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Apple iPhone 3GS

iPhone 3GS features a 3.5-inch display, 600 MHz processor, 3.15MP camera with video recording, compass, and voice control.

What to know

  • Released June 2009; 3GS = speed; same 3.5-inch 320×480; 3 MP camera with video recording; 16 or 32 GB; Voice Control; compass.
  • iOS up to 6.1.6. Last 3.5-inch non-Retina iPhone before iPhone 4.

Who this is for

Collectors and those researching iPhone history; not suitable for daily use today.

Key tradeoffs

Pros: First iPhone with video; faster than 3G; 32 GB option. Cons: Obsolete; low-res display; no Retina.

Apple iPhone 3GS is powered by the Samsung APL0298C05 (65 nm). Battery: Li-Ion 1219 mAh, non-removable.

Launched 6/19/2009
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Apple iPhone 3GS
Device specifications and information may be inaccurate or incomplete. Find out more for more information.

Full Specifications

Complete technical specifications

Network

Technology
GSM / HSPA
2G Bands
GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G Bands
HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100
4G Bands
No
Speed
HSPA 7.2/5.76 Mbps

Launch

Announced
2009, June 8
Status
Available. Released 2009, June 19
Release Date
2009-06-19

Body

Dimensions
115.5 x 62.1 x 12.3 mm
Weight
135 g
Build
Plastic back, aluminum frame
SIM
Mini-SIM
Protection
No

Display

Type
TFT
Size
3.5 inches
Resolution
480 x 320 pixels
Aspect Ratio
3:2
Density
~165 ppi
Protection
Oleophobic coating
Refresh Rate
60Hz
Brightness
500 nits (typ)
Screen-to-Body
~50.9%
Features
Multi-touch

Platform

OS
iOS 3, upgradable to iOS 6.1.6
OS Upgradeable
upgradable to iOS 6.1.6
Chipset
Samsung APL0298C05 (65 nm)
CPU
600 MHz ARM Cortex-A8
GPU
PowerVR SGX535
NPU
No

Memory

Card Slot
No
Internal
8GB 256MB RAM, 16GB 256MB RAM, 32GB 256MB RAM
Storage Type
NVMe

Main Camera

Camera 1
3.15 MP, f/2.8, 35mm (wide), 1/4", 2.0µm, PDAF
Features
No
Video
480p@30fps

Selfie Camera

Features
No
Video
No

Sound

Loudspeaker
Yes
3.5mm Jack
Yes
Features
Active noise cancellation with dedicated mic

Communications

WLAN
Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g, hotspot
Bluetooth
2.1, A2DP
Positioning
GPS (L1), A-GPS
NFC
No
Radio
No
USB
Proprietary, USB 2.0

Features

Sensors
Accelerometer, proximity, compass
Other
No

Battery

Type
Li-Ion 1219 mAh, non-removable
Wired Charging
Proprietary, USB 2.0
Wireless Charging
No
Reverse Charging
No
Endurance
Endurance rating 30h

Miscellaneous

Colors
Black, White
Models
A1303, A1325
Price
$99 / €599 / £439
SAR
0.79 W/kg (head) 0.67 W/kg (body)
SAR EU
0.52 W/kg (head) 0.79 W/kg (body)