iPhone 3GS Upgrade - Do I really need it?

Apple have released the iPhone 3GS Upgrade and the new iPhone OS3. You may ask yourself if it is worth upgrading to. It is a valid question that I will try to answer with this article.

First we need to get some hard facts on the table, we need to compare these two devices against each other. We need to find out what you really need and if you think it is worth the costs involved.

Let us now find out what you DO get with the older iPhone 3G:
- Voice Memos
- Landscape keyboard
- Messages (MMS)
- Cut, Copy & Paste
- 2 megapixel camera

Let us now find out what you get extra, with the new iPhone 3GS
- Compass
- Voice Control
- Video Recording
- 2x Improved Performance
- faster data speeds - up to 7.2Mbps HSDPA
- 3 megapixel camera with autofocus
- up to 3 hours more video playback
- up to 6 hours more audio playback
- up to 3 hours more on wi-fi
- up to 2 hours more on 2G
- standby time, and 3G talk time unchanged
- Faster CPU 600MHz compared to 412MHz
- More RAM, 256MB compared to 128MB
- Better oil resistant screen

The argument I would use if going to upgrade would be the faster CPU, better camera and the upgraded coating for the display. The major new features are the ones in iPhone OS3 you still will be able to install on your older phone.

Only you can decide if some of these new hardware features is worth something for you. I will probably upgrade, but that is because I want to write up a review for my readers. For me the speed improvement is probably the major factor in upgrading. Do not worry if you cant afford to upgrade. In one year from now there will probably be more upgrades. Just wait for the next one and enjoy your iPhone 3G. It is still a fantastic phone!