iPhone 3G vs. iPhone 3G S: the tale of the tape
| Basics | ||||||
 iPhone 3G
|
 iPhone 3G S |
|||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $99 8GB ($299 for ineligible upgraders) |
$199 16GB, $299 32GB ($399 and $499 for ineligible upgraders) |
||||
| Processor | 412MHz ARM 11 |
600MHz ARM 11 |
||||
| Graphics capability |
OpenGL ES 1.1 |
OpenGL ES 2.0 | ||||
| Camera |
2.0 megapixel fixed focus |
3.0 megapixel autofocus with macro mode and auto white balance |
||||
| Video recording | None | 30fps VGA with on-device editing capability | ||||
| Voice control |
None |
Dialing, music control |
||||
| Nike+ support |
No |
Yes |
||||
| Wireless technologies | 3.6Mbps HSDPA, WiFi, Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR | 7.2Mbps HSDPA, WiFi, Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR | ||||
| Water- and oil-resistant finish |
No | Yes | ||||
| Integrated magnetic compass |
No | Yes |
||||
| Included headphones |
Standard | Inline remote for music control |
||||
| Battery life |
Up to 5 hours talk time / data on 3G, 10 hours on 2G Up to 6 hours data on WiFi Up to 24 hours audio Up to 7 hours video |
Up to 5 hours talk time / data on 3G, 12 hours on 2G Up to 9 hours data on WiFi Up to 30 hours audio Up to 10 hours video |
||||
| Dimensions |
115.5 x 62.1 x 12.3mm | 115.5 x 62.1 x 12.3mm | ||||
| Weight |
133 grams / 4.69 oz. |
135 grams / 4.76 oz. |
||||
Update: Turns out the original 3G only supports OpenGL ES 1.1, not 2.0. Thanks, Andri S.!
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Shiz @ Jun 8th 2009 4:37PM
So it's 1.2 to 2x faster then it's predecessor in most areas, but it's weighs just a smidge more.
It also has OS version 3.0 and other new features from other companies built in or with accessories.
Great, but nice way of burning current 3G owners who can't upgrade and will have to shell out full price for what I see as marginal updates.
huh @ Jun 8th 2009 5:05PM
Are you serious? Current iPhone users can't upgrade to the new software-only features? Serious fail.
ToddFSU @ Jun 8th 2009 9:10PM
Current iPhone 3G customers CAN upgrade two days early (June 17) to get most of the software only features.
Anthony @ Jun 8th 2009 4:45PM
Front facing camera?
Eroded Fallacy @ Jun 8th 2009 4:47PM
Wow im totally not excited for this phone same old iphone with a few spec improvements.
MushroomStamp @ Jun 8th 2009 4:58PM
yeah, they should have done SOMETHING to make it physically different.
SoCoolCurt (PSN: KillaKornbread - XBL: SoCoolCurt) @ Jun 8th 2009 5:40PM
i agree. it looks like exactly the same phone. i'm sure they won't have any problem selling them but i think they would have maximized sales had they changed it physically in some way. now all those "OMG i have to have this new Apple product" people might not see the need to upgrade since it looks the same (granted they aren't interested in all the under the hood upgrades).
Burns11 @ Jun 8th 2009 4:58PM
They should have made a version with a slide out qwerty, typing on a touch screen is horrid.
SoCoolCurt (PSN: KillaKornbread - XBL: SoCoolCurt) @ Jun 8th 2009 5:38PM
that's what makes me not really want an iPhone. i need a physical keyboard. now don't get me wrong, i've used the keyboard on my friends iPhone plenty of times and it's great as far as touchscreen QWERTY keyboards go, but i still just need a physical one.
yabba @ Jun 8th 2009 4:59PM
water resistant finish? where does it say that?????
skemme @ Jun 8th 2009 5:00PM
Wonder if AAPL actually updated the 3G radio so it doesn't suck so much...
http://cnettv.cnet.com/face-iphone-sucks/9742-1_53-50072059.html
and if T will be actually upgrading their 3G network so it doesn't suck so much, especially for paying the "iPhone" premium on data and text services...
http://cnettv.cnet.com/we-re-working/9742-1_53-50072308.html
iPhone (last gen):$99 plus 2 yr contract 450 minutes w/ data and text unlimited: $2,259.75
Pre: $199 plus 2 yr contract 450 minutes w/ data and text unlimited: $1,879.75
Savings = $380
Oh and Sprint has the best 3G network: http://gizmodo.com/5111989/the-definitive-coast+to+coast-3g-data-test
ToddFSU @ Jun 8th 2009 9:11PM
Bad part of that deal is you end up with a Pre.
John @ Jun 9th 2009 7:36PM
@skemme
Sorry but I was just looking at your post history. You sound like a huge Sprint corporate shill.
Douglas @ Jun 8th 2009 5:07PM
Yawn....
ShadowGod @ Jun 8th 2009 5:15PM
Palm Pre FTW!
Galen20K @ Jun 8th 2009 5:11PM
Just Plain B O R I N G.
Thanks but No thanks Apple.
Keep your unimpressive Junk.
your mom @ Jun 8th 2009 5:20PM
+2 Palm Pre FTW
baldilocks @ Jun 8th 2009 5:20PM
Palm Pre = Plastic screen, goofy little keys, inferior network. No thanks.
ShadowGod @ Jun 8th 2009 5:24PM
LOL Inferior network my ass. Sprint blows AT&T away as far as coverage and data speed.
http://gizmodo.com/5111989/the-definitive-coast+to+coast-3g-data-test
Oh, and the keyboard works wonderfully.
rusty @ Jun 8th 2009 5:45PM
Pulheese. That test was in seven cities. Look at a coverage map.
ohpleaseno @ Jun 8th 2009 5:55PM
okay, so I look at a coverage map and see that both ATT and Sprint have great 3g coverage where I live, but ATT may have better coverage 50 miles outside little rock arkansas. Do I give a crap?
your mom @ Jun 8th 2009 5:25PM
@baldilocks
Plastic screen is not bad(I can actually use it outside), though with the small keyboards I type with far more accuracy then on the iPhone, I have no complaints of the network. Actually Sprint is way better then AT&T in Jax, Fl.
ckeegan @ Jun 8th 2009 5:28PM
I just don't understand why Apple maintains their exclusivity agreement with AT&T. Honestly, I would probably buy the 3GS, but there's absolutely no point in switching my business account from the #1 ranked provider in my region, to AT&T which ranks dead last in practically every single area.
Apple should have announced that the 3G would be now be available on another carrier for $199, dropped the 3G price on AT&T to $99, and given AT&T exclusivity of the 3GS for one year.
Now that would have been news. Since that didn't happen, I'll be happy when the Touch Pro2 is in my hand.
ckeegan @ Jun 8th 2009 5:45PM
Forgot to metion this....
Prime example of how much Apple is selling themselves short by sticking with AT&T, at least in my region. Nearly 60% of iPhone users are between 26 and 40. I am 30, and how many people do I know that own an iPhone............2. Seriously. 2.
tylerstempinski @ Jun 8th 2009 9:16PM
Where did you get that percentage...? Just wondering.
And, I'm 14. Soon to be 15. And have had both iPhone's. I plan on getting this one, we will see.
ckeegan @ Jun 8th 2009 9:47PM
Page 29: http://rubiconconsulting.com/downloads/whitepapers/Rubicon-iPhone_User_Survey.pdf
ShadowGod @ Jun 8th 2009 5:48PM
I have and Sprint has better coverage. AND faster data!
You're delusional if you think AT&T is the better network.
Bill @ Jun 8th 2009 5:53PM
+3 on Pre FTW. I was not impressed by this iPhone update. the 2 biggest update from this WWDC was capacity increase, and the $99 iPhone.
ALa @ Jun 8th 2009 6:31PM
i dont see any point of upgrading my currnt 3G to 3GS
same old phone with a few spec change and most of high end phones out there
already have those features for long long time.
auto focus and MMS after 2 yrs , give me a break , i am switiching to Omnia HD when it comes out
Ominia HD is much better phone than Iphone , now thanks to Apple
My Iphone will be just another touch phone for another year ... maybe next version, Good luck Apple
papped @ Jun 8th 2009 7:54PM
The Omnia HD might be a better phone, but Samsung's history of support and app compatibility for the symbian devices is fairly sketchy...
Part of the reason I don't want to get a Samsung phone.
Yasin @ Jun 8th 2009 10:22PM
I agree with you all the way..Omnia HD blows the iphone 3g out os the game no comparison. Apple thinks they are so smart but in reality samsung and Nokia have so many better phones
Christian @ Jun 9th 2009 4:26AM
there might be threezillion better spec'd phones out there BUT all of them running not iPhone OS.
mobidutch @ Jun 8th 2009 6:34PM
I didn't see any real data on the screen..so is it OLED or no? Better in sunlight?
The screen is the biggest disapointment to me. HTC phones have had VGA screens for at least 6 months already...now we've got to wait another YEAR before the iPhone finally catches up on that point? Browsing on a VGA screen is SO much nicer!
Sulley @ Jun 8th 2009 7:42PM
Unless Apple failed to mention it (and I KNOW they would have), you've got the same screen. No OLED. It would have most like bumped the price another $100 on each unit and IMHO, the current screen is good.
Yes, OLED would have been nice, but it's still wouldn't have been enough to make me upgrade my 3G to a 3Gs. When next year's model comes out, and my current contract puts me into the upgrade period (or just expires), I'll do an update. There is just not enough here in the 3Gs to make it worth an extra line (or the early termination fee).
I'm not worried about some super incredible app coming out that absolutely requires the 3Gs that I would want. I don't even use the current camera, would hardly use the video, so I need something more substantial to make a change worthwhile. Next year's model will have everything this year's update should have had and maybe, just maybe, the 7.2mbps HSHPA will actually be implemented in more than a couple of markets. I'm running 3G (at 3.6mbps) just fine where I'm at.
thatdude @ Jun 8th 2009 7:38PM
the new features on this model are indeed tempting although i was dissappointed by the lack of a new "look" (kinda was expecting something a lil different this time around or at least some other aesthetic design change), but still nothing to take home to mom i guess
as with most people the only thing keeping me away from an iPhone is the plan from AT&T, I currently have Sprint and i was holding off but i guess i reallly will be upgrading to the pre (whenever my local store gets them in stock or when they start selling online)
By no means am i declaring the Pre a better device (so iPhone fanboys don't flame me), nor am i stating that either is better than the other, but i am simply saying that as far as affordability and cost...Sprint has AT&T beat when it comes to the plans for their star phones here. AT&T needs to wake up and start being more competitive, IMHO.
chico212 @ Jun 8th 2009 7:35PM
YAWN!
ps2baseball @ Jun 8th 2009 7:42PM
Don't forget, Pre nights start at 7pm, not 9pm. That is 40 hours a month of free calling.
Sam @ Jun 8th 2009 8:02PM
they forgot the higher res screen on the comparison! didnt see it on the live keynote entry either
[1er] Bimmer Boy @ Jun 8th 2009 8:07PM
What I want to know is if the OS 3.0 going to add video recording to the iPhone 3G. Even if it doesn't, this is really a minor upgrade from Apple. They should have added 7.2Mbps HSDPA last year with the 3G. 3G S sounds so stupid and long. If they consider this an upgrade, then I guess we can expect a new iPhone every year. Epic fail even though I hate saying that.
Dale N scott @ Jun 9th 2009 6:44AM
Two years ago I had the iPhone in my hands (bought & paid for). AT&T said 20% restock if I opened the box. Ruminated for 3 days and took it back (unopened) and traded for the Blackberry Curve. So, it wasn't an iPhone but it kept me happy and worked well enough. One month ago Amazon offered the Nokia N95s 8Gb N.American version for $350 (unlocked). With a 5MP Carl Ziess camera, free GPS (voice command, turn-by-turn), the best on-board speakers of ANY phone (according to CNET), over 500 apps, etc. I personally think the iPhone would be a step backwards. The lack of a card slot and no QWERTY keyboard are the only things I wish it had. BTW, the screen is beautiful. Since my contract is up, I think I'll sit tight for a while.
Jagger @ Jun 8th 2009 9:08PM
This thread makes it seem like the iPhone needs to dominate the market. He more competetion Apple gets, the better products we get. Face it, one company can't stay on top forever--or at all, in some peoples' opinions.
Jagger @ Jun 8th 2009 9:11PM
*the and *competition. Stupid commenting system and iPod touch keyboard. Sadly ironic, isn't it?
ToddFSU @ Jun 8th 2009 9:17PM
40 million iPhones sold... most under contract. I'm not surprised this new phone was a minor upgrade.
Next years iPhone will be targeted to get all 40 million renew their contracts. Probably will have all the features people want, plus some other stuff to compete against new phones.
If they made this phone the DREAM iPhone, we'd be crying even more that we're stuck under contract.
dave @ Jun 9th 2009 9:33AM
what happened to the black matte finish?
Brad @ Jun 8th 2009 11:09PM
No voice dialing on the existing 3G phone, even after OS 3.0 update? You are kidding me, right?
r240gt @ Jun 9th 2009 1:13AM
The features that they focus on is just junk that other phones have had for years. MMS? video recording? a 3 megapixel camera? im more excited about the n97 or the pixon12 or the new sony phones coming out. the only thing iphone has is user base and the only reason they got that is because of the "revolutionary" touch screen, which is okay if you dont do alot of email/texting. seriously, they are bragging about copy and paste? NONSEnse?? and what happened to the secondary front facing camera that almost every euro phone has?? they WANT US TO BUY A $29 MIRROR? stupid fanboys will actually buy that. . dont get me wrong, i will FOR SURE get myself a 3gs, but for my main phone and all my important documents i will stick to the N97 or something else.. "fine my iphone?" cool app but there are TONS of GPS locator apps and REMOTE ERASE for most phones!! i hate it when they try to advertise something that has been in existence forever. its cool, but its not that cool..
as for CDMA over GSM/UMTS... UMTS WILL get better as soon as ATT pulls their head out their butts, voice an data at the same time is something that cant be beat... but for now CDMA VOICE quality is WAYY better and coverage area is much wider too... but time will tell!!
JeMaAlNa @ Jun 10th 2009 9:28AM
we need a comparison like this of the original iphone and the 3GS!!! please!
tommymac34 @ Jun 13th 2009 11:40PM
Okay so here's the scoop. I have an original 8gb iPhone. Not the
iPhone 3G. Therefore I am eligible to buy the 3g S for the normal
price of $199/$299. My iPhone is not jailbroken and I don't think I
ever will due to possible increased crashing and risks. Should I
upgrade to the 3GS? I am not sure if I should. Does any1 know that if
I get the 3GS would I have to pay the ridiculous high price for next
summer's iPhone? Is the 3GS actually a lot faster or is it just the
3.0 software update? Thanks and I would greatly appreciate all
opinions and comments on whether I should upgrade to the iPhone 3g S
from the first generation iPhone.