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Video review
The iPhone is under attack. With Nokia’s N97 arriving from the north, a quickly mobilizing Android army and even Windows Mobile looking threatening thanks to HTC’s beautifully skinned Touch Diamond2 and Touch Pro2, the smartphone war has never been so hot.
Apple had to respond, and it has with the arrival of the iPhone 3G S. It looks exactly like its predecessor, but the 3G S fixes the most of iPhone’s flaws: it’s faster, takes better pictures, captures video and now offers 32GB storage. But the great leap forward isn’t the hardware – it’s the 3.0 software, available as a free update to all existing iPhone users.
Better camera
On paper, the iPhone’s new 3MP camera still lags behind rivals. But thanks to autofocus and exposure adjustments – activated by neat ‘tap to focus’ software – picture quality is improved.
The lack of flash, however, is criminal – particularly as the low-light performance of the 3G S isn't as good as that of the 3G. This is immensely frustrating at parties, gigs and other nocturnal pursuits.
On the plus side, the iPhone now takes VGA video, captured at between 15 and 30 frames per second depending on available light.
Once you've captured a clip, you can use the timeline trim the start and end off before sending by MMS (for the cost of four SMS credits), email, or uploading to YouTube.
Editing is a destructive process, so you lose what you chop, and you can't fix two clips together - but it's supremely easy to use. YouTube better expect a new deluge. (The maximum file size to upload over 3G is 10MB, and the max MMS size is 300k).
Twice as fast – and more roomy
With a new 600MHz processor (up from 412MHz) and double the RAM, the iPhone 3G S is – according to Apple – twice as fast as the 3G (and 9x as fast at Javascript).
And, boy, does it feel faster. It means the end to those frustrating lags that have developed as the iPhone's software has become more sophisticated without the hardware catching up. There’s more space for your apps and music, too, with max capacity doubled to 32GB.
Theoretically, the iPhone's 3G S's download speeds have doubled to 7.2Mbps, but O2 is only just beginning the process of upgrading its 3G network to deliver those speeds.
More juice
Apple claims the new iPhone battery will allow 30% more Wi-Fi web browsing on a single charge. Audio playback is up 25% to 24 hours. Talktime is up 20% on 2G networks but the same (5 hours) on 3G networks. Our tests (albeit versus a year-old iPhone 3G) suggested Apple’s claims were conservative.
There are a couple of other minor tweaks to the iPhone 3G S hardware – a compass (or magnetometer), an integrated receiver for Nike+ and a new smudge-resistant screen coating.
Exclusive appsOf course, the new iPhone runs the new iPhone 3.0 software, which brings powerful new features like search, turn-by-turn navigation, peer-to-peer sharing and internet tethering (not to mention implementing basics like copy and paste, picture messaging and landscape typing). You can find out all about these features - and why current iPhone users should upgrade – over at our iPhone 3.0 review.
Review continues after the break...
But the iPhone 3G S has some exclusive apps, too. Hold down the home button or in-line mic button and you can issue commands to your iPhone. Gimmicky? Yes. But pretty darned cool, too.
You can name a contact to call them, or control iTunes playback – you can even ask what song is playing, and get the iPhone to create a playlist of similar tracks. The iPhone doesn't learn your voice, though, so, choosing between 'Ryan Adams' from 'Bryan Adams' is a elocutionary challenge.
Boy Scouts will be woggling with joy over the new Compass app, which takes advantage of the 3G S’s magnetometer. Expect games and ‘enhanced reality’ apps to follow suit very quickly – Google Maps on the 3G S already shows which way you’re facing. It surely can't be long before Street View will tell you details about the building that you're facing.
Stop gap
The 3G S addresses the iPhone's biggest flaws without providing a great leap forward. The name – and lack of external design changes – reinforces the idea that the S is a stop-gap measure. For existing iPhoners, it'll be hard justify upgrading from unless you're desperate for the extra capacity.
But together with the iPhone 3.0 software, the 3G S provides an even stronger platform for the app developers who have already turned the iPhone from a mere mobile into a social phenomenom.
And while some decent rivals are finally appearing, the likes of the Palm Pre, Nokia N97 and HTC Magic are going to find it difficult – if not impossible – to match the iPhone's momentum.
Tech Specs
- Bluetooth
- Yes
- Dedicated MP3 player software
- Yes
- Dimensions
- 115.5x62.1x12.3mm
- FM radio
- No
- Main camera resolution
- 3MP
- Operating system
- Mac OS X
- Quad band
- Yes
- Screen resolution
- 480x320
- Screen size
- 3.5in
- Standby time
- 300 hours
- Storage
- 16GB, 32GB
- Supported music formats
- AAC, MP3, MP3 VBR, Apple Lossless, AIFF, WAV
- Talktime
- 12 hours
- Video resolution
- VGA
- Weight
- 135g
- Wi-Fi
- Yes
- Xenon flash
- No
Comments
danny223
5 weeks ago
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ria22
8 weeks ago
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inter4522
10 weeks ago
I am glad to see the 4g come out. The is definitely going to speed things up. The speed will blow you away. I just love it. actos lawsuit
ErickSebastian
12 weeks ago
Many people using this stuff, but I think now they have change to use the newer version of iPhone. Technology is always growing.
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petermarco
14 weeks ago
Well, compare to recently released iPhone 4S, this was nothing. But, maybe i should buy this one because it's already scroll down the price since there are 4S.
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romanbalick
18 weeks ago
interesting and impressive review, thanks.
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ggreen_007
22 weeks ago
Apple have continued to improve, create and generate market. The competitors are struggling to maintain their share of this largely Apple communication market.
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bynes69
23 weeks ago
its good to see this information in your post, i was looking the same but there was not any proper resource.
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adelino
25 weeks ago
Unfortunately, I do not know what exactly is the core issue of this. Hence, perhaps, better if the authors make some sort of list of issues. safety signs
mierusozenito
25 weeks ago
It is not easy to learn skiing like this. Because indeed, to be able to master it, it takes persistence and tenacity during practice. London Escort Agency
romealpha
26 weeks ago
If politics had reached what it says something sincere and pure love. Then love has been tainted, and not sincere and pure as it once was.
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Susancai114
27 weeks ago
The review of iPhone 3G S is worth a read. From it, we have a better understanding. hearing aid manufacturers
slippyhelen
38 weeks ago
It taught me to love again.
Emmakew
49 weeks ago
My original one of these broke when my baby spilt a beaker of water which caught the phone as it was in the bottom of the buggy (only half a beaker if that) what I didnt realise is that water damage isnt covered (I had a pay as you go 3GS) and also a pink liquid is produced so that any phone shop can tell that the problem is water damage and hense not give you a replacement.
I have a new 3GS now but Iam VERY careful with it as is didnt take alot of water to produce the pink liquid from within the phone.
Lowey
1 year ago
Best Phone ever! Not sure if I even need to get the 4?
CLEM67
1 year ago
Get that Iphone for free?????????????
U just have to click on the link and souscribe...
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lilcy
1 year ago
well, Now the iphone 4 is on fire, and gatheres so many fans, even many have already keep an iPhone 3Gs.
Actually I wanna get an iPhone 4 too, I have to admit that it's a corker of a handset, the picture definition ...I'm speachless....personally I really like the grouping of appps much tidier than before and the camera zoom.
Then, Im interested in that what are the differences between the iPhone 4 & iPhone 3GS? this article just give me some thoughts: http://www.ifunia.com/iphone-column/the-difference-between-iphone4-and-iphone3gs.html
adammcguk
1 year ago
I got mine free from http://www.freeipodsuk.com - Check it out!
Defunctus
1 year ago
I have had iPhone 2G, 3G and 3Gs. The 3Gs is the far better of them all. But if you do not jailbreak it is a high quality phone you can make calls from just like anyother. If you want to experience the iphone the way it is supposed to you need a jailbreak or you could just as well use an old Nokia 5110.
I ordered a Nexus One cus it seems a bit more nerdie and fun.
Ranga
1 year ago
I'm going for iPhone.Its the best in the business
saintsi
1 year ago
I'm giving Freebie Jeebies a try for a free iPhone 3GS 32Gb: http://apple.freebiejeebies.co.uk/278525
Check it out if you want to try too. I figured as there is nothing to lose, why not.
They have iPads now too!
saintsi
1 year ago
I'm giving Freebie Jeebies a try for a free iPhone 3GS 32Gb: http://apple.freebiejeebies.co.uk/278525
Check it out if you want to try too. I figured as there is nothing to lose, why not.
jamafoley
1 year ago
If you want a free iphone 3gs:
http://apple.freebiejeebies.co.uk/243470
Trust me, it really works!!
dickie2501
1 year ago
3 out 5 cos it has no flash support all style and no substance if it had flash it would be transformed
Dynamic Webb
2 years ago
Awesome phone!!! Definate 5 stars.
If apple wants to add flash support, LED flash and FM or DAB radio, then iPhone can have 6 stars.
steve2039
2 years ago
Upgraded from Iphone 2G to the 3GS and there is a big difference. Speed. It's well worth the upgrade. I did dabble with the N97 and Blackberry Storm and both fall well short of this. Ok they could of slightly updated the design, having the same looking phone for 3 years seems a bit weird but with the best Apps on the market you can never get bored.
I am also using this phone for busness now with Exchange and it works perfectly.
leathnelson
2 years ago
Well this is my first apple iphone the 3gs and it is awesome. The wife has the old 2g 8gb, mine the 3gs and 32 gb which is mind blowing how they can fit so much memory in such a small space. I use it to back up the photo's on my laptop plus music and much more.
The 3gs is so much better than the old 2g, the reception is better the speed is twice if not three times as fast. Been a nokia user for so long i thought i would slate the iphone but no I love it. You are probaly wondering why I didn't go for the n97 but it just dosn't cut the mustard. Ok the iphone has got it's faults like the camera isn't that great but you can download applications for it like photo genuis which sorts alot of the camera problems out. The battery life is dismal, do i care no, i charge it every night unlike my nokia n82 which was once a week. I guess the difference is that with the nokia i would use it for calls and texting and the odd photo. The iphone 3 gs i use it for everything from email to weather to conversion aplications and i seem to be using the internet heaps as it is really fast especially on 3g coverage.
So all in all well done apple for producing a neat bit of kit. Just need to talk the wife into buying a apple imac now that would top off my apple experiance.
elliso5197
2 years ago
I dont see why everyone is paying for it... get it for free!!! All u need is to get 27 people to sign up to love film via freebijeebies on a 2 week free trial and they send u one for free... I did and ive got a mac laptop, touch and iphone, bbc even did a documentry on it.. best advice i can give you.
http://apple.freebiejeebies.co.uk/132294 if u want a hand just email me at joshua@ellisonmf.co.uk
adammcg
2 years ago
I got my iPhone 3G COMPLETELY FREE @
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elliso5197
2 years ago
I dont see why everyone is paying for it... get it for free!!! All u need is to get 27 people to sign up to love film via freebijeebies on a 2 week free trial and they send u one for free... I did and ive got a mac laptop, touch and iphone, bbc even did a documentry on it.. best advice i can give you.
http://apple.freebiejeebies.co.uk/132294 if u want a hand just email me at joshua@ellisonmf.co.uk
Shaun14
2 years ago
What can i say, had a iphone 2g from day one, and yes this phone is expensive but easily the best phone ive seen, most of my friends have started to get this after seeing mine, absolutely brilliant, jailbreak it even gets better.
Phone 10 out of 10
Price is a bit to much
YouGov
2 years ago
http://Apple.Kudosnetwork.co.uk/5412
How do I get a Free Apple iPhone 3GS? Easy. I got my Free iPhone 3GS from the KudosNetwork and so can you! It's so easy to get your free iPhone through these easy to follow steps because these companies bank on you thinking they are scams, but once you know how to earn one free gift, you can earn them all.
This method has been proven to work by the BBC and CNN. If you follow the Three Simple Steps of signing up, completing a single offer and referring a few friends, I guarantee you will receive your free gift!
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andovertabler
2 years ago
I've had the 3G S for a couple of months and I have to say it is utterly brilliant. In twenty years of mobile phone ownership, I guess unsurprisingly, nothing has come close.
Yes it is expensive. I am someone who has tended to negotiate with phone companies to get the latest 'must have' handsets at a huge discount on release. But not this time. I paid the huge wedge of cash, on top of a large monthly contract for my 32GB of iPhone - and it was worth every penny.
Whatever app you want, you are bound to find it in the app store.
It took me a while to buy in to the iPhone phenomenon, but I am completely sold on it now.
ankjohnson
2 years ago
It's a brilliat phone. It may not all the bells and whistles of say a Windows Mobile phone (just changed from Xperia), in terms of what most of us actually do on a small screened phone it does heaps brilliantly and intuitivel.
salesplaza
2 years ago
They are Brand New, Unlocked, Original, Full accessories and come with
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ashleyred23
2 years ago
It's a good phone but trying to get it on pay as you go isn't easy I've been trying for a month with no luck and you have more chance of finding a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. If you ring 02 about the phone they tell you they don't have any in stock and they can't tell you when they are going to get any.
Rev Aardvark
2 years ago
Will somebody please translate as to what on earth gadgetlover123 is on about. It makes no sense whatsoever.
gadgetlover123
2 years ago
Woah! Here goes Apple again! But I am bit hesitate to but becoz I think are going to release ANOTHER iphone next year! Also there is HOT competition from Palm Pre and the Garmin phone!Sorry but NOTHING will beat the iphone!
bauhiniac
2 years ago
Anyway, When Apple disables iTunes sync feature on Palm Pre, how to remove drm video to Palm Pre?
the same as remove drm for iPhone 3GS
http://www.dvd-ripper-copy.com/articles/apple-disables-itunes-sync-on-palm-pre-how-to-remove-drm-video-to-palm-pre.html
henriklykke
2 years ago
Watch movie on my Apple iphone 3gs. it's great
http://www.dvd-ripper-copy.com/dvd-to-iphone-converter.html#165
rat123
2 years ago
Apple iphone 3gs is nothing less than a miracle... im fond it so much. I came across a guide "How to convert FLV files to IPhone 3GS from YouTube, My space etc." and share it here
http://www.flash-on-tv.com/resource/flv-to-iphone-converter.html#135
kthmaxwell
2 years ago
I got my 3gs yesterday morning and if im honest its quite over rated for what it is. I had the previous iphone and the speed upgrade isnt that noticeable at all even when using intensively. I mean its marginal if your were to put it next to the previous model and I have.
If your mouth is watering and you want one of these then dont waste your saliva, you seriously are not missing out on much. and the video capture should of been on the 1st iphone
kthmaxwell
2 years ago
I got my one yesterday morning and if im honest its quite over rated for what it is. I had the previous iphone and the speed upgrade isnt that noticeable at all even when using intensively. I mean its marginal if your were to put it next to the previous model and I have.
If your mouth is watering and you want one of these then dont waste your saliva, you seriously are not missing out on much. and the video capture should of been on the 1st iphone
kacey68
2 years ago
So where are the 'User (ie: owners of the 3GS) reviews... All I'm reading here is peoples opinions - not actual user reviews. The heading should be called 'Opinions'
Reece K
2 years ago
this phone is brillint as far as i can see their are no flaws and the design is the best i have ever seen. everyone should own this phone
Snige
2 years ago
con= Same old design??!!!
Yeah cos it's just hideous aint it?!
amberain
2 years ago
the voice control and enhanced video shooting is attractive to me, of course, the advanced 3D graphics support for complicated games, and glossy back with fingerprint-resistant coating.
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