|
|
Welcome to the Apple iPhone 3GS review. The iPhone 3GS was released in mid 2009 and a quiet release compared to the regular iPhone 3G. Both are physically identical except for branding and unseen hardware improvements!
The 3GS improves on the former 3G in noticeable ways when you actually use it. Apple says the 'S' is for speed and that is certainly obvious. Everything about the phone just works better. Hardware improvements include a faster CPU, compass and video capability. Other improvements are OS software related eg. voice control.
The iPhone 3GS is probably what Apple should have released as the original 3G but clearly commercial realities made that not possible. Purely due to its speed pick the 3GS but if your budget doesn't stretch that far then the 3G is still a good choice.
There are probably 2 features that we think are overdue and most appreciated. They are the battery percentage meter and the hardware compass that improves GPS performance. Mind you battery life is still very poor - lasting barely 12 hours if receiving push emails, running a few games calls and test. If left purely on standby the phone could possibly reach 3 days but hats the point of that.
Since the App store is easy to use likewise the browser it has encouraged networks all over the world to update their networks to a 3G standard. The Safari web browser is not the best out there but because he iPhone is so popular lots of websites customize for the specifically for it.
Once again we can't write anything that hasn't already been said countless times and all the positives about the iPhone 3GS phone but we can add some reasons why you should consider other phones.
1 - its expensive to buy outright or plan
2- it is rarely on a pre-paid plan and even if so it is expensive
3- you need a decent data plan even if you use its Wi-Fi
4- browser does not do FLASH websites
5- limited OS customization features - you can't even change the messaging ringtone
6- it goes through the battery more quickly than any phone you have ever had
7- keypad is hard to use
8- call quality is very average
9- its very big and a protective case is essential
10- cannot add more memory
11- additional functions have to be bought
12- average to poor camera and video
13- still no radio
14- everyone has got one
Overall and regardless of any criticism the iPhone 3GS does work better than the iPhone 3G. As a phone it works just as well as any other phone but it does have poor reception and voice quality. The iPhone is very easy to use and there are plenty of Apps if you are interested but it still lacks a lot of features that other phones have as standard. The forth coming iPhone 4 may solve some things but will create others. If you've got the cash and an iTunes account and credit to spare then look no further.
Specifications
- Apple iPhone 3GS
- Network
Quad-band GSM 850/900/1800/1900
Tri-band 3G 850/1900/2100
HSDPA 7.2 data speed (download)
- Design
Touch screen
- L115.5 x W62.1 x D12.3mm
Weight 135 grams
- Display/s
External TFT 320 x 480
- Camera
3.2MP
- Video Camera
640 x 480 30 fps
- Connectivity
Wi-Fi (except for China)
Bluetooth V2
Micro-USB
- CPU
ARM Cortex A8 600 MHz
Graphics: PowerVR MBX-Lite
- Memory
From 8-16Gig
- Ring tones
Purchase or iStudio only and vibration
- Features
A-GPS
Accelerometer
Proximity sensor
Multi-touch screen
Music and Media player
Remote security
Contacts/Organiser/Calender
SMS, MMS, IM, Email
Speaker Phone/Hands free
Battery 1000 mAh
Up to 300 hours Standby
Up to 12 hours Talk Time
- Price history
From $879 AUS 2010 (Outright)