iPhone 3G vs. 3GS - Canadian TV, Computing and Home Theatre Forums

PwrdbyWoody · 2010-05-22, 03:30 PM

Hi,

Cell phones are one area I have limited knowledge of as I refuse to own one.

My wife is looking at picking up an iPhone and I noticed Telus has "refreshed" 3G phones for $29.00

My Question is what is the real difference between the 3G & 3GS?

Her usage is limted to text and some internet use, would the 3G suffice or is the 3GS worth another $120 as they are selling for $149.

Ps. Sorry if a thread is already available, I didn't see any similar.

hkaye · 2010-05-22, 03:45 PM

I have a 3G, it works just great. Run all kinds of apps, plus txt & surf the web. It certainly will do everything your wife needs plus much more.

The 3GS has a better camera, take videos, and a built in compass over the 3G. It also will fully support all the new features of iPhone OS 4.0 when it comes out, while the 3G will support only a subset.

For $29 you won't be disappointed with the 3G.

Coop · 2010-05-22, 04:41 PM

I have the 3Gs and had the opportunity to play with a friends 3G and noticed it is considerably slower at web browsing and opening apps. As Woody has stated your also limited to any future updates on the 3G. I guess if she doesn't see them both at the same time she may never know the difference and can be happy.

99semaj · 2010-05-22, 05:08 PM

For novice use, I'm sure she will be thrilled with the 3G. Besides the differences already mentioned, the 3GS sports a more powerful processor which will handle upcoming advanced features such as multitasking, but that's really only noticeable real power-users.

samurray · 2010-05-23, 01:22 PM

IMO, don't overlook the value of 16GB vs 8GB models (especially at a reduced cost).

Unless you know for certain that she won't want a bunch of photos, music and videos best bet is 16GB. The 8GB model can fill up prett quickly.

BGY11 · 2010-05-23, 04:04 PM

To add to what's been said, I am almost certain the 3G doesn't support the voice dialing/control features like the 3GS (a friend's older 3G didn't support it when he upgraded to OS 3.0).

Also, it only supports 3.6mbps HSPA instead of the faster 7.2mbps service carriers have (or are) rolling out. That can impact web usage, but a casual user may not notice it too much.

There is one more potential thing to consider: Apple is expected to announce the new iPhone in a few weeks. Depending on when it becomes available, you may want to see whether the 3GS drops in price or there is an entry-level version of the new device. Either way, unless she desperately needs a new phone now, it's a little hard recommending purchasing an iPhone on a 3-year contract (especially for a model that is essentially 2 years old now). Yes, the price seems really good for an iPhone, but will it still look like a good deal halfway through your contract?

Something to think about anyways.

prufrock · 2010-05-25, 08:03 PM

Wal-Mart in the US is supposedly dropping the 3G altogether and lowering the 16 GB 3GS price to $99 on a 2-year contract.

I'd wait at least until after WWDC, as others are saying.

Arthur Dent · 2010-05-26, 04:24 PM

At this point in time, with 3GS' price coming down before the release of the next iPhone, it makes zero sense to get 3G. 3GS is much faster than 3G, and it shows immediately and everywhere, 3G is not upgradeable to OS 4.0, and 3GS' camera is much better too. Even for a very light and non-advanced user these are killer advantages.
BTW, this weekend I was in a Wal-mart store here in Calgary, and they announced over the intercom an offer for 3GS for $99 (I guess with a contract) - that effectively should put an end to the discussion.

BGY11 · 2010-05-26, 04:40 PM

That's a really good point that I forgot about. The 3G is also no longer available for order on Apple's online store (at least in the US).

2010-05-22, 03:30 PM	#1
PwrdbyWoody Rookie Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Hamilton, ON - Sony KDS-60A2000, Cogeco PVR, PS3, Denon AV-591, Harmony 880(<- Must Have) Posts: 24	iPhone 3G vs. 3GS Hi, Cell phones are one area I have limited knowledge of as I refuse to own one. My wife is looking at picking up an iPhone and I noticed Telus has "refreshed" 3G phones for $29.00 My Question is what is the real difference between the 3G & 3GS? Her usage is limted to text and some internet use, would the 3G suffice or is the 3GS worth another $120 as they are selling for $149. Ps. Sorry if a thread is already available, I didn't see any similar.

2010-05-22, 03:45 PM	#2
hkaye Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Kitchener, Ontario Posts: 597	I have a 3G, it works just great. Run all kinds of apps, plus txt & surf the web. It certainly will do everything your wife needs plus much more. The 3GS has a better camera, take videos, and a built in compass over the 3G. It also will fully support all the new features of iPhone OS 4.0 when it comes out, while the 3G will support only a subset. For $29 you won't be disappointed with the 3G. __________________ Best DYI TV antenna plans - I use the Bi-Quad Indoor TV Antenna

2010-05-22, 04:41 PM	#3
Coop Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Calgary, Bell Posts: 828	I have the 3Gs and had the opportunity to play with a friends 3G and noticed it is considerably slower at web browsing and opening apps. As Woody has stated your also limited to any future updates on the 3G. I guess if she doesn't see them both at the same time she may never know the difference and can be happy. __________________ Pioneer PDP-6020FD, Denon 3808CI, OPPO BDP-83, HB HTPC, HP MSS, Mirage FRx 7, S10 Sub

2010-05-25, 08:03 PM	#7
prufrock Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Northern BC Posts: 324	Wal-Mart in the US is supposedly dropping the 3G altogether and lowering the 16 GB 3GS price to $99 on a 2-year contract. I'd wait at least until after WWDC, as others are saying. __________________ Panasonic TH50PX77, Choice 530, Samsung 40C650, Sharp LC3742U, Choice 505, Pioneer VSX-D409, Xbox 360, PS3 x 2

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2010-05-22, 05:08 PM	#4
99semaj Veteran Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: /dev/null Posts: 2,664	For novice use, I'm sure she will be thrilled with the 3G. Besides the differences already mentioned, the 3GS sports a more powerful processor which will handle upcoming advanced features such as multitasking, but that's really only noticeable real power-users.

2010-05-23, 01:22 PM	#5
samurray Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Vancouver Posts: 123	IMO, don't overlook the value of 16GB vs 8GB models (especially at a reduced cost). Unless you know for certain that she won't want a bunch of photos, music and videos best bet is 16GB. The 8GB model can fill up prett quickly.

2010-05-23, 04:04 PM	#6
BGY11 Veteran Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Calgary AB Posts: 3,166	To add to what's been said, I am almost certain the 3G doesn't support the voice dialing/control features like the 3GS (a friend's older 3G didn't support it when he upgraded to OS 3.0). Also, it only supports 3.6mbps HSPA instead of the faster 7.2mbps service carriers have (or are) rolling out. That can impact web usage, but a casual user may not notice it too much. There is one more potential thing to consider: Apple is expected to announce the new iPhone in a few weeks. Depending on when it becomes available, you may want to see whether the 3GS drops in price or there is an entry-level version of the new device. Either way, unless she desperately needs a new phone now, it's a little hard recommending purchasing an iPhone on a 3-year contract (especially for a model that is essentially 2 years old now). Yes, the price seems really good for an iPhone, but will it still look like a good deal halfway through your contract? Something to think about anyways.

2010-05-26, 04:24 PM	#8
Arthur Dent Veteran Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Calgary Posts: 2,727	At this point in time, with 3GS' price coming down before the release of the next iPhone, it makes zero sense to get 3G. 3GS is much faster than 3G, and it shows immediately and everywhere, 3G is not upgradeable to OS 4.0, and 3GS' camera is much better too. Even for a very light and non-advanced user these are killer advantages. BTW, this weekend I was in a Wal-mart store here in Calgary, and they announced over the intercom an offer for 3GS for $99 (I guess with a contract) - that effectively should put an end to the discussion.

2010-05-26, 04:40 PM	#9
BGY11 Veteran Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Calgary AB Posts: 3,166	That's a really good point that I forgot about. The 3G is also no longer available for order on Apple's online store (at least in the US).