iPhone 3G or 3GS?

[nateo200]

Alright so I'm planning on getting an iPhone since I got some money for my birthday and I'm getting a job soon. Now I'm still in highschool so I don't have a terrible amount of money so keep that in mind when I ask the following question; iPhone 3G or iPhone 3GS? I am so stuck on this! At first I was thinking I would be greatful to just get the 3G and use my remaining cash to pay for my first bill but that compass, 7.2mbs speed in the future, and video recording sounds just so nice! So is it worth it to just get the 3G wait to get the next releasement or get the 3GS? Also is apple/AT&T going to start putting way more focus on the 3GS over the 3G like they did when the 3G first came out? I would hate to get the 3G and then discover they cut off a bunch of good features.

 

[WeegieMac]

Buy what you genuinely need after deciding your requirements from an iPhone.

I went for the 3G over the 3GS because at the end of the day all I wanted was an iPod touch that could receive/make telephone calls and read emails anywhere.

I don't need video recording, I don't need a compass, I don't need pages to load 8 seconds quicker on the go ... and the £100 I saved went towards a holiday with my wife.

I have always bought within my means, regardless of affordability. I could easily have bought the 3GS, but the 3G was more than enough for me.

 

[Roessnakhan]

All the features the 3G S has over the 3G do sound good, but you have to ask yourself how often you would use them. The speed bump for the 3G S is what sold me, it is significantly faster than the 3G. If its a tight budget I would recommend getting your feet wet with the 3G, and when you can afford it upgrade later down the line to a newer model.

 

[blancoBronco]

the only real improvements are the speed and video. so if those seem important to you, get the 3G S.

as for apple's focus, since the two are the same size and essentially the same phone, they will probably not stop focusing on the 3G

 

[nateo200]

Thanks for the reply's I appreciate it. Anyone in here gone from a 3G to a 3GS and noticed a "what have I been missing out on" experience? I mean for example my uncle has the 3G but my aunt had the 3GS, he always seamed so bitter about having THAT many features less but I'm not sure. Even if the iPhone 3G won't support the 7.2mbs speed increase soon will speeds increase for the regular 3G at all?

 

[ODog4523]

When I switched from my 3G to a new 3GS it wasn't exactly a revelation...it's not like I was being tortured w/out video recording and the compass (though they're definately cool features).

The big thing for me was the boosted performance with the 3GS. When I updated the 3G to OS 3.0 the user experience went to crap...the phone became a bit too sluggish and choppy. Everything still worked, it just wasn't as pretty. The extra processing muscle and memory in the 3GS has also resulted in far fewer crashes.

Quickly jumping back and forth between different apps is nice and smooth on the 3GS, making the lack of multitasking slightly less painfull.

AT&T has started bringing out their 7.2mbps service in a small handfull of cities already. As far as regular 3G improving, I guess that just depends on AT&T improving their coverage and capacity in weaker areas...who knows...

A few things to think about

 

[iMrNiceGuy0023]

get the 3GS, its a lot more faster than the 3G

I bought the 3G last year for $200mm and sold it this year for $400, then I went ahead and bout the 3GS for $200, if you keep your phone in great shape then unlock you

its only $100 more, just get the 3GS

 

[jseyf5]

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Quite honestly if you can get the 3gs get it. The speed is very nice, and I use vrecording to uploa to YouTube frequently. Plus, it will be a better investment in the long run. I upgraded from a 3g to the s and I actually made money selling it on eBay. But again, go with how you feel. As an avid gamer the speed boost is amazing in games like sims 3. Also, if and when you decide to jailbreak, the 3g is almost laggy. For the extra hundred, I think it is worth it. Unless u really want something else, get it. U usually don't want to buy outdated tech, as it might get outdated rather quickly. So my 2 cents, of u can get it, go for it. And if u really feel like u have to save the hundred bucks, u can sell ur 3gs on eBay for like 700 bucks. Then u can buy a 3g for like 400. So I say go for it. If not, the 3g will be fine

 

[terraphantm]

over the term of the contract, $100 is a little more than $4/month. Go for the 3G S, even if you don't use the extra features, the speed makes a much bigger difference than you'd think. I can't stand using my uncle's 3G after using my 3G S

 

[blancoBronco]

its a lot more faster

wow. that's just sad

 

[TheSpaz]

I would get the 3GS if I were you. Here are some reasons.

We all know it's faster, but think about this. It has more RAM! The iPhone 3G is not only slower at processing things, but it also bogs down when you fill too much of the RAM with it's limited multitasking abilities. I have a feeling that Apple might have more updates coming that are going to better use that extra RAM. You never know… they surprise us with the ability to run background processes!

Also, I believe the iPhone 3GS has a longer future as far as software upgrades go. Apple seems to be more focused on the 3GS and not so much on the 3G. The performance of 3.0/3.1 on the 3G is sad. However, running 2.2.1 on the iPhone 3G is a much smoother experience (in my opinion).

I would future-proof your purchase by spending the extra $100 and getting a phone that will last longer though the updates.

If 3.0 runs this bad on the 3G now… just wait and see how 4.0 performs.

 

[nateo200]

I would get the 3GS if I were you. Here are some reasons.

We all know it's faster, but think about this. It has more RAM! The iPhone 3G is not only slower at processing things, but it also bogs down when you fill too much of the RAM with it's limited multitasking abilities. I have a feeling that Apple might have more updates coming that are going to better use that extra RAM. You never know… they surprise us with the ability to run background processes!

Also, I believe the iPhone 3GS has a longer future as far as software upgrades go. Apple seems to be more focused on the 3GS and not so much on the 3G. The performance of 3.0/3.1 on the 3G is sad. However, running 2.2.1 on the iPhone 3G is a much smoother experience (in my opinion).

I would future-proof your purchase by spending the extra $100 and getting a phone that will last longer though the updates.

If 3.0 runs this bad on the 3G now… just wait and see how 4.0 performs.

Now that I think about it I might sell my iPod touch that might get me some cash to put towards the extra $100 for the 3GS. I got offers for it too so I guess I might do that. I better not buy this damn thing and have it freeze with that new 3.1 update my iPod has gone to hell since 3.0, like crashed 4 times, and 2 genius bar visits, ugh...Question; which is better to go to the AT&T store or the Apple store? I have a AT&T store that's less than a mile from my house (they sell iPhones I checked), that or the Apple store that's 20 minutes away that's jammed packed almost always.

 

[Primejimbo]

Now that I think about it I might sell my iPod touch that might get me some cash to put towards the extra $100 for the 3GS. I got offers for it too so I guess I might do that. I better not buy this damn thing and have it freeze with that new 3.1 update my iPod has gone to hell since 3.0, like crashed 4 times, and 2 genius bar visits, ugh...Question; which is better to go to the AT&T store or the Apple store? I have a AT&T store that's less than a mile from my house (they sell iPhones I checked), that or the Apple store that's 20 minutes away that's jammed packed almost always.

Me, my wife, and a few other friends of mine have a 3G running 3.1 and don't have any issues. Heck the 2 co-workers have it on the 1st generation and don't have problems. I wouldn't worry about getting a 3G, you're a teen who needs every penny.
Since 3.1 I think my 3G is running smoothly and better than 2.0.

 

[nateo200]

Me, my wife, and a few other friends of mine have a 3G running 3.1 and don't have any issues. Heck the 2 co-workers have it on the 1st generation and don't have problems. I wouldn't worry about getting a 3G, you're a teen who needs every penny.
Since 3.1 I think my 3G is running smoothly and better than 2.0.

Hmm I'm torn between the two now! I'm leaning towards just a plain old 3G, just got the figures for pricing off the AT&T website and with activation it's really gona dent my wallet.

 

[Primejimbo]

Hmm I'm torn between the two now! I'm leaning towards just a plain old 3G, just got the figures for pricing off the AT&T website and with activation it's really gona dent my wallet.

You have to remember "some" people like to complain about every little thing on here. Don't put a big dent in your wallet if you don't have too. I was going to sell my 3G in ebay and buy a 3GS, but what's the point?

 

[TheSpaz]

Hmm I'm torn between the two now! I'm leaning towards just a plain old 3G, just got the figures for pricing off the AT&T website and with activation it's really gona dent my wallet.

If money is your issue, then don't get an iPhone at all. I just got rid of mine because I got tired of paying $100/mo. for a phone. I hardly ever talked on the thing and I only did light browsing. I'm getting a new iPod touch instead.

So if that extra $100 is really killing you, then I suggest not investing in one of the most expensive phones out there.

 

[Mr. Bad Example]

It's got to be the 3G S

In my opinion, the advancement of the 3G to 3GS was a much needed upgrade to bring the iPhone in line with it's competition.

Don't get me wrong, nothing competes with the iPhone on overall functionality and usability. And of course, style!
Even the iphone 3GS isn't the best for any single function, but it does do everything well...!

There are many cheaper and better alternatives to the old 3G out there now. If it has to be the iPhone though, buy a good one!!!

 

[Dominat0r]

i went with the 3G just cause i picked it up as a refurb for 50$ =)

 

[alphaod]

The ugly truth is AT&T network can barely handle the 3G traffic on the 3G, so it's not really going to be much of a difference. Of course the 3GS is faster, but in all ways the 3G is an excellent phone. The compass is very inaccurate, especially indoors and in the car or something.

 

[daihard]

Hmm I'm torn between the two now! I'm leaning towards just a plain old 3G, just got the figures for pricing off the AT&T website and with activation it's really gona dent my wallet.

I am one of those who switched from a 3G to a 3G S. OS 3.0 ran fairly smoothly on my 3G so I never thought it'd be worth upgrading to a 3G S... until I tried it at the Apple Store. The performance difference alone was more than enough for me to change my mind.

Sure, it will cost more to get a 3G S, but are you the kind of person who can be happy with a 3G knowing you could have gotten a 3G S with a little more money? If so, I'd say you should stick with your decision.

 

[iPhone 62S]

Thanks for the reply's I appreciate it. Anyone in here gone from a 3G to a 3GS and noticed a "what have I been missing out on" experience? I mean for example my uncle has the 3G but my aunt had the 3GS, he always seamed so bitter about having THAT many features less but I'm not sure. Even if the iPhone 3G won't support the 7.2mbs speed increase soon will speeds increase for the regular 3G at all?

I used to have the 3G and now have the 3GS. I can tell you now that you really do notice the diference in speed for sure.

If you think you'll use video recording and stuff then that's even better.

In my opinion, if you're gonna get something as expensive as the iPhone, you might as well get the good one anyway.

 

[dado1]

I would buy 3GS, it is quite better it has more functions and you don't have to hack it to get some extra functions.

 

[reoreilly]

I'm in the same position OP - I'm about to buy and was leaning toward the 3G to begin with, purely because it was a little cheaper. But taking everything into account - it's already expensive, so an extra hundred dollars isn't that much to have something with a few more major capabilities. That said, if you don't care that much about the extra features, then maybe it's best to just get the 3G. Resell value and longevity are big factors when you're shelling out that much money though, and that's what's making me opt for the 3GS now. The most enticing thing is the speed though! Good luck with your decision - hope you've got everything you needed, but ultimately no one else can tell you your own needs. Be honest with yourself in considering what you will use and what you won't, and don't try and live beyond your needs because it's not worth it.

 

[spangled]

I'm another poster in a similar situation to the OP. The difference though is that I can get 30% off the line rental of the 3G (but, sadly, not the 3GS) via a deal at work (the 30% discount applies to the monthly contract and any accessories but not the handset cost).

In the UK, that means a line rental of about £24 a month rather than £35, saving £200 over the length of an 18-month contract on the 3G.

Plus a 3G handset in the UK costs about £95 as opposed to £185 for a 3GS, so another £90 saved.

So is the extra speed boost of the 3GS worth almost £300? Compass and video have no interest to me, but fast browsing and email access do.

 

[nateo200]

If money is your issue, then don't get an iPhone at all. I just got rid of mine because I got tired of paying $100/mo. for a phone. I hardly ever talked on the thing and I only did light browsing. I'm getting a new iPod touch instead.

So if that extra $100 is really killing you, then I suggest not investing in one of the most expensive phones out there.

Well I would have not come on this site and made this thread if I even considered that option. I'm not trying to be spoiled but I want a handset that can do EVERYTHING. I'm tired of carrying 3 electronics around when I know I can have one that can do it all. Additionally I want a phone that works with iTunes (and is designed to so I know support for it will continue). Ive alway's tried to get the latest tech. but this time it just seams to be a bit pricier. Don't get me wrong I appreciate my iPod touch allot and since I got it in april its made life easier....when I have wifi. A cellular network (especially 3G) would help load important stuff I need pretty much anywhere.

The ugly truth is AT&T network can barely handle the 3G traffic on the 3G, so it's not really going to be much of a difference. Of course the 3GS is faster, but in all ways the 3G is an excellent phone. The compass is very inaccurate, especially indoors and in the car or something.

I guess I can still appreciate the GPS on the 3G for what its worth if I go that way. My mom seams to always get lost so I guess the GPS will help when I'm driving with her so thats a plus....

I'm another poster in a similar situation to the OP. The difference though is that I can get 30% off the line rental of the 3G (but, sadly, not the 3GS) via a deal at work (the 30% discount applies to the monthly contract and any accessories but not the handset cost).

In the UK, that means a line rental of about £24 a month rather than £35, saving £200 over the length of an 18-month contract on the 3G.

Plus a 3G handset in the UK costs about £95 as opposed to £185 for a 3GS, so another £90 saved.

So is the extra speed boost of the 3GS worth almost £300? Compass and video have no interest to me, but fast browsing and email access do.

Man...You European's have it so easy with the iPhone. AT&T really sticks it to you. Good luck though.