Malfunctions 

iPhone 3GS disassembly

So, let's start analyzing the iPhone 3GS!
We don't have to travel as far as we did last year to get it. This year it was 5400 km.

Apple claims iPhone 3GS will be "2x faster." Why is 3GS faster? We'll find out soon enough. The 3GS is rumored to have a 600 MHz processor, which is 50% faster than the processor in the iPhone 3G.

Step 2



We won't bore you with a lengthy unboxing as there is nothing new to see here.
Which one is the best 3GS? They look the same.

Apple doesn't allow you to easily identify your iPhone 3GS as they are all simply labeled "iPhone". However, the 3G is the A1241 model, while the 3GS is the A1303 model.

Step 3


The original iPhone was very difficult to open, but we expect the 3GS (like the 3G) to be quite easy to use. There are two more visible screws on the bottom of the phone, which are a good sign for easy opening.
Remove the two bottom screws using a Phillips #00 screwdriver.

Step 4

The little sucker is your friend. A large suction cup can also be a fun toy.

There are seven numbered connectors on the 3GS, compared to six on the 3G. Connector number seven is in the lower right corner, just above the dock connector.

Step 5



There are three cables that hold the LCD-to-digital converter to the rest of the iPhone 3GS motherboard. Disabling them is as easy as 1-2-3:

  • 1: LCD panel
  • 2: digitizer
  • 3: Speaker

Step 6


We're looking forward to the improved 3-megapixel camera on the iPhone 3GS. According to our good friend, Richard Lai: "The quality of the iPhone camera has improved significantly with 3G, the flash can be closed down to about 5cm, and the brightness is also adjustable when selecting the focus area."

We've already seen some pretty impressive images. Luckily, since both original 3G iPhones had the camera as a separate component, removing it is possible (if necessary).
In each image, on the left is a photo from an iPhone 3G, on the right is a photo from an iPhone 3GS.

Step 7


Here are the two halves. All the chips on the iPhone 3GS motherboard are hidden under two large EMI shields. You'll have to remove them a little later.

Step 8



Just like the iPhone 3G, the LCD is fairly easy to replace. After removing 6 screws, the display is easy to remove.

Step 9


Here's the iconic "Don't Remove" sticker. It didn't stop us last year, and it certainly won't stop us now.

Step 10


Removing the iPhone logic board. Like 3G, there is one big board with all the components.

Step 11


The photo shows the main logic board and there are a lot of microcircuits located here.
The Apple chip is the main Samsung ARM processor.
16GB Toshiba flash is currently on the front board, just below the Samsung ARM.
phone Wreck sent us a large component diagram (second picture). They have done a thorough analysis of the chip in the iPhone 3GS, you can check it out on their website!

Step 12


The other side of the iPhone 3GS motherboard. You can see the battery pads in the lower right corner. Apple was again kind enough to not solder the battery to the board.
This can be seen in the image.

Step 13



Apple promises increased battery life for the iPhone 3GS. The battery is designated as 3.7 and 4.51 Wh. This comes out to 1219 mAh, compared to 1150 mAh on the 3G. 6% increase!

Step 14


Video recording is a feature of the iPhone 3GS version. The 3GS records video at 640x480 resolution and 30 frames per second.
The quality of video recording is acceptable, although it can be better. You can watch a video (using another iPhone 3GS) by opening the phone.

Step 15


The 3GS offers voice control. We're not yet sure why this feature can't be added via software to earlier phones. Perhaps voice recognition requires a better microphone than earlier iPhones or a lot of processing power, or maybe Apple just wanted to differentiate the 3GS.
According to Richard Lai, in "Chinese (Cantonese) voice control works, but it took a while to work out the magic words as there is no guide (not in Hong Kong until early July)."

Step 16


Here are all the parts after a detailed analysis of the iPhone 3GS. We will continue to carry out further analysis, stay tuned for updates, and also order bulk iPhone 3GS parts from our website!