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How to tell the difference between an iPhone 3G and 3GS

January 27, 2011 by Ian Brown 2 Comments

If you are looking at buying a used iPhone or you just want to know how to tell the difference between an iPhone 3G and a 3GS, then this is how you do it.


First, there is no way to tell the difference just by looking at it. You have to either have the phone in your hand, or have to have the serial number.

If you have the phone in your hand, then check the following items:

  1. Go into the Camera and see if there is a slider to toggle between photo and video in the bottom right corner of the screen.
  2. Check and see if it has the Compass app
  3. Hold down the Home button (the round button on the front of the phone) and see if “Voice Control” comes up

    4. If the iPhone that you’re checking has the above apps/features, then it is an iPhone 3GS. If it doesn’t, then it is a 3G.

    Another way to tell without having to have the physical phone is by entering the serial number of the phone into the following web page:

    https://selfsolve.apple.com/GetWarranty.do

    It will tell you which iPhone you have. To find out what the serial number is of the iPhone, tell whoever has it to go to SETTINGS>GENERAL>ABOUT>Scroll down the page and look for SERIAL NUMBER.

    Enjoy!


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Written by Ian Brown
Ian has been involved with computers since very young. He took his first computer class when he was just 8 years old. He always had an affinity for computers, but never really took it seriously. It was not until he graduated from college and experienced the real world for a while did he realize that computers may be where his talent and passion lie. He has since branched out into Internet marketing and LOVES it. He currently resides in Los Angeles where he services clients ranging from residential to small business to celebrities.