The new iPhone 3GS

Well, that only took a few weeks. The iPhone 3GS is here – but who should buy it? Let’s look at what it offers.

The “S” in 3GS stands for “speed” – and with a faster processor and more RAM, that’s what you’re likely to get. Reports suggest lag and loading times for applications and general use have been noticeably reduced.

Externally the phone hasn’t changed, but there are some welcome additions inside:

• Storage capacity has doubled – the iPhone 3GS comes in 16GB and 32GB versions
• The camera has been upgraded to 3 megapixels and has customisable focusing. You can also record video clips and edit them on the phone.
• A compass is included and works with the maps application to help you get oriented more easily.
• Battery life is reportedly slightly improved - we’ll wait and see what our tests reveal.

Many other major improvements come via the 3.0 software update.  But because this is also available to users of current iPhones (and iPod Touch users, for a fee) the 3GS isn’t exactly leaps and bounds ahead of its predecessors. If you don’t have an iPhone, this is the one to get – but if you have a 3G model it could be worth waiting another year (or more) for a meatier upgrade.

Pricing options

Then there are Vodafone’s prices. There are lots of options to wade through (none of them cheap), so bear with me.

The old iPhone 3G 16GB is sold for $199-499, depending on which 24-month plan you choose. By itself the phone sells for a steep $1129.

3GS models are even more expensive. Prices for the 16GB 3GS on a plan range from $399 to $699, with the 32GB model $599 to $899. The cheapest iPhone plan, at $40 a month, offers only 20 minutes of call time and 100 texts – which are easily chewed through even by a moderate user. However, we don’t recommend the more expensive plans unless you’re an extremely heavy user – most users shouldn’t need to pay $130 a month.

Buying the new models without a plan will also set you back. The 32GB model costs $1379, while the 16GB model is $1179. Puzzlingly, that’s only $50 more than the older 3G model.

The prices are disappointing but unsurprising. In the US the 3G is still being sold at a lower price point. I hope Vodafone does the same thing here to give potential customers a cheaper iPhone option – and I mean a cheaper price for the phone, not just the plans.

If you can take the upfront hit, I recommend paying more for the phone and less in monthly fees. You could save in the long run. This also gives you the option of switching to Telecom or 2degrees’ new network without incurring expensive termination fees.

It’s disappointing the new phones cost more than the old 3G – the whole point of Apple products is to keep costs the same while regularly refreshing the hardware. But if you’re after an iPhone these prices are your only option.

Tristan Clark - Technical Writer

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