Apple iPhone 4 Deals

iPhone 4 deals explained

The fourth iteration of Apple's iPhone is the latest, greatest edition of the handset. But what makes it so good? And why would you choose it over other smartphones or earlier iPhones? Read on to find out.

What are the iPhone 4's key features?

As with all iPhone iterations so far, the fourth edition of the handset offers hundreds of thousands of applications and a fantastically intuitive, multi-touch touchscreen interface that makes it easy to get to all its fantastic functions.

However, the iPhone 4 differs from previous editions in a number of ways, with Apple introducing a host of enhancements that combine make a great phone even greater. Here we'll details some of them to give you the inside line on why the iPhone could be the best smartphone so far.

Want to compare deals for all the iPhone editions? Head to our dedicated iPhone deals comparison page

Multi-tasking

The iPhone 4 runs on an upgraded version of Apple's operating system, dubbed iOS4. This software, which is also coming to the 3G S version of the iPhone, enables users to use multiple applications simultaneously - a first on an Apple phone. For the first time ever, you'll be able to compose an email while listening music with the fantastic Spotify music app and checking out all the latest news online.

The iPhone 4 has the edge over the 3G S when it comes to multi-tasking thanks to its inclusion of a powerful 1Ghz processor - the central processing unit that carries out instructions given by the computer. The more powerful the processor, the faster your apps will run on your smartphone.

Improved imaging capabilities

The iPhone 3G S is home to a 3.2 megapixel camera. This time around, however, Apple has upgraded the camera to five megapixels. Also added for the fourth edition is an LED flash, a five times digital zoom and tap to focus functionality to help you capture some truly stunning snaps.

But it's when it comes to recording moving images that the iPhone 4 really excels, recording in rich 720p high definition. This adds an incredible sheen of professionalism to your mini movies, which you'll be able to watch back on the handset's screen or on your television thanks to the iPhone's TV Out socket.

Video calling

As well as the camera detailed above, the iPhone 4 features a secondary, front-facing camera that is onboard solely for video calling. This, combined with a new app called FaceTime, enables iPhone 4 users to see their friends and family while they are speaking to them - bringing them closer than ever wherever they are in the world.

At the time of writing, FaceTime was only available over Wi-Fi networks rather than more widespread 3G networks. However, this is expected to change soon.

Next-generation display

Enhancing the iPhone 4 experience further is the 3.5-inch, super high-density Retina Display. This technology has resulted in an industry leading screen that renders pixels invisible to the human eye for the cleanest, crispest handset display around. The screen offers resolution of 960x640 and packs in 614,400 pixels - four times the iPhone 3G S.

E-reader functionality

E-readers are probably best described as digital books. Users simply download new titles online which they can then store on their device and read via the screen. Turning pages is simply a matter of running your finger over the touchscreen. The other advantage is that you can store multiple books on one device without having to carry them around physically and get hold of new ones wherever you are - provided you are within range of an internet connection.

The iPhone 4 comes with Apple's official iBook app pre-loaded, giving the handset all the functionality of a standalone e-reader. Better still, there are thousands of classics and new titles to download, so iPhone 4 readers never need go short of reading matter.

Longer life battery

The iPhone 4 is equipped with a long-life battery designed to allow users maximum flexibility and peace of mind while on the move, even when they are running lots of apps simultaneously. Users can expect up to seven hours talk time or 40 hours of music playback and ten hours of viewing media.

Gyroscope

To enhance motion-sensitive gaming on the iPhone 4, Apple has included gyroscopic capabilities. This technology allows the handset to more accurately records and respond to your movements, adding a new, tactile dimension to playing games on the move.

What's the difference between the different versions of the iPhone 4?

The iPhone 4 is available in white or black and in 16GB and 32GB storage versions. The colour differences are simply cosmetic. However, the 32GB edition has twice the capacity, meaning that you'll have much more room for storing music, apps, photographs and movies.

What other features can I expect?

There are so many great functions onboard the iPhone 4 that to detail all of them would be a Sisyphean task. However, below you'll find a comprehensive list of all the key features you can expect to find under the hood when you choose this truly next-generation mobile.

• 16GB or 32GB flash drive
• Assisted GPS
• Digital compass
• Wi-Fi
• Accelerometer
• Three-axis gyro sensor
• Proximity sensor
• MP3 ringtones
• Vibration alert
• 3.5mm headphone jack
• Stores 100 missed, made and received calls
• Push email
• Geo-tagging
• Google Maps
• MMS & SMS
• Media player
• Voice commands
• TV-out socket
• Noise cancellation technology for optimum call clarity
• Thousands of downloadable games and apps
• Web browser (Safari)

Which network is the best for the iPhone 4?

The iPhone is available on almost every major UK network, including 3, T-Mobile, Orange, O2 and Vodafone, each of which offers a host of attractive tariffs. When choosing a provider, it's always a good idea to check out the coverage a network provides in your area. This is especially important in the case of the iPhone 4 because you'll want to get online with it often in order to really make the most of all it's got to offer.

Want to find out more about Apple phones? Check out our Apple phones page