Apple·Flagship · Released Jul 2008
iPhone 3G
The 2008 iPhone that brought 3G — and the App Store.
10/ 100 SpecEagle score
From
$199
Color · Black
Display
3.5" LCD
Chipset
Samsung S5L8900
Memory
128 MB · 8 GB
Main cam
2 MP
Battery
1,150 mAh
Weight
133 g
AI Snapshot
The iPhone that launched the App Store era.
The iPhone 3G added 3G and GPS, but its real legacy is the App Store that launched with it. A foundational device in mobile history.
Subscores · 0–100
Display26
Camera14
Performance6
Battery28
Build44
Value16
- Launched alongside the App Store — the start of the app economy.
- Added 3G data and GPS.
- Far more affordable on-contract pricing.
- Hugely influential.
Full specifications
Type
TFT LCD
Size
3.5 inches
Resolution
480 × 320 px (163 ppi)
Protection
Glass
Main
2 MP, fixed focus
Selfie
None
Video
Not supported
Benchmarks
vs 2025 flagship class average
AnTuTu v10
Δ class avg -99.9%
This
1,200
Class avg
1,620,000
Geekbench 6 Single
Δ class avg -99.7%
This
8
Class avg
2,900
Geekbench 6 Multi
Δ class avg -99.9%
This
10
Class avg
8,100
3DMark Solar Bay
Δ class avg -99.8%
This
0.1 fps
Class avg
62.0 fps
Frequently asked questions
When was the iPhone 3G released?
The iPhone 3G was released in Jul 2008.
What is the iPhone 3G screen size and type?
The iPhone 3G has a 3.5" LCD display.
What chipset does the iPhone 3G use?
The iPhone 3G is powered by the Samsung S5L8900 chipset.
How much RAM and storage does the iPhone 3G have?
The iPhone 3G ships with 128 MB · 8 GB (RAM · base storage); higher configurations may be available.
What is the iPhone 3G battery capacity?
The iPhone 3G has a 1,150 mAh battery.
What is the iPhone 3G main camera?
The iPhone 3G has a 2 MP main camera.
How fast does the iPhone 3G charge?
The iPhone 3G supports ~5 W (30-pin dock) wired charging.
Is the iPhone 3G worth buying?
The iPhone 3G added 3G and GPS, but its real legacy is the App Store that launched with it. A foundational device in mobile history. SpecEagle gives the iPhone 3G an editorial score of 10/100.