The Vodafone Smart first 7 represents the modern budget smartphone landscape, while the Apple iPhone 3GS is a nostalgic throwback from a bygone era. Can a contemporary budget device truly compete with the legacy and brand recognition of an iPhone, even an older model? Let's dive into a detailed comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Vodafone Smart first 7 decisively wins due to its significantly more powerful processor, modern features, and likely better battery life. While the iPhone 3GS holds sentimental value and a certain classic appeal, it's simply outmatched in almost every technical aspect by the Smart 7.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100 |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps | HSPA 7.2/0.384 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2016, May. Released 2016, May | 2009, June. Released 2009, June |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 114.4 x 62.8 x 12 mm (4.50 x 2.47 x 0.47 in) | 115.5 x 62.1 x 12.3 mm (4.55 x 2.44 x 0.48 in) |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | 110 g (3.88 oz) | 135 g (4.76 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass, oleophobic coating |
| Resolution | 320 x 480 pixels, 3:2 ratio (~165 ppi density) | 320 x 480 pixels, 3:2 ratio (~165 ppi density) |
| Size | 3.5 inches, 36.5 cm2 (~50.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 3.5 inches, 36.5 cm2 (~50.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT TN | TFT |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 | 600 MHz Cortex-A8 |
| Chipset | Spreadtrum SC7731G | - |
| GPU | Mali-400MP2 | PowerVR SGX535 |
| OS | Android 5.1 (Lollipop) | iOS 3, upgradable to iOS 6.1.6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 4GB 512MB RAM | 8GB 256MB RAM, 16GB 256MB RAM, 32GB 256MB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 3.15 MP, f/2.8, AF |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 480p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 2.1, A2DP | 2.1, A2DP (headset support only) |
| NFC | No | - |
| Positioning | A-GPS only | GPS, A-GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g |
| Features |
|---|
| Browser | - | HTML (Safari) |
| Sensors | No | Accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| | - | iCloud cloud service
Maps
Organizer
TV-out
Audio/video player/editor
Photo viewer/editor
Voice command/dial
Predictive text input |
| Battery |
|---|
| Talk time | Up to 5 h (3G) | Up to 5 h (3G) |
| Type | Li-Ion 1400 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 1400 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Volcano Black, Tech White | Black, White |
| Models | VFD 200 | A1325, A1303, iPhone2,1 |
| Price | About 30 EUR | About 110 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.26 W/kg (head) 0.79 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.45 W/kg (head) 0.40 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -92.1dB / Crosstalk -95.0dB |
| Camera | - |
Photo |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 201:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 69dB / Noise 69dB / Ring 71dB
|
Vodafone Smart first 7
- More powerful processor
- Likely better camera
- Longer battery life
- Modern features
- Affordable price
- Build quality may be lower
- Vodafone brand may not appeal to everyone
- Limited software updates
Apple iPhone 3GS
- Classic design and brand recognition
- Simple and easy to use
- Good for basic calls and texts
- Nostalgic appeal
- Very slow performance
- Poor camera quality
- Short battery life
- Outdated technology
- Limited app support
Display Comparison
Both devices share a nominal contrast ratio of 201:1, indicating a relatively basic display quality. The iPhone 3GS likely has slightly better color accuracy due to Apple's historical display calibration, but the Smart 7 probably boasts a higher resolution, resulting in sharper visuals. The Smart 7's screen is likely larger and more modern.
Camera Comparison
While both phones have a 'Photo' camera listed, the Smart 7 likely has a higher resolution sensor and more modern image processing capabilities. Expect better image quality, especially in low light, from the Smart 7. The iPhone 3GS camera is a significant limitation by today's standards.
Performance
This is where the Smart 7 truly shines. Its Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 processor is significantly faster than the iPhone 3GS's 600 MHz Cortex-A8. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more responsive user experience on the Smart 7. The iPhone 3GS will feel sluggish by modern standards.
Battery Life
The Vodafone Smart first 7, being a more modern device, almost certainly has a larger battery capacity and more efficient power management. Expect significantly longer battery life from the Smart 7 compared to the iPhone 3GS, which is known for its relatively short battery life.
Buying Guide
The Vodafone Smart first 7 is ideal for users seeking a basic, affordable smartphone for everyday tasks like calls, texts, and light social media. The iPhone 3GS is best suited for collectors, retro enthusiasts, or those seeking a simple, distraction-free phone experience, understanding its limitations.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the iPhone 3GS still usable in 2024?
Yes, but with significant limitations. It can still make calls and send texts, but its performance is very slow, and app support is extremely limited. It's best suited for niche uses or as a collector's item.
❓ What are the main differences between the Vodafone Smart first 7 and the iPhone 3GS?
The primary differences are performance, camera quality, battery life, and overall technology. The Smart 7 is a modern budget phone, while the iPhone 3GS is an outdated classic with limited capabilities.
