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iPhone 2G - better build quality?

M

matttye

macrumors 601
Original poster
Mar 25, 2009
4,957
32
Lincoln, England
I've read no end of problems with the iPhone 3G, yet I've had the 2G for about a year now and the only faults with it have been software related (the 2.x.x series were really slow and buggy when first released)

Does anyone else think Apple took a major step backwards with the 3G build quality?
 
Have to say yes, my wife has had her 3G for less than 2 months and it's already cracking + showing signs of wear. The only problem with mine has been the chrome scratching.
 
My 2G gave me no issue whatsoever so far, and as far as I can tell, not many of 2G owners are having trouble with their HW either. I must say build quality of 3G is worse than 2G.
 
Can we get the name right?

It was never called the 2G. The second generation iPhone was named the 3G not because it was a third generation (which it isn't), or because it somehow related numerically to the original iPhone. It's just the name for the network data transfer protocol.

Need a way to refer to the original iPhone without confusing it with the iPhone 3G? Try these:

the original iPhone
the first generation iPhone
 
matttye said:
I've read no end of problems with the iPhone 3G, yet I've had the 2G for about a year now and the only faults with it have been software related (the 2.x.x series were really slow and buggy when first released)

Does anyone else think Apple took a major step backwards with the 3G build quality?
Click to expand...

Just judging from the 3G I bought on iDay 2, I'd say no. My 3G is flawless; maybe I'm one of the lucky ones...;)
 
Hollywood F1 said:
It was never called the 2G. The second generation iPhone was named the 3G not because it was a third generation (which it isn't), or because it somehow related numerically to the original iPhone. It's just the name for the network data transfer protocol.

Need a way to refer to the original iPhone without confusing it with the iPhone 3G? Try these:

the original iPhone
the first generation iPhone
Click to expand...

You knew immediately which version of the iPhone I was talking about, so what's the problem? Don't be a pedant :)
 
Hollywood F1 said:
It was never called the 2G. The second generation iPhone was named the 3G not because it was a third generation (which it isn't), or because it somehow related numerically to the original iPhone. It's just the name for the network data transfer protocol.

Need a way to refer to the original iPhone without confusing it with the iPhone 3G? Try these:

the original iPhone
the first generation iPhone
Click to expand...

If you want to go down this line, get it right.

The first iPhone should be 2.5G as it had EDGE. 2G was just GPRS in mobile phones.

You could have gone down the route of "name Apple give it" in which case "iPhone" would have been correct.

matttye said:
Ultimately the 3G isn't enough of an upgrade for me to put up with all these dusty screens and cracked plastic backs!
Click to expand...

Mine has neither.
 
build quality

The day the 3G came out I was saying how it was such a step backwards as far as build quality. I called it a "budget" model and the people on this forum crucified me for it. The 3G is NOT built as well as the original. It IS BUDGET and that's why I did not "upgrade" but I will hopefully be swayed by whatever is released this June!

X-
 
xploit said:
The day the 3G came out I was saying how it was such a step backwards as far as build quality. I called it a "budget" model and the people on this forum crucified me for it. The 3G is NOT built as well as the original. It IS BUDGET and that's why I did not "upgrade" but I will hopefully be swayed by whatever is released this June!

X-
Click to expand...

Yeah... the original iPhone is more comfortable to use too and it doesn't get slimy or greasy on the back either. I hate how I can't freakin' touch the 3G without getting it all fingerprinted on the back. I think I spend 60% of the time wiping the iPhone off and 40% of the time using it.
 
Hands down the Original iPhone is built like a tank. You do not have to worry about light leaks, cracks, and dust under the screen. Hopefully the new revision will be made of the same quality as the original iPhone.
 
I am much happier with my 3G than I was with the original iPhone. Better ringer volume and phone receiver volume by far. And no trouble of any kind for me.
 
Yep the 3G is definitely cheap and poorly build compared to the the 2G. I looked at my friends' 3G and decided not to upgrade. I looked at his again 9 months later and I am glad I didn't upgrade. I hope the next iPhone is better because I would love to get GPS and MMS.
 
Same thing applies to the First and Second generation touch's, the first generation touch is bulletproof (not literally) but the second generation is very cheap.
 
I'm concerned about the long-term use of my iPhone, like if it would develop cracks and dead pixels after my warranty expires.
 
Yup, the original is definitely a tank by comparison. I hate to think what the plastic back would be like in lieu of my sister's original model...given that this type of plastic doesn't dent very easily without structural failures (cracking/chipping)...ouch.
 
matttye said:
Ultimately the 3G isn't enough of an upgrade for me to put up with all these dusty screens and cracked plastic backs!
Click to expand...

I think I could live with the cracked plastic (as long as the thing didn't end up completely falling apart) but if the screen issue got bad it would really bug me.

The real killer for me on the 3G was battery life though, especially call time. My last phone was 3G and after being on the phone an hour or so the battery was half what it had been before :cool:
 
I've never owned an iphone but I have had plans to buy the new one coming out this summer. I've been reading this forum for the past couple of months trying to learn as much as I can about this device. I am now having second thoughts about buying the iphone after reading all the complaints about the cracks in the case, don't take it to the gym because you might sweat on it because it will set of the water sensors, don't leave it in the bathroom while you take a shower because it will set off the water sensors, don't get caught in a shower, put it in a case, put a screen protector on the glass.

Hell, I like to hunt, fish, play golf, work out at the gym, and ride my Harley and I have never had any trouble carrying other cell phones. If it's going to be like carrying around the Holy Grail in my pocket, I don't want it.
 
Hollywood F1 said:
Need a way to refer to the original iPhone without confusing it with the iPhone 3G? Try these:
the original iPhone
the first generation iPhone
Click to expand...

Bleah. Who wants long names? That's like having to type out the silly "iPod touch" when everyone knows what you mean by "iTouch".

It's just a piece of plastic, silicon and metal.

But if you insist, then here. I'll help:

1G iPhone = ROKR
2G iPhone = touchscreen with EDGE
3G iPhone = touchscreen with 3G

:)
 
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