Apple iPhone 3GS: A Closer Look at Specs and Cameras

iOS 3

Samsung S5PC100

PowerVR SGX535

256 MB / 8 GB

3.5 inch (320 x 480 px)

3.15 MP, 2048 x 1536 px, autofocus

Apple announced the launch of the iPhone 3GS smartphone in 2009. The manufacturer is offering the Apple iPhone 3GS phone with 3.5 inch display, Samsung S5PC100 chipset, 256 MB of RAM and 8 GB of internal storage.

The Apple iPhone 3GS series was launched with iOS 3 pre-installed, but it is upgradable to newer versions of OS as they become available. 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). The single camera setup can be sufficient for many smartphone users, depending on their photography needs and preferences.

Apple iPhone 3GS pictures

The specifications below are based on the official data published by the manufacturer, but we also take user reviews into consideration. If you found an error or something lacking in the specifications above for the Apple iPhone 3GS, then don’t hesitate and signal the problem to us.

Add Apple iPhone 3GS to your comparison

Apple iPhone 3GS specifications

Brand	Apple
Name	iPhone 3GS
Model	IP3GS
Release date	2009

Body

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, which is average compared to most of the smartphones with same size. The dimensions of this Apple smartphone are average (4.55 x 2.44 x 0.48 inch). Smaller smartphones are more compact and easier to carry around, but they may have smaller displays that can be harder to read and interact with.

System

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, but it is upgradable to the next OS. iOS is a mobile operating system developed by Apple and used on its iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch devices. The iPhone 3GS utilizes Samsung S5PC100 SoC (System on a Chip). This CPU can be fast enough for basic phone operations. The iPhone 3GS utilizes PowerVR SGX535 GPU. A GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) is a specialized chip that is primarily designed to handle and accelerate the processing of graphics and visual data. It is responsible for rendering images, videos, and animations on a smartphone screen. PowerVR GPUs are a popular choice for mobile device manufacturers, and are known for their power efficiency and strong performance.

Display

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) is a type of field-effect transistor that is usually used in a liquid crystal display (LCD). This type of display features a thin-film transistor for each individual pixel. In recent years, many smartphone manufacturers have moved towards using other display technologies, such as OLED and AMOLED, which offer some advantages over TFT.

Smaller smartphones are generally more compact and easier to handle. The size of the screen is measured diagonally, from corner to corner. A larger screen typically requires more power to illuminate, which can impact battery life. The display of Apple iPhone 3GS is multitouch capable. Multitouch technology enables the device's touchscreen to detect and interpret multiple touch points on the screen simultaneously.

Memory

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. Most smartphones today come with at least 3 GB or 4 GB of RAM, and some high-end devices have even more. The amount of RAM needed for optimal performance depends on factors such as the operating system, the apps and services you use, and how you use your device. 32 GB of internal storage is generally considered to be the minimum amount of storage you would want in a smartphone. The iPhone 3GS has only 8 GB of internal storage. The memory and the internal storage of the Apple iPhone 3GS (256 MB) cannot be expanded.

Camera

Main camera	3.15 MP, 2048 x 1536 px, autofocus
Flash	no
Selfie camera	no

The iPhone 3GS offers only a single-camera setup. The single camera can still be sufficient for many smartphone users, depending on their photography needs and preferences. The main camera of the iPhone 3GS is equipped with autofocus. An autofocus (or AF) optical system uses a sensor, a control system and a motor to focus on an automatically or manually selected point or area. Very few Android cameras come without autofocus. iPhone 3GS is equipped with a basic camera setup, and it does not have any advanced features. Basic camera setups are designed to fulfill the needs of users who prioritize affordability and basic photography requirements.

Connectivity

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 Apple iPhone 3GS supports 2G and 3G networks only. 3G is obsolete now, because most phones can use 4G and 5G networks. The Apple iPhone 3GS like all modern smartphones, is capable of connecting to Wi-Fi networks. Wi-Fi networks offer several advantages over wired networks, including greater mobility, flexibility, and convenience. The iPhone 3GS supports the latest Bluetooth standards, which offers faster data transfer speeds, better range, and improved reliability compared to previous versions of Bluetooth.

The iPhone 3GS has a GPS receiver. GPS allows smartphones to determine their precise location and provide accurate navigation and mapping services. This includes turn-by-turn directions, real-time traffic updates, points of interest, and alternative routes. The iPhone 3GS isn't NFC (Near Field Communication) capable. NFC is not essential for basic phone functionality, but it can be useful for a variety of tasks and features.

The iPhone 3GS phone doesn't have built-in FM radio receiver. The iPhone 3GS smartphone has a 3.5 mm headphone jack. A 3.5 mm headphone jack is a small round port, that allows you to connect wired headphones or earphones to the device.

Battery

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 which offers high energy, is lightweight and does not require periodic full discharge. The battery of iPhone 3GS isn't removable without voiding the warranty.

Features

Sensors	accelerometer, compass, proximity

Smartphones today come with a wealth of sensors to facilitate a better user experience. The Apple iPhone 3GS smartphone has an accelerometer. The presence of an accelerometer in smartphones enables a range of interactive and intuitive functionalities that enhance the user experience and enable innovative applications. This Apple phones come with proximity sensor. This proximity sensor detects how close the phone is to an outside object, such as your ear. The iPhone 3GS phone comes with a compass sensor. A compass sensor is a device that provides accurate directions in relation to the earth's North and South magnetic poles.

Add Apple iPhone 3GS to your comparison

More Apple smartphones

Check out the following collection of additional Apple phones we have gathered for you. We have carefully curated this list to empower you with a convenient resource for exploring and comparing features, specifications, and capabilities of different Apple phones, helping you make an informed decision when choosing your next device.

Please let us know if you find incorrect information or something isn't working, or if you have a suggestion for improvement.