Review: iPhone 3GS

It didn't take me long to buy into the new iPhone 3G S, now subtly renamed the iPhone 3GS! I upgraded my old 2G model on the day the 3GS was released, and have spent the last couple of weeks smiling gleefully every time I use it.

I'd already installed the OS3 update onto my old iPhone, so was fairly familiar with the new software, however, I was looking forward to seeing what the new hardware could do.

iPhone 3GS - box

Here are my experiences.

1. Performance

In use, the 3GS seems much snappier. Applications seem to start-up much more quickly. The screen is definitely much smoother than the one installed on the 2G, and as such feels much slicker to use. It really does make the 2G surface seem like sandpaper! I'm hoping for no more blisters when playing Flight Control!!

I've opted for the 16Gb model, but there's also a 32Gb model available in either black or white trim. The 8Gb of my old 2G was nearly filled to capacity so I'm loving the extra space. For me, the extra capacity is being used to store more tunes, but could obviously be used for almost anything from storing videos or photo collections, to keeping PowerPoint presentations or voice memos of company meetings!

I've never had a phone capable of 3G connection speeds before, so was understandably very pleased with how much quicker my web surfing experience was, although my 3G connection didn't remain with me at all times, and I've been left surfing on the EDGE or GPRS on more than one occasion. I think that's more of a statement on the flakey 3G coverage in the UK than the capabilities of the phone though!

2. Camera

Being something of an amateur photographer, one of the features I was most excited about was the camera upgrade. The 3GS has been fitted with a 3 Mega-pixel auto focus model that's also capable or capturing video. However, there is no flash.

The camera is capable of capturing some nice detail, and in bright conditions very acceptable images can be produced.

The two most impressive parts of the new camera functionality are how the Camera and Photo applications have been updated to handle auto focus and video capture.

Firstly, if you Want to auto focus, what do you do? Move the cross hairs over the subject? No, you just press a finger onto the subject. Simple as that. The camera automatically focuses onto the subject you pointed at! Genius! In my opinion, this interface should be immediately adopted by all camera manufacturers everywhere!

Secondly, once a video has been captured, it is presented in the Photos application with its time-line at the top of the display. The time-line start and end points can be manipulated, allowing the video to be edited and trimmed in place. The video can then be sent as an e-mail, an MMS, or can be directly uploaded to YouTube. Very clever stuff indeed.

3. Maps and Compass

There's a new compass feature introduced into maps that allows the orientation of the map to be synchronised with the direction you're facing. I'm sure this feature alone will lead to a plethora of Sat Nav type applications becoming available in the app store very soon.

4. Cut, Copy & Paste

The long awaited cut, copy & paste functionality arrived with the introduction of OS3. It was a long time coming, but has been beautifully implemented. What's more, its use is consistent across all applications, and data cut or copied from one application can be pasted into another.

5. Messages

Finally, the iPhone has caught up with the rest of the mobile phone industry and implemented MMS messaging. I blogged recently about the missing MMS on the iPhone 2G, even after upgrading to OS3, so was pleased to finally see the ability on the 3GS.

Pictures, videos and audio clips can be sent and received from the usual Messages application. Messages containing MMS content appear as thumbnails in the conversation stream which is another nice touch.

6. Spotlight Search

The Spotlight search functionality will be familiar to those who own a Mac, and now the functionality has made it to the iPhone. Spotlight allows data stored on the iPhone to be quickly searched and accessed. Typing in a search term will instantly display a list of items containing the search terms. Types of items to be searched can be configured from the Settings screen and include Contacts, Applications, Music, Video, Notes, Mail and Calendar.

7. Voice Control

Holding down the home button on the 3GS brings up the Voice Control menu. From here it's possible to speak to the phone and get it to perform tasks. Saying a contacts name, for instance, will get the iPhone to offer to dial one of the contacts telephone numbers.

It requires no voice training and is quite an impressive feat in voice recognition, but I can't really see the benefit. It's not foolproof either. It would be better if it were completely hands free in operation, but as it stands, having to press the home button to activate it is a bit of a spoiler for hands free calling.

8. Battery Life

An improved battery life is claimed for the 3GS, but I can't confirm this with any authority.

I think that during my limited test period, the battery has tended to last a lot longer when playing games, and making phone calls, but using 3G drains the battery at an alarming rate. Certainly more quickly than my old 2G did when accessing EDGE networks.

Maybe this is only my perception because there's now a visible battery percentage indicator which is quite addictive to follow!

I listen to quite a lot of music, and whereas my 2G iPhone could last a couple of days without needing a charge, the 3GS most definitely can't!

9. Internet Tethering

I was quite excited when I first heard about the Internet Tethering feature. The ability to use the 3GS as a modem would be great. Unfortunately, I found out that doing this would incur extra cost with my network operator O2. I had been hoping to replace my 3 network USB modem, but, alas, this will not be the case at the prices O2 charge...

Oh well...

Conclusion

There's no doubting that the iPhone 3GS is a wonderful gadget. I think for new buyers or those wondering if it's worth upgrading from the 2G model, it's a no-brainer. Stop waiting and get out and buy one! You won't be disappointed.

However, for those wanting to upgrade from the 3G model it may be a different story. O2 have certainly made it expensive, requiring you to buy out your old contract and start a new one - then there's the expense of the phone itself.

I'm not sure that the 3GS is such an advance on the 3G as it could have been, especially as the OS3 update can be installed on the 3G.

It is still a great bit of kit though, and in my opinion, light years ahead of the competition in terms of usability - but then I thought that before it had cut, copy & paste capabilities! :-)