{"id":16359,"date":"2010-12-13T22:44:34","date_gmt":"2010-12-13T17:14:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/?p=16359"},"modified":"2026-10-15T13:31:33","modified_gmt":"2026-10-15T08:01:33","slug":"difference-iphone-ipod-touch-4","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2010\/12\/difference-iphone-ipod-touch-4\/","title":{"rendered":"Difference Between iPod Touch and iPhone 4: What Apple Did Not Tell You"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>What is the biggest <strong>difference between iPod touch and iPhone<\/strong>? In 2010 most people thought the iPhone 4 was simply an iPod touch with a phone and a few technical changes. When I bought the then-new iPod touch 4, I found a difference Apple never shouted about. This article covers that story, the real spec differences, and what to buy now that the iPod touch is gone.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-67061\" src=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-content\/uploads\/ipod-touch-vs-iphone-2026-1024x538.webp\" alt=\"Difference between iPod touch and iPhone 4 compared\" width=\"1024\" height=\"538\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-content\/uploads\/ipod-touch-vs-iphone-2026-1024x538.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-content\/uploads\/ipod-touch-vs-iphone-2026-300x158.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-content\/uploads\/ipod-touch-vs-iphone-2026-150x79.webp 150w, https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-content\/uploads\/ipod-touch-vs-iphone-2026-768x403.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-content\/uploads\/ipod-touch-vs-iphone-2026.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Quick answer:<\/strong> The iPhone 4 and iPod touch 4 looked alike, but the iPhone had a better IPS screen, a 5 MP camera with flash, GPS and a phone. In my use, the iPod touch screen also smudged far more easily. Apple discontinued the iPod touch in May 2022, so today an iPhone used on Wi-Fi is the closest replacement.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_89 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6aef69aed9db6\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"ez-toc-cssicon\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #1a202c;color:#1a202c\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #1a202c;color:#1a202c\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6aef69aed9db6\" checked aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2010\/12\/difference-iphone-ipod-touch-4\/#The_smudge_problem_I_noticed_in_2010\" >The smudge problem I noticed in 2010<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2010\/12\/difference-iphone-ipod-touch-4\/#Difference_between_iPod_touch_and_iPhone_4_the_specs\" >Difference between iPod touch and iPhone 4: the specs<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2010\/12\/difference-iphone-ipod-touch-4\/#What_happened_to_the_iPod_touch\" >What happened to the iPod touch<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2010\/12\/difference-iphone-ipod-touch-4\/#What_to_buy_instead_of_an_iPod_touch_today\" >What to buy instead of an iPod touch today<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2010\/12\/difference-iphone-ipod-touch-4\/#How_to_keep_any_phone_screen_smudge-free\" >How to keep any phone screen smudge-free<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2010\/12\/difference-iphone-ipod-touch-4\/#FAQ\" >FAQ<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2010\/12\/difference-iphone-ipod-touch-4\/#Is_an_iPod_touch_just_an_iPhone_without_a_phone\" >Is an iPod touch just an iPhone without a phone?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2010\/12\/difference-iphone-ipod-touch-4\/#Can_you_still_buy_a_new_iPod_touch\" >Can you still buy a new iPod touch?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2010\/12\/difference-iphone-ipod-touch-4\/#What_is_an_oleophobic_coating\" >What is an oleophobic coating?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2010\/12\/difference-iphone-ipod-touch-4\/#What_is_the_best_replacement_for_an_iPod_touch\" >What is the best replacement for an iPod touch?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_smudge_problem_I_noticed_in_2010\"><\/span>The smudge problem I noticed in 2010<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Within 15 minutes of using my new iPod touch, the screen was covered in <strong>fingerprints and oily smudges<\/strong>. Wiping it with a clean soft cloth wasn&#8217;t enough; it just spread the smudges around. No wonder so many iPod touch owners went looking for screen protectors.<\/p>\n<p>The iPhone 4, on the other hand, was sold with an <strong>oleophobic<\/strong> (oil-repelling) coating on its glass, so fingerprints showed much less and wiped off easily. A clear screen gives the best display, and I was disappointed the iPod touch didn&#8217;t feel the same. Tech host Chris Pirillo&#8217;s side-by-side demo shows the difference in screen quality well:<\/p>\n<p><div class=\"entry-content-asset videofit\"><iframe title=\"iPhone 4 vs iPod Touch - Screen Quality\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/9iwDT69k_Fw?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Difference_between_iPod_touch_and_iPhone_4_the_specs\"><\/span>Difference between iPod touch and iPhone 4: the specs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Display:<\/strong> both had a 960&#215;640 Retina screen, but the iPhone 4 used an IPS panel with wider viewing angles, while the iPod touch 4 used a TN panel.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Camera:<\/strong> the iPhone 4 had a 5 MP rear camera with an LED flash. The iPod touch 4 had a much lower-resolution rear camera with no flash.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Phone and data:<\/strong> only the iPhone could make calls and use mobile data. The iPod touch needed Wi-Fi.<\/li>\n<li><strong>GPS:<\/strong> the iPhone had GPS; no iPod touch model ever did.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Design:<\/strong> the iPhone 4 had a glass back and steel band, while the iPod touch was thinner and lighter with a metal back.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_happened_to_the_iPod_touch\"><\/span>What happened to the iPod touch<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Apple kept updating the iPod touch until the 7th generation in 2019, then discontinued it on 10 May 2022, which ended the iPod line. We have also covered other iPod history, such as the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2011\/11\/free-original-ipod-nano-exchange-program\/\">iPod nano replacement program<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>So the difference between iPod touch and iPhone was never just the phone. Screen quality, camera and GPS all set the iPhone apart.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_to_buy_instead_of_an_iPod_touch_today\"><\/span>What to buy instead of an iPod touch today<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>An iPhone on Wi-Fi:<\/strong> any recent iPhone without a SIM works much like an iPod touch for apps, music and games.<\/li>\n<li><strong>A refurbished iPhone:<\/strong> a cheaper way to give a child or teen an &#8220;iPod touch&#8221; style device. Make sure it still gets iOS updates.<\/li>\n<li><strong>An iPad mini:<\/strong> if you want a small Apple device mainly for apps, reading and video.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_keep_any_phone_screen_smudge-free\"><\/span>How to keep any phone screen smudge-free<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Wipe with a soft, lint-free <a href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/go\/microfiber-screen-cleaning-cloth\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"sponsored nofollow noopener\">microfiber screen cleaning cloth<\/a>, slightly dampened if needed.<\/li>\n<li>Don&#8217;t use abrasive cleaners, which can wear away the oleophobic coating over time.<\/li>\n<li>A good screen protector also adds its own smudge-resistant coating.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>A clean lens matters too; see our tips to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2011\/09\/take-better-pictures\/\">take better pictures with your phone<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQ\"><\/span>FAQ<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_an_iPod_touch_just_an_iPhone_without_a_phone\"><\/span>Is an iPod touch just an iPhone without a phone?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Mostly, but not exactly. The difference between iPod touch and iPhone 4 went further: the iPhone 4 also had a better IPS screen, a 5 MP camera with flash and GPS, which the iPod touch 4 lacked.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_you_still_buy_a_new_iPod_touch\"><\/span>Can you still buy a new iPod touch?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>No. Apple discontinued the iPod touch on 10 May 2022. Only used units are sold now.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_an_oleophobic_coating\"><\/span>What is an oleophobic coating?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>It is an oil-repelling layer on the screen glass that makes fingerprints show less and wipe off more easily. It slowly wears off with use.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_best_replacement_for_an_iPod_touch\"><\/span>What is the best replacement for an iPod touch?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>An iPhone used on Wi-Fi, often a refurbished model, is the closest replacement because it runs the same apps.<\/p>\n<p>Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, QuickOnlineTips earns from qualifying purchases.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What is the biggest difference between iPod touch and iPhone? In 2010 most people thought the iPhone 4 was simply&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":67061,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"_kad_post_classname":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[15],"tags":[203],"class_list":["post-16359","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-gadgets","tag-iphone"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16359","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=16359"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16359\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":67074,"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16359\/revisions\/67074"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/67061"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=16359"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=16359"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=16359"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}