[iPhone 3G] Does it have cheaper hardware ?

[NewWayAround]

Since the prices are cut for both 8GB and 16GB, do you think that 3g iphones have cheaper hardwares or materials than the 1st iphones?
For example: the back cover.

[thecompkid]

The new iPhone is not cheaper.

$400 + $20*24mos = $880

$200 + $30*24mos = $920

Really deceptive, IMHO, for them to call the 3G iphone cheaper when all they're really doing is hiding the majority of the cost.
You'll notice, of course, that Jobs didn't mention the data plan rate increase during the keynote.

[TheSacredSoul]

Since the prices are cut for both 8GB and 16GB, do you think that 3g iphones have cheaper hardwares or materials than the 1st iphones?
For example: the back cover.

I read somewhere the back cover was plastic purely because it offered better reception the nthe metal one and NOT to cut costs.

[slimnickyy]

Since the prices are cut for both 8GB and 16GB, do you think that 3g iphones have cheaper hardwares or materials than the 1st iphones?
For example: the back cover.

Regardless of the reason for the back cover the fact is plastic is cheap and they ditched the dock, thus yes it's cheaper than the first. The actual phone itself though, the chips, screen, etc are similar in quality.

[miracleman]

isn't plastic supposed to be lighter than metal? was that one of the reaons as well?

[meowth]

well I guess changing the back cover into plastic also differentiates the iphone enough from the 1st generation version. Of course, this is cheaper for them to produce too. But the 2nd gen phone could have a faster cpu (anyone knows anything about this?). Perhaps the batter is of a larger capacity to compensate for the more power hungry 3G. So no, I don't think the parts are any cheaper..

[jameselder232]

cpu's are exactly the same in both. it does have larger battery though.

[The Maestro]

the plastic does give 3G better capabilitys but keep in mind these phones cost 5$ for them to make after taxes and other fees they make alot more than they should

[raulb]

It is cheaper. First you are comparing an improved device with 3G and GPS to a older model lacking these. Usually newer models are more expensive and drop in prices over time but here Apple has slashed prices on introduction and people would have been ok if the new phone would have been the same price ie 399/499 with the new features. Clearly Apple has changed strategy and wants to push more phones hence the $200 cut in prices. Apple is going to make less money on the 3G iPhone.

As for the increase in data charges thats the standard charge for all 3g Phones, do you have cheaper data plans on AT&T for any other 3G phone? That's the charge for using data on the device, a service, not the cost of the iPhone. It was less for the original iPhone because that was egde. So I don't see how these calculation that it is more expensive makes sense.

[cosmoLV]

Plastic back is for 3G and mainly for GPS - i don't like plastic things, but this is great to increase reception :) anyway, iTunes store is down, after some minutes wee recieve itunes update, AppStore and 2.0 official update :)

[thecompkid]

As for the increase in data charges thats the standard charge for all 3g Phones, do you have cheaper data plans on AT&T for any other 3G phone? That's the charge for using data on the device, a service, not the cost of the iPhone. It was less for the original iPhone because that was egde. So I don't see how these calculation that it is more expensive makes sense.

Yeah, but no one is actually aware of the increase, at least no one that i've spoken with. Everyone knows about the 3G iPhone and everyone just has to have one, but no one seems to realize that there's a difference between the EDGE and 3G plans. For most of the people I know, that is a big deal and might even prevent them from upgrading.

I guess we're all just going to have to live with the fact that the iPhone is becoming 'just another cell phone'. Just wait a year, you'll be able to get a free iPhone with any plan just like you can get a free RAZR today.

Kinda hard to imagine that the 8gb iPhone cost $600 less than a year ago. :)