When we look back at the history of smartphones, few devices have made as significant an impact as the Apple iPhone 3GS. First released on June 8, 2009, this groundbreaking device set new standards for mobile technology and user experience1. Even today, it serves as an important milestone in the evolution of mobile devices. In this blog post, we’ll explore the remarkable features of the iPhone 3GS, compare it with its competitors, and examine why it remains such an important device in smartphone history.
The Power of Speed and Performance
The “S” in iPhone 3GS stood for “Speed,” and Apple delivered exactly that. With significant upgrades over its predecessor, the iPhone 3GS offered users a faster, more responsive experience that was unprecedented at the time.
The device was powered by a 600 MHz ARM Cortex-A8 processor and PowerVR SGX535 GPU, which provided noticeably faster performance compared to previous models and competitors15. This enhanced processing power meant quicker app launches, smoother navigation, and better gaming experiences. The iPhone 3GS also came with 256MB of RAM, which was double the amount found in the previous iPhone 3G, contributing significantly to its improved performance.
Display and Design: Sleek and Functional
The iPhone 3GS maintained the iconic design of its predecessors but with important improvements. It featured a 3.5-inch multi-touch display with a resolution of 480×320 pixels and a density of 163 pixels per inch (ppi)4. The screen also featured an oleophobic coating that resisted fingerprints and smudges, keeping the display clearer for longer periods.
The device’s dimensions were 115.5 mm x 62.1 mm x 12.3 mm (4.5 x 2.4 x 0.48 inches), and it weighed just 135 grams (4.8 ounces), making it comfortable to hold and use for extended periods.
Camera Capabilities: A Significant Leap Forward
For many users, the camera improvements were the most exciting upgrade in the iPhone 3GS. It featured a 3-megapixel camera with autofocus and tap-to-focus functionality, allowing users to capture clearer, sharper images than ever before14. The camera also supported video recording at VGA quality (640×480 pixels) at 30 frames per second—a feature that was still relatively new in smartphones at the time.
The addition of photo geotagging was another innovative feature, allowing users to record the location where photos were taken, which paved the way for many location-based services we use today.
Storage and Connectivity Options
The iPhone 3GS was available in three storage capacities: 8GB, 16GB, and 32GB1. This generous storage space allowed users to carry extensive music libraries, photos, videos, and apps on their devices.
In terms of connectivity, the device supported:
- UMTS/HSDPA (850, 1900, 2100 MHz)
- GSM/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz)
- Wi-Fi 802.11b/g
- Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR4
These connectivity options ensured that users could stay connected wherever they went, whether through cellular networks or local Wi-Fi hotspots.
Battery Life: All-Day Performance
The iPhone 3GS was equipped with a built-in 1220 mAh lithium-ion battery that provided impressive battery life for its time1. Apple claimed the device could offer:
- Up to 5 hours of 3G talk time
- Up to 12 hours of 2G talk time
- Up to 5 hours of 3G internet use
- Up to 9 hours of Wi-Fi internet use
- Up to 10 hours of video playback
- Up to 30 hours of audio playback
- Up to 300 hours of standby time
iPhone 3GS vs. Competitors: How It Stacked Up
When the iPhone 3GS was released, it faced competition from several Android devices that were beginning to gain traction in the market. Here’s how it compared to some of its main competitors:
| Feature | Apple iPhone 3GS | Google Nexus One | HTC Hero | Moto Milestone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Display | 3.5″ TFT, 480×320 px | 3.7″ AMOLED, 800×480 px | 3.2″ TFT, 320×480 px | 3.7″ TFT, 854×480 px |
| Camera | 3MP, autofocus, video | 5MP, autofocus, LED flash | 5MP, autofocus | 5MP, autofocus, LED flash |
| Processor | 600 MHz ARM Cortex-A8 | 1GHz Snapdragon QSD8250 | 528 MHz Qualcomm MSM7200A | 550 MHz ARM Cortex-A8 |
| Memory | 256MB RAM | 512MB RAM | 288MB RAM | 256MB RAM |
| Storage | 8/16/32GB (non-expandable) | 512MB ROM, microSD expansion | 512MB ROM, microSD expansion | 8GB, microSD expansion |
| Battery | 1220 mAh (non-removable) | 1400 mAh (removable) | 1350 mAh (removable) | 1400 mAh (removable) |
| Operating System | iOS 3 (upgradable to iOS 6) | Android 2.1 (Éclair) | Android 1.5 (Cupcake) | Android 2.0 (Éclair) |
| Unique Features | Voice control, Nike+ iPod | Trackball navigation, AMOLED | HTC Sense UI, kickstand | QWERTY keyboard, slim design |
As the table shows, while competitors often had superior specifications on paper (particularly in areas like camera resolution), the iPhone 3GS offered a seamless integration of hardware and software that provided a user experience often surpassing that of its competitors.
The App Store Advantage
One of the most significant advantages the iPhone 3GS had over its competitors was access to the App Store2. By 2009, the App Store already offered tens of thousands of applications specifically designed for iOS devices, giving iPhone users access to a vast ecosystem of games, utilities, and productivity tools that Android and other platforms couldn’t match at the time.
This extensive app library, combined with the iPhone 3GS’s improved performance, made for a compelling user experience that kept customers loyal to the Apple ecosystem.
Environmental Initiatives
Apple made notable environmental efforts with the iPhone 3GS, which included:
- PVC-free handset, headphones, and USB cable
- Bromine-free printed circuit boards
- Mercury-free LCD display
- Arsenic-free display glass
- Packaging made primarily from recycled fiberboard and bio-based materials
These initiatives demonstrated Apple’s early commitment to reducing the environmental impact of their products—a concern that has only grown more important among consumers in subsequent years.
Legacy and Impact on Future Smartphones
The iPhone 3GS established several trends that would become standard in future smartphones:
- Annual upgrade cycle: The “S” model tradition continued with subsequent models like the iPhone 4S, 5S, 6S, and so on.
- Focus on performance improvements: The emphasis on speed and internal upgrades over external changes became a hallmark of “S” models.
- Backward compatibility: The device could run the latest iOS version while maintaining support for older accessories.
- Long-term software support: The iPhone 3GS received software updates for several years, a practice that continues with current iPhone models.
Conclusion: Why the iPhone 3GS Still Matters
The Apple iPhone 3GS was more than just an incremental upgrade; it represented a significant leap forward in smartphone technology and user experience. While its specifications may seem modest by today’s standards, in 2009, it offered a combination of performance, design, and ecosystem integration that was unmatched by its competitors.
For collectors and technology historians, the iPhone 3GS remains an important artifact representing a pivotal moment in smartphone evolution. It demonstrated Apple’s commitment to iterative improvement and set the stage for the company’s continued dominance in the mobile space.
The device’s success also spurred competition, pushing Android manufacturers to improve both their hardware and software offerings, ultimately benefiting consumers across all platforms.