iPhone 2.0 Software goodies aside, are the iPhone 3G-only features worth the upgrade? Probably not if you don't have 3G coverage, are happily living on the EDGE, don't travel overseas, or aren't lost without GPS. To be frank, roaming around Campbell, San Jose, Santa Clara, and Sunnyvale like the Verizon "Can you hear me now?" guy over the weekend has demonstrated that AT&T's 3G coverage seems to be slightly more spotty than the Sprint 3G experience with the Treo 700p. It's kinda sad when the iPhone 3G has to fall back onto EDGE given that performance almost rivals public Wi-Fi hotspots when 3G is available.
The iPhone 3G seems to work best when its metal screen bezel antennae comes in contact with skin. A shoddy leather case procured for temporary protection seems to dramatically reduce signal strength compared to "the human antennae" at the same locations. A crappy case also adds bulk to the noticeably lighter 3G model that feels a lot better in the hand than its predecessor. It would have been nice if Apple put the 2 grams weight surplus toward the 3G's battery size.
Coupled with 3rd party apps (read: 3D games), power may be an issue for people who aren't used to 3G smartphones that pretty much need to be recharged at the end of every day. The iPhone 3G has finished the last few days below 50% battery capacity after a combination of 3G, 2G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, apps, and a little bit of GPS.
Google Maps is definitely better on the iPhone 3G with the added precision of GPS. The 3G impressively acquires its location faster than the Dash car navigation system (which could theoretically leverage cell tower and Wi-Fi hotspot triangulation too).
Other notable iPhone 3G refinements include metal buttons and a switch that all feel better than their original counterparts. The touchscreen seems to cast a warmer, more Mac-like hue. The built-in speaker sounds louder, and the headphone jack is no longer recessed so it should work with most any mini-stero plug.
Accessories such as the iPhone 3G Dock are now sold separately, but a newly miniaturized Apple USB Power Adapter is included. The svelte SIM eject tool is a nice touch. It's almost lost in the packaging made from "post-consumer recycled fiberboard and biobased materials." Apple reports that the iPhone 3G is more environmentally friendly than the first one, which helps the planet.
Palm is still screwed.
