Apple IPhone 3GS Review | Student Mobile Phone Review

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Apple IPhone 3GS

Review by Mobile Phones 4 Students on Tuesday 21 June 2011

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For a long time, the Apple iPhone has been a device which much of the smart phone market has aspired towards. It's got everything you could want from a handheld device: call and messaging functionality, a touchscreen interface, a huge App Store, an in-built iPod, web access, email software and a respectable camera - quite frankly, the list could go on!

Like the competition, much of the student population also aspires towards owning an Apple iPhone, wanting the latest and greatest in emerging technology.

The problem has always been that this technology comes at a price. It's not unusual for networks to demand well over £35/month for a contract which would allow consumers to enjoy all that the iPhone has to offer and it is this fact that has created a huge stumbling block for students in that most, simply can't afford it.

Good Points

Now you might be wondering why we're reviewing the iPhone 3GS when the iPhone 4 is already available and the iPhone 5 is just around the corner, but there is good reason for this. It all comes down to cost.

In the past, we've chosen not to promote the iPhone 3GS to the student market because, as we have said, it was simply too expensive for most students. But now, with the introduction of its successors, the cost is being driven down as the dealerships look to offload their remaining stock of what is now considered 'old technology'. But don't get sucked into the hype - the iPhone 3GS remains a very capable device and there's not a huge amount it can't do, that the iPhone 4 can.

Yes, the iPhone 4 might be a little quicker, and yes it might have a few more Apps, a forward-facing camera and an updated OS, but when you consider that you can now get hold of a free iPhone 3GS handset when you take out a contract with O2 for a little over £20/month, it's a whole new ball-game - a ball-game that, dare I say, students can afford to play.

For around £20/month, not only are you given a free handset, but also free minutes, free texts and a data allowance which provides you with free access to the web. You'll also get a 3 MegaPixel in-built camera (with autofocus and tap to focus functionality), an iPod (with Apple earphones with remote and mic), a 3.5-inch widescreen, multi-touch display and Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.

Bad Points

The negative points relating to this device are few and far between, with the main downfall being that were you to buy the iPhone 3GS now, you'll see the iPhone 5 and possibly the iPhone 6 (should they continue with their current rate of new releases) introduced before you come to the end of your contract. It will be dated technology by that point, but the fact remains that now, as a smart phone, the Apple iPhone 3GS can still compete with much of the market - and importantly, it's now affordable.

What do we think of it?

Every penny counts when you're a student and there's no doubt that the iPhone 3GS now represents great value for money. It's easy to use and multi-functional, and we think you'd be crazy not to consider this option if you're on the lookout for a new mobile phone.

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