Skip to Content

5 things you need to know about the iPhone 3G S

by Michael Jones Jun 17th 2009 at 3:00PM

With only two more days to go until the launch of the iPhone 3G S, we have been getting a lot of questions from readers about things like cases, new features, and of course, upgrading from another iPhone.

Can I use my 3G case with the 3G S?

Yes! While there are a few manufacturers that are now advertising cases for the 3G S, there are no physical differences from the 3G. So any existing cases or accessories you may have should work with the 3G S just fine.

Well then, what exactly is different about the 3G S?

Although the physical appearance didn't change, there are a few significant changes to the hardware in the 3G S. Most notably, the CPU, video chipset, and memory have all been upgraded, as well as the addition of a digital compass, faster 3G radio, and improved camera lens. There are also some software enhancements to allow voice control, video editing, and more.

Can't I just install 3.0 and get the same features?

Not quite. Installing the 3.0 update will get you several of the new features, such as copy and paste, voice notes, MMS, and tethering (if your carrier supports it, anyways), but some of the features will only be available on the 3G S. Things like voice control, video editing and sharing, compass navigation and accessibility improvements take advantage of the new hardware found in the 3G S to provide a better user experience, so Apple doesn't offer those features to users of older iPhones.

Can I upgrade from my iPhone or iPhone 3G?

Yes! From the hardware side of things, upgrading is as easy as plugging in your new iPhone to iTunes, then selecting that you want to restore your backup to the new phone. Alternatively, you can set it up as a new phone, and just sync the apps, music and other items that you want without restoring the full backup.

From the cell phone carrier side of things, upgrading is a bit more complicated, depending on when you purchased your phone, and the terms of your individual contract. Luckily, some providers are offering special terms to encourage customers to upgrade.

Where can I find out more about the iPhone 3G S?

If you're starving for details, our friends over at Engadget have a full review of the new iPhone, including an unboxing gallery and sample videos. If you're looking for a side-by-side comparison to the 3G, Walt Mossberg chimes in with his take on the All Things DIgital blog. And, as always, you can check out our iPhone 3G S articles here on TUAW.

View Tags

Related Stories

Categories

Analysis / Opinion Features Apple iPhone

With only two more days to go until the launch of the iPhone 3G S, we have been getting a lot of questions from readers about things like...
 

Add a Comment

Sign in »
*0 / 3000 Character Maximum

26 Comments

Filter by:
mariagrafs

I will be the first few customers looking forward for the official launch
of the iPhone 3G S. I know all the features now and have no doubts aswell.

June 27 2009 at 5:40 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
daisy

I don’t consider it’s worth buying the new iPhone 3G S, unless your carrier offers you a cheap upgrade option. The OS 3.0 will bring a lot of 3G S’ features, excepting the 7.2MBps HSPA, 3 MP camera, better processor, and a few more. If you don’t really need those features, go for the OS 3.0 and keep your current iPhone 3G.

However, fans of the iPhone are cheered when Apple's iPhone 3G S made its debut. Also, most users would like to put DVDs movie video on iPhone 3G S. I’ve found a good tutorial about import DVD / video to iphone 3GS/ iPhone 3G:
http://www.daniusoft.com/tutorial/dvd-video-to-iphone-3g-s.html

June 19 2009 at 3:46 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Jadeibet

"From the hardware side of things..." - shouldn't it be software?

June 18 2009 at 11:18 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
loup407

Thanks...your many articles have been a huge help in learning about all the features on the 3.0 OS. I'm looking forward to the UPS guy showing up on Friday, but have plenty to learn about the various new features. I find TUAW to be a huge help in all things Apple...keep up the great work.

June 17 2009 at 7:17 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to loup407's comment
dTondro

I'm sorry I can't tell if your being honest or sarcastic?

You got something on your nose...fanboy much?

June 17 2009 at 8:33 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Elam

Please do not assume 3G as the baseline for iPhone ownership in these types of articles. Some of us won't even get MMS! :-)

June 17 2009 at 4:14 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
ben

add a 6th thing: if you own an iPhone 3G and have been a loyal customer for years, you will get shafted...

June 17 2009 at 4:12 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
h8rain

I was reading that comparison by Walt Mossberg.

(Talking about new 3GS data)
" And some will want the new model because, unlike the current model, it’s capable of handling a new cellular network feature that, in the next few years, will offer double the current data speeds."

I know i am being negative, but seriously most of AT&T network is still on EDGE. By the time that can even be used, there will at *least* one (if not two new iphones models, so seriously that is a waste it even has it, at least in the USA).

June 17 2009 at 4:10 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Nathan Sweeney

Mine is ordered and waiting to be shipped, arrival between 6/19 and 6/25, though I hope it gets here Friday.

Either way I have 3.0 to install on my original iPhone and my new MacBook Pro to play with until it gets here.

June 17 2009 at 4:03 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Darian

Don't forget that the battery percentage indicator will not be available on the 3.0 update except for the 3GS... I really don't understand that at all...

June 17 2009 at 3:57 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
3 replies to Darian's comment
kc! Bradshaw

Question about screen protectors:

Does the new anti-smudge screen work fine with screen protectors? WIll a screen protector damage the oleophobic screen at all? Any additional details you could provide around this?

Thanks

June 17 2009 at 3:53 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
2 replies to kc! Bradshaw's comment
TuxToaster

The oleophobic screen shows up as a feature on both the 3G and 3G S pages at Apple's website, so I really can't say for sure if the screen is improved or the same as what's on the 3G.

June 17 2009 at 8:42 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
kc! Bradshaw

Hmm... that is odd. Maybe they have always had the oleophobic thing and no one made a fuss about it until now? Good find.

I will probably be using a screen protector either way, just wanting to make sure it won't damage anything (not that it should... but you never know)

June 17 2009 at 10:01 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Buy an ad here

Hot Apps on TUAW

Tweets

© 2012 AOL Inc. All Rights Reserved.