iPhone 4S vs. iPod Touch for testing?

Hey everyone,

I like Apple products, but for my next phone I’d rather not get an iPhone. However, I feel stuck because I want to be able to test on iOS5 to make sure my products are fully compatible, given its obviously commanding marketshare.

My thought was that getting an iPod Touch might allow me to test using mobile Safari without having to get an iPhone. My question is essentially: is the web browsing experience on the newest iPod Touch equivalent to that of the iPhone 4S?

Specifically, I’ve been comparing the specs:

Resolution

• 960×640 pixels on both
• 326 ppi on both

Screen
3.5 inches on both

Basically, I just want to make sure I can view how responsive designs will look on an iPhone, without having to get an iPhone.

What do you guys think? Is there something other than resolution and screen size that I need to consider? I assume the touch interface is identical. Am I missing something obvious? Does anyone else use the iPod for testing?

Thanks for your input!

Chris

Hey Chris,

I have both, an iPod (older generation) and an iPhone 4S and I see no differences between them. Only the perfomance is different.

~ Stammi.

First of all i wanted to say that i own an iPod touch 4th gen.

Second. I had the opportunity to check Brandon’s last responsive them on both, an ipod touch and an iphone 4. The theme looked identical on both devices + worked as a charm as well.

Considering your needs and the price difference (if you want a never-locked iphone) i would recommend getting an iPod touch (+ with the announce of iPhone 4s, its price was lowered).

Great gadget for both, testing and fun!

sevenspark said
Hey everyone,

I like Apple products, but for my next phone I’d rather not get an iPhone. However, I feel stuck because I want to be able to test on iOS5 to make sure my products are fully compatible, given its obviously commanding marketshare.

My thought was that getting an iPod Touch might allow me to test using mobile Safari without having to get an iPhone. My question is essentially: is the web browsing experience on the newest iPod Touch equivalent to that of the iPhone 4S?

Specifically, I’ve been comparing the specs:

http://www.apple.com/iphone/specs.html
http://www.apple.com/ipodtouch/specs.html

Resolution

• 960×640 pixels on both
• 326 ppi on both

Screen
3.5 inches on both

Basically, I just want to make sure I can view how responsive designs will look on an iPhone, without having to get an iPhone.

What do you guys think? Is there something other than resolution and screen size that I need to consider? I assume the touch interface is identical. Am I missing something obvious? Does anyone else use the iPod for testing?

Thanks for your input!

Chris

your using a mac right? download Xcode and use the developer tools

@Stammi – thanks, good to know!

@rocketgraphs – that’s very helpful, thank you! That’s exactly why I want to go with the Touch if I can get the same interface (sans phone) for a whole lot less

@OrganicBeeMedia – nope, I use Ubuntu (and Windows for testing IE), but thanks for the suggestion. Plus, having the touch interface is important as well – I want to feel confident when telling buyers “yes, it works on the iPhone/iOS”

Thanks everybody, I appreciate the advice! Think I’m gonna go for the iPod Touch and test with that

sevenspark said
I use Ubuntu

bitfade said

sevenspark said
I use Ubuntu

so i’m not alone here after all
tux ftw

Haha yeah I think there are a few of us floating around

Not being a Apple coder I don’t use XCode at all. But I’m making a custom Drupal website for a client and it needs to be responsive. I don’t have an iPod touch or iPhone (yeah I know I suck :D) how can I test an iOS device with XCode?

Thanks!

Yaeko said
Not being a Apple coder I don’t use XCode at all. But I’m making a custom Drupal website for a client and it needs to be responsive. I don’t have an iPod touch or iPhone (yeah I know I suck :D) how can I test an iOS device with XCode? Thanks!

You have to create a new iOS Project and then run the simulator. Exit your App by click the home button on the iPhone and launch Safari.

Ok cool, I’ll try that out later this evening, thanks!