prettier (and a lot more interesting).
Anonymous (4:51 PM on Wed Apr 1, 2009)
Youre all pathetic. I am a developer for both iPhone and g1 (sunflat games) and the iPhone is way better in ALMOST all terms. Anadroid has no future potential for developers. As for the iPhone restrictions, they will gradually disappear with future software updates. Unlike the g1, the iPhone will make you happy for months. If you be a g1, expect to be replacing it for a new phone soon. Do your self a favor, save money, get an iPhone.
tortionist (11:44 AM on Sun Apr 12, 2009)
Let's not forget that the G1 has 2, ARM-7 processors, unlike i-phone's 1 processor, also ARM-7, made by qualcomm. One processor for the cellphone functions and 1 processor for the applications. That's why it's so much faster then the i-phone. We could even mention cut and paste ability, street view of maps, etc. I-phone doesn't have these things and much more. If you want to delete music from your mp3 player g1 can do that without hooking up to anything, i-phone can't. There's too many positive advantages over even the 3rd generation i-phone. I've heard it said a few times, the g1 is the best 1st generation smartphone, EVER!!!! I agree. G1 RULES!!!
Anonymous (3:38 PM on Wed Apr 1, 2009)
I love my G1. I had a choice between any phone i want and i picked G1. Oh and i typed this comment on my G1
Anonymous (8:50 PM on Sun Apr 5, 2009)
Alright. i've used both the iPhone and the G1, because i needed a new phone. Don't get me wrong, the iPhone is so cool, but the keyboard on it is hard to use, and that makes the texting on it hard. If you want the iPhone for music, than it's a perfect match, because the G1's music isn't as sleek as the iPhone's. I ended up going with the G1, and i think it is perfect because the texting is great, and it's texting setup is similar to the iPhone's, but with a much better keyboard. The debate on the app's is hard, but I think that the G1's apps are good because they are mostly free. The debate on the two phones is stupid, because they are both great phones.
Anonymous (1:31 AM on Tue Apr 7, 2009)
I've owned both. The G is more fluid. Plus this is their first attempt. There will be more updates and Android will be all over the place in a few years. In 1 to 2 years there will be a lot more Android phones out there all running this great OS. To bad Apple locks down their products and charges extra for everything.
Anonymous (1:13 PM on Sat Apr 11, 2009)
I've used the iphone before and it is a great piece of equipment. Like others who have posted a comment here, I have been a loyal customer to T-Mobile for over 10 years. I decided to go for the G1 over the iphone initially because of the carrier, but I am very happy with my choice. This phone has had me glued to all of its functions since day 1. My friends who have the iphone have not had this same excitement that I have months after buying their phones. I have a 16gb sd card in my phone and I have used the simple google search widget on my phone more times than i can remember. Many apps are free and the "updates" to the phone that should be comming out will make it even more useful than it is now. The Android OS is very easy to use and it seemed like second nature within minutes. I couldn't tell people enough how pleased I have been with my purchase. Another plus is T-Mobiles plans. Much cheaper than other carriers. If you're in the market for a smartphone, i would recommend the T-Mobile G1.
S7EWAR7 (5:32 PM on Fri Apr 17, 2009)
Lemme start off by saying i bought the iPhone 3G and was furious at both MMS and bluetooth being blocked, so took it back and got a G1. Main reason was the MMS being on the G1, as neither had bluetooth, there was the promise of it being available through G1's open source. Sure, it was a totally different design from the VERY intuative iPhone and I quite liked the keyboard. Fast forward 6 months of checking the market twice a day atleast, it soon became clear that no-one was spending any time on the apps. Tip counters were coming out every day, then that moved to countless skins (most coming in at $1 each). After a while, the keyboard was a little silly. To reply "ok" to a text was a bit of a hassle. Finally, the Great and Mighty Google really let themselves down by releasing Google Earth and other brand-new apps on the iPhone with nothing (yup not even a mini version) for their flagship phone. Thats when I ate some humble pie and signed up for a contract with O2 for a new iPhone. In the 6 months I've been 'away', apple have enabled MMS and the apps on the market are far superior and professional. In closing, I'd really have to say "nice try google. Focus on the people buying your hardware a little more as they feel VERY annoyed at being held to long contracts and being last in line for the flagship apps."
Erick (2:28 PM on Mon Apr 20, 2009)
There 's one inaccuracy in this article. You cannot "pinch" in the G1 to zoom in and out of the maps. The only device that has multi touch of the two is the iPhone
Anonymous (9:31 PM on Mon Apr 27, 2009)
If you really take the time to compare both of the phones in all possible ways, you will see that the G1 will soon become better than the Iphone in almost all possible ways. Sure, the Iphone looks great, but that doesn't really matter if you realize that the G1 doesn't look BAD. Both phones are great, but if you want a suggestion, the G1 is the way to go.
Jared (3:52 AM on Fri May 1, 2009)
After testing the iPhone courtesy of my friends and boss who have them, I decided that while no device could get me to trade my reliable TMobile network and customer service for AT&T's erratic service, smartphones had finally evolved to the point that I actually wanted one. I've now had my G1 for about three weeks. Mostly, I'm pleased with it but I have to say that if TMobile offered to trade it for an iPhone, I'd take them up on the offer.
To start with, the iPhone's multitouch input is vastly superior to the G1's touch. While web browsing on the G1 seems to be as fast as with the iPhone, zooming in and out of pages is far clumsier.
Judged purely as a phone, the G1 doesn't measure up to my old Motorola handset. The need to repeat myself while talking has increased, while I also find reception to be less clear. Dropped calls happen a tad more, though of greater concern have been the occasions where I've missed calls that didn't ring through but do show up in the call log. Mind you, this isn't something that happens all the time. It's enough to be a concern however.
I'm also not a big fan of the G1's slide out keyboard. The touchscreen keys on the iPhone seemed to be about as easy to use for tapping out longer emails, messages and URLs, while simultaneously being much more convenient for rapid short entries (quick messages and search terms) as there is no need to flip the phone and slide out the keyboard. On a related note, the slider construction makes the G1 feel flimsier than the iPhone despite its greater bulk.
Finally, I know it's still pretty early for the G1, but even though there are some worthy apps in the Android Market, iPhone's offerings are better and more numerous. I'm not sure what was available for the iPhone after it was on the market for only six months, so I'm crossing my fingers that, among other things, better apps for viewing and editing docs are on the horizon. More non-puzzle games would be welcome as well.
Despite these complaints, I want to reiterate that I'm glad I upgraded to the G1. It's proven to be helpful almost everytime I've been out, what with real web access, maps, responsive email access and other tools literally at my fingertips. I am confident that once the Market matures a bit, the phone's utility will be even greater. I just think I'd be EVEN HAPPIER with the iPhone.
As an aside, I want to note that I'm posting this as someone who is far from being a blind Mac or iPod booster. My admiration for the iPhone comes DESPITE the fact that I loathe iTunes and think iPods in general sound terrible compared with my Cowon.
Rey (12:34 AM on Mon May 11, 2009)
Ok, So I had an Iphone unlocked on the TMobile network and have been using my new G1 still on the same network... I'm sorry to all the Iphone owners, but G1 has a lot more USEFUL applications. The apps, internet, and files load a lot faster too. I like the look of the Iphone better, but the G1 isn't bad either... If I had to pick between the 2, I'd go G1... I find my self using the G1 a lot more then I ever did the Iphone.
Anonymous (3:29 PM on Mon May 11, 2009)
I still own a 1st gen iPhone and I wouldn't trade it for a G1. I've played with my friends' G1s and wasn't really impressed - granted, I haven't owned one so I'm sure I don't fully appreciate the functionality, but the first impression didn't wow me.
To me, the G1 feels cheap and clunky. I disagree that the QWERTY keyboard is easier to use. For me, the iPhone's touch keyboard has never given me a problem (it does come up with some odd word suggestions sometimes, but it's predictable over time and easy to work around). Also, I can text and type with one hand - something that is near-impossible to do smoothly on a QWERTY as wide as the G1's.
Also, I have a personal prejudice - I HATE track balls. I don't even like having them on a device - hence why I've never owned a Blackberry. I much prefer the touch feature. Even though the G1 also has a touch interface, just having the trackball there and knowing I would never use it clutters up the landscape for me.
I have never been disappointed with the availability or cost of apps for the iPhone. Yes, with fewer restrictions on development the G1 may at some point be able to offer more apps, but I anticipate that at that time Apple will ease up to compete. I really don't think they'd shoot them self in the foot and let Google soar past without changing.
Looks aren't everything, but I much prefer both the exterior look of the iPhone, and the OS design. I like simple and uncluttered, and clearly the iPhone is superior in this regard.
I will be trading my 1st gen in for a 3G before too long, and I can't wait to see what else Apple has in store. I love Google, and I'm sure the G1 is a decent product, but I can't see it surpassing the iPhone. This feels like when everybody thought Zune was going to give iPod a run for its money - LOL.
Anonymous (10:14 PM on Mon May 11, 2009)
That is a lame comparison saying the zune and ipod arguement. Fact of the matter is that the G1 IS giving the iphone a run for its money already. The zune didn't even begin to give the ipod a run. Honestly being a owner of both (granted i never owned the 3G only first gen) i like the G1 better. Also, the G1 is merely in its beginning stages the freakin iphone has had more than enough time to not even have a comparison to any phone of its type.
Anonymous (4:25 PM on Fri May 15, 2009)
Okay... I HATED the iPhone and bashed it when I first jailbroke/unlocked it with its very first firmware release. I grabbed a G1 to support Google and my Windows Brothers. Considering I was using WMP and MCE to stream videos music to my devices.
I put ROOT on my G1 ( for "ghetto" mulitouch) it worked but weak only on browser. Themes for free yeah right you if you like Flashing updates Every time and crossing your fingers it boots up again. So I did customize the the hell out of it and liked it at the time. Problems with it were battery life... (of course replace but not for $70!), no headphone support for aux in car, MS Exchange on 07 couldnt read my workemail. Even with the small apps it had. Camera is the equal to the keychain digital camera you can get at 99c store. I really liked OPEN SOURCE free apps.. Yeah.. until one fateful day. Paid apps starting dominating ALL of the android market.. Apps to change themes (hence why i put root on) and horrible games etc.
Anyway to make a long story short. Just bailed from Tmobile to A&T grabbed a 3g 2.2.1., Jailbroke it. Access to some many well made apps, etc. Make me want to jump to Apple.. Rockin Safari and put my vista to dual boot to OS X Leopard until I grab the cash to go to the darkside. Smooth Interface, Uber Sexy Feel, Fast 3g, and 4000 apps? Sign me up!
Anonymous (9:46 PM on Fri May 15, 2009)
I really love how apple comes up with cool names for features that could be called point-blank. Also they put i in front of everything. HELLO everything you make doesn't have to be supper personal...besides at least now we have an *i* phone worthy competeter that doesn't run windows mobile.
Anonymous (11:05 PM on Mon May 18, 2009)
my ihone does have the street view on google maps
Anonymous (12:59 AM on Mon May 25, 2009)
Well to start off I own a g1. The iphone is a great device no joke. Not a hater. They were the first ones to release such a bad ass phone. I think both are amazing phones. Now one thing the iphone is already on its 2nd generation or 3rd not so sure. The g1 is on its 1st. And I mean for it to be giving the iphone competition then that says a lot. Yes the iphone looks better. Doesn't mean anything. Regarding the phone not being fully touchscreen, for all you talkers t-mob is releasing their cupcake version. Which will give u the option of either using the qwerty board or the screen itself. Nice! Just wait till t-mob google and htc release their new generation . They have 2 new android phones in which are both somewhat follow ups of the g1! Watch out apple. I really do believe thatt the g1 family(lol) will out do apple. Maybe, we never know. Overall like I said they're both great phones. Its always nice to have competitive phones. Keep up the good work both apple and android. I'm excited what's yet to come from both sides.....
geekpapa (12:36 AM on Fri Jun 5, 2009)
I just updated my G1 today... the iPhone just got left in the dust. I have A2DP (INTEGRATED stereo bluetooth), video recording, on-screen keyboard, and a fully integrated gravitometer that can be set to switch screen orientation with the tilt of the phone (although I, personally have it turned off). When the G1 was released I bought it immediately because of my loyalty to T-Mobile, because I am a Linux user, and because it was $179! In my initial test drive of the iPhone, I chose not to get it because of:
1. The cost ... it was MORE than the best Blackberry!
2. Inability to search in email (this would make it unusable for business)
3. No cut and paste (what?!! Yeah, I didn't believe it either... I think they have fixed this)
4. iTunes. I don't use iTunes because I understand how to move files and burn wav->mp3. The play list feature of the G1 is way more flexible and you don't need to sync it with a desk top. If you have to, and pardon the quote here, but "there's a (G1) app for that".
FYI - I have two Macs in my house, three linux boxes and a couple of windoze PCs.
As a linux geek, I love the Macs for the command line. They completely rock against PCs, but the linux boxes are better for me (as a geek). They are more flexible and just faster, that is, they make better use of the CPU and memory than MAC does. This is what I like about android. I can actually SSH to my home system and run back up commands or fix something on one of the Mac or Linux boxes on my network from my Phone!!
In the G2, I would like to see 16GB of real memory and 128GB SSD. Don't give me an incremental improvement, i won't buy it unless it's a quantum leap.
rahkele
(1:30 PM on Tue Jun 9, 2009)
I have had the white G1 since November 2008 and I have fiddled a little with the iPhone at stores. I can totally understand the attraction to the iPhone. It's sleek, sexy and the graphics are better. I have an iPod and don't use my G1 for music. Maybe if T-Mobile started carrying the iPhone, I would upgrade to it. The only drawback for me is the lack of a physical keyboard. It is so easy to make mistakes and I can't type nearly as fast as I can on the G1. The G1 cupcake update did give it a virtual keyboard and I use it every once in a while for little words or if I am trying to be sneaky in a meeting.
I can't compare EVERY feature but I can tell you what I like about my G1.
-- GPS navigation: For $10 you can download GNaviHelp from the market and have a fully operational GPS Navigation system with voice directions and not have to pay a monthly fee. I bought a car charger and a car mount on Amazon for $10 and it works great! It reroutes you when you miss a turn and you can search for places and addresses.
-- Physical keyboard: I have yet to test my typing speed on it but I am fast. I used to have the sidekick and the button layout on the keyboard and scroll ball/buttons are the same. Plus, you can set keyboard shortcuts to toggle between applications without having to go back to the home screen to find the icon. So I can switch between IM and SMS by hitting Search+I and Search+S. Very handy.
-- Customizable: You can make the G1 look the way you prefer and even build your own themes. I am currently using an iPhone theme, LOL. Hey, I won't lie. I have a Mac and I like the way the icons look.
-- Camera and video: You can actually take macro pictures with depth of field (focused object with blurry background) which I think is pretty nifty. I just got video with the cupcake update and haven't played with it too much. I don't like the video upload to YouTube because my videos haven't showed up since I uploaded them a week ago. They show up on the standard website but not in mobile format, this is a YouTube problem. But I have been uploading them to twiddeo.com via email which has worked great. Being able to email videos and pics means you can upload them to all sorts of websites like facebook.
-- Twitter: I use Twidroid and it works great. You can upload pics and videos and check your friends and the app isn't so bad.
-- Applications: There is a wide range of very useful application and the majority are free. The games are not as good looking as on the iPhone but I dont play alot of games. And they are always being updated and improved with new apps being added all the time. One of my favorites is Textonphone which is an ebook reader with its own catalog of ebooks with the ability to upload your own and use what other users have uploaded. Plus there is a facebook app that you can use to sync with the app on your phone. I also like Greed, which is synced with my Google Reader. Last.fm also works like a charm and since I have already been scrobbling the tracks from my iPod it knows what I like. Skype Beta lets you IM with your skype friends. 1Cast lets you watch video clips from different channels/websites and is the closest thing to TV. The Weather Channel app lets you get your 10 day forecast, radar map and video from the TV channel for your area.
-- Google: If you already use Google Reader, Gmail, Google Talk, Calendar, etc the phone will sync with the website and vice versa. Your contacts are also synced with your Gmail contacts.
-- YouTube: You can watch videos on 3G or if you are connected to WiFi, they are almost HD quality. I dowloaded VTap from the market and it allows me to view videos from other websites, Hulu is searchable but has not given permissions to view on the G1. Yet...
-- Which brings me to my final point. If it doesn't work now or you are missing a feature, chances are Android will release an update or fix that you can download over the air to the phone. You dont have to buy another generation device like with the iPhone! I love the way that the G1 is open and changing, it just gets better and better with age.
rahkele
(1:48 PM on Tue Jun 9, 2009)
Oh and I like SMS Popup! When I get a text message, it blurs the background and pops up a window with the persons picture and text and also has the option to read the text outloud to me. This can be very handy when you are driving.
There is also an app that gives you the ability to download YouTube videos. Sometimes when I am in a WiFi network, I will download a few TV episodes or movies and then have something to watch later.
Anonymous (2:49 PM on Thu Jun 18, 2009)
Well the new iphone3GS now has so many features that was a turn down and now these new features makes it that much better such as it now has the capibility to send pictures as txt message and receive them it also has video camera it holds movies and you can cut copy and paste!!! receive ringtones and has new landscape mode!! iphone3Gs is truly better!!!
gccradioscience
(5:13 PM on Tue Jun 23, 2009)
HTC has got it more organized than the iphone. Soon the Android G1 will have alot more apps
just like itunes. Problem is that when I tried to apply for a new apple account it would not
accept my credit card number and the security code. So I think apple is being very selective of
which credit cards can be used. When applied for a gmail account, it was easy and simple and
you did not need a credit card to apply. So G1 is the winner in my books for simplicity.
jonathan (2:13 AM on Mon Jul 13, 2009)
i have played with my dads iphone for hours on end and days on end i just got a g1 the other day and messed with it for 2 hours and not only did i find multiple simularities between the two phones but after further investigation i found the g1 is probably 5 times better than the iphone in the fact that it accepts pretty much every app the iphone takes and the second is people keep saying that the iphone holds 8 or 16 and now 36 gb and the g1 only holds 1 gb but what they dont get is the g1s memory can be removed and another card can be added in its place so technically there is no limit to how much u can put in ur g1 where as in the iphone ur limited to what u paid for not to mention the iphone freezes just like any other ipod made by apple about ten times more than the g1 as a matter of face i havent ran into any freezing yet wat soever i have never been an apple fan but i have mad respect for the iphone but im gonna have to say that in this case the g1 takes the cake nothing really compares itunes is not that great of syncing capabilites even if they do lead the music industry it doesnt impress me and the phone service for the g1 with unlimited everything would save u about 40 bucks a month on the service compared to what u pay for on the i phone.
Anonymous (2:59 PM on Mon Jul 13, 2009)
I think that all g1 owners are just haters, the g1 is just a cheap immitation of an iphone trying to be better.The iphone is the worlds greatest phone and Iam a t mobile customer but tou have to be realistic iphone is the best.
Anonymous (3:36 PM on Mon Jul 13, 2009)
I think all g1 owners are just haters,the g1 is just a cheap immitation of an iphone. The iphone is the worlds greatest phone.I am a t mobile customer but i have to be realistic the iphone is the best.
anon (5:12 PM on Mon Aug 3, 2009)
texting is one of the most popular things people use their phone for, like me for example, i tried out both and i found it extremely hard to text w/ the i phone, the g1 however it really easy. i think that the iphone is more for fun apps and the g1 is more practical