The Apple iPhone 3GS, announced in June 2009 and released later that month, was a significant upgrade over the iPhone 3G, with the “S” in 3GS standing for “Speed.” It brought improvements in performance, camera quality, and battery life, marking another important step in the evolution of the iPhone lineup. Below, we explore the detailed specifications and provide an in-depth review of the iPhone 3GS, a device that helped set new standards in the smartphone industry.
Apple iPhone 3GS Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Network Technology | GSM / HSPA |
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100 |
| Speed | HSPA 7.2/0.384 Mbps |
| Announced | June 2009 |
| Released | June 2009 |
| Status | Discontinued |
| Dimensions | 115.5 x 62.1 x 12.3 mm (4.55 x 2.44 x 0.48 in) |
| Weight | 135 g (4.76 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 3, upgradable to iOS 6.1.6 |
| CPU | 600 MHz Cortex-A8 |
| GPU | PowerVR SGX535 |
| Internal Storage | 8GB 256MB RAM, 16GB 256MB RAM, 32GB 256MB RAM, no expandable storage |
| Main Camera | Single: 3.15 MP, f/2.8, AF |
| Video | 480p@30fps |
| Selfie Camera | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes |
| 3.5mm Jack | Yes |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g |
| Bluetooth | 2.1, A2DP (headset support only) |
| Positioning | GPS, A-GPS |
| Radio | No |
| USB | 2.0 |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Browser | HTML (Safari) |
| Additional Features | iCloud cloud service, Maps, Organizer, TV-out, Audio/video player/editor, Photo viewer/editor, Voice command/dial, Predictive text input |
| Battery | Li-Ion 1400 mAh, non-removable |
| Talk Time | Up to 5 h (3G) |
| Colors | Black, White |
| Models | A1325, A1303, iPhone2,1 |
| SAR | 0.26 W/kg (head), 0.79 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.45 W/kg (head), 0.40 W/kg (body) |
| Price | About 110 EUR |
| Tests | Display: Contrast ratio 201:1 (nominal) Camera: Photo quality tests Loudspeaker: Voice 69dB / Noise 69dB / Ring 71dB Audio quality: Noise -92.1dB / Crosstalk -95.0dB |
Review of the Apple iPhone 3GS
Design and Build Quality
The Apple iPhone 3GS retained the design language of the iPhone 3G, featuring a similar form factor with dimensions of 115.5 x 62.1 x 12.3 mm and a weight of 135 g. The device was slightly heavier than its predecessor, but this weight added to its durability and solid feel in the hand. The glossy plastic back was available in Black and White, with the latter only available in the 16GB and 32GB models.
The iPhone 3GS featured the same 3.5-inch TFT display with a resolution of 320 x 480 pixels as the iPhone 3G. However, the introduction of Corning Gorilla Glass with an oleophobic coating provided better protection against scratches and smudges, enhancing the overall durability and usability of the screen.
Display
While the display specifications remained unchanged from the iPhone 3G, the iPhone 3GS offered a slightly improved visual experience thanks to software optimizations and improved color accuracy. The 165 ppi density delivered crisp and clear visuals, making it ideal for browsing, media consumption, and gaming.
Performance
One of the most significant upgrades in the iPhone 3GS was its improved performance, thanks to the new 600 MHz Cortex-A8 CPU and PowerVR SGX535 GPU. These upgrades resulted in faster app launches, smoother multitasking, and overall better responsiveness. The device ran on iOS 3 out of the box but was upgradable to iOS 6.1.6, giving it access to a broader range of apps and features.
With 256MB of RAM and storage options ranging from 8GB to 32GB, the iPhone 3GS provided adequate space and memory for the time, although the lack of expandable storage meant users needed to manage their content carefully.
Camera
The iPhone 3GS introduced a 3.15 MP rear camera with autofocus and an improved aperture of f/2.8. This camera was a significant improvement over the fixed-focus 2 MP camera of the iPhone 3G, offering better photo quality, particularly in well-lit conditions. The iPhone 3GS also introduced video recording capabilities for the first time on an iPhone, allowing users to capture 480p video at 30fps.
While the camera was still basic by today’s standards, it was a notable upgrade that brought the iPhone closer to being a complete multimedia device.
Battery Life
The iPhone 3GS came with a 1400 mAh Li-Ion battery, offering up to 5 hours of talk time on 3G networks. The improved power efficiency of the new hardware, combined with software optimizations, resulted in better battery life compared to the iPhone 3G, allowing users to get through a full day of moderate use on a single charge.
Connectivity and Other Features
The iPhone 3GS supported HSPA networks with speeds up to 7.2 Mbps, providing faster internet access compared to the iPhone 3G. The device also featured Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g, Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP, and GPS with A-GPS support, enhancing its connectivity and location-based services.
The introduction of voice commands and the compass sensor were new features that improved the overall user experience. The iPhone 3GS also continued to support Safari for web browsing, iTunes integration, and various multimedia features, making it a versatile and powerful device for its time.
Verdict
The Apple iPhone 3GS was a significant upgrade over the iPhone 3G, bringing improved performance, better camera capabilities, and new features like video recording and voice commands. These enhancements made the iPhone 3GS one of the most popular smartphones of its time, further solidifying Apple’s dominance in the mobile market.
For tech enthusiasts and collectors, the iPhone 3GS represents a crucial milestone in the history of the iPhone, showcasing the early stages of the rapid innovation that would define the smartphone industry.
Buy from Best Buy
Disclaimer: We cannot guarantee that the information on this page is 100% correct.
