Ondrej Holzman The fourth generation iPod touch has reached the hands of the first owners, so we can finally see what the highest model carries in its body. And we learn some really interesting information. But they don't always excite users.
Smaller operating memory
- The new iPod touch has the same A4 chip as the iPhone 4, but compared to the Apple phone, it has half the operating memory – 256 MB, i.e. the same as the iPad. Many of you may be disappointed, but even the iPad handles everything with the same memory perfectly, so perhaps we don't have to worry about any problems on the iPod either. And the likely reason? Apple, also because of the low "American" price of $229, saves where it can, so it didn't want to buy larger and therefore more expensive RAM.
Battery with smaller capacity
- The battery has also undergone changes compared to the iPhone 4. The iPod touch has a 3,44 Wh battery, while the iPhone 4 has a 5,25 Wh battery. However, unlike the player, the phone still has to power the phone part, so the battery life shouldn't be that different. There is also a minor difference in the attachment of the battery, which will be slightly easier to remove, but still it is not easy.
Worse camera
- The biggest disappointment will probably be the camera. Apple was forced to use a lower resolution in order to fit it into the iPod's slim body. The camera is significantly smaller than in the iPhone 4, we will pay for it with a lower resolution for photos and worse video recordings.
Newly placed antenna
- The primary antenna in the new iPod touch is located just below the front glass, so there is no need to have plastic on the back of the device, as was the case with the previous generation. The secondary antenna is located in the headphone jack.
After all, there will be no vibrations
- Originally, it looked like the fourth generation iPod touch would get vibrations, which were supposed to be used, for example, during FaceTime calls. In the end, that didn't happen, and even Apple was forced to change its manual that mentioned vibration.
Worse display
- And I almost forgot to mention one crucial thing about the display. Yes, the iPod touch 4G can boast a beautiful Retina, but unlike the iPhone 4, it does not have a high-quality IPS display, but only an ordinary TFT display, the biggest disadvantage of which is the viewing angles.
Disassembly will be easier
- In its fourth generation, the device is by far the easiest to disassemble. The front panel is only held by glue and two teeth. Inside the iPod, however, it's not so pleasant. The front glass is permanently attached to the LCD panel. This means that dust will not get under the glass, but on the other hand, the repair will be much more expensive.
- Also, for the first time, the headphone jack is not attached to the motherboard, so it will be easier to repair and disassemble. At the same time, there is a liquid damage indicator under the jack.
iPod touch 4G vs. iPhone 4
Since the iPod touch is very similar to the iPhone, we also present a smaller comparison.
What's better about the iPod?
- it is lighter and thinner
- it has a metal back, so it is much more durable than the iPhone 4
- costs half the price (US - $229)
What's worse about the iPod?
- only 256 MB of RAM
- it doesn't have GPS
- it's harder to break it down
- it has no vibration
- worse display
Source: cultofmac.com, macrumors.com, engadget.com
Display, photo, ram, vibration...total disappointment.
Most people probably didn't count on GPS...
I still didn't understand the price if it will be an iPhone 4 without GSM and look... it could rather be called a 3GS facelift...
Disappointment? For that price, it's the best multimedia player with an excellent display (don't say that the old one wasn't above average), sufficient endurance, wifi... The camera could have been better, yes, but 90% of people normally carry both an iPod and a mobile phone that they have today normally 5mpx..
Could someone tell me how it is with the display quality of the iPod touch 2nd gen versus this new iPod 4G? I'm a bit confused about this.
It is the best-equipped multimedia player (with a competitive price of about 5500 CZK), but I expected it to have a display like the iPhone 4. I somehow didn't understand it from the text - it's not IPS, but retina? I thought the display with IPS technology was called Apple Retina... (???) Another disappointment for me is the camera - it would definitely fit there (see the missing GSM, GPS modules in the iPod), so it was because of the price, but still my understanding is that the iPod will take photos at a low resolution of 0,7 MPix, but it will shoot videos the same as the iPhone 4 or even better - I read somewhere that they should not have that "ripple" when moving sideways ( at least not that big…). I don't know... If anyone knows, please answer. :)
Marek: That display is called retina because of the fine resolution, not because of the display technology. :-)
The display is really great, it's indistinguishable from the iPhone 4, if anyone wanted it, I put one on the table from the US.
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