A few short years ago, Apple sat on top of the smartphone world relatively unchallenged. As time has passed, other manufacturers have pumped money into their own development programs and closed the gap considerably between Apple?s flagship iPhone and their own handsets. In an attempt to stand head and shoulders above the competition once more, Apple has unleashed the iPhone 4.
One of the changes found in the iPhone 4 is on the inside of the phone. The iPhone 4?s predecessor, the 3GS contained a Samsung-based Cortex CPU. This has been replaced by Apple?s own A4 chip, the same one used by the iPad. The iPhone 4 does not quite speed along at the same rate as the 1GHz available to the iPad, but it is still more than fast enough. It brings up graphics quickly and navigates seamlessly. Those who find it too slow are likely looking for something to complain about.
Viewing those graphics is accomplished on a 3.5 inch screen. Though not as large as screens found on some comparable models, the iPhone features what is known as the Retina Display. It boasts 960 x 640 pixel resolution and an incredible 326 ppi pixel density. So named because it reportedly displays images in more detail than even the human eye can distinguish, Retina more than makes up for any lack of screen size. Due to the incredible resolution, blurry and pixilated images are of no concern at all. Many testers of the iPhone 4 claim that they have never seen images so clear on any other handset.
With a display so sharp, one would hope that Apple has improved on the rather weak 3 megapixel camera found on older models. They have, as the iPhone 4 features a 5 megapixel camera with a backside-illuminated sensor that is more light-sensitive. The LED flash is one of the smaller sizes and can blow out some photos, but the iPhone takes terrific photos in low light and without a flash.
Multitasking finally makes an appearance on an Apple smartphone with the iPhone 4. Technically, the phone doesn?t offer true backgrounding, but it does allow a few APIs to operate at the same time that imitate backgrounding. For those who are looking for typical use, it presents no problem at all. Apple claimed that their reluctance to embrace multitasking abilities was due to the battery strain it would put on the phone. iPhone 4 users will not find battery life a problem at all, as some tests have produced nearly 40 hours of regular use on one charge.
With the iPhone 4, Apple has once again established itself as a leader in smartphone technology. With a Retina Display that none other can boast and improved performance, they have set the bar high. Not only has Apple won again, so have their customers.
