Total Cost of Ownership: iPhone 3GS versus Palm Pre versus Android G1
With the recent release information on Apple’s new iPhone 3GS and Palm’s venture back into the market with their highly anticipated Palm Pre, there are more legitimate smartphone options than ever. How will you decide on which device you will spend your hard earned money? Below is a comprehensive cost/benefit analysis of the latest mobile technologies, analyzing the comparative features of each, along with the actual price you will pay for the phone and service over the course of a two year contract.
To see the true cost of owning one of these smartphone, based on your actual usage, check out BillShrink’s iPhone SG3 vs Palm Pre comparison tool and find the best cell phone plans that works for you.
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I’m still thinking the iPhone is more worth it. It is just better and the price isn’t that much different.
Are you suggesting that the Palm options are a better way to go than the iPhone?
Comment by CurtClapier.com — June 9, 2009 @ 8:24 pm
Uhhh, the G1 does have a digital compass. I have one.
Comment by Tyler Neal — June 9, 2009 @ 10:18 pm
See, this is very cute to me. First off, it’s not a true comparison, because the Palm Pre is $299 for an 8GB unit with no other options. The 8GB iPhone is $99 with choices going on up. Rebates are pointless, because the vendors don’t have any intention on fulfilling all of the rebates. This is the reason why they do rebates in the first place, because it causes an illusion of savings that few ever fully utilize. Next is use of network. I have the lowest priced voice plan availiable with AT&T, and due to the sheer size of AT&T’s customer base, I hardly ever have to use my out-of-network minutes. Because of rollover minutes, I currently have more then 2000 minutes over the allotment I currently have with AT&T, and it’s all for $99 including unlimited data and text messages.
iPhone isn’t for everyone. AT&T isnt for everyone. To mince words over the total cost of ownership on a brand level like this is misleading when you take into account false savings like rebates, and don’t compare units on a spec for spec basis. The iPhone 3G is very comparable to the Palm Pre in terms of capability, and capacity. At a third of the price, it’s actually a bargain as well.
Comment by Charles — June 9, 2009 @ 10:22 pm
A few quibbles from a Pre fan:
OTA downloads of Amazon mp3s are not yet possible, you have to use Wifi.
Video recording is rumored to be possible and may go out as an OTA update, but it remains to be seen.
Sprint’s Everything Data 450 plan is $70/mo - unlimited data and texts, 450 anytime minutes, unlimited weekend/evening minutes. Sprint’s evenings start at 7pm.
Comment by Andrew Hime — June 9, 2009 @ 10:25 pm
It’s always nice to see the total cost over time represented so clearly. I hadn’t realized that Sprint is including 3G data into their $100 unlimited voice plan, which is really a killer deal.
I hope the Palm Pre does gangbusters, if only so that some of the other carriers might be given an incentivize to offer cheaper data bundles.
Comment by Ryan Meray | ctechsinc.com — June 9, 2009 @ 10:27 pm
Wow its hard to choose between these three. But maybe the iPhone 3GS has a slight advantage because of its HDD and battery life. Above anything else, its surprising that they are not marginally priced.
Comment by Duke — June 10, 2009 @ 1:27 am
I have the T mobile G1 and I really like the phone and the features it offeres. The only thing is the battery life is not that great.
Comment by Gerald Weber — June 10, 2009 @ 1:40 am
I’m not sure about the rest, but I have a shared plan with rollover minutes on the G1 and me and my wife never get close to using all of the minutes since all other T-Mobile calls, mobile to mobile, and nights and weekends are free. We pay about $140 total for both lines with data, taxes unlimited text messaging and all. Again. Not saying it compares better or worse…just FYI.
Comment by AndroidG1guy — June 10, 2009 @ 1:42 am
Why did you add the nike+ in the list. That is just ridiculous. Also from the webos rom image, we can see that video recording for pre is on the door, pidgin for all the chat clients you can imagine etc etc. I think this is just way too early comparison for other than the price, which by the way is crazy cheap for pre and sprint. could buy the other phones unsub, with that monies :)
Comment by why nike — June 10, 2009 @ 1:43 am
See the money end doesn’t matter to me since it’s over a period of time and not all at once. Also, what good is getting a device just because it’s cheaper, but doesn’t have the apps that I want……It’s useless and a waste of money!
Comment by GadgetMan — June 10, 2009 @ 1:50 am
I think it’s a little too early to publish regarding the android phone, as the g1 is about 8 months old, and a new android phone is just around the horizon.
Comment by cartman — June 10, 2009 @ 1:51 am
And now compare the usability of the products. Android and Palm fail
Comment by Haj — June 10, 2009 @ 1:56 am
Lucky me! I live in china and have to pay full price + 20% for the phones, but cheap, fast, good mobile service. I will only end up paying $300 for a year of all I can use calling, messaging and data, regardless of which grey-market phone I get.
Now which phone should I get? Still dont know, but im thinking Android — maybe one of the knock-off androids for $150 that are coming out soon.
Comment by Alex — June 10, 2009 @ 2:12 am
Charles: The thing is we’re comparing models in similar class. No doubt the Pre is going up against the soon-to-be released iPhone 3G S. The Android for sure is an older phone, but it’s there for a comparison on another reasonably popular smartphone (as evident by a few commments above).
Andrew: Thanks for that, could have sworn OTA for Amazon is currently supported but may have missed that — will double check! We went with the $99 plan as the minutes correspond more with the other service plans, obviously, there are multitude of plans that can be mixed with each phones. Heck, it’s why we’re doing what we’re doing. For those that are curious, you can check out our tool and compare the iPhone 3G 8GB vs Palm Pre.
Nike+ is kind of in there because of um… well, it’s there. To be fair, we think Pre and G1’s slick multitask ability are hot too. In fact, we have a die-hard Pre fan in the office…
Thanks for the feedback guys, cheers.
Comment by BillShrink Guy — June 10, 2009 @ 2:12 am
The loyalty plan on tmo is $49.99 for unlimited voice. If you qualify for that the G1 goes from $3240 to $2040 making it the cheapest. Sure not everyone will qualify but if you do its a huge difference.
Comment by Narr0wM1nd — June 10, 2009 @ 2:14 am
iPhone does not do MMS in the USA. AT&T does not support it. I’m assuming this is for US citizens. AT&T says maybe by the end of the summer, but if that’s the case then you may as well put up a bunch of features for the other phones that are rumored to come out in a few months.
Comment by Eric — June 10, 2009 @ 2:15 am
Narr0wM1nd: Very good point. Not everyone will qualify but if you do qualify for T-Mobile’s loyalty plan, saving another $1,200 is a huge difference — even if its over the span of two years.
Comment by BillShrink Guy — June 10, 2009 @ 2:28 am
@Bill: exactly, you should have put multitasking not Nike+.
@Charles: to imply you don’t do rebates is one thing, to presume the rest of us don’t is another.
@Haj: Steve loves you.
@Gadgetman: Wait til you make a yearly salary and stop living paycheck to paycheck, that extra money is big.
I had an Iphone for 13 months and AT&T is a total rip off, there service sucks and the customer support sucks, great phone, great OS.
Had a G1 but thought it was ridiculous that you need a 3rd party app to get exchange server mail and t-mobile has a terrible network.
Have the Pre now and it is honestly too soon to tell… but so far the 99 bucks a month is a winner.
When the novelty of these phones wear off it comes down to can I get my job done and how much does it cost me. 80% of the apps for the Iphone are fluff.. Quality not quantity.
Comment by Tim Palmer — June 10, 2009 @ 2:37 am
I too have a shared voice plan and use the Tmo $25 unlim data and 400 SMS that I never use all of, our total bill for 2 androids comes to $140, so $70 a head per month.
G1’s can be bought for $98 too.
I’d like to see you run this with those numbers, the G1 will come out far ahead on TCO in most cases
Comment by joe — June 10, 2009 @ 2:37 am
The Comparrison i basied towards the iphone.
Android can use sdcards, so why put its storage as 1gb? My phone for instance came with a 2 gb card. The chart should reflect that the storage can be anything upto 32gb.
Nike integration is a complete joke. On android there are numerous running trackers anyway.
I can confirm that android has a compass. To enabled it download Spare Parts from the market and enable the compass in google maps. Or download a special compass application.
As for battery life, you can replace the battery for a much larger battery, unlike the iphone which is a sealed unit. Im unsure about the pre.
Comment by Alec — June 10, 2009 @ 2:39 am
To Charles and anyone else that wants to mislead people. Yes, the Pre comes with a rebate and yes the iPhone will sell a phone for $99 [however, I believe that that option will not be available everyone - it will only be an option for new AT&T customers.
Nonetheless, the actual cost of the product aside, the main thrust[and there is no way of getting around this] of the article is that the Pre on Sprint is cheaper to own in the long-run if you want unlimited voice, data, and messaging.
Talking about the actual cost of the phone is pointless and a blatant attempt to move the conversation away from the main point for in the end, the Pre will still be cheaper to own with unlimited voice, data, and messaging in 24 months and beyond.
Comment by Machiavellian — June 10, 2009 @ 2:48 am
I’m sorry, no phone is worth $2000 for 2 years. Once this companies decided to stop being so greedy, I’ll get one.
Oh, and yes, I know the prices are high because of the phones being subsidized, but they took it too far (especially AT&T).
Comment by Eric Magnuson — June 10, 2009 @ 3:31 am
When the iPhone gets multitasking and a keyboard, we’ll talk.
Comment by Ouka — June 10, 2009 @ 4:01 am
One fact that you are not including is Sprints upgrade program which is an instant rebate on a new phone. $75 after 9 months and $150 after 18 months. This is usually the same price for the phone as it would be for a new customer. You have to sign a new 2 year contract but if you are happy with your plan you don’t have to change it, even if the plan is no longer offered.
This could be a big factor for those using the iPhone cause the prices Apple announced for the new iphone are for new customers. “Apple said today that the iPhone 3G S costs $199 (16GB) and $299 (32GB). But that’s the price only for new AT&T customers. The price if you’re already an AT&T customer and/or are upgrading from an iPhone 3G? Try $699 (32GB), $599 (16GB), and $499 (8GB).”
Comment by DaVo — June 10, 2009 @ 4:03 am
Just as a note the webos app store is tiny but how big was apples on launch? Apple has had a huge headstart but I bet in 6 to 9 months palms store is burstibg since it is less difficult to buikd palm apps. Actually the apps are already coming in nicely!
Comment by MountainVision — June 10, 2009 @ 4:04 am
umm please remember that iphone apps will work on the palm pre…
Comment by Andy — June 10, 2009 @ 4:09 am
I’m a bit surprised the it’s not up there as well, but any idea on how the N97 compare’s to these phones?
Comment by Valencio — June 10, 2009 @ 4:16 am
The App Store line should have listed the number of apps available for each phone -
iPhone - 50,000+
Pre - 18+
Android - 4,900+
Comment by Chuck Konfrst — June 10, 2009 @ 4:43 am
Actually the real main point is coverage. All those unlimited anything is useless if you dont get any coverage.
ATT is good in areas, and bad in others
Sprint in the same, good in some, bad in others
So its the coverage that tells you what phone to get. Also, the pre does have alot of flaws, being the first gen. They say its not fair to compare 3year old Iphone to the 2 week old pre. Your right, but I dont want a first gen problems, when I need a phone in an emergency, or when I have a very important client I have to keep in contact with, or if I need my phone because I am on call. Everything else is icing.
First gen phones will have problem, LOTS of problem that WILL get fix in years to come, the Iphone had its fair share. The thing you need to ask yourself is do I want to deal with the first gen phone, when a BRAND NEW Operating system? Then get the pre its a nice phone, if not then get another phone that will meet your need that has a proven track record.
Comment by VKitty — June 10, 2009 @ 4:53 am
How much do I have to pay for the Pre to NOT send my calls to voicemail while I’m listening to Pandora? Oh, wait, it’s a CDMA/EVDO limitation! Sprint and Verizon are completely unacceptable for smartphones until LTE is implemented.
Comment by Steve — June 10, 2009 @ 5:03 am
Since when MMS on Iphone is working? Not even a future date is given? “Nike” is just an application - G1/2 has something like this as well… this article is very misleading..
why not using multi-tasking in the matrix above as Palm and G2 utilize them.. the more I think about this article…hmmmm
Comment by Orlando Homes — June 10, 2009 @ 5:05 am
Too bad sprint won’t let us SERO users migrate our plan.
$720 ($30/mo) per two years for 450min, unlimited data, and unlimited text is quite nice.
Although the equivalent for $69/mo is still quite good in comparison to other carriers.
Comment by Tim — June 10, 2009 @ 5:10 am
It is all about the network and apps. We will have to see with the Pre. Sprint network has never been great. I own and develop apps for both iPhone and Android. You can build much more powerfull apps on Android than iPhone. The iPhone has the cool factor and that is Big with teens who currently buy the most apps. We will not know about Android until the next few months when 18 new phones will be release.
Jeff
motionPHR Personal Health Record for the iPhone
mymedbox Personal Health Record for Android
Comment by Jeff Brandt — June 10, 2009 @ 5:22 am
While noting that the G1 has an SD Slot is nice, It should be noted that SDHC currently doesn’t acutally HAVE a size limit, and so until the capacity for that is reached… G1’s will be able to hold MUCH more that the others.
Additionally, since the G1 is a “true” Android phone, and not oe of the soon to be knockoffs, the Firmware will update to match the latest release. Sorry to say, but while 1.1 was cute, 1.5 is incredible, and the device hasn’t slowed at all.
The Pre looks like it could be an incredible device, once it has had about 6-8 months to get some polish, and some better battery consumption (Even wired’s Gadget Lab complained that you can’t get a full day out of it with heavy use)
The chart is nice, but it is flawed. Pick it apart for the features, but essentially the TCO remains about the same. US cell providers need to stop charging such exorbitant ammounts for MMS/SMS and focus on making their networks better.
Comment by Russell — June 10, 2009 @ 5:25 am
how disingenuous to say the G1 has 1GB of memory and just put in some fine print on the SD Card! You could add a line item for something as minor as the Nike+ integration, but don’t say anything about the fact that the G1 could have 32GB of memory for an additional $100.
And for that matter, the Misc Features says something stuffy like “open source development community” instead of something sexy like the iPhone. How about “Download TV, Movies, Rentals and Podcasts via any non DRM music store”
Comment by Hicks — June 10, 2009 @ 5:32 am
If you’re at all a techy person, who likes to tinker, you should really seriously consider the android platform.
There may be more apps on iphone but the apps on android have a level of functionality previously unseen on a mobile device.
I’m a web developer and in a pinch i can do every function necessary for my job on my phone now. Including 100% connectivity on the many IM platforms i require.
Comment by math0ne — June 10, 2009 @ 5:50 am
why is it that sprint are the only one that advertise this site….. and oohh look they come off as having the best deal
Comment by me — June 10, 2009 @ 6:12 am
I’ve read a number of these things on other websites and see so many iPhone fans resisting the fact that the rest of the world has caught up to the iPhone. Their binky is no longer the shiniest. One of the most rediculous things I read was that these things are a waist of money without good apps. Really?
Don’t get me wrong, I’ve been using Apple products since Performas and Quadras, bet some of you iPhone fans are googling that right now. So I love Apple, but competition is always healthy no matter what I love personally.
This is so great, now we aren’t stuck without cut and paste (soon to come in 3.0, but why did it take so long?), non-removable battery and AT&T as the only option for one of these new smartphones. We can choose which carrier and which sets of functionality we like best. To tell everyone the iPhone is the best and everyone else sucks is just going to make the things you don’t like about the iPhone and AT&T last longer. Competition is good for us so stop arguing and go and play with the phones in person and make your own choice, not what everyone else has or likes.
Comment by Blikkem — June 10, 2009 @ 6:20 am
Service could be inaccurate for long time customers of TMobile they can get unlimited voice for 49.99 so with the unlimited data is comes to 85 a month making it cheaper than the Palm Pre
Comment by Mark — June 10, 2009 @ 6:39 am
I have sold cell phones for all carriers and messed with numerous phones. The Android may be a little older then the Pre and the new Iphone; however, the sad thing is the Android is still better then both phones. Being that the Andoid is open sourced, the potential outweighs all other phones. Look for a new Android to hit the market soon! Battery life is lame but hey things that can be improved.
Comment by Jeff — June 10, 2009 @ 7:01 am
The Pre does not have the battery life it claims to have. People in the Pre forums are finding it is uttely horrible, maybe as bad is 2x worse than the iPhone 3G, and the 3GS is suppose to have even more battery life.
http://forums.precentral.net/palm-pre/182728-battery-life-good-any-battery-saving-tips.html
Notice how many people have read that thread alone, and read some of the comments. This was the main reason I took my Pre back (it also kept not turning on, and Synergy sux).
Comment by Leo — June 10, 2009 @ 7:01 am
Cost of Sprint Palm Pre
$324 including tax up front
Adding onto family members everything plan +$0
Monthly charge $25 x 24 months : $600
Total cost after 2 yrs:
$924 Booyah
Comment by D4C1own — June 10, 2009 @ 7:02 am
This is a bad comparison! First of the G1 HAS a magnometer (digital compass for those of you who dont know whats going on)
Second Nike+ integration has its own spot on the chart? it should be in OTHER, only one device has that SPECIFIC brand feature, the other do have accelerometers/GPS and thus would have those types of capabilities or features without the NIKE branding.
THIRD, the G1’s cost is overdone, with TMO loyalty plan, unlimited voice is 49.99, not 99.99
FOURTH the IPHONE US does NOT have MMS, YET, ahem. Which is ridiculous seeing as any POS crap free phone since 2004 has had THIS feature!
This is a VERY skewed representation of all three devices
Comment by Azim — June 10, 2009 @ 7:16 am
Or you could just unplug and not spend upwards of $2000 on a single until per year. I know the idea is foriegn, but I’ve been starting to adopt it more and more.
Comment by John | We Have Contact — June 10, 2009 @ 7:28 am
Sprint will swallow your fking soul.
Call them for some minor issue and see if they don’t tack another 2 years to your contract.
Comment by Rober — June 10, 2009 @ 7:31 am
You can get different batteries for the G1 (unlike the iPhone). I bought a 2600maH battery ($40 on amazon) and makes the phone a little thicker, but I can seriously go 4 days straight without having to recharge using GPS, music, etc.
iPhone has no file manager, and that terrible goid piece of crap software iTunes to manage data. I can charge my G1 off my PC USB and mount the phone as a jumpdrive.
Also for the people crying about service you can get an openmoko phone and toss android on it and not be locked to any carrier.
Until swype is the main method of touch screen data entry instead of tap style, I will stick with hardware based input. Plus I’ll just keep upgrading my OS, my SDCards while you keep paying for hardware updates.
I hate to break all the Apple fanboys hearts, but android isn’t going away anytime soon. This is the 3rd iteration of the iPhone and G1’s first. Sad thing is the G1 can do everything already the new iPhone can do and cost 1/3 as much.
Comment by xamox — June 10, 2009 @ 7:35 am
The reason you don’t get to compare built in memory with expandable memory is that then you’d have to increase the price of the phone by whatever a 32GB card costs. The phone comes with what it comes with, so that’s what should be compared.
If they were actually trying to compare like models, maybe they should have included an 8GB card with the Android and upped it’s price by that amount, would have been a way to get a decent comparison.
Comment by Acer — June 10, 2009 @ 7:51 am
Ya poor representation of the Android Phone. You are comparing a 1st gen semi-experimental phone to a 3 year old market tried and proven phone (iPhone) and Palm that has been in the market and established for years, just a new phone.
You should be comparing the G2 if anything, even though obviously the Android phones are all going to be different, which is kind of the point.
Comment by Jon — June 10, 2009 @ 8:19 am
Also don’t you think Nike integration should be a Misc. feature? (I think android has something like that anyways)
And 1 gb for android is the built in but has an expansion slot for up to 32gb for SD, which is a heck of a lot better than not allowing you to expand your space.
Comment by jon — June 10, 2009 @ 8:22 am
Great infographic. Thanks for compiling it.
As if this comment thread needed any sarcasm, I’d like to say “How much does Sprint’s horrible customer service cost you?” I wish it were quantifiable.
My wife and I spent countless hours getting promises to resolve billing disputes, fighting errant early termination fees, and attempting to remove services that we never signed up for from our bills. After 5 months of that, we just paid the false ETFs and switched to T-Mobile. If Sprint can make us mad enough to pay hundreds of dollars we never even owed, I’m sure the cheap unlimited everything plan won’t look so cheap by the end of the 24 months.
Comment by Wayne — June 10, 2009 @ 8:24 am
@Charles: Yeah you have the base minutes plan with AT&T, I did that up till the Pre released, at a cost of $79.99 a month because of a student discount, normally would have cost me $89.99 a month with unlimited data and msging and 450 minutes + rollover and only 5000 night and weekend. With the Pre the lowest plan, 450 minutes, rollover, unlimited data and msging AND unlimited night and weekends is only $69.99 a month, still I get a student discount from Sprint too so down to about $59.99 a month AND I can get insurance on my phone, plus the offer a wider discount by workplace, another 17% I get off my bill… Wonder why I would buy a more expensive phone, do the rebate and then apply my rebate card to an estimated bill of $56.79 after insurance. I think I’ll take the Pre at 24 months over an iPhone for 24 based on prices like that…
Comment by Eric — June 10, 2009 @ 8:27 am
Some on my LJ pointed out it’s a bit ridiculous to list Nike+ but not something like… “physical keyboard”.
As to the guy who said the Pre loses on usability… I’ve owned one since Saturday. Wrong. The thing is crazy usable. Sometimes it’s all I can do to put it down.
Comment by Andrew Hime — June 10, 2009 @ 8:40 am
Oh, and where are these voice commands?
Comment by Andrew Hime — June 10, 2009 @ 8:41 am
Charles, first off you’re wrong at Best Buy if you purchase the Pre from them, there is no rebate it’s an instant rebate, meaning you walk out the door paying just $199 for the Pre. Of course you could purchase the last gen (OLD) Iphone for $99.99 later this month, then upgrade it (firmware to 3.0) and still not have alot of the features the Pre gives you, like multi-tasking, the ability to not have to use I-tunes, along with actually getting a network that won’t drop 40% of your calls.
I just can’t figure out though, how you can say to you that the extra $1200 is worth it, that’s what kills me, $1200 sure it’s spread over 24 months and when you break it down, $50 a month, maybe doesn’t sound bad, but it adds up. That money could be used, I’m guessing in better places, for better things than AT&T’s monthly service.
Comment by Scooterge558 — June 10, 2009 @ 8:54 am
Yea, Sprint’s unlimited plan is pretty cheap, $50 / mo. is a big deal.
However, I don’t think you can really compare either the Pre or G1 app stores with the iTunes App store. That’s the biggest reason I’m upgrading from the first gen iPhone to the 3GS instead of switching( what is it, 50,000 apps and counting? )
That, and I don’t use an unlimited plan, I just spring the extra $35 / mo for unlimited data and 200 texts on top of my normal plan.
Comment by iPhone owner — June 10, 2009 @ 9:01 am
AT&T website lists unlimited Talk, Text & Web bundle for $134 instead of the $149 total listed in http://www.wireless.att.com/learn/basics/choosing-plan/individual-options.jsp” rel=”nofollow”>the table.
Comment by APK — June 10, 2009 @ 9:01 am
Machiavellian is correct. The gist of the analysis is: AT&T is screwing the iPhone customer. The chart shows 50% higher cost for unlimited voice/data/text, and don’t even get me started about AT&T dragging their feet on MMS and tethering.
Scientific analysis: AT&T sucks balls. Q.E.D.
Comment by Ben Y — June 10, 2009 @ 9:08 am
I would love to see a comparison of the TCO at the minimum plan level. For example, forget about unlimited. What’s the cost with the minimum number of minutes and the minimum available data plan.
I suspect there are a lot of people like me who do most of their data use over wifi, and really just have the phone for emergencies and to connect with their spouse when seperated in a big store, etc.
So, what are the costs without the “unlimited” plans?
I currently have a 400 minute family plan with 2 lines for a total of $50/month. We typically use about 100 of those minutes. I’m considering adding a minimal data plan for $10/month so that I can quickly look up competitor’s prices, etc. when making a big ticket purchace, Or for a quick map when trying to find an address.
Comment by More Info Needed — June 10, 2009 @ 9:11 am
Apple makes great products and offers great support. They are sticking it to loyal, early innovators with the 3g. Purchased the 3G the day it was available. To upgrade to Gs, costs $499, two hundred over regular price, PLUS, must sign up for 2 more years with AT&T, This should alienate many loyal customers. I won’t be trading up soon.
Comment by Hoosier — June 10, 2009 @ 9:13 am
The only downfall to AT&T is their data/messaging plans, which are rediculously priced. The sad thing is that everyone that wants the iPhone is willing to pay it until their able to somewhere else. If Verizon had it, I would just in a heartbeat because of AT&T’s gouging.
Hopefully once Apples notification service comes out, and a decent SMS/MMS app brings the noise, I can trim the fat on my texting charges.
Is $30 too much for unlimited data? yes/no, but doing about 500MB a month probably does add up. If they could make a unlimited text/data dundle for $40, that would be fantastic!
Comment by Ken — June 10, 2009 @ 9:13 am
where’s the N97? oh wait can’t compare it because the iPhone doesn’t do half the features and hardware.
Comment by Giovani — June 10, 2009 @ 9:15 am
My unlimited voice on T-Mobile is $49.99 a month, $1200 cheaper than the above. Plus the $35 for unlimited 3G, Data, and Messaging, T-Mobile is the clear winner.
Comment by Deke218 — June 10, 2009 @ 9:23 am
The G1 does have an internal compass I use it daily. Please correct your article. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HTC_Dream)
I also agree that the Nike+ feature hardly deserves its own row any more than Google Latitude (http://www.google.com/support/mobile/bin/answer.py?answer=136640) does. They both belong in the misc feature section.
Finally the SD slot is very important as you’re starting to see apple try to differentiate its actual product lines on storage capacity. something that anyone who know about the cost drivers of storage is an absolute joke. SD gives the user the freedom to determine their storage capacity like the cell phone plan you pick lets you determine your minute usage of the phone.
Comment by Michael Favia — June 10, 2009 @ 9:23 am
Corrections/Omissions:
* List the maximum memory expansion for G1 (I don’t know what it is… 16GB?)
* Pre Camera: Add “LED Flash” and “Video Recording” (video recording is coming “soon”, just like iPhone’s MMS, which you’ve included)
* MMS: list if they support picture, audio, and/or video.
* Add keyboard type (virtual/physical/both)
* AFAIK, Navigation is free on Sprint, but costs extra on AT&T. I don’t know about T-Mo.
* G1 does have a compass
* Pre has voice commands? Are you sure?
* Pre can purchase music on 3G, but can only download it on WiFi
* Add 2D/3D Games.
* You forgot the $99/year for MobileMe. Several of the 3GS’ features rely on it.
* You didn’t include the cost of the phone in “Total Costs”? Include the cost of the phone (on contract and after rebate), extra services (MobileMe), and a memory card (if applicable).
* Include Remote Features in the chart (locate/backup/wipe)
* Add multitasking. This is a huge feature for G1 and Pre (way more important than Nike+, which you’ve included)
Thanks
Comment by Matthew — June 10, 2009 @ 9:29 am
an optional non-touchscreen keyboard…
Comment by matt mcinvale — June 10, 2009 @ 9:38 am
That’s not completely accurate. The $99 for unlimited includes messaging with t-mobile. Thus all you’d need is the 24.99 unlimited data plan and you’d save $10/month or $240/24 months. bringing the total for the g1 to $3000/24 months. Granted it’s still $600 more than what sprint is charging….but it’s also $600 UNDER what AT&T charges.
And to add to it…it’s STILL not 100% accurate because tethering for the G1 is included. And if you’re going to REALLY break down cost…then you need to REALLY break it down. If you toss on tethering to the Unlimited plan for Sprint I believe it’s an additional $15/month. I THINK tethering may be included in the iPhone 3G S plan…not 100% sure though. And if you factor that in, then that brings Sprints total to $2,760/2 years….alot closer to $3,000 than what previously thought.
Comment by Patrick — June 10, 2009 @ 9:45 am
G1 costs $149 in T-Mobile website.
Free at Walmart if you start a new account.
Comment by Leonardo — June 10, 2009 @ 9:46 am
Rubbish comparison, very biased
Also contains false information like the G1 not having a compass. It had it before the IPhone did.
Should have probably used the HTC Magic rather than the G1 too as you picked the latest Iphone, why not also pick the latest Android phone, The magic has better battery life than the G1.
Fail.
Comment by Paul Teale — June 10, 2009 @ 9:51 am
It’s all about the value (perceived or otherwise) that you get with the money you plunk down.
Comment by glui2001 — June 10, 2009 @ 9:56 am
The G1 has a digital compass.
Comment by Zach — June 10, 2009 @ 10:01 am
Small correction. The iPhone 3G S should be a 8gb model instead of a 16gb model.
Just noticed that when I was preparing to find sources to talk about this AT&T upgrade ordeal.
Comment by Enoch — June 10, 2009 @ 10:11 am
When comparing the 3g, size of deployed fast network is important. The Pre is expected to get faster service in more areas than the iPhone or the Android because of the lack of 3 G gsm space.
Comment by WirelessDude — June 10, 2009 @ 10:38 am
Nike+? Thats a selling feature?
Comment by Chris — June 10, 2009 @ 10:44 am
This chart is misleading for a # of reasons
#1 - you only list unlimited voice for AT&T, while for many people that is a needless expense
#2 - the thousands of Apps for the Iphone is a huge feature, and with the huge headstart in installed userbase, it’s going to be hard for Palm to ever catch up
#3 - you could make the argument that the $99 8gb 3g Iphone is a better comparison for the Pre. the 3gs is the 3rd iteration of both hardware and software, while the Pre is on #1. also, yeah rebates are a pain
Comment by Homer — June 10, 2009 @ 11:30 am
I think the comparisons are fair, for the most part. For those thag don’t talk on their phones much, Sprint offers a $70/mo plan that comes with 650 minutes and unlimited text/data.
The thing that bugs me is comments on product quality or usability by idiots who think they gain somethin.g by running down the competition for their favored platform.
For me, Palm Pre is the right phone with the right features, but iPhone and Android are also awesome products. I think the industry as a whole will benefit from these 3 horses (plus RIM, Microsoft, and Symbian) being in the race.
Comment by rdean — June 10, 2009 @ 11:35 am
Really like the Pre but no Verizon for me, i will take the extra speed of the Iphone 3gS so i can open my contact list with out have to make a coffe while i wait for it
Comment by Chocolim — June 10, 2009 @ 12:39 pm
Nike+ : you have to buy the “Nike + iPod Sensor” that goes in the shoes.
ADD $19
Comment by Pator — June 10, 2009 @ 1:04 pm
Where is Nokia N97
Comment by Noksu — June 10, 2009 @ 1:09 pm
I just dropped my phone down a sewer drain by accident. Who do I call to get it out?
Comment by Robert — June 10, 2009 @ 1:23 pm
I may have missed it, but is there a comparison of family plans for the same devices? I’m looking at a family of four, with either 2 “smart phone”s and 2 standard phones or 4 smart phones. Unlimited text and data… Thx
Comment by josh — June 10, 2009 @ 1:48 pm
Why are we only comparing the unlimited voice plans? A minority of customers are using that.
I have a G1 and I pay $65/month for it. You can go as low as $55/month (300 minutes).
Comment by Aaron — June 10, 2009 @ 1:50 pm
I want the Palm Pre but it doesn’t have viedo recording and the memory is too small. I’m thinking about
switching to AT&T. I want the 32 GB GS iPhone. But I’m worried about AT&T coverage. What should I do?
Comment by saalik — June 10, 2009 @ 1:53 pm
The G1 has a digital compass too.
Comment by nikotttin — June 10, 2009 @ 2:04 pm
But if you compare limited voice and text plans, they get a lot closer in cost. For instance, 450 minutes, unlimited data, and unlimited text Sprint $69 AT&T $89, but if you don’t need unlimited text – say 200 messages Sprint still $69 and AT&T $74.
It doesn’t include Android, but there is a more detailed comparison (but less pretty) here.
Comment by Franz — June 10, 2009 @ 2:15 pm
One thing about the pricing plans. Who needs a $99 voice plan on at&t? the average customer seriously doesn’t need that many minutes on their plan, especially with rollover minutes. I pay $91 a month for my iphone which is totally affordable and comes out to just over $2000 with a 2-year contract.
Comment by Tyler — June 10, 2009 @ 2:17 pm
lets see ………….
who pays for the unlimited ?
I pay 75 which includes unlimted data and I dont do sms as I have email so thats
75 * 12 * 2 which is $1800.00 still expensive for a phone ,but still “cheaper” then t-crap and trying to hold on sprint :(
Comment by iphonejeff — June 10, 2009 @ 2:28 pm
what about applecare =p not sure what type of warranty is available for Android and Pre.
Comment by spikel — June 10, 2009 @ 2:34 pm
My family plan with Tmobile only costs me $50/mo for voice, internet, and unlimited text. Total cost of plan over 24 mo: $1200, and I use a 16gb 2G Iphone. Yeah! F U ATT!
Comment by Mr. Q — June 10, 2009 @ 2:42 pm
Who on earth are you people that say that the TCO is the same?? There is a >$1,000 difference between the TCO of the Pre vs the new iPhone. And guess what, even with the new $100 cheaper iPhone, the difference is STILL >$1,000.
I’m sorry, but learn arithmetic or possibly, stop trying to push some random agenda. $1,000 over ten years is not insignificant savings.
Comment by Chieze Okoye — June 10, 2009 @ 3:18 pm
I’m not sure if anyone mentioned it, but you can’t knock Sprint’s network coverage. Their plans offer FREE ROAMING. So, when you get a Sprint plan you are actually getting Sprint AND Verizon’s (CDMA) network to roam on all included in one low price.
There is some fine print about over using the free roaming, but I roam a decent amount and have never had a problem.
This is all about cost of ownership, and the Pre on Sprint wins hands down.
Comment by Kevin — June 10, 2009 @ 3:29 pm
99.99 w/ t-mo includes text, so u really only have to add on the 24.99 g1 data only pack, please correct that and recalculate!!!
i know it was already mentioned, but im hoping that with more people bringing this up this article will be updated!
Comment by jeff — June 10, 2009 @ 3:46 pm
Nope. G1 with TMobile costs me $75 a month for unlimited text, unlimited web, and 600 minutes/month. making the price tag $1800 - a far cry from what you’ve listed here, and cheaper than both other options. Toss in AT&T’s price gouging for MMS and the fact that Apple censors the AppStore so strongly, and I’m perfectly willing to wait for android to develop.
Comment by Colleen Harris — June 10, 2009 @ 3:49 pm
someone want to add symbian into the game or do you just like to let the most americanized phones play?
Comment by Anonymous — June 10, 2009 @ 3:56 pm
lol…let the fan-boy battles start!
Comment by Terence — June 10, 2009 @ 4:31 pm
@Charles
Even IF they weren’t gonna give you back your rebate, the Palm Pre is still cheaper (and I own one, no problems so far). The $99 iPhone sounds good upfront, but it’s pointless after 3 months into your contract because of the service plan. I don’t see what you’re missing here.
Comment by Muse — June 10, 2009 @ 4:32 pm
I dropped my down a sewer drain last year on a Friday and I called Sprint’s insurance and they shipped me a new 1 on Saturday and placed the $75 deductible on on my bill (I think is $100 now for a smartphone). Never got back the phone that went down the drain.
Comment by Andrew — June 10, 2009 @ 5:16 pm
Patrick & Jeff: We’ll update and make changes to the T-Mobile price ASAP. $99 is for unlimited voice + messaging and yes unlimited data is $24.99, along with Android’s price of $149.99, this makes the total cost $3,149. (There’s actually a reason behind this issue but will update later).
me: Not sure what you mean, Sprint doesn’t advertise our site and they certainly don’t always have the best deal. We’re not biased towards any particular carrier or phone, we’re simply trying to help people find the best phone along with the best plan that best fits their needs.
Comment by BillShrink Guy — June 10, 2009 @ 5:20 pm
@saalik, wait for WinMo7 :-)
Comment by Ken — June 10, 2009 @ 5:28 pm
To the iPhone haters:
1) MMS - if this is a sticking point to you, you clearly don’t use your phone as a true ’smart’ phone. E-mail, anyone? If you and your peers have smart phones, you should be emailing that stuff anyway.
2) AT&Ts text rates: again - the only people I actually text are people who have super-old clamshells. Why wouldn’t you just e-mail for free? Everyone I know has some push email account that’s pretty much as instant as texting. You can subtract that $20/month or pay $5/month for 200 texts (6 a day, plenty BECAUSE YOU’LL BE EMAILING). Plus, there are free apps that allow you to text those who don’t do email on their phone FOR FREE using your email.
3) Speed and interface. This doesn’t apply to the G1 or the Pre so much - but I’ll say it anyway. Symbian and Windows Mobile phones are SLOW AS @#$@. I can’t even use those HTCs and many other ‘iPhone killers’ after using an iPhone because everything takes twice as long. Generally, if you put an iPhone into a hater’s hands, they’re sold after about 5 minutes - they realize how awesome the web browsing and interface is. FAST FAST FAST - and that’s before the 3G ‘S’.
4) T-Mobile’s 3G network is laughable. Why not just buy a $4000 Intel i7 and attach a monochrome monitor?
5) Yes, dozens of phones are better than the iPhone on paper or based on ‘potential’. Once you use them, you realize that nearly all are pretenders. The Pre, to me, is the only true rival. That G1 is T-Mobile - end of story. Unlock it, and yes, it’s a legit rival. The N97, I’ll admit, is a thousand times better on paper, but I’d have to see if it’s fast. If it’s even half as slow as a Windows Mobile phone - forget it.
Comment by C_Mick — June 10, 2009 @ 7:29 pm
I do not have an iPhone, but have a iPod Touch. However, I want to comment on the keyboard and software issues. I have short stubby fingers. I have yet to use a mobile keyboard that I can type on faster than my touch screen keyboard. Does not matter if the keys are bubbled out or flat, my fingers always find the neighboring key. So for many of us, the extra keyboard is a waste and another mechanical thing to go wrong. Regarding software, any platform that allows a developer to access hardware will have the potential for powerful software, regardless of what the platform fan boys say. Thus the iPhone/iPod has or can have powerful software systems. I do not know about the other platforms. Finally, the multitasking thing is problematic. It sucks the life out of battery life. When I have multiple applications running, my battery drains too (My Touch is Jailbroken). The bottom line is, folks should look at usability and not necessarily features. Sometimes more features = bad.
Comment by chrisl — June 10, 2009 @ 9:53 pm
This helps explain why so many people can’t pay their mortgages and are over their heads in debt. If you can’t pay cash for one of these phones, you can’t afford the phone-period.
Comment by John — June 11, 2009 @ 6:11 am
What matters to me is: the network (coverage, speed), the Apps, and Price (in that order). I’ve used all three carriers, and Sprint is by far the best choice of these three. Apple clearly wins on apps. Sprint’s Pre takes price (I did not realize Sprint’s Everything plan really means “everything”). Based on all I’ve read this week, I’m excited to get a Pre and am not going to wait (unless there really is a wait-list). Also, I think it will be fun to create some simple apps myself for the linux based Pre.
Comment by CJ — June 11, 2009 @ 6:40 am
For Steve - “How much do I have to pay for the Pre to NOT send my calls to voicemail while I’m listening to Pandora? Oh, wait, it’s a CDMA/EVDO limitation! Sprint and Verizon are completely unacceptable for smartphones until LTE is implemented.”
what model of phone are you using? I have a bb curve; and pandora stops when a call comes in; then resumes once it is over. I’m guessing you are not even a sprint customer..given the LTE response.
so to answer your question $0.
Comment by jarrod — June 11, 2009 @ 7:09 am
did not know American contract prices where so high! I pay £5 so $8? a month, for 150 mins / 150 txts and unlimited data.
I could pay £12 ($20) for unlimited data/calls/txts.
$3,000 total cost for iPhone? Thats insane.
Comment by tunnie — June 11, 2009 @ 8:05 am
To the iPhone haters - hater1:
1) MMS - MMS/SMS is higher priority to a phone user than email. This is a fact. Email gets lost. Texts don’t.
2) See 1
3) No comments - not adding to discussion on three phones above.
4) “T-Mobile’s 3G network is laughable” : So is AT & T’s.
5) subjective opinion
Comment by cloud9ine — June 11, 2009 @ 10:06 am
How lame. The Pre won’t be able to handle the most important multitasking job, a phone call while surfing the web. So the wonderful pandora streaming while making a call. I have on more than one occasion wanted a friend to hear a song I had on my Iphone and could play it for them or the call me while I’m out and about and ask me to look up an address or a map or what ever we were surfing earlier and i can put them on speaker or use my headphones or bluetooth, open safari and bamm, I’m surfing the web, the I can even check my mail type a reply even open an attachment all while on the phone. I guess it depends on what is important in multiasking. If I have 7 web pages open, the Iphone remembers them and refreshes them when I go back. It keeps something I’m not using from killing my battery.
I can have the power when I need it, but I don’t want 7 websites and Asphalt 4 running in the background because I forgot they were open when I my girlfriend call bug me and just put the phone back in my pocket when I hung up. This is will happen often with the Pre, If they can do real games, then three hours later I need to make a call and the phone is dead. Oh yeah the extra battery, well this was at 11 AM, I use my extra battery and forget and do the same again its now 3PM and its dead again. Only I don’t have another battery and since I don’t have a desk at work no place to charge the other battery. This would stink as I see it. Apple is not a stupid company. They focus more the the customer experience over the long haul and the flashy tends to burn out. Time will tell.
Comment by Genovelle — June 11, 2009 @ 10:22 am
You should compare with G2 not G1.
Comment by Jeremy Chone — June 11, 2009 @ 12:09 pm
Where is Nokia N97?!
Comment by silvestre — June 11, 2009 @ 12:43 pm
I’ve been a Palm Treo 650 user for a couple of years on T-Mo, and have been happy with the service, so have been looking forward to the Pre, but not willing to switch to Sprint. I had them once before a few years back, and didn’t much care for their service. I was on AT&T for a while, but coverage was awful, including once having to drive up the hill from the parking lot of their Redmond offices to be able to get a connection on my old Samsung phone.
Now, I’ve seen and played with the G1, and will seriously consider the G2. I have liked what I’ve seen so far. With the lack of a keyboard, AT&T only service, and ridiculously high acquisition prices, the iPhone just doesn’t cut it for me. Yes, it’s a cool MP3 player, and the games are cool, but I use a phone for email, data, phone calls, and scheduling. The iPhone’s emphasis is too much towards entertainment for me.
Comment by kevinf — June 11, 2009 @ 1:37 pm
I don’t need unlimited, I just want the cheapest voice+data plan possible:
$55 for G1
$70 for Pre
$70 for iPhone (no sms)
Comment by Daniel Sims — June 11, 2009 @ 2:13 pm
AT&T may have the fastest 3G network but Sprint has the largest and Verizon has the best service period in my opinion, I’ve heard rumors that Apple and Verizon are talking about bringing the iphone to Verizon and why not, Apple will make another fortune because the iphone sales with AT&T are slowing and it’s time to open a new revenue stream that Verizon could offer with the largest subscriber base available right now, but imagine if we could get an iphone with Sprint’s everything plan for $99, WHAT! Apple wouldn’t be able to keep up with demand for the iphone.
Comment by Dirk — June 11, 2009 @ 3:42 pm
I have to wonder why 3 of the top 5 selling smartphones are not on this list…
Seriously, whats with the lack of Blackberry? They have a larger market share then any of the phones compared here.
Comment by Mark — June 11, 2009 @ 3:49 pm
I’m not biased but i am leaning towards the pre because of the insurance that covers it if lost or stolen… that is a hefty fee to pay and i know if i were to go to sprint i could possible get a better discount… i’ve been waying my options
Comment by Will the 4th — June 11, 2009 @ 3:53 pm
Billshrink’s wizard is too simple. For multi-users, it assumes data is needed on all lines. Our family has four lines but I only need data on one. AT&T w/ iPhone is actually cheaper than Sprint w. Pre because Sprint makes you pay for data on all 4 lines even when it is not needed/wanted.
Comment by ter — June 11, 2009 @ 4:00 pm
I just thought of something when I saw the GPS functions listed, Sprint includes Turn-by-turn navigation in the price of the plan, when the iPhone’s t-by-t navi comes out will you update it to show that sprint’s is included and the iPhone’s isn’t?
Comment by Stephen — June 11, 2009 @ 5:10 pm
Response:
1) Yes, to a phone. No, not to a smart phone. MMS standards are different across carriers and it’s a technology which will disappear in the next 2-3 years - FACT. They WANT you to use E-mail instead. E-mails disappear? Huh?
2) You shouldn’t own one of these phones if you’re not using E-Mail. What’s the point? If you’re texting…just get a stupid Sidekick or something. These are SMART PHONES. The whole point is to do computer-like things - E-Mail, view documents and browse the FULL internet.
3) Valid
4) You’re insane. AT&T has the fastest network - this is a fact. HSDPA is basically a whole notch above Sprint and Verizon’s ‘3G’ AT&T is a little smaller, admitted - but they’re in like 400 metro area with 3G service. They’re not very far behind Sprint and Verizon. Choosing between the ‘biggest’ or the ‘best’, I’ll take the best - I don’t live in Podunk, Idaho - I live in the city. I never get less than 500 down / 150 up on my phone. I’ve seen as high as 1.3 down / 400 up. I’ve literally NEVER seen my iPhone go into Edge (2.5 G - basically think Sprint) mode - I live in the Detroit area. Do a speed test on your phone (can you even do it on your phone?) and tell me what you get.
5) Well - T-Mobile’s 3G network sparcity is not subjective. It’s a fact - BY FAR the smallest 3G network. Not even close. There are probably more ATT 3G towers in SE Michigan than T-Mobile has in the whole country. FACT. It’s laughable that they even sell it.
Comment by C_Mick — June 11, 2009 @ 5:56 pm
If you have a Sprint Family plan and you want Data on the Pre only, you get hosed. I did a comp for 5 phones. You save about $40 per month not including $100 on the iPhone vs. the Pre if you go with AT&T vs.Sprint. Something to consider
Comment by Andre — June 11, 2009 @ 7:14 pm
For 2 iPhones family plan at 1400 minutes + unlimited data + 200 SMS on wife’s phone + 1500 SMS on my phone, I pay: $126.40 ($66.40 voice plan - company discount + $20 data plan + $30 data plan/1500SMS + $10 2nd line). That’s $63.20 per iPhone. Not bad. With the new iPhone 3G plan that would be $156.40 ($15 data plan more per phone).
Comment by Armando — June 11, 2009 @ 8:18 pm
Interesting comparison. AT&T needs to follow Sprint’s lead and introduce unlimited texting, messaging, and voice for iPhone users — or risk further outrage on top of the iPhone 3G S pricing mess.
Finally, my upgrade costs for the iPhone 3G S won’t be as much, because I arranged for my account to qualify for “new customer” pricing as I’ve noted here (and I’m only eleven months in to my two year contract).
Comment by Ronald Lewis — June 11, 2009 @ 9:59 pm
This is all true if you want an individual plan with one phone. If however, you want to add a Palm Pre to a Family Plan, you must switch every phone to Everything Data whether they need it or not. If I compare 5 phones with one Pre on Sprint vs. 5 phones with one iPhone on ATT - you are paying at least $40. more per month with Sprint. Much more flexibility on AT&T. I currently have 3 flip phones that absolutely never use data. They will be on Everything Data - no options. Just be aware - the Palm Pre is not friendly to Family Plans
Comment by Andre — June 12, 2009 @ 6:25 am
It’s amazing how many people didn’t look at the chart. So many reviews say it’s not a fair comparison because the comparable iphone is now $99 instead of $199. But the full comparison is looking at the total cost, and that’s where AT&T/iPhone combo can’t compete with Sprint/Palm Pre. It’s not just the difference of one or two hundred dollars. The iPhone costs at least $1000 more any way you cut it, because of the increased subscription cost for the AT&T service. Even if iPhones were free, you’re still throwing a Grand out the window in service costs compared to Sprint/Palm Pre. And by the way, I like the iPhone a lot better. But it’s not worth $1000 more. You cannot separate the phone from the subscription service, so let’s stop seeing reviews with dumb remarks like “The iPhone 3G is very comparable to the Palm Pre in terms of capability, and capacity. At a third of the price, it’s actually a bargain as well.” This is Apple’s achilles heel: they have linked America’s best phone to America’s priciest service.
Comment by onthuhlist — June 12, 2009 @ 7:45 am
Can someone do a side-by-side comparison of all three phones with 2 people or 4 people on a family/group plan? Armando has the iPhone/AT&T info - what about the others? Just wondering if the calculations change a lot if you consider multiple people.
Comment by family_guy — June 12, 2009 @ 9:24 am
Happy Android user here! Can’t imagine a phone better than the G1. I’ve had it since November 2008 and I am still discovering cool things it can do. We have 5 lines on our T-Mobile family plan; three standard phones, one Blackberry and one G1. Our phone bill is $200/month with unlimited everything. Would love to get the bill down, but not sure how to do that any further.
It seems to me that no one has mentioned that apps in the Android Market are 99% free. FREE. The only apps programs I’ve purchased are Quickoffice for Android, Stream Furious Pro, Greed (an upgraded feed reader) and Bejeweled; rest are all free.
My college-aged daughter uses the Blackberry and has an iTouch (free with a MacBook). My G1 functions exactly like the iTouch, except with phone capabilities. She loves the Blackberry, but concurrently complains constantly that it works poorly. I think the main difference between smart phones seems to be brand loyalty. Blackberry and iPhone people are in love with the idea that they have those phones, at least in my experience; and they are willing to ignore things like price and functionality just to have those phones. My G1 is a stylish and functional workhorse with low operating cost (the chart above is generalized to new users and not all customers.
Regarding the T-Mobile G1 network, I live in the Twin Cities metro area. Since becoming a G1 user, I have traveled from one end of the state to the other, from cities to suburbs to extreme rural areas. My phone works everywhere EXCEPT Duluth, MN. I man an office; my boss and his wife have ATT and travel all over. Sure their phone works in many places, but the signal strength is often poor and garbled.
Thanks for this excellent forum and for being open to users input! I just joined BillShrink!
Comment by Theresa K. — June 12, 2009 @ 9:37 am
I keep hearing about the ‘iPhone 3G S pricing mess’ ?
What mess? $200 for a 16 GB if you’re eligible for an equipment upgrade. More if you’re not. Why is this so crazy? I just got a 3G about 2 weeks ago (yes, they’re giving me a 3G S for no charge on the 19th). Let’s say some HOT Blackberry comes out for ATT in September. I would likely have to pay FULL RETAIL PRICE ($500-600).
THIS IS STANDARD EQUIPMENT POLICY! Why is everybody complaining? You can’t just get the discounted price every 2 months.
Comment by C_Mick — June 12, 2009 @ 10:27 am
People should refuse text messaging from phone providers. It cost them nothing to send your text message. You are being ripped off. If everyone stood their ground you’d find that it would be included on every plan at no cost.
Comment by Sergio — June 12, 2009 @ 12:27 pm
Thanks for updating the chart, but I still think you should include MobileMe ($99/year). Apple spent time talking about the new iPhone features at WWDC that require it.
@C_Mick
I mostly agree abou the pricing, but I think the point is that if you bought a 3G when it came out, it’s cheaper to cancel your plan, pay the early termination fee, and start a new contract than to just upgrade. That’a silly and not good customer service.
On your other points:
“1) MMS - if this is a sticking point to you, you clearly don’t use your phone as a true ’smart’ phone. E-mail, anyone? If you and your peers have smart phones, you should be emailing that stuff anyway.”
Are you volunteering to buy smart phones for all my friends? That’s very generous! Until they’re delivered, we’ll have to keep using MMS.
“2) AT&Ts text rates: again - the only people I actually text are people who have super-old clamshells. Why wouldn’t you just e-mail for free? Everyone I know has some push email account that’s pretty much as instant as texting. You can subtract that $20/month or pay $5/month for 200 texts (6 a day, plenty BECAUSE YOU’LL BE EMAILING). Plus, there are free apps that allow you to text those who don’t do email on their phone FOR FREE using your email.”
Again, lots of new phones don’t support email, or people don’t set it up. And I route my email through Gmail, so it isn’t instantaneous. SMS is. (This isn’t a common, but some people do it). Plus, why should I clutter my email box with a bunch of one-line, throw-away messages?
Comment by Matthew — June 12, 2009 @ 3:00 pm
I just built a spreadsheet to compare the 1400/1500 minute Family Plan options from Sprint and AT&T using the Palm Pre and the iPhone 3G and 3GS models.
Using the iPhone 3G 8GB($99) as a starting point the total cost over 24 months is $1,700 higher than a comparable Sprint plan. I did have to add in AT&T plan options to match Nights/WE call times (7PM-7AM on Sprint; 9PM-6AM on ATT) and unlimited data/text/messaging.
I’m more than a bit shocked at the AT&T costs. I can’t get the full discount on the Palm Pre as an existing Sprint customer and really thought I’d be better off switching to AT&T and getting iPhones. As it turns out, I’ll save money over 24 months even if I pay almost full price for two Palm Pre’s.
Comment by DennisK — June 12, 2009 @ 3:31 pm
At the end of the day; the total cost of ownership is 100% based on the network. Recurring costs are far more likely to make a difference than a mere 100$ up-front cost. If you are REALLY serious about saving money. You just gotta look at your usage of the network. At the end of the day;
For most people; a pay as you go plan makes more sense than anything else. As far as phone? Get the one you want really. A few bucks upfront won’t change much long-term. You wanna multi-task? Get the Pre; You want to buy games? Do the iPhone. Simple!
Comment by Chris — June 13, 2009 @ 3:13 pm
I think the iPhone 3G S wins out here. The App Store alone creates and ocean of difference between the experiences one can have on an iPhone 3G S vs. and Android or Pre. And with the new 3.0 OS coming out next week, this discussion will become largely moot.
Comment by Randy — June 13, 2009 @ 8:44 pm
its pretty ridiculous to compare the app markets on android and the iphone cause that shiny bricks been out HOW LONG?? android is still pretty new and already has over 10% of the # of apps on the iphone. And its way ahead of the curve, nearly every “new” feature on the 3gs was already on the G1. plus its got limitless space when you take micro sd cards into account, that makes it more usable and easy, just swap cards for infinite space (32gb+)
sorry but android wins. and Nike+ is stupid, just download buddy runner on the android market and there you go, its better and free.
poor iphone fanboys, their god is slowly falling behind, and guess what the G1 is just the first of many unique android devices to come..
Comment by jacob — June 17, 2009 @ 10:33 pm
its just like the Zune’s first attempt on apple.. yeah cosmetically speaking the G1 is slightly bigger than the iphone(but personally i always hated the idea of a full-touch brick with only 1 real button), however ultimately Android will win.
Comment by jacob — June 17, 2009 @ 10:37 pm
HI THERE WOW THERE IS ALMOST NO DIFFERANCE BETWEEN THE SMART PHONES EVEN THOUGH THERE ARE WAY MORE ADVANCED TECHNOLGIES IN THE IPHONE LIKE RECORD VDIEO FOR UPLOAD TOO YOU TUBE 3 MP CAMRA YOU CAN OPT FOR 32 GB VERSION BUT APPLE HAS RELEASED SPECS FOR THE 4G IPHONE IN 2011 WITH A 1.2 GHZ CPU 128 GB OF MEMORY AND HALOGRAPHIC PROJECTOR AND I THINK THEY WILL RELEASE IHALO FOR IT TOO HALO ON THE GO AND A 5 MP CAMRA TOO
Comment by james braselton — June 18, 2009 @ 8:46 am
The best is the iphone 3G because of the support for applications. Specs wise, it is not bad as you can see in a direct comparison
http://www.clashem.com/phones.php?id1=1196&id2=1148&id3=63
Comment by james — June 18, 2009 @ 6:25 pm
TO DAVO
Just to let you know the Iphone 3GS is available for new or existing customer for $199 for the 16GB and $299 for the 32GB as long as you are eligible for an upgrade. If you dont know what you are talking about please do not comment. There are benefits with all carriers depending on the length of time you stay with the company. Different phones will have different features. Get what works for you!
Comment by AT&T WORKER — June 19, 2009 @ 8:41 pm
I tried the Pre. It’s cute, has great features, and the $99 everything plan is great. But I couldn’t get reception to save my life. I live one mile from the Sprint store, and less than a half mile from three towers. Tech support thought I might have a bad phone, I exchanged it. Still no reception.
(My antique Sprint treo gets fine reception. There’s something wrong with the Pre.)
I guess I’ll try an iphone. Wish me luck, guys!
Comment by Morgana — June 19, 2009 @ 8:54 pm
Regarding comment by DaVo. I’ve had my treo for almost three years, and I’ve been with Sprint for over ten. They didn’t offer me a $150 rebate when I upgraded. It also took them four hours to unsuccessfully transfer my phone number to a new plan. Grrrr.
Comment by Morgana — June 19, 2009 @ 9:06 pm
Ok, I am a college professor that refused to give out his cell phone number lest I be bombarded by those who did not pass. No one wants to know why they did pass. Perhaps the I-phone is going to give me the flexibility to show them why they did not pass by returning their papers graded with comments. Guess I could do it with something else and cheaper but there may not be an app for that.
Mike
Comment by Mike — June 20, 2009 @ 1:45 pm
iphone can’t even mms. How’s it a smartphone? Should be a dumbphone.
Yea its got more apps than android but half are fart makers and soundboards or period trackers. The goods ones are on the android market also. And sprints network? R u kiddin me? Soon as they merged with nextel I left. I could get better service with an AM radio in a bomb shelter. In a year or so android will take over
Comment by jacky — June 20, 2009 @ 8:54 pm
Couple things:
When the G1 first came out, it didn’t have video recording, they added it in the last update about a month ago, so I’m sure they’ll probably do the same with the pre.
Another thing is that if you’re a long time T-Mobile customer, they have special rate plans where you can basically get 2 phones with unlimited Voice for just $90.00 a month. Most people have a spouse they share a line with and the fact is, T-Mobile’s family plans are second to none. As an Example, I have the G1, and my wife and 3 kids each have their phones (Not G1’s), but I’m only paying $200.00 a month for all 5 phones. That includes unlimited Texting on all phones and unlimited everything to each of their Fav Fives. We only share an 1800 min. plan, but since my wife and kids pretty much stick to their Fav Fives, I really don’t need more air time than that. If I were to add up the Air time that my wife and kids use on their Fav 5’s and get that much air time from AT&T or Sprint, I guarantee you my bill would be at least double.
Comment by Juan — June 24, 2009 @ 1:09 pm
Ok so I just realized how much I miss having a custom tone for text messages… I know the standard one is very clean and fits in with the whole theme of the phone very well but with all the customization options on the Pre I can’t imagine why the only thing you can select for are phone calls.
I’m pretty sure if people are vocal enough about such an easy change then Palm will respond fairly quickly.
http://www.palmpreforum.org This is all about the plam pre
Comment by coolfx35 — June 28, 2009 @ 6:21 pm
crazy how much we are willing to pay for the palm pre.
Comment by john stringer — July 4, 2009 @ 12:46 am
MULTITASKING is the key word for all these phones. What good are all these applications if you can only use them 1 at a time!?
Sprint was thinking ahead here and with Palm Pre allowing Multitasking-makes the Pre the best.
Comment by Deborah Nava — July 9, 2009 @ 7:54 am
Idiot multitasking has nothing to do with that when you can easily have acces to more the iPhone clearly won and it has 32gb not 16gb.
Comment by George — July 9, 2009 @ 12:41 pm
OK, all of you douchenozzles, listen up, because I have a few salient points that I hope will kill this whole thread:
1) you iPhone lovers: great, you love your iPhone. but unless you have an actual FACT backing up your argument on why “the iPhone rocks!!’ shut the fuck up! go blow Steve Jobs already, you homos!
2) apps are NOT the best factor for deciding, as somebody will build whatever app you want once a platform has traction on the market. so, “We’ve got an app for that!” is not a valid argument.
3) George: multitasking rocks, YOU are the idiot, and you can suck my balls.
4) if you are looking for a cheap, bargain-basement rateplan, you have no business looking at smartphones! leave the hightech stuff to us high-intellect, high-salary types, and take your low-rent ass to Metro PCS!
Comment by Bret — July 14, 2009 @ 11:51 am
It all comes down from what you want from your phone and all its features…also remember will ALL cell phone plans you have to add in taxes and all sorts of fees that mark up your monthly payment…I were to pick it will be the iPhone because of its vast applications store, functionality and the vast market of services that work with the iPhone exclusively
Comment by JC — July 21, 2009 @ 5:45 pm
It gets worse, my wife would like a smart phone… Here’s my analysis…
For couples (with tax):
* 2 iPhones: $179.98 per month or $4779 over two years.
* 2 Palm Pre’s: $140/month or $3829 over two years.
* 2 T-Mobile myTouches: $159.97/month or $4309 over two years.
* Pick a Verizon smart phone, you’ll pay $144.98/month or $3949 over 2 years.
For a more detailed analysis for couples, take a look at my blog. Also, not mentioned here, but 4G is coming to Verizon in 1st quarter 2010. Locking in a 2 year contract could get uncomfortable.
Comment by Sam Stange — August 3, 2009 @ 6:25 am
Recently switched to sprint from version after 10 years for the pre …so happy I did. I did a whole lot of research , OVERALL sprints family plan is best so as long as all are smart phones - and with all the discounts available for all the apps they throw in itsworth it - with others you will pay xtra. Didn’t like the fact that pre had no video or voice calling - BUT I have been assured this is coming reel soon.. The only other promlem I have to mention is theservice areafor sprint - not the bestfrom my home and first it is a phone - so to fix this I had to purchase air riad (sp?) for the home computer so get service - all sprint offered was waiving the monthly service fee for this…but it solved that only other problem I had. And this was with usbuying out of a contract……
Comment by Paula — August 8, 2009 @ 9:36 pm
Why isn’t the world’s most popular smartphone listed in this chart?
Do any of you know what the world’s most common smartphone is??
These phones are available in one form or another on ALL carriers!
May 4th, 2009 report:
NPD’s Top 5 rankings:
1.RIM BlackBerry Curve (all 83XX models)
2.Apple iPhone 3G (all models)
3.RIM BlackBerry Storm
4.RIM BlackBerry Pearl (all models, except flip)
5.T-Mobile G1
Blackberry takes 3 of the top 5 selling spots! There are more Blackberrys in use worldwide than there are iPhones.
So why isn’t Blackberry in this comparison? My VERIZON Blackberry kicks the cr@p out of my roommates iPhone. We go to breakfast, guess which phone we’re watching youtube.com on? Not the iPhone! And my Blackberry still works despite exposure to snow, rain, sleet, toilet water (fully dunked THREE times!), drops from hand to concrete and from a moving car onto a freeway! Crack the screen on your iPhone (which is glass) and its now useless or semi-functional at best.
So let’s see some Blackberry up there! RIM has the Curve on almost all carriers in one form or another allowing you to choose where you want to go. And features like Blackberry Messenger work for free across all networks! Built in physical keyboard on my Curve works well and after a year of heavy use I’ve had to clean the Pearl (the little roller ball) once. And that was personal preference for feel.
So… can we get a REAL phone comparison? You’re chart is weak in my opinion, and obviously the opinions of many many other people who have contributed to the posts on this! (and yes, I read them ALL!)
Comment by Brian — August 9, 2009 @ 8:45 am
wow… i seriously think the palm pre is the best phone. by the way, all of you iphone lovers probably have a small wang.
thank you
Comment by Anonymous — August 29, 2009 @ 6:19 pm
I am an IT manager at a medical school, where we have supported mobile devices for student and faculty use for 10 years, primarily Palm. Last year we switched to iPhone / IPod Touch as our primary recommendation. We have converted all our web sites to be mobile optimized, and deal with iPhone & Palm support on a daily basis. I was an iPhone beta tester for Apple.
My wife recently purchased a Palm Pree, so I’ve been supporting her, and experimenting with that platform. Here are my impressions:
- Palm pushed out this product too early. Support staff at Palm and Sprint don’t know the product and took forever to solve simple problems.
- Palm really screwed up by not including an emulator that allows the Pre to run legacy Palm software (30,000 apps or so). Sure a third party provides that, but Palm should have included it in the bundle.
- The lack of syncing with a deskotp calendar/contact list is a serious shortcoming of the Pre.
- Battery life of the Pre is abysmal compared to the iPhone.
- The WebOS is very rough around the edges compared to the iPhone. It simply is not as easy to use.
- Palm will probably never catch up to the number of apps in iTunes.
So I cannot see any advantage to buying a Pre, unless you don’t want to deal with AT&T.
Comment by John Jackson — September 21, 2009 @ 9:06 am
While this is a good start, people should really remember to look into all of their options. I have access to a corporate discount so my iPhone plan (450mins/200msgs/unlimited data) is only $66/month, and fits my needs perfectly.
Comment by Chris — October 20, 2009 @ 2:02 pm
I’m pretty sure that T-Mobile has since lowered their unlimited price considerably. Check on that. It should be $49.95 per month now.
Comment by Rob S — November 15, 2009 @ 4:03 pm