The Apple iPhone 3G, released in July 2008, was a significant upgrade over the original iPhone, primarily because it introduced 3G connectivity, allowing for faster internet browsing and better overall performance. Building on the foundation laid by its predecessor, the iPhone 3G also brought improvements in design and software. Below, we explore the detailed specifications and provide an in-depth review of the iPhone 3G, a device that played a crucial role in the evolution of smartphones.
Apple iPhone 3G Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Network Technology | GSM / HSPA |
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100 |
| Speed | HSPA |
| Announced | June 2008 |
| Released | July 2008 |
| Status | Discontinued |
| Dimensions | 115.5 x 62.1 x 12.3 mm (4.55 x 2.44 x 0.48 in) |
| Weight | 133 g (4.69 oz) |
| SIM | Mini-SIM |
| Display Type | TFT |
| Display Size | 3.5 inches, 36.5 cm2 (~50.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Resolution | 320 x 480 pixels, 3:2 ratio (~165 ppi density) |
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass, oleophobic coating |
| OS | iOS, upgradable to iOS 4.2.1 |
| CPU | 412 MHz ARM 11 |
| GPU | PowerVR MBX |
| Internal Storage | 8GB 128MB RAM, 16GB 128MB RAM, no expandable storage |
| Main Camera | Single: 2 MP |
| Video | No |
| Selfie Camera | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes |
| Alert Types | Vibration, proprietary ringtones |
| 3.5mm Jack | Yes |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11b/g |
| Bluetooth | 2.0, A2DP (headset support only) |
| Positioning | GPS, A-GPS |
| Radio | No |
| USB | 2.0 |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Browser | HTML (Safari) |
| Additional Features | Audio/video player, TV-out, Organizer, Document viewer, Photo viewer, Predictive text input |
| Battery | Li-Ion 1220 mAh, non-removable |
| Colors | Black (8/16 GB), White (16 GB) |
| Models | iPhone1,2 |
| SAR | 0.52 W/kg (head), 1.29 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.56 W/kg (head), 0.23 W/kg (body) |
| Price | About 90 EUR |
| Tests | Loudspeaker: Voice 66dB / Noise 62dB / Ring 71dB, Audio quality: Noise -89.9dB / Crosstalk -93.1dB |
Review of the Apple iPhone 3G
Design and Build Quality
The Apple iPhone 3G continued the sleek and minimalistic design language of the original iPhone but introduced subtle changes that made it more comfortable to use. Measuring 115.5 x 62.1 x 12.3 mm and weighing 133 g, the iPhone 3G was slightly thicker than its predecessor, but this added to its durability. The phone featured a glossy plastic back, which was more ergonomic but more prone to scratches compared to the aluminum back of the original iPhone.
The device retained the 3.5-inch TFT display with a resolution of 320 x 480 pixels and a 3:2 aspect ratio, which provided a decent viewing experience for the time. The inclusion of Corning Gorilla Glass and an oleophobic coating was a significant advantage, offering better protection against scratches and fingerprints.
Display
The iPhone 3G’s 3.5-inch display was similar to that of the original iPhone, featuring a 165 ppi density that offered clear and vibrant visuals. The display was not only responsive but also featured multi-touch capabilities that made navigation and interaction with the device more intuitive. While the display may seem modest by today’s standards, it was among the best available at the time, providing an excellent balance between size and usability.
Performance
Under the hood, the iPhone 3G was powered by the same 412 MHz ARM 11 CPU and PowerVR MBX GPU as the original iPhone. However, the software improvements in iOS, which was upgradable to iOS 4.2.1, allowed for a smoother and more efficient user experience. The device offered 128MB of RAM and came in 8GB and 16GB storage variants, though it lacked expandable storage options.
Despite its relatively modest hardware, the iPhone 3G was capable of handling most tasks efficiently, including web browsing, media playback, and running apps from the App Store, which had launched alongside the device.
Camera
The iPhone 3G featured a 2 MP rear camera, the same as the original iPhone, but without video recording capabilities. While basic by modern standards, the camera was sufficient for casual photography in well-lit conditions. The lack of a front-facing camera or advanced features like autofocus and flash limited its versatility, but it was still a handy tool for capturing quick snapshots.
Battery Life
The iPhone 3G was equipped with a 1220 mAh Li-Ion battery, which provided a reasonable amount of battery life for moderate use. Users could expect a full day of usage with typical activities such as web browsing, calls, and music playback. However, the non-removable battery design meant that users would need to seek professional help for battery replacements, a trend that continues in most modern smartphones.
Connectivity and Other Features
One of the significant upgrades in the iPhone 3G was the introduction of 3G connectivity, allowing for faster internet browsing and data transfer compared to the original iPhone’s EDGE connectivity. The device also featured GPS with A-GPS support, which was a new addition and allowed for better location-based services.
In terms of wireless connectivity, the iPhone 3G supported Wi-Fi 802.11b/g and Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP for headset support. The lack of a radio or NFC was typical of smartphones at the time, but the inclusion of Safari for web browsing, an HTML email client, and various multimedia features made the iPhone 3G a well-rounded device.
Verdict
The Apple iPhone 3G was a significant step forward in the evolution of the iPhone, introducing 3G connectivity, GPS, and a more refined design. It built on the success of the original iPhone and solidified Apple’s position as a leader in the smartphone market. While its hardware may seem outdated today, the iPhone 3G was a trailblazer that helped define the modern smartphone experience.
For tech enthusiasts and collectors, the iPhone 3G represents an essential piece of mobile history, showcasing the early stages of what would become a dominant force in the tech industry.
Buy from Best Buy
Disclaimer: We cannot guarantee that the information on this page is 100% correct.
The Apple iPhone 3G, released in July 2008, was a significant upgrade over the original iPhone, primarily because it introduced 3G connectivity, allowing for faster internet browsing and better overall performance. Building on the foundation laid by its predecessor, the iPhone 3G also brought improvements in design and software. Below, we explore the detailed specifications and provide an in-depth review of the iPhone 3G, a device that played a crucial role in the evolution of smartphones.
Apple iPhone 3G Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Network Technology | GSM / HSPA |
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100 |
| Speed | HSPA |
| Announced | June 2008 |
| Released | July 2008 |
| Status | Discontinued |
| Dimensions | 115.5 x 62.1 x 12.3 mm (4.55 x 2.44 x 0.48 in) |
| Weight | 133 g (4.69 oz) |
| SIM | Mini-SIM |
| Display Type | TFT |
| Display Size | 3.5 inches, 36.5 cm2 (~50.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Resolution | 320 x 480 pixels, 3:2 ratio (~165 ppi density) |
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass, oleophobic coating |
| OS | iOS, upgradable to iOS 4.2.1 |
| CPU | 412 MHz ARM 11 |
| GPU | PowerVR MBX |
| Internal Storage | 8GB 128MB RAM, 16GB 128MB RAM, no expandable storage |
| Main Camera | Single: 2 MP |
| Video | No |
| Selfie Camera | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes |
| Alert Types | Vibration, proprietary ringtones |
| 3.5mm Jack | Yes |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11b/g |
| Bluetooth | 2.0, A2DP (headset support only) |
| Positioning | GPS, A-GPS |
| Radio | No |
| USB | 2.0 |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Browser | HTML (Safari) |
| Additional Features | Audio/video player, TV-out, Organizer, Document viewer, Photo viewer, Predictive text input |
| Battery | Li-Ion 1220 mAh, non-removable |
| Colors | Black (8/16 GB), White (16 GB) |
| Models | iPhone1,2 |
| SAR | 0.52 W/kg (head), 1.29 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.56 W/kg (head), 0.23 W/kg (body) |
| Price | About 90 EUR |
| Tests | Loudspeaker: Voice 66dB / Noise 62dB / Ring 71dB, Audio quality: Noise -89.9dB / Crosstalk -93.1dB |
Review of the Apple iPhone 3G
Design and Build Quality
The Apple iPhone 3G continued the sleek and minimalistic design language of the original iPhone but introduced subtle changes that made it more comfortable to use. Measuring 115.5 x 62.1 x 12.3 mm and weighing 133 g, the iPhone 3G was slightly thicker than its predecessor, but this added to its durability. The phone featured a glossy plastic back, which was more ergonomic but more prone to scratches compared to the aluminum back of the original iPhone.
The device retained the 3.5-inch TFT display with a resolution of 320 x 480 pixels and a 3:2 aspect ratio, which provided a decent viewing experience for the time. The inclusion of Corning Gorilla Glass and an oleophobic coating was a significant advantage, offering better protection against scratches and fingerprints.
Display
The iPhone 3G’s 3.5-inch display was similar to that of the original iPhone, featuring a 165 ppi density that offered clear and vibrant visuals. The display was not only responsive but also featured multi-touch capabilities that made navigation and interaction with the device more intuitive. While the display may seem modest by today’s standards, it was among the best available at the time, providing an excellent balance between size and usability.
Performance
Under the hood, the iPhone 3G was powered by the same 412 MHz ARM 11 CPU and PowerVR MBX GPU as the original iPhone. However, the software improvements in iOS, which was upgradable to iOS 4.2.1, allowed for a smoother and more efficient user experience. The device offered 128MB of RAM and came in 8GB and 16GB storage variants, though it lacked expandable storage options.
Despite its relatively modest hardware, the iPhone 3G was capable of handling most tasks efficiently, including web browsing, media playback, and running apps from the App Store, which had launched alongside the device.
Camera
The iPhone 3G featured a 2 MP rear camera, the same as the original iPhone, but without video recording capabilities. While basic by modern standards, the camera was sufficient for casual photography in well-lit conditions. The lack of a front-facing camera or advanced features like autofocus and flash limited its versatility, but it was still a handy tool for capturing quick snapshots.
Battery Life
The iPhone 3G was equipped with a 1220 mAh Li-Ion battery, which provided a reasonable amount of battery life for moderate use. Users could expect a full day of usage with typical activities such as web browsing, calls, and music playback. However, the non-removable battery design meant that users would need to seek professional help for battery replacements, a trend that continues in most modern smartphones.
Connectivity and Other Features
One of the significant upgrades in the iPhone 3G was the introduction of 3G connectivity, allowing for faster internet browsing and data transfer compared to the original iPhone’s EDGE connectivity. The device also featured GPS with A-GPS support, which was a new addition and allowed for better location-based services.
In terms of wireless connectivity, the iPhone 3G supported Wi-Fi 802.11b/g and Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP for headset support. The lack of a radio or NFC was typical of smartphones at the time, but the inclusion of Safari for web browsing, an HTML email client, and various multimedia features made the iPhone 3G a well-rounded device.
Verdict
The Apple iPhone 3G was a significant step forward in the evolution of the iPhone, introducing 3G connectivity, GPS, and a more refined design. It built on the success of the original iPhone and solidified Apple’s position as a leader in the smartphone market. While its hardware may seem outdated today, the iPhone 3G was a trailblazer that helped define the modern smartphone experience.
For tech enthusiasts and collectors, the iPhone 3G represents an essential piece of mobile history, showcasing the early stages of what would become a dominant force in the tech industry.
Buy from Best Buy
Disclaimer: We cannot guarantee that the information on this page is 100% correct.
