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Apple iPhone 4: Everything you need to know

Apple on Monday released its highly anticipated next-generation smartphone, the iPhone 4. Here's everything you need to know.
Written by Andrew Nusca, Contributor

Apple on Monday released its highly anticipated next-generation smartphone, the iPhone 4.

Here's everything you need to know:

Availability

  • Available in-store June 24.
  • Pre-orders start June 15 for the U.S., France, U.K., Germany and Japan.
  • 16GB model $199; 32GB model $299.
  • Available in black and white.
  • The iPhone 3GS now sells for $99.

What's new: outside

  • Yes, the prototype leaked by Gizmodo was the real deal.
  • What's out: the curved look with metal back. What's in: completely flat, with a thicker edge that's a band of stainless steel alloy (5X stronger than steel) that serves as the phone's antenna.
  • At 9.3 millimeters, it's 34 percent thinner than the iPhone 3GS and is currently the thinnest smartphone on the market.
  • "Retina Display": Four times the depth of 3GS. 3.5-inch multitouch IPS ("in-plane switching"), with 960?by?640 resolution. 320 pixels per inch. 800:1 contrast ratio. Oleophobic coating.
  • Front- and back-facing cameras. Back: 5-megapixel with LED flash, supports HD video. Front: VGA, up to 30fps.
  • It has split circular buttons for volume.
  • Second microphone for noise cancellation.
  • Micro-SIM standard.
  • Dimensions: 4.5 in. tall, 2.31 in. wide, 0.37 in. thick. Weight: 4.8 ounces. (a hair heavier than 3GS)

What's new: inside

  • Processor: Apple A4, the same chip used by the iPad.
  • Battery: 16 percent bigger than 3GS; rated for 40 percent more talk time. Ratings: 7 hours talk; 6 hours 3G browsing; 10 hours Wi-Fi browsing; 10 hours video; 40 hours music; 300 hours standby.
  • Three-axis gyroscope joins existing accelerometer and compass.
  • Connectivity: UMTS/HSDPA/HSUPA (850, 900, 1900, 2100 MHz); GSM/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz); 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi (802.11n 2.4GHz only); Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR

What's new: software

  • iPhone OS becomes iOS; the new version is iOS 4.
  • Selective multitasking.
  • App folders for home screen.
  • FaceTime: videoconferencing over Wi-Fi only in 2010.
  • iMovie for iPhone, with up to 720p support.
  • iBooks: purchases load to iPhone, iPod, iPad (read: iOS devices) for no extra charge.
  • Photo and video geotagging.
  • Unified e-mail inbox.
  • Home screen wallpaper.

Watch Apple CEO Steve Jobs unveil the device:

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