Go To Latest Video ReviewsApple Announces Faster 'iPhone 3G S'
| Author | Gordon Kelly |
| Published | 8th Jun 2009 |
56 comments
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TrustedReviews NewslettersSo we got exactly what we expected...
Apple has today unveiled the 'iPhone 3G S' - the third generation of its handset line with a focus on faster performance, better battery life and video recording. And yes, the 'S' stands for 'Speed'.
So the new stuff:
- 7.2Mbit HSDPA
- 2-3x faster operation (no CPU/Memory figures were revealed)
- A 3 megapixel camera with autofocus & macro mode
- Video recording at up to 30fps VGA with built in editing
- The long expected Digital Compass
- 16GB and 32GB capacity options
- Battery life boosted to 9 hours WiFi surfing, 10 hours video playback, 30 hours continuous audio, 12 hours of 2G talk time and 5 hours of 3G talk time (read: hopefully enough to get us through the day)
What we didn't see includes:
- Larger/higher resolution/OLED screen (it remains 3.5in 320 x 480 pixels)
- Design overhaul
- Qwerty keyboard or 'nano' edition
- Front mounted camera for video calls
- microSD support (never likely)
- An FM tuner
- The much rumoured rubberised new back
- A camera flash
- A significant change in weight or dimensions
In sum - and an attempt to bring some sanity to the wailing (both positive and negative) you're likely to find around the web - this is exactly what was anticipated. The enhancements are most welcome though it didn't seem too much to ask for an OLED display and LED/Xenon flash. Importantly, we have no issue with the 3MP camera resolution - our reaction will depend entirely on how well/poorly Apple has implemented the image processing and light sensor.
All in all, we have a sensible third generation device, if not a thrilling one.
In related news iPhone OS 3.0 will launch on 17 June with the usual free-for-iPhone-owners-$9.95-for-iPod-touch system. Touch owners looking for some consolation, I'd expect a 64GB version in the not too distant future.
Other than this much was repeated from the previous iPhone OS 3.0 announcement though titbits include 3x faster browser Javascript performance and automatic form filling, a TomTom turn-by-turn app due this summer and Html5 support. The launch of an In-app book store with more than 50 major magazines, 150 daily papers and 1m books is noteworthy too while the new MobileMe 'Find My iPhone' feature may finally add some value to the struggling service thanks to handset geo-location when lost and remote messaging, alarm triggering and secure wiping provided.
For an extensive list of previously announced iPhone OS 3.0 features (there are a lot) check the links below. So could've been better, could've been worse...
Link:
Apple iPhone 3GS
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ALEXANDER HURWITZ said on 9th June 2009
madeofsquares said on 9th June 2009
I honestly couldn't care less. I got an 8mb iPhone as my yearlyupgrade in February, been more than happy with it so far – but I'm not about to start complaining that Appl... more
xbrumster said on 9th June 2009
O2 has really ass-ed it. I was gonna join the iphone fan base when my current contract finishes in Sep with 3. It seems never forever.
Isn't there a rumour saying o2 wi... more
Kanu said on 10th June 2009
Hot breh, I have the HTC Touch Diamond 2 right now - with Windows Mobile. Fact is, its a pretty damn good phone - as is confiremed by a review here on this website.
... more
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What a loads of boohocky!! (love that word). I am sympathetic to all those new buyers of iPhones, I myself can not see thepoint of forking out a bucket load of cash to upgrade a ph... more