iPhone 3GS
The 2009 "S" — the speed bump that added video recording.
The iPhone 3GS is a flagship Apple smartphone released Jun 2009, with a launch price of $599. It pairs the Samsung S5PC100 with a 3.5" LCD display, a 3 MP main camera and a 1,219 mAh battery. In SpecEagle's editorial review it scores 14/100 — The 2009 "S" that finally let the iPhone shoot video. Standout strengths: added video recording and a faster processor. and introduced voice control and cut/copy/paste (iphone os 3). Main trade-off: plastic back; low-res 480 × 320 display.
The 2009 "S" that finally let the iPhone shoot video.
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.
Read the full review- 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.
Full specifications
Benchmarks
How the iPhone 3GS compares
| iPhone 3GS | Galaxy S II | iPhone 3G | |
|---|---|---|---|
| SpecEagle score | 14 | 16 | 10 |
| Chipset | Samsung S5PC100 | Exynos 4210 | Samsung S5L8900 |
| Display | 3.5" LCD | 4.3" WVGA AMOLED | 3.5" LCD |
| Main camera | 3 MP | 8 MP · f/2.65 | 2 MP |
| Battery | 1,219 mAh | 1,650 mAh | 1,150 mAh |
| Launch price | $599 | $529 | $199 |
Frequently asked questions
When was the iPhone 3GS released?
The iPhone 3GS was released in Jun 2009.
How much does the iPhone 3GS cost?
The iPhone 3GS launched at $599 (manufacturer suggested price at release; street and second-hand prices vary by region, storage tier and time since launch).
What is the iPhone 3GS screen size and type?
The iPhone 3GS has a 3.5" LCD display.
What chipset does the iPhone 3GS use?
The iPhone 3GS is powered by the Samsung S5PC100 chipset.
How much RAM and storage does the iPhone 3GS have?
The iPhone 3GS ships with 256 MB · 16 GB (RAM · base storage); higher configurations may be available.
What is the iPhone 3GS battery capacity?
The iPhone 3GS has a 1,219 mAh battery.
How fast does the iPhone 3GS charge?
The iPhone 3GS supports ~5 W (30-pin dock) wired charging.
Does the iPhone 3GS have wireless charging?
The iPhone 3GS does not support wireless charging.
What is the iPhone 3GS main camera?
The iPhone 3GS has a 3 MP main camera.
How much does the iPhone 3GS weigh?
The iPhone 3GS weighs 135 g.
What colours does the iPhone 3GS come in?
The iPhone 3GS is available in 2 colours: Black, White.
Is the iPhone 3GS worth buying?
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. SpecEagle gives the iPhone 3GS an editorial score of 14/100.
Owner opinions
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