One of the questions I’ve been getting a lot lately from friends and family is, "what’s different about the iPhone 3g?" I simply respond "faster data." That usually works and is sufficient. Sometimes I get blank stares. So I have to go into a little more detail. So if you just gave your computer a blank stare, let me explain. The original iPhone worked over AT&T’s EDGE data network. Speeds for things like web surfing, email, YouTube videos, etc. was faster than dial-up, but paled in comparison to DSL and Cable.
The iPhone supports Wi-Fi, so whenever you can be on a Wi-Fi network, the experience is MUCH better. One of my favorite speed test sites is speakeasy.net/speedtest/, however, this site uses Flash to display the results, so it’s useless when it comes to testing the iPhone’s speed. Instead, I use bandwidthplace.com.
Apple claims that the iPhone 3g is twice as fast as the previous model. However, by most people’s estimates, Apple is being modest with this claim. I decided to put it to the test. So I used my iPhone 3g in all 3 modes. First I tested it by turning off Wi-Fi and 3g. After a few moments the iPhone connected to AT&T’s EDGE network and here’s what I got:
Then I turned 3g back on and restarted the iPhone so it would have a fresh start and here’s what I got:
Not too shabby! Clearly better than twice as fast. However, this is just raw speed. Your mileage may vary from site to site in Safari. This is probably why Apple says "twice as fast." It’s a safe claim that they can achieve 100% of the time.
Next I restarted the iPhone again and I turned Wi-Fi back on. The iPhone is connected to my Wi-Fi network (powered by cable modem). Here’s what I got:
The Bottom Line
Yep, the iPhone 3g is faster! Easily twice as fast if not more. Um, not much more to say. Have a nice day 🙂
Terry:
I have a 16GB 3G. Per your suggestion, I tried the bsndwidth speed test while on WiFi. I tried it twice, but sorry to report that, both times, the test started and then hung until it crashed the 3g.
Ina
Ina, I also got a few Safari crashes, but as you can see above I was able to do the tests. You might want to turn off your iPhone and then turn it back on to run the tests.
Terry, I’m pretty much set to buy iPhones for my wife and myself. Your speed test solidify my decision. I am curious about the crashes. Do you believe this is a Safari issue relating to the site you were using for the speed test?
Roger, there is some general flakyness throughout the iPhone 2.0 software. Rumor has it that iPhone 2.0.1 software is under testing and should be available soon. It’s hard to say if it’s the site or Safari on the iPhone. I used that site to run my tests on the 1st generation iPhone with no problems a year ago.