iPhone vs iPod Touch : Which is Better for You?

This question comes up a lot and there really is no easy answer to it because when it comes to the iPhone vs the iPod Touch, each person’s situation will ultimately determine which investment is right for them. Both the iPhone and the iPod Touch are great devices made by Apple and in short, the iPod Touch is basically an iPhone without the phone. Here is a breakdown of the stats of both generations of both devices for a quick overview!

With all the basic stats flushed out, let us go over the various topics that will enable you to decide whether you are better off sticking to an iPod Touch or going all out on the iPhone.

iPhone vs iPod Touch: Storage

When it comes to storage, the iPod Touch will definite be the winner as it has the available 32 GB model. The lack of certain functions of the iPod Touch enable it to be thinner while holding more information at the same time. The original iPhone has a 4GB version that was discontinued following 2 months of distribution but if music isn’t very important to you, you might still be able to find one on craigslist or Ebay.

iPhone vs iPod Touch: Physical appearance

This is really sort of a moot argument since the two devices are virtually aesthetically identical save for the iPhone‘s slight increase in thickness as well as the iPhone 3G’s fully black backside (a feature that improves upon reception. The iPod Touch has a shiny chrome backside that might look a little better to certain people but keep in mind that it is also more prone to scratches than the iPhone. The iPod Touch 2nd Generation also happens to be the most light weight at 115 grams.

iPhone vs iPod Touch: Functionality

Obviously the iPhone has the advantage here. A few of the features that are exclusive to the iPhone include a camera, phone and GPS. The iPhone 3G also has access to the 3G and Edge networks while the iPhone 2G only has access to the slower Edge network. Apps may run a little quicker on the iPod Touch 2nd Gen though with its slightly faster CPU. All devices have Wi-Fi access but if mobile internet is something that you need, you should definitely stick with the iPhone or iPhone 3G. The iPhone has received its share of complaints regarding reception but AT&T is working on improving it as soon as they are done counting all the money they’ve received from their exclusive deal with Apple. The winner here? The iPhone 3G will definitely serve more purpose than the iPod Touch. The fact that it is also a phone gives users a reason to carry it everywhere where as the iPod Touch is an accessory that you will have to remember everyday before setting out. The GPS of the iPhone can also help you find where you are trying to get to. The iPhone has bluetooth but it is rumored that the iPod Touch also carries the feature in order to make it compatible with Nike + iPod support.

iPhone vs iPod Touch: Power

The iPod Touch is the winner in power only because it doesn’t have all the extra power draining features such as cellular and mobile internet networks. You can eek out a few extra hours of play with the iPod Touch 2nd gen compared to the first generation iPod Touch. The iPhone is a power hog no doubt about it and expect to recharge it daily.

iPhone vs iPod Touch: Price

Perhaps the most relevant point to most people currently trying to come to a decision is the price. At first glance, the iPod Touch and the iPhone require about the same initial investment but the iPhone is something you will have to pay for over time for the next 2 years. Sure you can get an unlocked iPhone for about three hundred more dollars but don’t think you are saving all that much money. A moderate plan from AT&T will run about 90 dollars per month as you are required to get the unlimited data plan. Over the course of two years you are spending about 2000 dollars for a fully functional iPhone. It sounds like a lot but again you are getting a phone and a data plan. If mobile internet is something you use often and you need to check your E-mail and browse the web while on the move, the iPhone is not too bad especially since similar plans from other carriers will run you at most about the same. AT&T also has one of the better 3G networks out there so getting an unlocked iPhone 3G will mean you do miss out on some great features. If you’re happy with the phone you currently have and do not feel the need to check email and browse facebook while on the move, the iPod Touch is definitely a cheaper investment but if you want to get a data plan with whatever phone you have, you might as well get the iPhone and kill two birds with one stone!

iPhone vs iPod Touch: Conclusion

In conclusion, the statement that the iPod Touch is basically an iPhone without the phone is not entirely true. The iPod Touch is the iPhone without the phone, GPS and 2 megapixel camera. Before you buy, ask yourself if you’re the type of person who would carry around an MP3 player with you everywhere you go to make it a worth while investment. I know personally I am the type of person to get a gadget and have fun with it for a little while then throw it to a corner never to touch it again. In my case, the iPhone was the better choice because I had to take it with me everywhere anyways. Also for all the guys out there, pocket real estate is pretty valuable and having both a phone and an iPod Touch can definitely fill up your pockets a lot quicker. At least until fanny packs become trendy again… The iPod Touch 2nd generation will soon be jailbroken so you won’t have to worry about app compatibility as most apps save for the ones that take advantage of the GPS or phone will be available to both. With the 2nd generation iPod Touch, an external speaker was also added so you can totally noise pollute with your music! The iPod Touch is the perfect candidate for high school students who have a backpack to carry it around in and can’t afford to pay a pricey monthly bill. It has been described by Steve jobs himself as training wheels for the iPhone.

With everything said, we hope you can take some of the facts that we bring up into your decision making process and we hope you enjoy whichever device you ultimately decide on! Have a great day from all of us here at iPhonespies!

-Derek