T-Mobile G1 Android phone costs $144 to make

Posted on Friday, November 14 2008 @ 12:05 CET by Thomas De Maesschalck
Research firm iSuppli estimates the bill-of-materials of the T-Mobile G1 Google Android phone is $143.89 - about $30 less than Apple's iPhone.
The G1's priciest component is reportedly the "baseband," which costs $28.49 and couples an ARM11 multimedia processor with an ARM7 chip for modem functions. Next in line are the 3.2" 320x480 display ($19.67), the three-megapixel camera ($12.13), and the radio frequency/power amplifier component ($9.84). These figures only cover the hardware, though, so costs are probably higher once you throw in R&D, manufacturing, marketing, and so on.

iSuppli carried out a physical teardown of Apple's new iPhone 3G a few months back, and according to AppleInsider, the research firm found that the base model cost $174.33 to produce. The iPhone does have more built-in memory and a fancier touch screen, although the G1 packs a full QWERTY keyboard. Right now, T-Mobile charges $179.99 for a G1 with a two-year contract, while AT&T offers a similar arrangement with the 8GB iPhone 3G for $199.


About the Author

Thomas De Maesschalck

Thomas has been messing with computer since early childhood and firmly believes the Internet is the best thing since sliced bread. Enjoys playing with new tech, is fascinated by science, and passionate about financial markets. When not behind a computer, he can be found with running shoes on or lifting heavy weights in the weight room.



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