Phil Schiller denies white iPhone 4 thicker than black

Observations that the white iPhone 4 was thicker than the black model were given an unusual challenge on Sunday by Apple's VP of worldwide product marketing Phil Schiller. In a direct message to Ernesto Barron, he insisted that the white model was the same size despite hands-on tests. "Don't believe all the junk you read," Schiller said.

It's unknown why Schiller would send a direct message. He has lately been active on Twitter but usually makes comments in public through mentions for questions on this scope.

Owners of the white iPhone have made side-by-side comparisons that clearly show a thicker design that has proven problematic for cases with very little tolerance, such as some silicone cases. Without an official answer for the difference, the reason for the difference hasn't been known. Speculation has raised the possibility that it needs a thicker layer to protect against UV damage or to look as good as illustrated in photos.

Electronista

Consumer Reports disputes claims white iPhone 4 is thicker

Consumer Reports on Monday disputed claims that the white iPhone 4 was thicker than its black counterpart. Using calipers, the buying advice magazine claimed both color iPhones were about 0.37 inches. It went so far as to try three cases and said all three fit properly.

The position was shared with Apple VP Phil Schiller but still runs up against contradictory evidence. Side-by-side looks have shown at least some examples visibly thicker and having problems in cases. Consumer Reports' own study made it difficult to check since the caliper contact point was inside the phone, and not at the slightly thicker lip.

Its view is still uncharacteristically supportive of the phone. Consumer Reports has refused to recommend the iPhone 4 in GSM or CDMA guise even though it consistently rates as one of the best phones in the US. All of its concern hinges on the antenna sensitivity issue and a belief that Apple should have either had a less susceptible antenna to start or continued offering free bumper cases.

Electronista