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F....(apparently, the 3Gs and 4 are not THAT far apart, performance wise).

Nope. Different processor.

But it seems you want to buy the 3GS because it's sightly cheaper for you without contract. So, buy the 3GS if that matters to you more. If you want a better deal (a phone that lasts longer) get the iPhone 4.
 
It would be a waste of money but its your money so do what you want.
Sounds like you're set on getting a 3GS so dont know why you even bothered asking. You're trying to convince yourself that the 3GS and i4 are the same thing but they're not.
 
It would be a waste of money but its your money so do what you want.
Sounds like you're set on getting a 3GS so dont know why you even bothered asking. You're trying to convince yourself that the 3GS and i4 are the same thing but they're not.

Maybe. I know, the 3GS is probably not a good idea. But I just can't afford a 4, let alone a 4S. I guess I'll wait for the release of the iPhone 5 and get the 4 then...
 
3gs

I just picked a new 3GS and am running 5.1. The phone does all I expected of an iOS device.

1. I don't like the form factor of the 4/4S. (iPod Touch is about perfect)
2. I don't like the price of either. (3GS was free on 24-month contract, £10pm)
3. I needed an iOS device to reduce reliance on my iPad. (A couple of apps are indispensable: 1Password, GoodReader etc)

Ths is my secondary phone, it's a little slow, but I only use data on wifi and it's cheap to run. I do notice the lack of retina, but coupled with a BB with international data I have my bases covered.

No regrets, go for it. I may get a '6' when it comes out!
 
I dunno what everybody else things, and maybe i'm rehashing.

I think my first inquiry would be whether I could upgrade from my provider so I don't have to pay the ridiculous price to buy the new phone straight out. I'm guessing you can upgrade.

Second, is the phone still working for you? If it is, and you think you can hold on until the iPhone 5 then I'd do that. I'd hate to use my upgrade from my provider just to find out I felt like a heel for not waiting a little longer for the next big leap.

That being said, if the phone is just unbearable and you just can't take it and can upgrade. Then by all means upgrade. Missing out on the first bit of the 5 until you become upgrade eligible again will certainly not kill you.

Just my observations.
 
You're talking about providers and contracts. I bought my phone (and just the phone) in a highstreet shop, no link with any provider whatsoever. I can use my sim card in ANY phone.
About the 5 : when it comes out, it will have the same price tag the 4S has now. No way I can afford that.
As it stands, right now, I can't afford the 4 (without the S) either. When I wait for the 5 to be released, there's every chance that the 4 will cost what the 3GS costs now, at which point I WILL be able to afford the 4. But, again, as with the 3GS now, I will be '2 models down' from the latest and greatest. So no matter when I buy an iPhone, I will always have an 'old' model.

I'm not saying I ABSOLUTELY have to have a 3GS, but it's not easy making a decision. Google '3GS' and you won't find a clear answer to my question. Some say that the 3GS runs perfectly on iOS 5.1, others say it's unbearably laggy, slow and downright frustrating. I know, a user experience is very subjective.
As I said : not interested in Siri, facetime, photography (I've got a Sony HX100 for that) or demanding apps (like iPhoto, iMovie, Garageband) or games (I've got an iPad 2 and an iMac for that).

All I want is a smooth user experience, not raw speed...
 
I bought a used 3gs and it works perfectly fine with iOS 5.1. I bought it because the used price on it is significantly lower than iphone 4, on my local classified, we can get iphone 3gs for 150 to 225, iphone 4 still commands 350 to 450, iphone 4s is 500+, factory unlocked one is more. I feel used iphone 4 is a bit overpriced compare to the other two. If I am signing the exact same contract with iphone 4 and 4s, just save $100 on phone, I probably would not do that.

My wife has an iphone 4 so I know what am I missing. It is a little bit slower than iphone 4 but not that noticeble, but probably a bit more hitcups because of the ram.

IMO, if you can live without facetime, retina display, I don't see why you should not buy iphone 3gs instead of 4 to hold it out for iphone 5.
 
If the 3GS runs smoothly on iOS 5.1, then I'll be happy.
Then you'll be happy. It's a great starter iPhone, and it'll do everything you need. Buy and enjoy :)

I've still got mine from launch, and I can't believe how good the battery life still is and how well it still works for its age. I'd definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a durable and inexpensive iPhone.
 
Then you'll be happy. It's a great starter iPhone, and it'll do everything you need. Buy and enjoy :)

I've still got mine from launch, and I can't believe how good the battery life still is and how well it still works for its age. I'd definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a durable and inexpensive iPhone.

That's nice to hear. Now, only thing left to do is to convince the wife... :D
 
Lmao. All these posts about whether to get it or not and then still got get it cleared by the wife haha. Good luck sir :D
 
I have to say I recently upgrade to 3GS from my iPhone classic and I have to say I couldn't be more content. the performance is fantastic with 5.1, no lag whatsoever, fluid scrolling as well as decent battery life considering what it delivers.

The new 3GS Has some drawbacks compared to the iPhone classic though:
- ridiculous glare, easily 2 times worse than iphone classic
- build quality slightly worse
- speaker a little quieter than the classic

These are minor drawbacks in reality considering how smooth it runs iOS 5.1.
 
I have to say I recently upgrade to 3GS from my iPhone classic and I have to say I couldn't be more content. the performance is fantastic with 5.1, no lag whatsoever, fluid scrolling as well as decent battery life considering what it delivers.

The new 3GS Has some drawbacks compared to the iPhone classic though:
- ridiculous glare, easily 2 times worse than iphone classic
- build quality slightly worse
- speaker a little quieter than the classic

These are minor drawbacks in reality considering how smooth it runs iOS 5.1.

What is iPhone classic?? Did I miss a model somewhere along the way??

:apple:
 
iPhone Classic is the new name that apple gave to the original iPhone. I don't remember during which keynote it was, though. :)
 
Thanks for the thread starter for starting this topic. I'm a new apple user, i just got my ipad 1 5 months ago and now in addition i bought ipad2. Im enjoying the ios and now im planning to get an iphone. Ive played around with my friends iphone 3gs and 4, i cant see much difference besides front face camere for facetime, retina display and slighlty fast proccessor. Ill definetey buy an iphone 3gs, especially to replace my blackberr and android. I'll get one this mid april.

I hope i still could get a brand new device, to avoid short battery life or to get unfortunate with overheating one, however i dont know it thats still possible to get it new here in indonesia

Cheers
 
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