I like the black one better. But if you ask the question like this, I'd have to answer which one has better specs
From what I heard it was to give better reception to the antenas that are inside, 3G would handle like a slug drinking whisky, so they went to all plastic back cause they were adding new antenas. Again from what I've heard....so it's just speculation but it was the only good reason I heard. It also shaves a little weight off the phone.
I think the white looks much nicer, personally, and that's the color I bought. The black looks too obviously like plastic, especially right next to the glossy chrome and glass front. The pearlescent white seems to 'sparkle' more and the Apple logo and text don't pop so much. I also don't like the uniformity of color around the chrome band on the black model - too much contrast, especially with the silent and volume buttons as well. I just like the dark black surface overlayed on the more airy chrome and white. The solid black looks too heavy. Plus, white is just all class anyway. I haven't even bothered with a case I like the look and feel so much.
Apple most likely won't put the iPhone out in colors such as blue, red, green, etc. because it would make the phone seem less classy and professional and more kiddy like the nanos. I have a Black 3G and honestly I wayyy prefer it over the white. The white is not as serious looking and in my opinion, I think the white would be best for women. But for men, black all the way.
The only request other than the desire for the return of the brushed metal backing from "common" consumers that I've asked was the desire to have a matte option rather than glossy backing.
White has a better (slight) resale value but it also will show cracks much more than the black model. Also when it gets hot (all idevices do with heavy use) it turns pink especially with the 3Gs because of all the added features. Black shows scratches and fingerprints more than the white ones. Give him that info and he should be able to make a good decision based on his personal preference.
If I recall, this issue was related to certain cases used on the white iPhones, and has nothing to do with heat levels. Rubbing alcohol got rid of the discoloration.
