I prefer the 4/4s and the 5/5s generation. Somehow felt that the build quality these two generations are fits my taste and they are rather tough too. Also, for the design side, I prefer the 5/5s one as opposed to the 4/4s. How about you guys?
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Build quality and design of iPhone generations
- Thread starter Ev0d3vil
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
I am in the minority, but my favorite iPhone was the 3GS. I don't mind plastic, it fit perfectly in the hand, the glossy metal around the screen made it stand out and look gorgeous. The phone was either entirely black or white with a black frame (wish they still did that). And it was just the right size. 
The thing is, back when the 4/4S design was the current one, people complained all the time about how easy it was to break the glass because so much of it was exposed.
Amazing how people forget all these things.
Amazing how people forget all these things.
While I currently use a 5, I prefer the solid design of the 4/4s gen. I've serviced 4/4s and 5 gens before, and I don't like some of the design choices made with the latter. The battery is easier to replace with the 4/4s, and the design is just solid; I've dropped my 4 multiple times, on concrete (twice), asphalt (once), hardwood floor (once, from neck high being on a shelf), and in the end, it stood up with only a tiny chip to the front glass and some "roughed" ridges on the plastic bezel.
It eventually suffered a problem on calls where the caller couldn't hear me, but I could hear the person. Still sold it on eBay for $200 a few months after getting my 5. I kept that phone for 2.5 years, longest I've ever owned any phone. Sent from my iPhone.
I am exchanging my 4s for iPhone 6. However although excited to have a new phone having second thoughts on "upgrading". I guess that part of it is the robustness of my current phone and beauty. I do not even have it on a case and still looks beautiful. Bought a iPhone 6 from Verizon because I am getting a $200 rebate for mine. However, as stated before I am having second thoughts now. New phone is not due to ship until 10/24.
The 3G/3GS had the worse build quality. Plasticky, lightweight and shoddy workmanship.
The 4/4s had the best overall design and the Slate 5 is the best looking one of all the generations.
The 4/4s had the best overall design and the Slate 5 is the best looking one of all the generations.
My favorite is the 2G: it had a "premium" look and design that no other iPhone had (maybe the 4/4S).