Should I buy an iPhone 3GS?

[bjs2010uk]

Hi I am looking at getting a new phone for my mum who currently has a terrible Samsung Wave phone (not android OS). I was hoping to buy an iPhone because I have one myself and I think she would find it easy to use. However I don't have a massive budget, therefore I have only really been left with the option of buying a second hand 3GS. She primarily uses the phone to call and text but also likes the idea of having a few apps (probably basic apps like weather, news and lottery) and very infrequent Internet browsing.

I would like to get the 3GS as it would clearly be more than enough for her needs but I am worried that apps may not be compatible in the near future i.e. the next year or two. Also I haven't used a 3GS for at least the last 2/3 years, does it respond well still or has the performance of the 3GS reduced significantly over time due to ios upgrades?


Thanks in advance for your help

 

[Intell]

For basic things a 3Gs running iOS 6 works, but it isn't as quick as a 4S or 5. For her, it'll likely be a big upgrade.

 

[Max(IT)]

I strongly suggest to find a second hand 4 or 4s ....

 

[JCCL]

At this point I would find a 4S for her, much better phone.

 

[bjs2010uk]

Hi thanks for the posts so far, I would love to get her the 5S but unfortunately it boils down to budget. Any more comments gladly received!

 

[dtsoll]

I agree with a 4 or 4s. Obviously she's not due for an upgrade or the 4s is a very inexpensive way to go.

 

[IFRIT]

If you do get a 3GS make sure it's a newer device as device from 2009 would have a shot battery. But as said i'd be thinking of maybe a 4 or 4S.

 

[g35]

Get her a 4. I got one for my mom 3-4 months ago for $120 CAD off my local Craigslist (8GB, black, locked, good condition).

For reference, that's about 16% of its new MSRP here (roughly equivalent to paying £92?)

The prices should be even lower now that the 5S is out

The 4 has better design, way better screen, more future proof and less exploding/fire problems

 

[supersedan]

Maybe u look iphone 4, because 3Gs only have 256ram like ipod touch 4th.
Problem ios 6 in ipod to low ram, u need always kill running apps or always reboot ur phone for better performance, if not device verry2 laggy.

IMHO

 

[Carlanga]

An iPhone 4 and upwards just because of the front camera. My mom has my 3GS and likes it and is more than enough for her w/ her email, pics, web, etc and before that she didn't even own a smartphone. She likes calling me and she uses Skype and there is no front camera on the 3GS, also no FaceTime.

Apps that are for a basic user will be able to keep using and now that legacy apps are being kept on apple, she can keep enjoying her apps even after a full restore.

 

[Numerouno]

As strange as it sounds I have this problem! However I put the SIM card tray in my iPhone the wrong way and it snapped where would I be able to fix this? My 3GS is old now but my mum has a sony Xperia crap or whatever they call them (it's not good AT ALL) thanks