By CNET Asia staff
21/08/2008
URL: http://asia.cnet.com/reviews/mobilephones/0,39050603,62044993,00.htm

The second wave of iPhone 3G rollout in Asia will see Macau, Singapore and the Philippines getting the coveted phone on August 22. For those in Singapore toying with the idea of getting the iPhone 3G, there are a few things you'll need to know. For readers in other countries, please refer to our iPhone 3G in Asia feature detailing price plans from the various operators in the different countries.

Buying the iPhone 3G in Singapore | Design and hardware | Using the iPhone 3G

Buying the iPhone 3G in Singapore

How much is the iPhone 3G in Singapore?
The iPhone 3G is currently available only with SingTel, though MobileOne and StarHub have said that they will also offer the handset by the end of this year.

If you are an existing SingTel customer, the price of the iPhone 3G (8GB) starts from S$698 with the iOne Plus plan. The handset is free if you subscribe to the most expensive iThree Plus plan with a monthly fee of S$192.60.

For new customers or existing customers who re-contract, three iFlexi plans are available. These start from S$56 for the iFlexi Value up to a maximum of S$205 for the iFlexi Premium.

For more details of the price plans, click here.
For pricing in other countries in Asia, click here.

Can I buy the iPhone 3G without signing up for a contract?
No. You'll have to either sign up for a new iFlexi plan or re-contract with your current plan.

What happens if I wish to terminate the 24-month contract prematurely?
SingTel was unwilling to disclose details of the termination fee (or any terms and conditions) with regard to the iPhone 3G. What we do know is it will be subjected to the value of the plan and the remaining contractual period.

As a guide, for SingTel's post-paid mobile customers, the cost of terminating a price plan between the first and 12th month with one-year equipment contract is S$160.50. The cost of terminating a price plan between the first and 24th month with a two-year equipment contract is S$374.50.

SingTel also added that the mechanics of premature contract termination with the iPhone 3G is different and customers will have to enquire in-person at the store.

What is the penalty if I downgrade or teminate my service plan before the 24-month contractual period is up?
A cool S$800.

Is there a trade-in plan available?
Yes, but you'll have to find out details at the store as SingTel was unwilling to share more information.

Must the iPhone 3G be activated at the shop? Or do I have the option to activate it online from home?
The activation of the handset has to be done in-store at the point of purchase. Users will also have to register the handset, but this can be done via iTunes at home.

Can I use M1's or StarHub's SIM cards with the iPhone 3G?
Yes, but you'll still need to activate the handset in-store.

You can choose to skip the registration process after you insert a M1 or StarHub SIM card if you are not signed in to iTunes. Once that's done, the next thing you should do is to key in the data settings. Depending on which operator you are with, the settings may vary. Our review set worked without a hitch with an M1 SIM card.

What kind of warranty comes with the iPhone 3G? Is the optional AppleCare Protection Plan available for the iPhone 3G?
The iPhone 3G comes with 90 days of complimentary technical support. The handset, rechargeable battery and all included accessories are also covered against defects for one year from the date of purchase by a limited hardware warranty.

At this point in time, the optional AppleCare Protection Plan is not applicable for the iPhone 3G in Singapore.

What should I look out for when buying the iPhone 3G?
You should make sure the phone comes with a complete set of accessories (refer to the Design and hardware section) and proper documentation. Check that the serial number and IMEI on the phone tallies with that on the documentation.

Do take note of the build quality especially around the edges of the screen and the connecting parts of the handset.

Also remember to check for dead pixels on the display. A quick way is to take a picture of a black card (or any black surface). Look out for isolated white or colored pixels when viewing the snapshot in full screen.

If you have time, run through all the programs and make sure they are working properly.

Can I buy the iPhone from the Apple authorized retail stores in Singapore?
The initial batch will be available from 12.01am on August 22 at SingTel Comcentre along Exeter Road and the sale will go on until 9pm on August 24. From August 25, the phone will be available at all SingTel hello! stores. Selected channel partners will carry stocks at a later point in time.

Is there a limited number of units available at the initial launch?
SingTel wasn't able to disclose the number of iPhone 3G units they have. According to the telco, tens of thousands of people have indicated their interest in the handset and have made reservations online. Those who have done so will have priority access and they will receive updates on when they can schedule an appointment to purchase the handset via email.

Will there be any operator services which cannot be accessed/used with iPhone 3G due to software or hardware (screen size, network availability) limitations?
No, according the SingTel, all its services work fine on the iPhone 3G.

Can I use the iPhone 3G with a 2.5G SIM card?
Yes.

Should I wait for M1 and StarHub's iPhone 3G offer at the end of the year, or go with SingTel's?
Well, M1 and StarHub did say they that will sell the iPhone 3G by the end of this year, but wasn't specific when that will happen. So if you are with either of these telcos and in no rush to get the iPhone 3G, you can choose to wait out and see which operator has the best data/price plan for the handset.

If you can't wait, at least the number portability system ensures that you'll still have your current number with you when you sign up with SingTel. Alternatively, the iPod touch offers almost similar features as the iPhone 3G sans GSM/GPS connectivity and onboard speakers.

Buying the iPhone 3G in Singapore | Design and hardware | Using the iPhone 3G

Design and hardware

What are the main differences between the 3G model and the earlier version? Does it feel any different?
The biggest difference is the thicker curved back with edges that taper off. This makes the phone feels a little slimmer than it actually is.

In addition, the aluminum back on the first iPhone has been replaced with a plastic face in black or white colors on the 16GB model.

The 3.5mm jack also now sits flush with the surface allowing you to use any 3.5mm headset you like.

For more details, read our full review.

What does the iPhone 3G come with in the retail box and what additional accessories should I get?
Obviously, you will have the iPhone 3G in the box. You should also get the stereo headset with mic, dock connector to USB cable, USB power adapter, documentation, cleaning/polishing cloth and the SIM eject tool.

You should consider getting the docking station which allows you to charge, sync and have audio-out connection.

If I have the earlier iPhone, should I upgrade to the 3G model?
If 3G is a must for you, then the answer is a no-brainer. Otherwise, you can still download the 2.0 software update and still get most of the features--save 3G support and assisted GPS--available on the 3G model.

Buying the iPhone 3G in Singapore | Design and hardware | Using the iPhone 3G

Using the iPhone 3G

Does it support Microsoft Exchange? Are there any kinks?
Yes, with the 2.0 software, you can sync your Outlook email, contacts and calendar with the iPhone. However, it syncs with data from only one Exchange account. Existing calendar and contact entries on the iPhone (if any) will also be wiped out if you choose to synchronize with Exchange. You should be alerted with a message: "Existing contacts will be removed from your iPhone".

Does the iPhone 3G support turn-by-turn navigation?
No, it doesn't, at least not now.

Can I use the GPS without using a data connection?
Yes you can, but it may take longer for the phone to get a location fix. If you've had a location fix at a particular place before, it should show cached map data.

How's the battery performance like?
Be prepared to charge it daily if you have push email turned on, listen to music or surf the Internet a fair bit. For a more complete breakdown of battery performance, refer to our full review of the iPhone 3G.

Can I forward an SMS, copy-and-paste text, send MMS, record videos and do video calls?
No, period. Bummer.

Does the iPhone 3G support landscape mode for typing?
Again, this is a feature which can potentially improve the typing experience, but no, it's not available.

Why is the iTunes service still not available in Singapore?
We suspect the delay could be due to rights management issues in the different countries, but an Apple representative told us it's a matter of time before the iTunes store is available in the island-state.

How do I look after the iPhone 3G, especially since it has such a large screen and the back cover is said to be prone to cracks?
With a large 3.5-inch display, it would probably be wise to get a screen protector for the LCD. The plastic back cover is also prone to scratches, so a pouch would be a good investment if you don't want your iPhone to end up permanently scarred just after a few days.

How do I download music from iTunes on my iPhone 3G if there is no iTunes store in my country?
You could buy a stored value card, or charge your purchases using a credit card with a billing address from a country that offers iTunes. For countries that don't have iTunes yet, tapping the iTunes icon on the iPhone will redirect the user to the App Store instead.