GSMArena.com GSMArena.com

Tip us

1.5m
109k
RSS

EV

Merch

Log in

Login

I forgot my password
Sign up
  • Home
  • News
  • Reviews
  • Videos
  • Featured
  • Phone Finder
  • Deals
  • MerchNew
  • Coverage
  • Contact
ADVERTISEMENTS
GSMArena team, 11 August 2008

Twice the hype


iPhone 3G review: Twice the hype, half the novelty

  • Comments (139)
  • User reviews
  • iPhone 3G

1. Introduction
  1. 1. Introduction
  2. 2. Unboxing, 360-degree spin, design and construction
  3. 3. iPhone 2.0 changelog, user interface
  4. 4. Phonebook, telephony, messaging, audio quality
  5. 5. Camera, web browser, applications, GPS performance
  6. 6. AppStore, jailbreaking and thrid-party apps, conclusion
  7.  
  8. Apple iPhone 3G specification
  9. User opinions and reviews
  10. Review comments (139)

Apple

Introduction

It's finally here - the iPhone 3G. No, we mean that literally. It's finally at our office and boy, are we excited! GPS, HSDPA purring under the new iPhone hood with a hefty number of software enhancements.

But all them software goodies are available for the first-gen iPhone too - so is it worth the fuss? It may as well be, but we never know before we take it out for a spin.

Apple iPhone 3G Apple iPhone 3G Apple iPhone 3G Apple iPhone 3G
Apple iPhone 3G official images

Key features:

  • 3.5" 16M-color TFT display with a resolution of 480 x 320 pixels
  • Quad-band GSM support
  • Tri-band UMTS support with HSDPA
  • Built-in GPS receiver
  • Wi-Fi
  • 8 to 16GB of onboard storage
  • Accelerometer, proximity sensor and ambient light sensor
  • 2 megapixel camera
  • Silky smooth user interface with multi-touch user support
  • Unsurpassed web surfing experience
  • Push email with MS Exchange support
  • AppStore access for direct application download and installation
  • Redone rear
  • TV-out port

Main disadvantages:

  • No video calls over the 3G network
  • The handset wobbles on hard even surfaces
  • There are a number of messaging downers
  • Camera has no auto focus, nor video recording… nor any settings at all
  • Safari browser doesn't support Flash and Java, doesn't have a download manager
  • Bluetooth support limited to headset use only (no A2DP or file transfers)
  • No office document editor
  • No copy/paste functionality
  • You cannot sync Notes and TO-DOs
  • No memory card slot (but knowing Apple there will never be one)

Now, since we'll be heavily comparing the old and new iPhone, how about the following arrangement - the first one we'll call Number One and the newbie will be Number Two. Sorted. Wait a minute, no good? Crap, we knew it. OK then, the first one will be the iPhone 1G (as in "generation" of the device), while the new one will still be iPhone 3G (as in "generation" of the wireless network). That might sound inconsistent, but it's short and we like it this way, so before you go ballistic in the comments section, remember Number One and Number Two.

iPhone 3G iPhone 3G
The iPhone 3G 16GB (White) in hand

So, back to the drill - the 3G-enabled iPhone was rumored ever since the iPhone 1G surfaced last year. Now that we have the real thing in our hands, it doesn't seem that groundbreaking anymore. Nevertheless, there are quite a few things to cover so we think reviewing it in detail is worth it. There's the updated design, the new white color (which we happen to have), the new iPhone 2.0 firmware/software/OS (call it what you will) with AppStore on board, the push email functionality and, finally, the GPS and HSDPA topping.

iPhone 3G iPhone 3G iPhone 3G iPhone 3G
The Apple iPhone 3G

We will also be on the lookout for improvements in terms of audio quality, loudspeaker volume and camera image quality against the iPhone 1G.

Seems like quite a workload, so let's waste no more time and get to it. Join us after this short break for more on the iPhone 3G.

Next Page » 2. Unboxing, 360-degree spin, design and construction
1. Introduction
  1. 1. Introduction
  2. 2. Unboxing, 360-degree spin, design and construction
  3. 3. iPhone 2.0 changelog, user interface
  4. 4. Phonebook, telephony, messaging, audio quality
  5. 5. Camera, web browser, applications, GPS performance
  6. 6. AppStore, jailbreaking and thrid-party apps, conclusion
  7.  
  8. Apple iPhone 3G specification
  9. User opinions and reviews
  10. Review comments (139)

Reviews iPhone 3G review
  • Comments (139)
  • User reviews
  • iPhone 3G

iPhone 3G review: Twice the hype, half the novelty - Reader comments

K
  • Karo Kappen
  • Hku
  • 09 Jul 2015

I too got a iPhone 3G I can't also use whatsapp and I can't Also upgrade my version I got ios 4.1 what will I do i love this phone very much what will I do now I can't Use any application in my iPhone could some one solve my problem my gmail is kar...

  • Reply
?
  • Anonymous
  • 0wq
  • 04 Oct 2013

What can one do to upgrade 3G so it can accept What's App? Is there a download that one can download to upgrade? My e-mail is: archiemuza@gmail.com Please advise?

  • Reply
?
  • Anonymous
  • 0Cb
  • 31 Oct 2012

it is an ipod touch with gsm. mega music with very powerful output for big headphones. no smartphone today is equal in audio quality and power,except iphone range. is just an ipod indeed,remember

  • Reply
  • Read all comments
  • Post your comment
Total reader comments: 139

Phone finder

  • Samsung
  • Apple
  • Huawei
  • Nokia
  • Sony
  • LG
  • HTC
  • Motorola
  • Lenovo
  • Xiaomi
  • Google
  • Honor
  • Oppo
  • Realme
  • OnePlus
  • vivo
  • Meizu
  • BlackBerry
  • Asus
  • Alcatel
  • ZTE
  • Microsoft
  • Vodafone
  • Energizer
  • Cat
  • Sharp
  • Micromax
  • Infinix
  • TCL
  • Ulefone
  • Tecno
  • BLU
  • Blackview
  • Acer
  • Panasonic
  • Plum

All brands Rumor mill

ADVERTISEMENTS

Related articles

  • Apple supplier BOE could lose millions of iPhone 14 OLED panel orders
  • Some T-Mobile users experience bug with eSIM on iPhones
  • North American smartphone shipments grew steadily in Q1 2022 with Google up 380%
  • The first iOS 16 public beta may be running behind schedule
ADVERTISEMENTS

Popular reviews

Apple iOS 14 review

Apple iOS 14 review
Xiaomi Mi 10 Ultra review

Xiaomi Mi 10 Ultra review
Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G review

Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G review

ELECTRIC VEHICLES

Benefits of dedicated EV platforms Benefits of dedicated EV platforms
ADVERTISEMENTS

Home News Reviews Compare Coverage Glossary FAQ RSS feed Youtube Facebook Twitter Instagram

© 2000-2022 GSMArena.com Mobile version Android app Tools Contact us Merch store Privacy Terms of use Change Ad Consent Do not sell my data