SpecEagle
Launch report · Apple

iPhone 3GS: The 2009 "S" — the speed bump that added video recording.

SpecEagle Editorial·Jun 2009·$599·Score 14/100

The iPhone 3GS added video capture, Voice Control and a speed bump. A long-selling model in its day — now a piece of smartphone history.

Key specs at launch

Display
3.5" LCD
Chipset
Samsung S5PC100
Memory
256 MB · 16 GB
Main cam
3 MP
Battery
1,219 mAh
Weight
135 g
What stands out
  • Added video recording and a faster processor.
  • Introduced Voice Control and cut/copy/paste (iPhone OS 3).
  • A long-lived model — sold for three years.
  • Compass and autofocus camera.
What to watch
  • Plastic back; low-res 480 × 320 display.
  • No front camera; 256 MB RAM.
  • No LTE; stuck on iOS 6.
  • Discontinued — a true vintage device.
The phone it has to beat
HTC Desire (original 2010)
$500 · score 74/100