iPhone 3GS: 2009 Version of Apple's Smartphone

iPhone 3G S: 2009 Version of Apple’s Smartphone

Apple’s iPhone has been a smashing success since its launching. The company has managed to redefine the smart phone market and create a new handheld computing platform. But the rivals don’t let Apple rest on its laurels, they keep it moving and upgrading the products.

So on June, 19 Apple unveiled a refreshed model of the iPhone, called the iPhone 3G S. The new device looks just the same as its predecessor, though it comes not only in black but also in white. It has the same size and shape, so if you possess the 3G, your accessories will still work with the new one.

Let’s see what’s so special about the new version.

Speed. To my mind, it’s the core feature of the 3G S. Actually, the “S” in the name stands for speed. Its processor is 50% faster than in the 3G model and it sports a new graphics chip. Applications do open much more quickly and Web pages load far faster. As a result the device consumes less, which has an impact on the improved battery life.

Battery Life is also an important upgrade. The 3G S provides:

Up to 12 hours of talk time on 2G and 5 on 3G, with up to 300 hour standby time;
5 hours of internet use on 3G;
On Wi-Fi Internet goes up to 9 hours;
Video playback 10 hours and 30 hours for audio.

Another strong point of the new iPhone is Camera. Its resolution has been increased up to 3 megapixels and now it has auto focus, auto exposure, and auto white balance. Besides it supports video (!!!), 30 frames per second VGA with editing features. Feel free to share it via MMS, email, MobileMe and YouTube.

On top of it, there are some new special features to be mentioned:

Voice control. You can dial contacts and control music playback by uttering voice commands. The phone can even tell you which song is playing.
Compass application. Along with the magnetometer, it points your location in the general direction of North.
Nike+ support provides you with all the running features you use on any other Nike+ device.

The iPhone 3G S is a real step forward in the iPhone family. Maybe it’s not as compelling upgrade as last year’s, but it’s evidently clear that the increased processing speed, extended battery life and new additions and applications will impress a great number of smartphone users.

eBay offers iPhone 3GS 16GB in the price range $450-$1000. 32GB device you can find there for $640-$1200. AT&T offers the 16GB version for $199 and the 32GB phone for $299 with a contract.