Apple · iPhone

iPhone 3G

Released July 2008

The iPhone 3G is Apple's second iPhone, from 2008, adding 3G data, GPS and the App Store to the original's 3.5-inch display and 2-megapixel camera, suited to collectors and anyone comparing early iPhones.

Model history · 2 models, 2007–2008

2007iPhone Compare
2008iPhone 3G

Screen: 3.5″
Display: LCD, 60 Hz
Chip: Samsung S5L8900
Memory: 128 MB
Storage: 8 GB – 16 GB
Main camera: 2 MP
Zoom: –
Battery: –
Weight: 133 g

Compact

What reviewers say

Both reviews found the 3G a big improvement on the original iPhone, welcoming fast 3G data and GPS, and CNET praised the App Store and better call quality. Both criticise battery life that drains quickly under heavy use; CNET found the 3G connection shaky and basic phone features missing, and TechRadar found the camera poor and texting in need of work.

From techradar.com and cnet.com

Specifications

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Display

Screen size: 3.5″
Resolution: 480 × 320
Sharpness: 165 pixels per inch
Panel: LCD
Refresh rate: 60 Hz
Display type: 3.5-inch (diagonal) widescreen Multi-Touch display
Pixel density: 163 ppi

Performance

Chip: Samsung S5L8900
Memory: 128 MB
Storage: 8 GB, 16 GB
CPU: 412 MHz ARM 11 (GSMArena); Apple-labelled Samsung processor marked 8900B, with a Samsung K4X1G163PC 1 Gb (128 MB) memory chip on the package (iFixit)
GPU: PowerVR MBX (GSMArena)

Cameras

Main camera: 2 MP
Ultra wide camera: None
Telephoto camera: None
Optical zoom: None
Main camera: 2.0 megapixels
Camera features: Photo geotagging

Battery and charging

Video playback (maker's claim): Up to 7 hours
Wireless charging: None
Battery life detail: Talk time up to 5 hours on 3G or 10 hours on 2G; standby up to 300 hours; internet use up to 5 hours on 3G or 6 hours on Wi-Fi; video playback up to 7 hours; audio playback up to 24 hours
Wired charging: Charging via USB to a computer or the included USB Power Adapter

Design

Type: Standard
Weight: 133 g
Thickness: 12.3 mm
Height × width: 115.5 × 62.1 mm
Colours: Black (8GB); black or white (16GB)
Buttons: Sleep/wake; ring/silent; volume up/down; Home
Sensors: Accelerometer; proximity sensor; ambient light sensor

Software

Operating system: iOS
Software at launch: iPhone 2.0 software

Connectivity

Mobile network: UMTS/HSDPA (850, 1900, 2100 MHz); GSM/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz)
Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi (802.11b/g)
Bluetooth: Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR
USB: 30-pin dock connector; 3.5 mm stereo headphone minijack
Positioning: GPS; Assisted GPS

Storage options

Storage
8 GB
16 GB

Pros and cons

Pros

3G (UMTS/HSDPA) data, twice as fast as the original iPhone's EDGE, by Apple's measure
Built-in GPS with Assisted GPS
Shipped with iPhone 2.0 software and the App Store

Cons

2-megapixel rear camera and no front camera
Up to 5 hours of talk time on 3G, against 10 hours on 2G
12.3 mm thick, thicker than the original iPhone

Closest rivals

Model	Screen	Display	Chip	Memory	Storage	Main camera	Zoom	Battery	Weight	Released
AppleiPhone	3.5″	LCD, 60 Hz	Samsung S5L8900	128 MB	4 GB – 16 GB	2 MP	–	1,400 mAh	135 g	Jun 2007
NokiaE65	–	LCD	ARM9 220 MHz (PhoneArena)	–	50 MB	2 MP	–	–	115 g	Feb 2007
NokiaN97	3.5″	LCD	ARM11 434 MHz (GSMArena)	128 MB	32 GB	5 MP	–	1,500 mAh	150 g	Jun 2009

Previous model: iPhone. Newer model: iPhone 3GS.

Sources

Photo: cdsassets.apple.com

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