iPhone 4 vs iPhone 3GS: A comparison of features normal users care about

June 25, 2010 - By Justin E. Gehrke

Yesterday, the iPhone 4 officially hit the streets. Those who were lucky enough to get their pre-orders in on June 15, 2010 feverishly tore open boxes, activated SIMs and played happily, like 7-year olds on Christmas morning. We’ve all heard about the improved technical specifications and additional features, from tech sites around the web. For that matter, we’ve heard about them ad nauseam. There is (at least) one big question left.

The big question is whether or not the improvements are any more than words on paper. Are there any real differences that a normal user can see and use to their advantage? Here at GSL, we were lucky enough to get our hands on one and take it for a test drive. The normal user is exactly who we kept in mind while examining a few features that are part of everyday iPhone usage. What’s the verdict? Will the iPhone 4 take us in a better direction than the iPhone 3GS? We’ll lay it all out, and you can decide for yourself.

The image above wasn’t really intended to be part of this review of features, but it definitely got our attention. Both devices were set to Magnetic North and placed within inches of each other. Though we were certain we had placed them on the same horizontal line, they both displayed different points. We then rotated the iPhone 3GS device until it read exactly the same heading. The result is what you see above. Which one is more correct? We honestly have no idea, but, if you’re lost in the forest, it might be the difference between survival and…well…you know what else.

From here, we moved on to things that a normal person might use the most. What’s the first thing we thought of? Well, it was the camera and video features of course. While we’re not sure why we thought of it, we also considered the sound differences between the iPhone 3GS and iPhone 4.

Camera Functionality and Screenshots

The first thing we noticed was the improved clarity displayed, via the standard detection of the camera lens, itself. The additional features such as “Auto Flash” and the ability to switch from the rear-facing cam to the front-facing one (camera icon with arrow, at the top right). The flash function can be tapped to switch from Auto, to either On or Off. We also took screenshots while the camera app was open. Both were taken from the exact same position and with the same lighting conditions. Default screenshot sizes have increased from 320 x 480 (iPhone 3GS) to 640 x 960 (iPhone 4).

Winner: iPhone 4

Photograph Quality

There is also a very obvious difference in the quality and resolution of the photographs taken on the iPhone 4 (without the flash) versus those taken on the iPhone 3GS. Again, both were taken from the exact same position and with the same lighting conditions. The improved image quality is apparent. Details are more precise, as well. Additionally, the overall size of the photographs taken has increased from 600 x 800 (iPhone 3GS) to 1936 x 2592 (iPhone 4). We also noted that the soft button to snap photos was much more responsive and captured/stored the photograph much more quickly, which could be crucial when capturing those precious childhood moments.

Winner: iPhone 4

To visually demonstrate the difference between the improved resolution and quality differences between the iPhone 3GS and iPhone 4, we opened both at actual size on an Apple iMac. Click on the image below to open up a full-sized screenshot taken with both images open, in a new window.

Video Capture Quality

We’ve answered the question of whether or not the photographic quality is improved. What about the video quality? Of course the iPhone 4 settings can be tweaked to increase the quality of the video. But what if we leave it on the standard quality? We’re not movie makers. We just want to catch little Billy as he sticks a perfect dismount during his gymnastics meet. To answer this question, we took a short video on each one of a YouTube video GSL posted last week that improves upon the Apple iPhone 4 Promo video by adding a little vuvuzela. (Yes, we know you were thrilled.) Both were taken from the same distance and position. No alterations were made to the video. They were simply converted from .mov to .mp4 for YouTube uploading purposes. You can see the result in the embedded videos below. The first one was shot on the iPhone 3GS. The second one was shot on the iPhone 4.

First of all, we are not professional movie makers, as evidenced by the unsteadiness. That’s what makes the results even more convincing. The increased quality of the camera shows a clear difference in the clarity of the video. You might also notice that the iPhone 4 lens seems to auto-adjust, making the target seem a bit farther away but still sharper. We didn’t take the step of increasing the video quality in the iPhone 4 settings, but we can only imagine that the difference would have been even more noticeable.

Winner: iPhone 4

Image and Video File Size

The next aspect we looked at in our comparison related to the comparisons we made above. Since the photo and video quality is improved, how much do the file sizes increase. This may be something that professional photographers, movie makers, and web design professionals know by heart, normal people (like us) do not. We want to take pictures and videos, without worrying about running out of free space.

To test out the idea, we used the default “Send via Email” option in the Photos app and sent ourselves four images and one video (those taken above). Once we downloaded them to an iMac, we organized them neatly in folders and compared the file sizes. No modifications were made whatsoever between the image/video capture and placement in the folder. The results are shown below.

What the screenshot above shows us is that the size of the image files increased substantially. Again, this is an obvious increase, based on the improved resolution of the iPhone 4 camera over that of the iPhone 3GS. What purpose does this serve? Well, it gives you an idea of what you should and should not send via email. In some cases, you may be better off waiting until you get home, so you can sync your iPhone 4, with your home computer or laptop. Remember, AT&T has implemented new data plans with pesky limits. You wouldn’t want to waste your precious data allotment (or your battery) by emailing twenty pictures of Billy, just so you don’t have to plug it in at home.

One interesting thing we noted was that the video files were exactly the same size, at 2.6 Mb. We just assumed it was because they both had the same “default” settings, with regard to resolution (though the iPhone 3GS only has one). When we compared the file characteristics, though (shown below), we see that the bit rate and horizontal dimension of the iPhone 4 video are slightly lower. What exactly does this mean? Since we’re not video experts, we’re not exactly sure, but it would seem to suggest that, despite having a lesser horizontal dimension and bit rate, the video quality is still improved. Add to that the fact that the file sizes were exactly the same, and it would seem that the iPhone 4 wins again. (On this note, if a video expert would like to explain the differences and how they benefit normal iPhone users, we would love to hear it in the form of a comment.)

Winner: In this case, we’ll call it a “Tie.” There’s always a trade-off. Smaller file sizes mean less resolution and vice-versa. In this case, it all depends on how you use your iPhone.

Audio Output

The last aspect we looked at is one that most people would never think of. We’re not even sure why we though of it. For years, the headphone-less have cupped their right hand around the bottom of the iPhone in a futile attempt to magnify the sound. Our hope was that the iPhone 4 audio output would be louder. Unfortunately, it isn’t. Even worse, the maximum volume is less loud than that of the iPhone 3GS. How did we test it? First, we turned the ringer volume to the maximum. Then, we opened up the handy Vuvuzela app we use to annoy our coworkers. We sounded the Vuvuzela on both and…lo and behold…the iPhone 3GS Vuvuzela was louder. In the interest of fairness, we also set both the iPhone 4 and iPhone 3GS ringtone to the default Marimba sound. Again, the iPhone 3GS audio output was louder. Why is this the case? We’re not sure, but Apple can likely tell us. Whether they will or not is another matter, altogether. Either way, if you were looking to the iPhone 4 as a louder device, you’re definitely out of luck.

Winner: iPhone 3GS

The Final Verdict

Comparing the above “normal user” concerns, the iPhone 4 does come out on top. Of course, there are many other factors that must also be taken into consideration. These include faster performance, increased screen clarity and resolution, better organizational capabilities with Folders, and the additional apps that will be designed specifically for the iPhone 4. For now, though, if you are one of those users who is on the fence on whether to upgrade and renew your contract with AT&T or ditch you current provider and move to AT&T, you have a little more information to use in making an educated decision.

What’s our advice? Now that you’ve read this comparison and review, find 5-10 more on other reputable, objective-minded sites around the web. Take notes on the things that are important to you and use them to make….we’ll say it again…an educated decision that best suits your needs. Remember that a smartphone may be great, but if using it makes you feel dumb, it’s not the one for you!

MutableParadox says:

June 25, 2010 at 8:57 am

As far as bit rate goes. It is bits per second which is referring to the amount of information contained in the video. That isn’t an extreme difference and I would say is probably caused by the different encoding software. The compression algorithm could be slightly different. Either way it the higher the bit rate the more information encoded in the file. This normally means better quality, but obviously not always ^_~

Ryuzaki says:

June 25, 2010 at 11:10 pm

I don’t see that much of a difference though, performance wise, yeah there is but features wise, they are pretty much the same. I-3GS has the same things but not as good quality. But that hardly makes up for it’s probably only competitor.

I own a 3GS but it seems like these phones are barely able to keep up with the Motorola Droid. I don’t know how long I’ll be an Apple Phone customer…