DATA-DRIVEN PHONE COMPARE

iPhone 3GS vs iPhone 4s

10 source-backed differences · 6 fields the same. Official sources below.

✓Both records verified · latest Aug 19, 2026

Pick two phones to see a source-backed comparison.
Image unavailable
PHONE A

iPhone 3GS

No fresh verified price

Full specs →
VS

Direct answer

iPhone 3GS and iPhone 4s trade strengths: iPhone 3GS leads in Design, while iPhone 4s leads in Cameras.

Key differences

Prioritize what matters to you, then expand the full shared field set.

✓18 registry fields

FieldiPhone 3GSiPhone 4sWhy it matters
Main cameraMarginal difference2 official sources3 MP8 MPResolution is one part of camera detail and crop flexibility.
FieldiPhone 3GSiPhone 4sWhy it matters
WeightMinor difference2 official sources135 g140 gWeight affects long sessions and one-handed comfort.
FieldiPhone 3GSiPhone 4sWhy it matters
Storage optionsMarginal difference2 official sources8 GB16 GB, 32 GB, 64 GBAvailable capacities determine local media and app headroom.
FieldiPhone 3GSiPhone 4sWhy it matters
BluetoothMarginal difference2 official sourcesBluetooth 2.1 + EDRBluetooth 4.0The generation can affect accessory capabilities.
FieldiPhone 3GSiPhone 4sWhy it matters
Audio playback hoursMeaningful difference2 official sources3040No universal winner; decide based on your use case.
FieldiPhone 3GSiPhone 4sWhy it matters
Depth mmMarginal difference2 official sources12.39.3No universal winner; decide based on your use case.
Width mmMinor difference2 official sources62.158.6No universal winner; decide based on your use case.
FieldiPhone 3GSiPhone 4sWhy it matters
WifiMarginal difference2 official sources802.11b/g Wi-Fi802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi (802.11n 2.4GHz only)No universal winner; decide based on your use case.
FieldiPhone 3GSiPhone 4sWhy it matters
ResolutionMarginal difference2 official sources480-by-320-pixel resolution at 163 ppi960-by-640-pixel resolution at 326 ppiNo universal winner; decide based on your use case.
FieldiPhone 3GSiPhone 4sWhy it matters
ConnectorMarginal difference2 official sources30-pinDock ConnectorNo universal winner; decide based on your use case.

What’s the same

Video playback10 hours
Display size3.5 in
Height mm115.5
ContentsiPhone 3GS, Apple Earphones with Remote and Mic, Dock Connector to USB Cable, USB Power Adapter, Documentation, Environmental Status Report, iPhone 3GS embodies Apple’s continuing environmental progress. It is designed with the following features to reduce environmental impact:, PVC-free handset, PVC-free headphones, PVC-free USB cable, Bromine-free printed circuit boards, Mercury-free LCD display, Arsenic-free display glass, Majority of packaging made from post-consumer recycled fiberboard and biobased materials, Power adapter outperforms strictest global energy efficiency standards
CellularEDGE
ReleaseYear2009

Which should you buy?

iPhone 3GS and iPhone 4s trade strengths: iPhone 3GS leads in Design, while iPhone 4s leads in Cameras.

CHOOSE IPHONE 3GS
  • Choose iPhone 3GS if you prioritize design.
CHOOSE IPHONE 4S
  • Choose iPhone 4s if you prioritize cameras.

Category-by-category

CAMERAS · iPhone 4s

Leads in cameras.

DESIGN · iPhone 3GS

Leads in design.

BATTERY · Comparable

Comparable across battery.

STORAGE · Comparable

Comparable across storage.

CONNECTIVITY · Comparable

Comparable across connectivity.

BODY · Comparable

Comparable across body.

CONNECTIVITY · Comparable

Comparable across connectivity.

DISPLAY · Comparable

Comparable across display.

PORTS · Comparable

Comparable across ports.

FIELD-LEVEL PROVENANCE

3 official sources

Every compared field traces to an official product source. No model-generated specs, prices or winners.

Related comparisons

iPhone 3GS vs iPhone 3GgenerationiPhone 3GS vs iPhone 4generationiPhone 3GS vs iPhonegeneration