Apple iPhone 3GS 8GB Review
We know, we know ... Apple's iPhones are the most coveted phones out there, so how could we suggest you pass this one by? This iPhone (AT&T) is certainly better than earlier models, but it's considerably lacking compared to the best smartphones we found. The relatively small and low-resolution screen, a 3 mp camera without flash or zoom, and sometimes lackluster call quality hurt its standing. Multimedia performance is strong but the iPhone 3GS is simply outdated.
When the Apple iPhone 3GS (starting at $49/AT&T) first debuted about two years ago, it was another iPhone triumph. The 3GS proved to be the fastest and best iPhone to date. At the time, iPhone 3GS reviews on sites like CNET praised the device for break-out features such as multimedia messaging and video recording but noted that it would benefit from improved 3G connections and call quality. More specifically, iPhone 3GS reviews griped about uneven signal reception, dropped calls, and some background noise but did say that voices sound natural. When MacWorld wrote its iPhone 3GS review in 2010, it found the 3GS to be significantly faster than the older iPhone 3G and its camera far better.
The iPhone 3GS sports a 3.5-inch display with a 480x320 resolution. It has an 8GB flash drive and a 3 mp camera, which is missing autofocus and flash but can record video, a feat not possible with previous iPhones. The iPhone 3GS also supports 802.11b/g connections. AT&T is the carrier.
Just because this smartphone happens to be from Apple doesn't mean it automatically deserves an A+ rating. It's pretty old by smartphone standards, and it shows. The iPhone 4 runs circles around the iPhone 3GS, although the cost of the iPhone 4 is well out of the Cheapism range. The iPhone 3GS's performance, screen, and camera just don't meet the standard set by many other budget smartphones, but you'll still have to pay $49.99 for this model. You can get a much better smartphone with much newer technology for quite a bit less, even free. That being the case, it's hard to call this one a good buy.
Other Recommended Smartphones
HTC Evo 4G
Expert reviewers rave about the HTC Evo 4G (LetsTalk.com, Sprint), and it's not hard to understand why. Its performance and multimedia prowess are impressive, and it features a very large, colorful 4.3-inch display. At least one expert reviewer considers it the best Android-based phone on the market. Given that consumers can get it for free with a new contract, this phone is a steal. Read more »|
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Samsung Epic 4G
The Epic 4G (LetsTalk.com, Sprint) has the best display in the lineup and appealing good looks. Its 4G technology makes it plenty fast and experts say it excels at just about everything it does. For those users who are hesitant about touch-screen keyboards, the Epic 4G sports a nice slide-out version. Read more »|
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HTC Droid Incredible 2
The Droid Incredible 2 (LetsTalk.com, Verizon) is another very good phone from HTC. It performs well all around and call quality is sharp and clear. It also earns praise for its excellent display and battery life is better than good. This is a 3G phone and some reviewers complain it's a little heavy with preloaded apps that users can't remove. Read more »| LetsTalk.com |
BlackBerry Curve 3G
The BlackBerry Curve 3G (multiple carriers) is similar to a lot of previous BlackBerries in that it does what its designed to do extremely well but falls short in its multimedia capabilities. If you want an affordable smartphone with excellent call quality, a physical keyboard, and top-notch messaging/email capabilities, the Curve is for you. You'll lose out though, with the display, web surfing, and other media performance. Read more »|
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