Disclosure: I have not bought an iPhone 3GS — I’m still unsure if I will. Apple gave me a review unit to play with for 60 days.
I’ve had the new iPhone 3GS for a little over a week now. Using it day-to-day over the course of that time, I have a pretty good feel for it. A good enough feel to answer the question that every single person seems to be asking: “Should I get it?”
The answer to that is not so simple. And so I’m going to break it down a bunch of different ways based mainly on the device’s functionality and who I think is considering buying it. I’ll lay out what someone may be interested in the device for, and then give a “yes” or “no” (or a couple “maybes”) answer on if I think it’s worth it. I’ll follow that up with an explanation.
Here we go:
If you have an original iPhone from 2 years ago? Yes.
Yesterday marked the two-year anniversary for the people who bought the original iPhone on day one in 2007. That also means it marks the official end of those people’s contracts with AT&T (though many are eligible to end them, or get upgrades much earlier). If you’ve had your original iPhone this long, chances are that you’re a fan of it. And if you’re a fan of that version, you’re going to love the iPhone 3GS. Not only will its computing speed blow away that version, but since you skipped the iPhone 3G, you haven’t experienced the big increase in data speed that 3G offers over EDGE.
I’ve talked to a few people who upgraded from the original iPhone to the iPhone 3GS, and all of them cannot believe how much better then device is in its third iteration.
If you have the iPhone 3G? Maybe.
There are simply too many variables at play here to answer this with a simple “yes” or “no.” I’ll address many of them below. But the biggest one for many users right now will be if you’re eligible to get the full $199 and $299 subsidy on the device. Even after AT&T’s relaxing of the rules a bit, most iPhone 3G owners still are not able to get the subsidy yet. If you cannot, I say wait until you can. If you can get the cheaper price now, the iPhone 3GS is probably worth it — if you don’t mind signing your soul over to AT&T for another 2 years. Which leads me to…
If you have never had an iPhone? Yes.
It’s an easy call if you want an iPhone and have never owned one, as this is the best one yet. Definitely get one, unless you have a strong dislike of AT&T. If so, skip to the next question.
If you hate AT&T? No.
This is a big “no.” If you really dislike AT&T, the iPhone 3GS only gives you more reasons to dislike them. MMS still isn’t working. Tethering still isn’t working. The iPhone 3GS has a chip that can handle data transfer speeds of 7.2 Mbps, but AT&T’s network isn’t ready for that, so that data speed is the same as with the iPhone 3G. And that faster AT&T network won’t fully be ready until 2011 — obviously, there will be at least one, and probably two more iterations of the iPhone by then.
And there will likely a version of the iPhone that is not exclusive to AT&T by then as well. That possibility alone should be reason for a lot of people not to sign up for a new two year contract with AT&T. And unfortunately, that means no iPhone 3GS.
If you love video? Yes.
This is a big, emphatic “yes.” I truly believe the iPhone 3GS should have been called the iPhone 3GV, for “Video.” The device is simply great at shooting quick videos and giving you one-button publish capabilities to services like YouTube. While there were some video applications that worked on older jailbroken iPhones, like Qik, the quality of the video with the 3GS is leaps and bounds better. And the trimming capabilities on the phone are very simple to use. And playback looks great on the device. I could go on, but as I said already, if you’re really into video and want a great mobile device for doing it, the iPhone 3GS will be worth it for you. The Flip cam should definitely be scared.
If general speed is your only reason? No.
The iPhone 3GS is noticeably faster than the iPhone 3G, but in my opinion, that speed alone is not worth the upgrade price. One problem is that while apps do load faster, you still have to wait for AT&T’s often shoddy network to connect for many of the apps to work. As I noted above, the iPhone 3GS can handle faster wireless data speeds too, but AT&T’s network isn’t yet up to the same task, so it renders that advantage moot.
I have found myself getting frustrated with using the iPhone 3G after using the 3GS for a while due to the speed difference, but that’s only because I have a point of reference. If you haven’t used a 3GS yet, or don’t use it extensively, you shouldn’t have too much of an issue staying with your iPhone 3G (or buying a new one for $99) and still taking advantage of the new features in the 3.0 software upgrade.
If you’re really into iPhone games? Yes.
Having said all of that about speed, if you’re really into gaming on the device, the faster processor and better graphics chip will undoubtedly be worth it for you. I’ve been playing a bunch of games on the 3GS, including some larger ones like Tiger Woods PGA Tour, and the iPhone 3GS performs much, much better than the iPhone 3G does.
If you’re a developer? Yes.
Likewise with the gaming, if you’re a developer making apps on the iPhone, you’ll undoubtedly love the faster speeds the 3GS offers. Plenty of developers, such as Facebook’s Joe Hewitt, are already raving about this.
If battery life is your main reason? No.
The battery life on the 3GS does seem to be better, but it’s hard to know if that’s just due to the fact that this is a fresher battery compared to the one in the year-old iPhone 3G. Apple has stated that the battery in the 3GS does boost times for certain things (like browsing the web on WiFi), but it also apparently is leading to some overheating.
I’ve also noticed that the auto-brightness setting on the iPhone 3GS is much dimmer than on the iPhone 3G. I’ve done a number of tests to make sure I wasn’t just seeing things, or it wasn’t a one-time fluke. For whatever reason, the iPhone 3GS is much dimmer when auto-brightness is turned on, and this undoubtedly saves some battery life too. The dimmer setting doesn’t bother me at all until I look at it side-by-side with the the iPhone 3G.
The iPhone 3GS also has a feature that allows you to tell you the percentage of your battery has left. This is a pretty nice feature, but it does get a bit nerve-racking.
If you have very oily hands? Yes.
This may sound like a joke, but the iPhone 3GS’s new oleophobic (anti-oil) screen coating really is making a noticeable difference on my iPhone’s screen. While you may assume that my iPhone 3G has a dirtier screen simply because it’s older, I had a protective covering on the screen up until the day before I got the iPhone 3GS, so basically the screens were in the same condition a week ago. Now, one is constantly much more dirty.
If you’re excited about voice control? No.
The voice control feature would seem to be a nice touch, but it’s pretty wonky in my experience with it. More than a few times I’ve tried to tell the device to play music by a certain band, and it will end up calling someone — and without fail it is usually someone I really don’t want to be calling.
The “play more songs like this” which kicks in the iTunes Genius features is by far the best part of the whole thing. Otherwise, it’s just a system that is too slow to activate, and too inaccurate.
If you want a better cameraphone? Yes.
While I’ve already raved about the video capabilities, the camera itself is so much nicer than the iPhone 3G’s. This camera is 3.2 megapixels compared to the old version’s 2 megapixels. But the real difference is with the auto-focus, which turns crap pictures, good.
The camera isn’t as nice as some of the ones found in phones by Nokia, but it’s definitely good enough for your average point-and-shooting in good light.
If you want more storage? Yes.
There’s no denying that having 32 GB (on the more expensive model) versus 16 GB is nice. I remember buying my first iPod five years ago — it was a hard-drive based model with 40 GB of storage. The thing was a brick. Now the iPhone has just about as much storage, which is pretty crazy.
And considering you can now not only shoot movies on this device, but can download them from iTunes with the 3.0 software, you might need that extra space.
For the compass? No.
Don’t get me wrong, the compass is interesting, but aside from Google Maps and maybe the GPS apps, I really don’t see the point of it. And for the first few days I had no idea how to activate the compass features in Google Maps — you have to tap the location button (in the lower left corner) twice. I hope some applications arise that do cool things with it, but I certainly wouldn’t buy the device for this.
Overall? Maybe (See Above).
As I said, there’s really no clear-cut answer as to if you should get the device. You really need to look at the functionality and use cases above, and determine where you reside with regards to those things. If you think a bunch of stuff is missing from the list, you’re probably thinking about features that are a part of the iPhone 3.0 software. Most of those work on the older iPhones as well. If something like cut, copy & paste is most important to you, that works on the iPhone 3G, so it probably makes sense to stick with that device. Or if you don’t have one, consider paying $99 to get one — that seems like a hell of a deal.
If you’re a really big fan of the iPhone, you probably already bought this new model. But it’s the fence-sitters that this post is meant to help. Both those who are unsure if the time is right to get their first iPhone, or if it’s worth it to upgrade.
It’s a tough call — but simplified: If video is the feature you most care about, then get it. If not, consider the iPhone 3G for $99. If you’re worried about AT&T, don’t get either — wait to see if Apple renews its exclusive deal with AT&T next year. Even if it does, you can be sure another phone, more advanced than the iPhone 3GS, will be on the verge of being revealed.
I wish all reviews of phones are like this where they compare a new phone against one or two phones which are already around or part of the same segment.
The decision making becomes so easy. Though I dont have an iPhone I could actually understand everything here.
Cheers
anti-oil screen shot is pretty compelling
too bad its a thoughtless photo of two devices on a non-flat surface reflecting from difference directions
Agreed. Would’ve been a better picture if on a table, exactly side by side instead of on someone’s lap. Laziness perhaps?
I don’t think that the anti-oil is very effective though, he did blend the picture.
I had the 1st gen phone and got the iPhone 3Gs on launch. The 3GS is definitely “oil resistant”. I rarely have to clean it. The 1st gen one had to be cleaned after every call.
A very well written review indeed – I especially like the comparison bit. I would sit tight and hold unto my iPhone 3G for the moment.
I’d also like to experiment other phones (like the Nokia N97
The Nokia N97 is absolutely the worst phone I’ve ever owned. It can’t handle applications, freezes, loses files and will make you want to choke yourself with it.
I sent my first one back and got a new one, thinking it was just a fluke. Unfortunately, I was wrong…
most people make decisions based on emotions.
Great article as it helps u set those aside and try and make a rational decision.
Two of my associates traded in there Treo’s for the 3GS, I bought a 3G because of the price. So far we are all happy with the purchase. Only one app running at a time is a bit annoying, but not a deal breaker. Unless your a real Apple Geek I’d say buy or stick with the 3G. It does it all, just a bit slower.
I am going to disagree with you here. The 3GS is much faster, the camera is amazingly better, the video capabilities are great, voice controls are a good feature, and it has more memory. If apple does allow background apps, its going to be on the 3gs not the 3G as the 3gs has faster process and more RAM. The 3G would get bogged down to easily.
Just a few thoughts.
I totaly agree with you
A good enough feel to answer the question that every single person seems to be asking: “Should I get it?”
And the answer overall was a “maybe”?
I’ll put it like this, 1st generation owners Yes,
2nd generation owners No.
Yeah, but it’s more complicated that just that. If you hate AT&T for example, it’s an easy no for everyone. Overall it’s a maybe, based on all the things I laid out.
A good friend of mine refers to AT&T this way:
“It’s like going to a hooker knowing she has crabs.”
I hate AT&T’s crappy network and the iPhone’s virtual keyboard, but after two years with my 1st Gen iPhone, I’ve yet to find another phone I’d switch to. So I’m off for a crab sandwich later this week.
At least the camera finally got upgraded.
And the crab sandwich does video!
I got the 3GS for two reasons.
1) Camera
2) Compass
The speed was a bonus.
While it may be easy to understand the Camera, the compass, missed entirely in this review, is the most compelling for me.
That’s because I’m interested in the applications which will be appearing soon which display Augmented Reality – using the Camera to view and the Compass to overlay information. This can be for tourist applications, games, business apps – heaps of things. And we’ve not even seen the tip of the iceberg…
Compass is in there briefly, but yeah, I wasn’t really thinking about those types of things. As I said, the Google Maps implementation is neat, but hard to figure out at first.
A tourist application using the compass seems like a good idea.
There’s room for another article in a month’s time when the plethora of augreality apps appear. Such as this one: http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/06/21/layars-augmented-reality-browser-literally-more-than-meets-the-eye/
First one I’ve seen on iPhone is Pocket Universe by Craic Design. It’s an astronomy app that takes advantage of the compass!
Everyone was excited about location based services. I think that ‘heading’ and ‘vector’ will be the NBT!!!!
The compass does indeed make augmented reality apps possible. Macrumors.com covered this angle in this article: http://www.macrumors.com/2009/06/24/demo-of-digital-compass-used-in-an-iphone-app/
The Augmented Reality option is a very compelling one indeed. But how are we sure that the developers won’t have a hard time developing AR apps for the iPhone 3GS?
I should mention I don’t own the newest iteration of the iPhone, and as far as I understand, the compass works well when the screen is parallel to the ground (as to tell which way is the north).
But in case of Augmented Reality apps, the screen will have to be held perpendicularly, to facilitate the comparison between the outside world and the screen itself.
So, is the compass inside the iPhone unidirectional? Does it work correctly when it’s held upright?
If not, the AR dreams are kind of down the toilet.
Can someone who owns the 3GS confirm if the compass works as it should when its upright?
However, for some AR apps, I believe compass might not even be needed. An app could analyze the visual input continuously and after locating your position with the GPS, download and overlay the appropriate labels and images on to the buildings or other objects. It would be just like opening the camera app on your iPhone, only with overlay labels or more. If the visual input analysis is speedy enough, the AR could be applied to the moving screen without the need of a compass.
That’s my two cents.
That’s a *really* good point about the compass – upright compared to parallel to the ground – when it comes to augmented reality apps.
I just tested it and it does seem to still work in both orientations.
cheers,
Kosso
Yes, the iPhone 3Gs compass works correctly in all orientations.
I would ads to this article is the resale value of your iPhone 3G. I was able to sell it for 400, since it is out of contract and other than the iPhone, none of the other accessories were touched or even removed from the box (my old iPhone was stolen, but I had all the accessories and headphones). In a situation like that, selling it and buying the 3Gs was a no-brainer
Considering that Jailbreaking & unlocking is getting harder and more complicated on each upgrade, I would say no.
Considering that in Italy and Switzerland you can buy these babies from Apple shop without contract and I might have some friends there, I would say yes.
To John Topolsky, Ryan Block and the other kids from Engadget..This is how you write a review!!!
You don’t get personal, you don’t write an open letter to the company (¡noʎ ʞɔnɟ) and you must keep it clear and simple.
Super useful review MG☺
Top shelf review. You had me at “oily hands”.
And here is a little evaluation why i think Apple failed by tying iPhone with only one carier.
I’m owner of the small company and when first iPhone was introduced I was keen to buy 4 pieces during 6 months time for me, wife and two collegause but only if I would be able to use it freely with my Base sim card which had fantastic calling and data plans.
In that time I was even ready to spend 600-700 € for each phone.
When iPhone came in Germany and I saw what kind of plans they are offering I decide to buy one, jailbreak it and use it with my Base sim card. Wife and others got Samsung for 200 €
Apple clearly lost almost 2.000 € in my case.
And I can garantee you that there are thousands of people in Germany who have same problem.
If Apple went out with iPhone which is completely free from any carrier they would sell at least double from what they sold until now.
And they would have much happier costumer because most of their complaints are coming from lousy carrier and plans but not because the phone is bad.
True, but Apple can’t dictate all the terms of service as they are partnering with carriers. Carriers, while you might hate them, surely have a large influence over what sort of plans are provided. Do you think Apple wanted to roll out the GS without MMS or tethering? That’s the kind of sloppy, half-assedness you find from telecoms.
How about…
What if you’re deciding between the G2 and the 3GS? Any comparison?
Yep, have some extensive thoughts on that comparison here:
http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/06/21/t-mobile-will-drop-its-second-android-phone-the-mytouch-3g-this-august-for-199/
Ah, thanks that’s great.
i find it rather shortsighted to still recommend the 3G at all for new iphone users (you are actually the first i read to recommend that). if you reckon that they will be using this phone for the next 2 years; a lot of apps, and especially games, wont run fully or properly anymore towards the end of that lifecycle because they will be relying more and more on the capabilities of the 3GS and its successor. 100$ is not big enough a difference to justify this.
also, the compass is indeed much underrated in your post. the argument “could barely figure out how to activate it” is just stupid (no offense).
I got the 3G in mid march for 199 only to see 3GS come out now for the same price and 3G going down to 99 !
Yes, I should have waited and I would have, if I knew 3GS was coming out.
Wait – you are on this site so you do know how to use the internet – everyone and their brother knew a new iPhone was coming in June/July.
Maybe your brother forgot to tell you??
I bought my 3G around the same time, refurbished, for $99. I had no idea a new one was coming out, either. Guess my brother didn’t like me much.
I bought the 3g is February so I feel for you. I sold my 3g for $300 last week on craigslist unlocked and was able to get the 3gs for $399…consider that.
Just wait until next June/July when the release the next version. Simple as that. One of my guesses (hopes) on a feature they will have by then is HD video recording (thus replacing the Flip). I so so wish they had that on this version as I’m hesitant to upgrade now thinking they might have that in a year and I will be in your position.
You say that this article is aimed at those sitting on the fence including “those who are unsure if the time is right to get their first iPhone” but I don’t think it really addresses that category, which includes little old confused me.
There’s no doubting the iPhone is a good product, but there are lots of phones around that have better hardware (and even software) in at least some areas and for fence sitters it’s not which version of the iPhone (although value for money is an issue, and one the 3gs seems painfully short of to me) but how it compares to other, often cheaper phones. Notably the android phones, high end symbians and the pre (on the software front). Is the Apple worth the premium any more?
As an example you go on to say “If video is the feature you most care about, then get it”, but you don’t compare it to any of the other phones (e.g. Nokia/Samsung) that have much better cameras and video.
That said, overall a much less biased article than fence sitters like myself are used to seeing. Thanks!
P.S Am I the only one that really hates these 18/24 month contracts. Hardly ideal for a gadget freak when things move so fast. Bring back yearly contracts!
P.P.S Although Apple have done us all a great favour my focusing all the manufacturers on design, GUI and usability they have also done us the disservice (in the UK at least) of making said stupidly long an dexpensive contracts the norm.
If you accidentally dropped your iPhone 3G into a river, fished it out but it refused to light up after the unfortunate incident? Yes.
Ha. How could I forget that huge market segment!
knowing this is quite notional but don’t you think Apple has to deliver a much bigger upgrade next year same time?
Not only a rebrush of the same device – a completely new device with bigger display maybe, better resolution, some improvements we now are not able to think about?
If thats possible waiting for that, would be an option too!
My contract with 02 is due for renewal in December, but I’m going to wait it out until the iPhone 3X is released next year. I just can’t justify paying the release fee and then the additional cost of the handset.
hey it is called a phone, since it’s supposed to be used for voice calls – what about these qualities?
The current version is less than desirable when it comes to dropped calls and voice – what about the new version?
Voice quality is much stronger, louder and more clear with the 3G S, (from a 2G perspective) I’ve never had much of a problem with dropped calls… 6 or 7 over 2 years with the 2G iphone, so far, zero with the 3G S.
Biggest thing people are noticing is the signal strength is much better. So if you’ve always had a marginal signal with a 2G, getting the 3G S should resolve it.
Keep in mind your 2G iphone is worth $200+ on eBay, so it’s basically a free update.
Excuse my typing the last paragraph should have read:
P.P.S Although Apple have done us all a great favour by focusing all the manufacturers on design, GUI and usability they have also done us the disservice (in the UK at least) of making said stupidly long and expensive contracts the norm.
Hey guys,
I really don’t get you…you complain that the 10 grand competition for Bing is only in Australia, but then you fail to mention anything else other than the shittyness of the AT&T network. If you want good things out of Australia, put good things in.
Get over AT&T.
MG Seigler is my favourite TC writer I think. His articles are always well written and edited and he actually links OUTSIDE of TC alot too. He puts more care into his articles than most others.
I’m in the maybe crowd, I’m sure in a few months the ’speed’ increase will provide a much better browsing/app experience than the 3G but I’m prepared to wait until the next build!
I think there are only 2 types of people in this world… those who have an iphone and those who don’t…
do dont give a damn to any review… if you got some dollars, then get an iphone!
MG you really think you’re too cool for school? I got news for you Walter Cronkite, you aren’t!
Its a great improvement over the old one, just lots of little things add up. Apart from the problems with wifi connection on b/g stopping youtube and video embeds its nearly there. MMS is patchy on sending though, its enabled in the UK once you send a text in.
Why you’re stupid to not get a 3GS! (if eligible and have a 3G) http://tinyurl.com/mbwnsq
I like the format of this article. Well done. One other consideration: If you’re a 3G owner and still “in contract” (which means you’ll pay big bucks for the new phone), consider eBay for your 3G to offset the cost. I listed my 3G for $175 with no reserve and it sold for $290. Since I was still under contract, my price for the 3GS was $499 (32GB model). With the eBay cash, my actual cost was only $209.
True, I’m hearing a lot of those stories, thanks.
Didn’t you have to pay an early termination fee? did you include that in your ‘actual cost’? How about activation fee?
Also, did youget to keep your same phone number?
I purchased a 3G about 3 weeks ago and the phone works ok, but many of the features will go unused for various reasons, however the AT&T service is a joke. Yesterday while talking to my daughter who lives 30 miles away AT&T dropped the connection 4 times during our conversation. The monthly charges boarder on theft, and the 3G network is nowhere to be found, and AT&T can’t or won’t give a projected date for 3G service. Unless the contract is changed and other providers are made available I will be ditching my iPhone and AT&T at the end of the contract period.
I agree that if ATT does not work for you, then the iPhone is pretty useless. I tried a 3G back in March and the network caused me to return it in 1 week. I tried again this Saturday with a new 3GS b/c I heard the network had improved in my area. It has and I have 3G where I did not before – and it is about 50% faster than my Sprint coverage.
When ATT’s network is working, this is one sweet device.
The iPhone 3G is the best phone type device I’ve ever owned. I was hoping this article would push me over the fence for the iPhone 3GS. But alas, I’m still thinking.
I wish the article would have compared the actual phone. Are the guts of the actual phone part the same? The iPhones 3G ringer is way to soft to be heard in anything but a quite room and it’s noise cancellation when using the phone in a loud place is at least a generation behind the phones like the razor.