Apple iPhone 3GS: Pros and Cons
Apple announced the launch of the iPhone 3GS smartphone in 2009. The manufacturer is offering this smartphone with 3.5 inch TFT display, Samsung S5PC100 SoC, and 256 MB of RAM. The iPhone 3GS series was launched with iOS 3 pre-installed, but it is upgradable. The 3.5 inch phone comes with a TFT display (320 x 480 px). This smartphone has a single camera on the back (3.15 MP, 2048 x 1536 px, autofocus).
Table of Contents
- Apple iPhone 3GS specifications
- Weight, dimensions, colors
- System, chipset, performance
- Display type, size, resolution
- Memory, storage
- Cameras, flash
- Connectivity, network, wireless
- Battery type, capacity, charger
- Features, sensors, specials
- Verdict, pros and cons
This article shares our personal experiences and thoughts about using the Apple iPhone 3GS smartphone. We hope to offer helpful insights to others interested in this device. The specifications below are from the official manufacturer data, but we also consider user reviews. If you've seen any mistakes or things missing in these specifications, please let us know.
Apple iPhone 3GS specifications
| Brand | Apple |
|---|---|
| Name | iPhone 3GS |
| Model | IP3GS |
| Release date | 2009 |
Weight, dimensions, colors
| Weight | 4.76 oz |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 4.55 x 2.44 x 0.48 inch |
| Colors | black, white |
| SIM type | Mini SIM |
The weight of Apple iPhone 3GS is about 4.76 oz with battery. This is average for smartphones of the same size.
System, chipset, performance
| OS version | iOS 3 |
|---|---|
| SoC | Samsung S5PC100 |
| CPU | 600 MHz Cortex-A8 |
| GPU | PowerVR SGX535 |
The Apple iPhone 3GS comes with iOS 3 out of the box. iOS is a mobile operating system developed by Apple and used on its iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch devices. The Samsung S5PC100 CPU can be fast enough for basic phone operations. PowerVR GPUs have a reputation for being power-efficient and delivering strong performance.
Display type, size, resolution
| Display type | TFT |
|---|---|
| Screen size | 3.5 inch |
| Resolution | 320 x 480 px |
| Multitouch support | yes |
The 3.5 inch phone comes with TFT display. A thin-film transistor (TFT) features a thin-film transistor for each individual pixel. Smaller smartphones are generally more compact and easier to handle. The size of the screen is measured diagonally, from corner to corner.
Memory, storage
| RAM | 256 MB |
|---|---|
| Internal storage | 8 GB |
| Memory card slot | no |
256 MB of RAM is not typically considered to be enough for a smartphone. The needed RAM amount for good performance depends on factors. These include the OS, the apps, and the services you use. Most people think a smartphone needs at least 32 GB of storage. The iPhone 3GS has only 8 GB. The internal storage of the Apple iPhone 3GS (256 MB) cannot be expanded.
Cameras, flash
| Main camera | 3.15 MP, 2048 x 1536 px, autofocus |
|---|---|
| Flash | no |
| Selfie camera | no |
The single camera can be enough for many smartphone users. It depends on their photography needs and preferences. The iPhone 3GS comes with a basic camera setup and lacks any advanced features.
Connectivity, network, wireless
| GSM 2G bands | 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
|---|---|
| Network coverage | 2G / 3G |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g |
| Bluetooth | v2.1, A2DP |
| GPS | A-GPS |
| NFC | no |
| FM radio | no |
| USB | 30-pin dock connector |
| Headphone | 3.5 mm jack |
The 3G is obsolete now, because most phones can use 4G and 5G networks. The phone is capable of connecting to Wi-Fi networks. The iPhone 3GS smartphone is capable of connecting to Bluetooth devices. The GPS allows this smartphone to find their exact location. It provides accurate navigation and mapping. The phone isn't NFC (Near Field Communication) capable. NFC is not essential for basic phone functionality, but it can be useful. The 3.5 mm headphone jack allows you to connect wired headphones or earphones to the device.
Battery type, capacity, charger
| Type | Li-Ion 1219 mAh, non-removable |
|---|
The Li-Ion 1219 mAh, non-removable battery gives the smartphone a good battery backup. The Li-ion is a low maintenance battery. It does not need periodic full discharge. The battery of iPhone 3GS isn't removable without voiding the warranty.
Features, sensors, specials
| Sensors | accelerometer, compass, proximity |
|---|
Today, smartphones come with many sensors. They help make the user experience better. The iPhone 3GS smartphone has an accelerometer.
Verdict, pros and cons
Every phone has its strengths and weaknesses, and this Apple phone is no exception. As with any device, there are aspects that shine and others that fall short. By examining both sides, we can paint a complete picture of what this phone has to offer. Let's explore its standout features and areas for improvement. Remember, this is just my opinion, and yours might be different.
Pros
- none
Cons
- TFT display
- limited-size screen
- insufficient memory
- insufficient internal storage
- non-expandable storage
- single camera setup
- no OIS function
- no 4G support
- no 5G support
- no NFC feature
- low-capacity battery
- no fingerprint reader
Please let us know if you find incorrect information or something isn't working. Also, tell us if you have a suggestion for improvement.
I'm Lucas Bradley, the founder of the Phone42.com site. I love technology, especially smartphones, and I've been working with tech stuff for more than 20 years. This means I've seen a lot of changes and have learned a bunch about what makes a good phone. On Phone42.com, I look at all kinds of phones. They can be from big, well-known companies or new ones trying to make their mark. I want to help people understand what's new and cool in the world of smartphones, in a way that's easy to get.