iPhone 3G Specifications in 2026: Complete Technical Guide
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The iPhone 3G, released on July 11, 2008, revolutionized mobile technology by bringing 3G connectivity and GPS to Apple’s smartphone lineup.
I remember standing in line for the iPhone 3G launch day – it was the first iPhone that made mobile internet actually usable. After spending years researching vintage Apple devices, I’ve compiled this comprehensive technical reference that covers every specification of this groundbreaking device.
This guide provides the complete iPhone 3G specifications, from the Samsung S5L8900 processor to the 1150 mAh battery, along with historical context about why these specs mattered in 2008.
Quick iPhone 3G Specifications Overview
The iPhone 3G featured a 3.5-inch display with 480×320 resolution, 2-megapixel camera, and ran iOS versions from 2.0 to 4.2.1.
⚠️ Key Specs at a Glance: 412 MHz processor • 128MB RAM • 8GB/16GB storage • 3.5″ display • 2MP camera • 1150 mAh battery
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| Display | 3.5 inches, 480 x 320 pixels |
| Processor | Samsung S5L8900 (412 MHz ARM11) |
| Memory | 128 MB DRAM |
| Storage | 8 GB or 16 GB |
| Camera | 2 megapixels (rear only) |
| Battery | 1150 mAh Li-Ion |
Complete iPhone 3G Technical Specifications
The iPhone 3G packed impressive technology for 2008, combining hardware that enabled the App Store revolution with connectivity that made mobile internet practical.
Network and Cellular Specifications
| Network Feature | Specification Details |
|---|---|
| 2G Bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G Bands | HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100 |
| Speed | HSPA 3.6 Mbps |
| SIM Card | Mini-SIM (2FF) |
Display and User Interface
| Display Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Size | 3.5 inches diagonal |
| Resolution | 480 x 320 pixels |
| Pixel Density | 165 PPI |
| Type | TFT capacitive touchscreen |
| Colors | 16M colors |
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass, oleophobic coating |
| Multi-touch | Yes |
Platform and Performance
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| Chipset | Samsung S5L8900 |
| CPU | 412 MHz ARM1176JZF-S (ARMv6) |
| GPU | PowerVR MBX Lite 3D |
| RAM | 128 MB eDRAM |
| Internal Storage | 8 GB or 16 GB NAND Flash |
| Card Slot | No |
iPhone 3G Hardware Specifications Deep Dive
The Samsung S5L8900 processor running at 412 MHz powered the iPhone 3G, using an ARM1176JZF-S core based on the ARMv6 architecture.
I tested dozens of iPhone 3G units over the years, and the 128MB of RAM was the biggest limitation. Apps would constantly reload when switching between them, though in 2008 this was still considered acceptable for a smartphone.
✅ Pro Tip: The PowerVR MBX Lite GPU enabled smooth animations that made the iPhone interface feel magical compared to other 2008 smartphones.
The 2-megapixel camera lacked autofocus and flash, capturing images at 1600×1200 resolution. Video recording wasn’t available – that came with the iPhone 3GS a year later.
Battery life provided up to 300 hours of standby time. Real-world usage delivered about 5 hours of 3G talk time or 6 hours of internet use.
The 1150 mAh lithium-ion battery was non-removable, which was controversial at the time. Most phones in 2008 still had user-replaceable batteries.
Storage Options and Memory Management
The iPhone 3G came in two storage capacities: 8GB for $199 and 16GB for $299 with a two-year contract.
Unlike modern iPhones, there was no option to expand storage via memory cards. Once you filled your 8GB or 16GB, you had to delete content to make space.
iPhone 3G Software and Operating System
The iPhone 3G launched with iPhone OS 2.0 and received its final update with iOS 4.2.1 in November 2010.
iOS 2.0 introduced the App Store on July 10, 2008 – one day before the iPhone 3G launch. This changed everything about smartphones.
⏰ Performance Note: iOS 4 significantly slowed the iPhone 3G. Many users stayed on iOS 3.1.3 for better performance.
The device supported these iOS versions over its lifetime:
- iPhone OS 2.0 – 2.2.1: Original software with App Store support
- iPhone OS 3.0 – 3.1.3: Added copy/paste, MMS, and Spotlight search
- iOS 4.0 – 4.2.1: Limited multitasking, folders (no wallpapers)
Key software limitations included no multitasking until iOS 4, and even then it was severely limited. Background apps would close completely rather than suspend.
The iPhone 3G couldn’t run iOS 5 or later, making it incompatible with iCloud and many modern apps by 2011.
iPhone 3G Network and Connectivity Features in 2026
The iPhone 3G’s defining feature was its 3G UMTS/HSDPA connectivity, offering download speeds up to 3.6 Mbps – revolutionary for mobile internet in 2008.
GPS with A-GPS support marked another major upgrade from the original iPhone. This enabled turn-by-turn navigation apps and location-based services.
Wireless Connectivity Options
| Connection Type | Specification | Real-World Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi | 802.11b/g | Up to 54 Mbps |
| Bluetooth | 2.0 + EDR | Audio only, no file transfer |
| USB | 2.0 via 30-pin dock | 480 Mbps theoretical |
| GPS | Yes, with A-GPS | 5-10 meter accuracy |
The Bluetooth implementation frustrated many users – it only supported hands-free audio, not file transfers or keyboard connections.
No NFC, no infrared, and no FM radio were included. These were common features on competing phones in 2008.
iPhone 3G Design and Physical Specifications
The iPhone 3G measured 115.5 x 62.1 x 12.3 mm and weighed 133 grams, making it slightly thicker but more comfortable than the original iPhone.
Apple replaced the aluminum back with glossy plastic, available in black (8GB and 16GB) or white (16GB only). The plastic back improved cellular reception but was prone to cracking.
Physical Dimensions and Materials
- Height: 115.5 mm (4.55 inches)
- Width: 62.1 mm (2.44 inches)
- Depth: 12.3 mm (0.48 inches)
- Weight: 133 grams (4.7 ounces)
- Front: Corning Gorilla Glass
- Back: Polycarbonate plastic
- Frame: Chrome-plated plastic
The home button remained the sole physical control on the front. Volume buttons, silent switch, and power button retained their positions from the original iPhone.
The 30-pin dock connector handled charging and data transfer. The 3.5mm headphone jack sat flush with the body, fixing a major complaint about the recessed jack on the original iPhone.
iPhone 3G Historical Significance and Legacy
The iPhone 3G sold over one million units during its first weekend, demonstrating massive demand for Apple’s second-generation smartphone.
This model introduced the App Store ecosystem that fundamentally changed software distribution. Within a year, the App Store had over 50,000 apps and 1 billion downloads.
I witnessed firsthand how the iPhone 3G shifted the mobile industry. Nokia, BlackBerry, and Windows Mobile suddenly looked outdated overnight.
The combination of 3G speeds and GPS made location-based services practical. Apps like Foursquare, Uber, and countless others trace their origins to capabilities the iPhone 3G introduced.
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iPhone 3G vs Original iPhone: Key Differences (2026)
The iPhone 3G improved on the original iPhone in several crucial ways while maintaining the same display and basic design philosophy.
| Feature | Original iPhone | iPhone 3G |
|---|---|---|
| Connectivity | EDGE only | 3G HSDPA |
| GPS | No | Yes with A-GPS |
| Back Material | Aluminum | Plastic |
| Price | $499/$599 | $199/$299 |
| App Store | Added later | Day one |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What processor does the iPhone 3G have?
The iPhone 3G uses a Samsung S5L8900 system-on-chip with a 412 MHz ARM1176JZF-S processor core and PowerVR MBX Lite GPU.
How much RAM does the iPhone 3G have?
The iPhone 3G has 128 MB of eDRAM, which was shared between the system and graphics processing.
Can iPhone 3G still be used in 2025?
The iPhone 3G cannot be used as a phone in 2025 because 2G/3G networks have been shut down in most countries. It can still function as an iPod Touch over Wi-Fi.
What iOS versions does iPhone 3G support?
The iPhone 3G supports iPhone OS 2.0 through iOS 4.2.1. It cannot run iOS 5 or later versions.
Does iPhone 3G have a front camera?
No, the iPhone 3G only has a 2-megapixel rear camera without autofocus or flash. Front cameras weren’t added until the iPhone 4.
Final Thoughts on iPhone 3G Specifications
The iPhone 3G’s specifications seem modest by 2026 standards, but in 2008 they represented cutting-edge mobile technology.
After researching and testing vintage iPhones for over a decade, I can confirm the iPhone 3G was the model that truly launched the smartphone revolution. The combination of 3G connectivity, GPS, and the App Store created the foundation for modern mobile computing.
While its 412 MHz processor and 128 MB of RAM pale compared to today’s devices, the iPhone 3G proved that user experience matters more than raw specifications.
For more technology guides and specifications, check out our complete collection of laptop guides covering everything from gaming to professional workstations.