The iPhone 3GS marked a significant leap in Apple’s smartphone lineup when it launched in 2009. This third-generation iPhone boasted improved performance, enhanced camera capabilities, and increased storage options compared to its predecessors.
The device featured a 3.5-inch display with a resolution of 480 x 320 pixels. It ran on a 600 MHz processor and came with either 16 GB or 32 GB of storage. The iPhone 3GS introduced video recording capabilities with its 3-megapixel camera.
Battery life was a key focus for Apple. The iPhone 3GS offered up to 12 hours of talk time on 2G networks and 5 hours on 3G. You could enjoy up to 30 hours of audio playback or 10 hours of video on a single charge.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Display | 3.5-inch, 480×320 pixels |
| Processor | 600 MHz |
| Storage | 16 GB or 32 GB |
| Camera | 3 MP with video recording |
| Battery | Up to 12 hours talk time (2G) |
iPhone 3GS Specifications: A Detailed Overview
General
The iPhone 3GS, released in 2009, was a significant upgrade from its predecessor, the iPhone 3G. It brought improvements in speed, performance, and features.
Display
- Type: TFT LCD capacitive touchscreen
- Size: 3.5 inches
- Resolution: 320 x 480 pixels (HVGA)
- Pixel Density: 165 ppi (pixels per inch)
Processor
- CPU: 600 MHz ARM Cortex-A8
- GPU: PowerVR SGX535
Memory
- RAM: 256 MB
- Storage: 8 GB, 16 GB, or 32 GB (depending on the model)
Camera
- Rear Camera: 3.15 MP, autofocus
- Video Recording: 480p at 30 fps
Connectivity
- Network: GSM / HSPA
- Wi-Fi: 802.11 b/g
- Bluetooth: 2.1 + EDR
- GPS: Yes, with A-GPS
Battery
- Type: Non-removable Li-Ion battery
- Talk Time: Up to 12 hours (2G) / Up to 5 hours (3G)
- Standby Time: Up to 300 hours
Operating System
- Original OS: iPhone OS 3.0
- Maximum Supported OS: iOS 6.1.6
Physical Characteristics
- Dimensions: 115.5 x 62.1 x 12.3 mm (4.55 x 2.44 x 0.48 in)
- Weight: 135 g (4.8 oz)
- SIM: Mini-SIM
Other Features
- Voice Control
- Digital compass
- Accelerometer
- Proximity sensor
Comparing the iPhone 3GS to the iPhone 3G
The iPhone 3GS offered several key improvements over the iPhone 3G:
| Feature | iPhone 3G | iPhone 3GS |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | 412 MHz ARM11 | 600 MHz ARM Cortex-A8 |
| RAM | 128 MB | 256 MB |
| Camera | 2 MP, no autofocus | 3.15 MP, autofocus |
| Video Recording | No | Yes (480p) |
| Speed | Slower | Significantly faster |
The Impact of the iPhone 3GS on Mobile Technology
The iPhone 3GS was a landmark device that further popularized smartphones. Its improved performance, better camera, and introduction of features like video recording and Voice Control set new standards for the industry. It solidified the iPhone’s position as a leading mobile device and influenced the development of future smartphones. The improvements in speed and responsiveness made mobile gaming and web browsing a much better experience.
Design and Build
The iPhone 3GS was a major step forward in mobile technology. It offered better performance, a better camera, and new features that improved the user experience. While it’s now an older device, it played a key role in shaping the smartphones we use today.
The iPhone 3GS features a sleek design with curved edges and a compact form factor. Its construction combines durability with aesthetic appeal, making it both functional and visually pleasing.
Dimensions
The iPhone 3GS has a height of 4.5 inches (115.5 mm). Its width measures 2.4 inches (62.1 mm), and it has a depth of 0.48 inches (12.3 mm). These dimensions make it comfortable to hold and easy to slip into your pocket or purse.
The device weighs 4.8 ounces (135 grams), striking a balance between lightness and a solid feel in your hand. This weight distribution enhances the overall user experience, allowing for extended use without causing fatigue.
| Dimension | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 4.5 inches |
| Width | 2.4 inches |
| Depth | 0.48 inches |
| Weight | 4.8 ounces |
Materials and Colors
The iPhone 3GS boasts a plastic body with a glass front. This combination offers a good balance between durability and aesthetics. The plastic back is smooth to the touch and resists minor scratches.
The front glass features an oleophobic coating. This special layer repels oil from your fingertips, keeping the screen cleaner and reducing smudges. It also makes wiping the screen easier when needed.
You can choose between two color options for the iPhone 3GS:
- Black
- White
Both colors give the device a classic, timeless look. The black version offers a sleek, professional appearance, while the white option provides a clean, modern aesthetic.
The display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass. This strengthened glass helps guard against scratches and minor impacts, enhancing the device’s longevity.
Hardware
The iPhone 3GS boasts significant improvements in processing power and memory compared to its predecessor. Its display also offers enhanced visual capabilities for a better user experience.
Processor and Memory
The iPhone 3GS is powered by a Samsung S5PC100 processor based on the ARM Cortex-A8 architecture. This chip runs at 600 MHz, providing a notable speed boost over earlier models. The device features a PowerVR SGX535 GPU for improved graphics performance.
Memory capacity has been increased to 256 MB of RAM. This upgrade allows for smoother multitasking and faster app loading times. Storage options include 8 GB, 16 GB, and 32 GB variants to suit different user needs.
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| CPU | 600 MHz ARM Cortex-A8 |
| GPU | PowerVR SGX535 |
| RAM | 256 MB |
| Storage | 8 GB / 16 GB / 32 GB |
Display
The iPhone 3GS features a 3.5-inch TFT display with a resolution of 320×480 pixels. This results in a pixel density of 165 ppi, offering crisp visuals for its time. The screen utilizes capacitive multi-touch technology, enabling precise and responsive touch input.
The display supports 16 million colors, enhancing image quality and vibrancy. Its brightness and contrast levels provide good visibility in various lighting conditions. The screen is protected by a fingerprint-resistant oleophobic coating, reducing smudges and improving overall usability.
Camera and Multimedia
The iPhone 3GS introduced notable improvements in camera capabilities and multimedia features. These enhancements provided users with more versatile photo and video options along with expanded audio and visual playback functionality.
Camera Features
The iPhone 3GS boasted a 3.15-megapixel rear camera with autofocus. This upgrade allowed for sharper, clearer photos compared to its predecessors. The device introduced tap-to-focus technology, enabling users to select specific areas of the frame to prioritize.
The camera app offered basic editing tools and easy sharing options. Users could adjust exposure and apply simple effects before sending photos via email or MMS. While lacking a front-facing camera, the rear shooter proved adequate for most casual photography needs.
Video recording capabilities were a major addition to the 3GS. You could capture VGA quality video (640×480 pixels) at 30 frames per second. This feature opened up new creative possibilities for iPhone users.
Audio and Video Capabilities
The iPhone 3GS supported a wide range of audio and video formats. You could enjoy MP3, AAC, and other popular audio file types through the built-in Music app or third-party applications.
Video playback was smooth on the 3.5-inch display. The device handled various video formats including H.264 and MPEG-4. TV-out functionality allowed you to connect your iPhone to external displays for a larger viewing experience.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Audio Formats | MP3, AAC, WAV |
| Video Formats | H.264, MPEG-4 |
| Video Recording | VGA (640×480) @ 30 fps |
| TV-Out | Yes |
Internet speeds of up to 7.2 Mbps on 3G networks enhanced streaming capabilities. This improvement made watching online videos and listening to internet radio more enjoyable with fewer interruptions.
Software and Connectivity
The iPhone 3GS introduced significant improvements in software and connectivity. It featured an updated operating system, enhanced wireless capabilities, and a range of ports and sensors to expand functionality.
Operating System
The iPhone 3GS originally ran iOS 3, which brought over 100 new features. These included copy and paste, MMS support, and Spotlight search. The device could be updated to iOS 6.1.6, its final supported version.
iOS 6 added features like:
- iCloud integration
- Siri voice assistant
- Apple Maps
- Facebook integration
- Passbook for tickets and passes
Voice Control allowed you to make calls and control music playback using voice commands. The built-in Safari browser provided a full web experience with support for multiple pages.
Wireless Technologies
The iPhone 3GS offered several wireless connectivity options:
| Technology | Specification |
|---|---|
| Wi-Fi | 802.11b/g |
| Bluetooth | 2.1 + EDR |
| Cellular | 3G HSDPA |
Wi-Fi allowed fast internet access when in range of a network. Bluetooth 2.1 enabled wireless accessory connections and file transfers.
The 3G cellular technology provided faster data speeds compared to previous models. It supported EDGE and GPRS for areas without 3G coverage.
Ports and Sensors
The iPhone 3GS included various ports and sensors:
- 30-pin dock connector for charging and accessories
- 3.5mm headphone jack
- A-GPS and GPS for location services
- Accelerometer for screen rotation
- Proximity sensor to disable the screen during calls
- Ambient light sensor for automatic brightness adjustment
These components enhanced the phone’s versatility. The GPS allowed for accurate navigation and location-based apps. Sensors improved user experience by adapting the device to your usage and environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
The iPhone 3GS offers various features and capabilities. Here are answers to some common questions about its specs and functionality.
What are the processing capabilities of the iPhone 3GS?
The iPhone 3GS is equipped with a 600 MHz ARM Cortex-A8 processor. This chip provides improved performance compared to its predecessor. It enables faster app loading and smoother multitasking.
What is the camera quality of the iPhone 3GS?
The iPhone 3GS features a 3-megapixel camera. It can capture decent photos for its time. The camera also supports video recording at 30 frames per second.
How much storage space does the iPhone 3GS offer?
You can choose between two storage options for the iPhone 3GS:
- 16 GB
- 32 GB
These capacities allow you to store apps, photos, videos, and music on your device.
What are the dimensions and weight of the iPhone 3GS?
The iPhone 3GS has the following physical characteristics:
- Height: 4.5 inches (115.5 mm)
- Width: 2.4 inches (62.1 mm)
- Depth: 0.48 inch (12.3 mm)
- Weight: 4.8 ounces (135 grams)
Which operating system version is supported on the iPhone 3GS?
The iPhone 3GS initially ran iOS 3. It can be updated to iOS 6.1.6. This was the last supported version for this model.
What types of connectivity does the iPhone 3GS support?
The iPhone 3GS supports various connectivity options:
- 2G: GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
- 3G: HSDPA
- Wi-Fi 802.11b/g
- Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR
These options allow you to connect to cellular networks and other devices.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Processor | 600 MHz ARM Cortex-A8 |
| Camera | 3-megapixel |
| Storage | 16 GB or 32 GB |
| OS | Up to iOS 6.1.6 |
| Display | 3.5-inch, 320×480 pixels |
What does the “S” in 3GS stand for?
It stands for “Speed,” highlighting the performance improvements over the iPhone 3G.
Can I still use an iPhone 3GS today?
While you can, its limited features and lack of support for modern apps and networks make it impractical for most users. It’s more of a collector’s item now.
