What are the differences between the iPhone 3GS and the iPod touch 2nd Gen?

Please note that the iPod touch 2nd Gen has been discontinued. However, the 8 GB configuration of the iPod touch 3rd Gen (Late 2009) line esssentially is identical. As of June 7, 2010, alongside the introduction of the iPhone 4, Apple continues to sell a "low end" 8 GB configuration of the iPhone 3GS.

Quickly review a comparison of the iPhone 3G and the iPhone 3GS, and it is readily apparent that although there are notable differences between models, the iPhone 3GS is an evolutionary upgrade. Consequently, as one would expect, most of the iPhone 3G to iPod touch 2nd Gen comparison is applicable when comparing the iPhone 3GS to the iPod touch 2nd Gen as well.

In the same way that one can think of the iPod touch 2nd Gen on basic terms as an iPhone 3G with some of the capabilities "removed", one can think of it as an iPhone 3GS with much of the same iPod and handheld computing functionality but without the "phone", mobile phone networking (3G/EDGE), GPS-A support, integrated still/video camera, voice accessibility features (VoiceOver), voice control functionality, and digital compass. Both have integrated Nike + iPod support.

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

Left - iPod touch 2nd Gen, Right - iPhone 3GS - Photo Credit: Apple, Inc.

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

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

Although the size differences are rather inconsequential, the iPod touch 2nd Gen is slightly shorter (0.2 inches), thinner (0.15 inches), and lighter (0.75 ounces) than the iPhone 3GS.

Both the iPod touch 2nd Gen and iPhone 3GS have "multi-touch" sensitive 3.5" displays 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. Like the iPhone 3G before it, the iPhone 3GS also has two "proximity sensors" to turn the display off when it is held to the face for a phone call, but the iPhone 3GS display has a new "oleophobic" oil repellent coating.

Internally, the differences between the iPod touch 2nd Gen and iPhone 3GS are notable. In addition to the aforementioned "phone", mobile phone networking (3G/EDGE), GPS-A support, integrated still/video camera, and digital compass, the iPhone 3GS has a faster processor (600 MHz compared to 533 MHz) and an improved graphics processor as well. The iPod touch is offered with 8 GB, 16 GB, or 32 GB of internal storage whereas the iPhone 3GS originally only was offered with 16 GB or 32 GB but on June 7, 2010, Apple instead began offering the iPhone 3GS with 8 GB of storage at a lower price point.

The processor and graphics performance difference is perhaps best demostrated by the following video courtesy of the always excellent iLounge (the iPod touch 2nd Gen is on the left and the iPhone 3GS is on the right):

Although battery life is similar, Apple formally estimates that the iPod touch 2nd Gen provides better battery life for music and the iPhone 3GS provides better battery life for video playback. The iPod touch 2nd Gen is estimated to provide 36 hours of music playback and 6 hours of video playback, compared to 30 hours and 10 hours, respectively, for the iPhone 3GS.

Upfront pricing for the iPod touch 2nd Gen is more than the iPhone 3GS, but comes with no strings attached as one is not obligated to tie themselves to an expensive mobile phone contract for two years either. Both devices are capable of running iPhone OS 3.0, which adds cut, copy, and paste, as well as "more than 100" other features, albeit iPod touch 2nd Gen devices shipped prior to the release of the iPhone 3GS annoyingly require a US$9.95 upgrade fee whereas all iPhone models can be upgraded at no extra cost. The iPod touch 2nd Gen and iPhone 3GS additionally are both capable of running the same applications from Apple's "App Store." Support for iOS 4 is different, however, as the operating system fully supports the iPhone 3GS and only partially supports the iPod touch 2nd Gen.

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

* The iPod touch 2nd Gen 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 2nd Gen 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 2nd Gen was offered for US$229, the 16 GB is US$299, and the 32 GB is US$399.

† These prices are only for new AT&T Wireless customers when introduced. Originally, for non-qualified customers, including existing AT&T customers who wanted to upgrade from another phone or replace an iPhone 3G, the price with a new two-year agreement was US$599 or US$699. On June 7, 2010, Apple introduced a "low end" configuration of the iPhone 3GS alongside the iPhone 4 and this "low end" configuration is offered with 8 GB of storage for US$99 with a two-year agreement. It also is offered for "non-qualified" customers or "those who wish to buy iPhone as a gift" for US$499.

Site sponsor PowerMax has new and used iPods available for sale free of sales tax.

Also see:

• What are the differences between the iPhone 3GS and the iPhone 3G?
• What are the differences between the iPhone 3GS and the Palm Pre?