Apple's iPod Touch (2010) Review, Not a Poor Man's iPhone 4
by Anand Lal Shimpi on September 9, 2010 12:38 AM EST- Posted in
- Gadgets
- Apple
- iPod Touch
The Retina Display
Apple calls what’s on the new iPod Touch a Retina Display, presumably because of its resolution - you get the same 960 x 640 as iPhone 4 owners. The panel quality however is very different.
The iPod Touch’s Retina Display is LED backlit, but it appears to be a lower quality TN panel (or at least an inexpensive IPS derivative). This hurts two things: viewing angle and black levels.
The screen is much more washed out at all angles not perpendicular to the screen. This is a problem if you leave your iPod on your desk and look over at it. It’s noticeable.
Screen brightness is comparable at around 500 nits, but the black levels are what need work. I measured 2.4 nits for absolute black - four times brighter than the iPhone 4.
The bigger problem has to do with contrast. Apple boasted that the iPhone 4’s screen had a 900:1 contrast ratio, the new iPod Touch only delivers about a fourth of that.
The pixel density is lovely though. I only wish Apple had shipped the new iPod Touch with a better quality panel. Those of you looking for a cheap iPhone 4 alternative should be aware that there are more sacrifices than just the missing cellular modem.
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mbf - Sunday, September 12, 2010 - link
I had deliberately held off getting a 32GB iPod Touch 3G, because I wanted to see what the new 4G would bring to the table. When it was finally introduced I was casually optimistic. Now and especially after reading this article, I'm not really sure if it's worth the asking price "here" compared to the 3G version.When I say "here" I mean Denmark, where at the moment the cheapest offer for the 32GB 3G (as long as stocks last) is DKR 1789 (approx. $306) while the 32GB 4G is on preorder for DKR 2289 (approx. $391). Not only do I feel ripped off by the unjust price hike (which in itself isn't anything new), but I seriously question if the 4G is worth this substantial amount of extra cash.
I can't really see myself using Face Time, although I *was* hoping for the actual iPhone 4 IPS "Retina display" and also the double amount of RAM.
I'll probably use the iPod Touch more for "serious" apps and also plan to do some development of my own. It probably won't see much use as a media player.
Any thought or comments?
SadTouchLover - Monday, September 13, 2010 - link
I did the same thing and held off on the 3G. This new touch is just not worth it and frankly I don't want to purchase it and reinforce Apple's deplorable behavior. BAD doggy, Apple, BAD!TheFlyingSquirrel - Sunday, September 12, 2010 - link
dissapointed in the screen, memory and camera but whateverI'll wait to see what microsoft and sony churn out
ianmills - Tuesday, September 14, 2010 - link
It looks like the reason Anand is taking so long to post the battery results is because the battery SUCKS on the 4g. Putting it in sleep mode the battery goes from 80% to 20% over night. lame.http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=...
Hrel - Sunday, October 10, 2010 - link
I'd probably buy this if: It had the same camera sensor as the iphone. Had an sd expansion slot, an fm tuner you can turn on and off and support for other browsers if it doesn't now. Also $200 should get you 16GB and $300 should get you 32GB (as it does now). I'd like a nicer screen but I'm not willing to pay for it; good enough.Mezinger - Tuesday, December 28, 2010 - link
I've just shelled out for an unlocked iPhone 4 to replace my first gen iPod touch... it's beautiful but I have to say I don't get the battery life out of it that I would have expected... which left me wondering how it compared to the newest touch? Any news? Should I be suffering from buyers remorse? Thanks.