iPhone 3G

Closely resembling the original iPhone, the iPhone 3G merges mobile phone, iPod, and Internet features, but its standout additions are support for 3G networks (UMTS/HSDPA - 850, 1900, 2100 MHz, 3.6 Mbps) and GPS capability.

The iPhone 3G retains the 3.5-inch display with 320x480 resolution at 163 ppi. However, its case is slightly thicker (by .02 of an inch) and features a plastic back in either black or white, a departure from the original's aluminum. Storage options were 8 GB or 16 GB (with the white version exclusive to the 16 GB model). It also includes support for Wi-Fi (802.11b/g), Bluetooth 2.0+EDR, and an integrated 2.0-megapixel camera with "geotagging" functionality.

Apple's battery life figures for the iPhone 3G are up to 24 hours of audio playback, 10 hours of 2G talk time, 5 hours of 3G talk time, 5 hours of 3G internet use, 6 hours of Wi-Fi internet use, 7 hours of video playback, and a standby time of 300 hours.

This model utilizes the same "multi-touch" interface and sensors—accelerometer, ambient light, and proximity—as the original iPhone, though it is equipped with two proximity sensors instead of one.

The iPhone 3G represented a pivotal moment in smartphone history, addressing the most significant limitations of the original iPhone while making the device accessible to a broader audience. Technology reviewers universally praised the addition of 3G connectivity, with Engadget reporting download speeds 4.8 times faster than EDGE in their tests. The improved call quality and reception earned particular acclaim, with reviewers noting crystal-clear calls and significantly better coverage compared to the first-generation model. The shift to a plastic back design, while initially controversial, proved beneficial for radio reception and made the device easier to grip. Critics appreciated the GPS functionality and the introduction of the App Store, which transformed the iPhone from a closed device into an extensible platform. Despite some concerns about battery life under heavy 3G usage, the iPhone 3G was recognized as a significant technological leap that brought Apple's vision of mobile computing to mainstream consumers worldwide.