Apple refines iPhone with subtler features

Apple's launch of the iPhone 4 has included a number of subtler features that were only mentioned briefly if at all. The Retina Display was designed by Apple itself rather than a ready-made part. While it uses the same IPS technology as the iPad and newer Macs, it's unique in having extra treatment to reduce the amount of glare on the screen. LG Display is the most likely manufacturer.

The company has also revealed that the display is now covered by two layers of aluminosilicate glass that are supposed to be even tougher than on the iPhone. It should be more scratch-resistant and as much as 20 times stiffer, and 30 times harder, than plastic.

iPhone 4's camera is also somewhat unique in the phone industry due to its back-illuminated sensor. The feature is considered particularly advanced for dedicated cameras as it greatly increases the sensitivity in low light, and it's so far rare if not completely absent from phone cameras. Apple has made a conscious attempt to avoid competing in sheer megapixels -- the Droid Incredible and Evo 4G have eight-megapixel but noisy sensors -- and instead focused on the ability to get focus.

Lastly, the device has a truly unique body. Although stainless steel, the rim around the entire side acts as the antenna itself. Most phones rely solely on wired antennas inside the body to get their reception. Call quality is potentially better still through the use of a tempered glass back that should be radio transparent: unlike even plastic, it shouldn't refract signals going into or coming out of the phone. Allegedly, the glass back is also considerably more scratch-resistant, overcoming one of the common complaints from long-term users.

By Electronista Staff