- Manufacturer: Apple 1
- Retail Price: iPhone 3GS $99, iPhone 4 $199 for 16GB ($299 for 32GB) with two year plan 2
- Release Date: June 24, 2010 3
- Primary Function: Smartphone 4
- Interesting Fact: Prototype found in a bar near Apple Headquarters 5
- Dimensions: Similar size and weight of iPhone 3GS 6
- Battery Type: 16% larger than iPhone 3GS 7
- Memory: 8 GB (3GS), 16-32 GB (4) 8
- Connectivity:UMTS/HSDPA/HSUPA, GSM/EDGE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR 9
Are you wondering what the differences are between the new iPhone and the old iPhone? This page will review the specs and pricing of the iPhone 4 and the iPhone 3GS to help you decide if the new iPhone is worth purchasing or upgrading. While not a free cell phone, the iPhone 3GS will continue to be sold at a discounted price with iOS 4 operating system but now only 8 GB of memory.
- Thinnest smartphone at 0.37 inches which is 24% thinner than the iPhone 3GS.
- Retina Display increases pixel density to 326 ppi which allows for a significantly higher resolution 960 X 640 pixel display.
- 40% increase in talk time due to larger battery (miniaturization of components allows more space)
- A4 chip and miniaturization of components allows more space for battery
- Addition of gyroscope for six axis motion sensing in combination with the accelerometer
- FaceTime – video chat between two iPhone 4’s
For more details visit the iPhone 4 page.
A comparison of key features and pricing follows. Note that many still continue to refer to the iPhone 4 as the iPhone 4G.
The key features of the iPhone 4 are compared with the iPhone 3GS.10 11
| Feature | iPhone 3GS | iPhone 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 135g | 137g (4.8 oz) |
| Dimensions | 115.5 x 62.1 x 12.3 mm (4.50 X 2.4 X 0.48 inches) | 115 X 59 X 9 mm (4.50 X 2.31 X 0.37 inches) |
| Display | 320 x 480 pixels, 3.5 inches | 960 x 640 pixels, 3.5 inches + Retina Display |
| Camera | 3 megapixel auto-focus | 5 megapixel auto-focus + front camera + LED Flash |
| Video | VGA @ 30fps | H.264 video up to 720p @ 30 fps |
| Talk Time | Up to 5 hours 3G | Up to 7 hours 3G |
| SIM Size | Standard SIM | Micro SIM |
Pricing and availability of the iPhone 4 and iPhone 3GS in the US are compared below. Keep in mind that as of June 7th, AT&T (US provider) charges a $325 early termination fee on the two year contract.
| Feature | iPhone 3GS | iPhone 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Price (US) | $99 with plan | $199 – $299 |
| Memory | 8 GB (was 16/32 GB) | 16 or 32 GB |
| iOS 4 Features | Most | All |
| Upgrade to iPhone 4? | 30 days prior June 7 | Up to 6 months end-of-contract |
| Tethering | Yes $20/month | Yes $20/month |
Tethering on the iPhone 3GS and iPhone 4 (but not iPad) is allowed with the new AT&T data plans that took effect June 7th.12
