The latest, greatest Apple iPhone has been released we just have to crack it open. With the help of our friends over at iFixit, we take a look at what makes the Apple iPhone 3G S tick.
\niFixit is a one-stop-shop for the parts, tools, and repair manuals needed to fix iPods, iPhones, Macs, and more. They make it easy for anyone to repair their Apple hardware. Follow along as iFixit engineers disassemble the iPhone 3G S.
\nImages by iFixit, used by permission
We won’t bore you with a lengthly unboxing, since there’s nothing new to see here.
\nImages by iFixit, used by permission
Apple doesn’t make it easy to identify your iPhone 3G S, as they’re all labeled just “iPhone.” However, the 3G is model A1241, while the 3G S is model A1303.
\nImages by iFixit, used by permission
The original iPhone was very difficult to open, but we expect the 3G S (like the 3G) to be quite serviceable. There are still two visible screws on the bottom of the phone, which is a good sign for easy opening. Remove the two bottom screws with a Phillips #00 screwdriver.
\nImages by iFixit, used by permission
A small suction cup is your friend. A large suction cup may also be a fun toy. There are seven numbered connectors on the 3G S, up from six on the 3G. Connector number seven is in the lower right corner, just above the dock connector.
\nImages by iFixit, used by permission
There are seven numbered connectors on the 3G S, up from six on the 3G. Connector number seven is in the lower right corner, just above the dock connector.
\nImages by iFixit, used by permission
There are three cables holding the LCD and digitizer to the rest of the logic board. Disconnecting them is as easy as 1-2-3.\n
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\nImages by iFixit, used by permission
\nImages by iFixit, used by permission
\nImages by iFixit, used by permission
We’re looking forward to the improved 3 megapixel camera on the 3G S. According to our good friend Richard Lai, “Camera quality is much improved from the 3G one, close up shots were possible down to about 5cm, brightness adjusts well when picking focus area.” We’ve seen some pretty impressive shots already.
\nFortunately, as in both the original and 3G iPhones, the camera’s a separate component, so removal is possible if necessary for security purposes.
\nIn each image, the left photo is from the iPhone 3G, the right photo is from the iPhone 3G S.
\nImages by iFixit, used by permission
\nImages by iFixit, used by permission
\nImages by iFixit, used by permission
Here’s the two halves. All the chips on the logic board are hidden beneath two large EMI shields. We’ll have those removed in just a bit.
\nImages by iFixit, used by permission
Just like the iPhone 3G, the LCD is pretty easy to replace. After removing 7 screws, the LCD simply lifts out.
\nImages by iFixit, used by permission
On the iPhone 3G, we see a lot more cracked digitizers than cracked LCDs. Replacing the digitizer is a little more work, and requires breaking out a heat gun or hair dryer.
\nImages by iFixit, used by permission
\nImages by iFixit, used by permission
Here’s the fabled “Do not remove” sticker. It didn’t stop us last year, and it’s certainly not going to stop us this year.
\nImages by iFixit, used by permission
Removing the logic board. Like the 3G, there is a single large PCB with all components.
\nImages by iFixit, used by permission
The main logic board. There’s a lot packed in here.
\nThe Apple-logo chip is the primary Samsung ARM processor.
\nThe 16 gigabytes of Toshiba flash are now on the front of the board, just below the Samsung ARM.
\nImages by iFixit, used by permission
The other side of the logic board. You can see the battery contact pads in the lower right corner. Apple was again kind enough to not solder the battery to the logic board.
\nImages by iFixit, used by permission
Apple promises improved battery life with the 3G S. The battery is listed as 3.7V and 4.51 Whr. This comes out to 1219 mAh, compared to 1150 mAh on the 3G. That’s only a 6% increase.
\nImages by iFixit, used by permission
\nImages by iFixit, used by permission
Video recording is a long-overdue feature of the iPhone 3G S. The 3G S records video at 640×480 resolution and 30 fps.\nThe video recording quality appears acceptable, although not exceptional.
\nImages by iFixit, used by permission
According to Richard Lei, the “Chinese (Cantonese) voice control works, but took a while to work out the magic words as there is no guide released yet (not out in Hong Kong until early July)”
\nImages by iFixit, used by permission
Here’s all the parts. We’ll continue perform further analysis, so check back for updates
\nImages by iFixit, used by permission
Mark W. Kaelin has been writing and editing stories about the information technology industry, software, hardware, gaming, finance, accounting, and technology geekdom for more than 30 years.
