Yep, it’s another blog post on the iPhone 3GS. If you’ve read enough about the Jesus Phone already feel free to move on, but I thought we’d share our first impressions after using it for a day(ish). Plus we’re a New Zealand source so that means something right? Let’s get started with the bad first.
The Fails
- The screen has a slightly yellow tinge at the moment, and overall seems slightly less vibrant.
- Compass app seems a little bit flaky at times.
- Speakers don’t really seem to have been improved at all.
- Still can’t sync multiple MobileMe accounts, although that’s a software limitation.
- If you tap near the camera area on the back, there’s a slight, but really annoying rattle, like loose metal. This doesn’t happen on the 3G, and overall the 3G feels slightly more solid…
The Wins
- Anyone who said there’s only a slight speed difference lied. Flat out lied. The phone is dramatically faster and more responsive. Switching between apps is pleasantly responsive and everything feels snappier.
- The Maps application seems to locate you much faster and the orientation using the compass is extremely helpful.
- YouTube streaming over WiFi actually works properly.
- Voice Control actually seems to work and understands what you’re saying. I’ve successfully called everyone I’ve tried, even some random names.
- Video Recording is actually really good, the quality is great for a hand held although uploading to Flickr/YouTube seemed to compress and degrade the video more than necessary.
- Camera is much better and the auto-focus and tap to focus is great.
Overall our first day impressions are we love, love, love, the speed, it really does make using the phone a much better experience, and for that reason alone the upgrade feels worth it. We’ll let you know our proper thoughts after we’ve had them for a few days.