What are the differences between the iPod touch 2G and the iPhone 3G?

In basic terms, the iPod touch 2G effectively can be thought of an iPhone 3G with much of the same iPod and handheld computing functionality but without the "phone", mobile phone networking (3G/EDGE), GPS-A support, and integrated camera.

On first glance, the iPod touch 2G even looks about the same as the iPhone 3G.

Left - iPod touch 2G, Right - iPhone 3G - Photo Credit: Apple, Inc.

However, turn the iPod touch 2G and iPhone 3G around and the external material differences become obvious. The iPod touch 2G has a chromed steel rear case with an oval shaped plastic "window" for the wi-fi antenna (802.11b/g) and the iPhone 3G models use either black or white plastic for the rear case which allows wi-fi and 3G/EDGE signals to penetrate the housing.

Left - iPod touch 2G, Center & Right - iPhone 3G - Photo Credit: Apple, Inc.

Both the iPod touch 2G and iPhone 3G have external volume buttons on the left hand side of the device. The iPhone 3G has an integrated speaker and microphone whereas the the iPod touch 2G has an integrated speaker and supports an external microphone via the Apple Earphones with Remote and Mic (and some third-party products as well).

Although the size differences are rather inconsequential, the iPod touch 2G is slightly shorter (0.2 inches), thinner (0.15 inches), and lighter (0.65 ounces) than the iPhone 3G.

Both the iPod touch 2G and iPhone 3G have a "multi-touch" sensitive 3.5" display with 320x480 resolution, an accelerometer that allows the device to "know" whether it is being held in portrait or landscape mode and switch automatically, and an ambient light sensor to adjust screen brightness. The iPhone 3G has two "proximity sensors" as well that automatically turns the display off when it is held to the face for a phone call.

The iPod touch 2G offers either 8, 16, or 32 GB of storage whereas the iPhone 3G is available with 8 GB or 16 GB. Interestingly, Apple estimates 24 hours of music playback and 7 hours of video for the iPhone 3G and 36 hours of music playback but only 6 hours of video playback for the iPod touch 2G.

The iPod touch 2G was introduced with new "shake to shuffle" support -- where shaking the device gently will select another song at random -- a new "Genius" feature that dynamically creates playlists based on "songs that go great together", and integrated support for Nike + iPod. The iPhone 3G was updated in software to support the "Genius" feature, but it does not support "shake to shuffle" or have integrated Nike + iPod support.

Thankfully, Apple discontinued the frustrating practice of attempting to differentiate the iPod touch from the iPhone with software, and as a result, all iPod touch 2G models ship with support for all applications that run on the iPhone 3G -- with the exception of those dependent on hardware the iPod touch 2G doesn't provide (the "phone", 3G/EDGE, GPS module, or camera). Additionally, Apple's "App Store" via iTunes provides easy access to thousands of useful (and useless) applications that are compatible with both devices.

For your convenience, the primary differences between the iPod touch 2G and the iPhone 3G are summarized below:

* The iPod touch 2G has a built-in Broadcom BCM4325 "Bluetooth" chip that provides the Nike + iPod Sport Kit support. It does not otherwise support Bluetooth connectivity.

** The iPod touch 2G does not have an internal microphone, but it supports the external Apple Earphones with Remote and Mic and some third-party products.

§ The 8 GB iPod touch 2G is offered for US$229, the 16 GB is US$299, and the 32 GB is US$399.

† These prices require a two-year contract in the US. Some time "in the future", AT&T will allow one to purchase an iPhone 3G without a two-year contract for US$599 and US$699 for the 8 GB and 16 GB configurations, respectively, but these "probably still would be locked to the carrier".

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