The iPhone 3GS was released in 2009 as the third generation of the iPhone smartphone. It was a significant upgrade over the previous model, the iPhone 3G, with a faster processor, more RAM, a better camera, and a digital compass.
Design
The iPhone 3GS retained the same basic design as the iPhone 3G, with a black front bezel and a white back. It was available in two storage capacities: 16GB and 32GB.
Performance
The iPhone 3GS was powered by a new A8 processor, which was significantly faster than the A6 processor in the iPhone 3G. This resulted in a noticeable improvement in performance across all areas of the phone, from launching apps to browsing the web to gaming.
The iPhone 3GS also had 256MB of RAM, which was double the amount of RAM in the iPhone 3G. This made the phone more capable of multitasking and running multiple apps at the same time.
Camera
The iPhone 3GS had a new 3-megapixel camera with autofocus and video recording capabilities. The camera was a significant improvement over the 2-megapixel camera in the iPhone 3G, and it produced sharper and more detailed images.
Digital compass
The iPhone 3GS was the first iPhone to include a digital compass. This allowed the phone to provide more accurate location information to apps, such as maps and navigation apps.
Battery life
The iPhone 3GS had a slightly longer battery life than the iPhone 3G. It could last for up to 9 hours of talk time or 10 hours of video playback on a single charge.
Software
The iPhone 3GS shipped with iOS 3.0, which was the latest version of Apple’s mobile operating system at the time. iOS 3.0 included a number of new features, such as voice control, multimedia messaging, and copy and paste.
Overall
The iPhone 3GS was a significant upgrade over the iPhone 3G. It was faster, had more RAM, a better camera, a digital compass, and a longer battery life. It was also the first iPhone to ship with iOS 3.0, which included a number of new features.
Pros
- Faster processor
- More RAM
- Better camera with video recording capabilities
- Digital compass
- Longer battery life
- iOS 3.0 with new features
Cons
- Same basic design as the iPhone 3G
- Still not as powerful as some competing Android smartphones
- Expensive
Overall, the iPhone 3GS was an excellent smartphone. It was fast, had a great camera, and was easy to use. However, it was also quite expensive, and it was not as powerful as some competing Android smartphones.
SPECIFICATIONS
Network Technology:
- GSM / HSPA
2G Bands:
- GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G Bands:
- HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100
Speed:
- HSPA 7.2/0.384 Mbps
Launch:
- Announced: June 2009
- Released: June 2009
- Status: Discontinued
Body:
- Dimensions: 115.5 x 62.1 x 12.3 mm
- Weight: 135 g
- SIM: Mini-SIM
Display:
- Type: TFT
- Size: 3.5 inches
- Resolution: 320 x 480 pixels
- Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass, oleophobic coating
Platform:
- OS: iOS 3 (upgradable to iOS 6.1.6)
- CPU: 600 MHz Cortex-A8
- GPU: PowerVR SGX535
Memory:
- Card Slot: No
- Internal Storage Options: 8GB with 256MB RAM, 16GB with 256MB RAM, 32GB with 256MB RAM
Main Camera:
- Single: 3.15 MP, f/2.8, AF
- Video Recording: 480p at 30fps
Selfie Camera:
- None (No front-facing camera)
Sound:
- Loudspeaker: Yes
- 3.5mm Jack: Yes
Communications:
- WLAN: Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g
- Bluetooth: 2.1, A2DP (headset support only)
- Positioning: GPS, A-GPS
- Radio: No
- USB: 2.0
Features:
- Sensors: Accelerometer, proximity, compass
- Browser: HTML (Safari)
- iCloud cloud service
- Maps
- Organizer
- TV-out
- Audio/video player/editor
- Photo viewer/editor
- Voice command/dial
- Predictive text input
Battery:
- Type: Li-Ion 1400 mAh, non-removable
- Talk Time: Up to 5 hours (3G)
Miscellaneous:
- Colors: Black, White
- Models: A1325, A1303, iPhone2,1
- SAR (Specific Absorption Rate):
- Head: 0.26 W/kg
- Body: 0.79 W/kg
- SAR EU:
- Head: 0.45 W/kg
- Body: 0.40 W/kg
Tests:
- Display Contrast Ratio: 201:1 (nominal)
- Camera Photo quality
- Loudspeaker Voice: 69dB / Noise: 69dB / Ring: 71dB
- Audio quality: Noise -92.1dB / Crosstalk -95.0dB
