Storage

The iPhone 4 has comes in 16-gigabyte or 32-gigabyte versions, the same as the 3GS. By comparison the Evo has 360-megabytes of internal memory with an 8-gigabyte microSD card. The Incredible has 8-gigabytes of storage with an expansion slot. Unfortunately, users won't be able to add extra memory to the iPhone 4.

For the casual user, 16-gigabytes should be enough. That stores around 2,000 songs or hundreds of videos. But for consumers who plan on loading up on apps and movies, 32-gigabytes should probably be a better choice. Something to keep in mind.

Connectivity

Aside from headsets, car-kits and PCs, the iPhone 4 can also connect to a wireless Bluetooth keyboard to type even faster. For a monthly fee, AT&T also lets customers use it as a modem for a laptop. But tried-and-true Wi-Fi b, g -- and new "n" band -- is also included.

Conclusion

The iPhone 4 is a combination of style and function. Sleek glass panels give it an elegant look, while the multi-band antenna improves call clarity and rigidity. But the new handset doesn't add as the revolutionary upgrades we've come to expect from Apple.

Aside from design, iOS4, while adding hundreds of minor upgrades, doesn't add many mind-blowing features. Yes, it does now let users multitask, but Google's Android phones have been doing that for some time now.

It also features a brilliant touch screen display -- one that's four times as clear as its predecessor. But again, nothing revolutionary. In fact, many features are rather pedestrian. Its Internet is not all that speedy -- though mostly due to AT&T's network rather than Apple's design -- and its new "FaceTime" chat is severely limiting. The 5.0-megapixel camera is mediocre, as well. And most disappointing, AT&T discontinued its unlimited data plan, so users will have to subscribe to plans by the gigabyte.

Apple's new iBooks store lets users buy e-books, but we see this more as a compliment to iPad owners, letting them read their books on either device, rather than a useful tool to read on the 3.5-inch screen.

But all things considered, Apple pushes way ahead of other devices in what it does well. It has tons of apps from third-party developers. The new gyroscope and Game Center platform will surely spawn new and interactive games. And customers are also just a few swipes away from buying the largest library of content -- music, TV shows, movies and more.

We can't say we're all that blown-away with the hardware features on the iPhone 4. And perhaps Steve Jobs had spoiled us by introducing revolutionary products in the past.

The iPhone 4 is at best, evolutionary. But Apple's strategy from the beginning has been to build a lead in software, which it has done with outside developers and partnerships with music labels, Hollywood studios and now book publishers.

The bottom line is iPhone 4 is a beautiful phone. It has mediocre hardware, decent software and exceptional online services. But then again, it is an iPhone.

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