Apple's iPhone 4 - Hit Or Hype?

When Apple released the original iPhone, the majority of cell phones at the time were primarily utilitarian devices - they got the job done, but lacked style.

Apple changed all of that with a device that was not only beautiful to look at, but simple to use as well. Since then, Apple's smartphone has become the device against which all others are measured.

Like its predecessors, the iPhone 4 continues to be a hugely popular device, but technology - especially in the mobile world - moves quickly as new hardware specs make their way to market almost weekly.

We're going to take a look at why Apple's flagship device still deserves the top spot among smartphone designs.

Design:

Apple and elegantly designed products go hand in hand, and the iPhone 4 is no exception to the rule. Apple used an ultra scratch resistant glass for both the front and the back of the phone, which not only adds to its beauty, but makes it durable over the long haul.

In addition, Apple seems to have found the perfect balance between size and function. While other phone manufacturers have opted to go big, Apple has kept their phone in an efficient and pocketable form factor. It's not so small as to be unusable, and not so big as to be cumbersome in the hand. The single button on the front keeps things simple and eliminates clutter.

Hardware:

While other manufacturers have released devices with some dazzling specs, Apple's device boasts performance that can equally match the competition. This is primarily because the OS is designed to work with a specific hardware specification and to take full advantage of everything the processor has to offer.

And speaking of the processor, Apple's 1GHz chip handles the OS, video and web browsing with virtually no lag and a buttery smoothness that makes the device a pleasure to use.

Perhaps the most impressive piece to the iPhone puzzle, however, is the Retina Display. While the screen may not be as large as the Motorola Droid X, its 960x640 resolution is stunning, making text incredibly easy to read without having to zoom in. The Retina Display currently offers the best viewing experience in the mobile arena even when compared to Super AMOLED screens.

Interface:

Scrolling screens of icons was revolutionary back when the iPhone was first released, but today, it looks a bit dated when compared to the options available to owners of Android devices. Still, it's simple and easy to use, which is what Apple devices have always been about. Virtually anyone regardless of their technical expertise can pick up an iPhone and find their way around.

Should you buy an iPhone?:

Do you want cutting edge hardware? How about the ability to customize virtually every aspect of the interface or a physical keyboard? If so, the iPhone will probably leave you wanting.

However, if you want a beautiful device with a smooth-as-butter interface, one of the best displays on the market, the biggest app store, and an OS that doesn't require a college course to understand, then the iPhone 4 is still at the top of the hill.

That is until the iPhone 5 hits the shelves.