Great price for a cheap entry level iPhone for yourself or the kids
iPhone® 3GS 32GB Unlocked - Black (Refurbished by EB Games) $198
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32GB Card - $30
Which leaves $168 for a good android phone brand new with warranty.
I don't care, I don't care, I don't care…
Can I have the one with the wifis?
wasn't meant as a 'fanboi' observation,
but if someone wants to access the apple app store theres no point saying 'android is better' just like if someone wants to have customisation on their phone saying 'apple is better'…was pointing out that escimojoe's simplification ignored one of the points that were made
$200 for a 32GB MP3 player + phone with access to the App Store is pretty good if you ask me.
@fluberries: I want the one with the GB's.
Yep your point was defo lost. no excuse for spelling fanboy with an i though.
People are allowed to talk and compare… lighten up, mate. It's just a phone.
Just like Safari, IE, Chrome, FF are just browsers…
True, except for the fact that IE isn't one. ;]
Eh, you can go on about Android equivalents or whatever, but there is no denying that this is a cheap entry to Apple's iOS. As I said originally,
"$200 for a 32GB MP3 player + phone with access to the App Store is pretty good if you ask me."
seems like a decent price? anyone know?
Its not an outstanding deal. Around Christmas eb was offering the refurbed iPhone 4 for not much more which is a much better device.
IPhone 3gs is a single core device, quite an old CPU on it now. To put it in context telstra was offering it for 400 prepaid about two years ago. It hasn't aged well considering the progress that phones have made since.
If you really have your heart set on an apple phone then they don't get much cheaper than this at retail, but I would recommend against it.
Yer not sure if the 3GS is a good phone now that its really old and slow/very outdated.
I have 2 I need to fix lol maybe I should get off my ass and do it.It's still supported by apple, and iOS 6
iOS 5 and iOS 6 don't run very well on it though. Slows the whole phone down. + The 3GS versions of iOS 5 & 6 are missing a lot of features.
Give it a few more months and Apple will probably stop supporting it.
My work phone is a 3Gs and it runs iOS 6 and just as well as the 4
Yep I've got a 3GS and it also runs iOS 6 surprisingly well. In fact, reviewers have reported that iOS 6 actually improves its performance.
Also, here's a tip I found:
The older devices only get slow if you have no room left on the device. Keeping between 500 MB and 900 MB free space seems to ensure most if not all apps have room to cache things and not hit the low memory / low space warnings that really slow things down on iOS. Also, deleting all of your photos and movies off your 3GS does wonders for its responsiveness. Especially start up time. Make sure that you back up/copy your photos to iPhoto or into hard storage beforehand though.
Or take it to apple store and get a new replacement (aka refurbished) 3GS phone for $179
Is that the out of warranty replacement? I think they offer the iPhone 4 now instead? Anyone else know?
Yes out of warranty as well. I recently got an out of warranty iPhone 4 replaced for $179 and its the same for 3GS as well as long as there is a problem with the phone.
Hmmmm, *throws phone in bath. My phone is broken!
Really, apple store bondi wouldn't let me have the 4 they said I could only have the 3. It was an upgrade service :(
When I asked them how much the trade in value of my 32GB 3GS was they said they'd give me $20 for it despite it being in mint condition, and now I see they sell them for $200.
And i thought cash converters were crooks.
My wife just sold her 3yo 16gb 3GS on eBay for a bit more than that. It was not refurbished but it was in perfect condition.
Good entry level iPhone if you like Apple's ecosystem but a new Android (like Telstra Urbane) is cheaper, with a faster processor, expandable memory and changeable battery.
Even though it's on iOS 6 it doesn't get all the iOS 6 features.
Nevertheless, it's a major upside because you can still run the latest apps (e.g. Marco Arment's acclaimed "The Magazine" required iOS 6 upon release of version 1.0); the same can't be said for Android devices stuck on, say, Gingerbread.
Yes you can any nexus device can run the latest stock android. This will run a gimped iOS 6 that has none of the new features apart form the name iOS 6
so the nexus can run jellybean, thats a first
any nexus device can run the latest stock android
Really? Could you explain this then?
This will run a gimped iOS 6 that has none of the new features [emphasis mine]
I think you should get your facts straight, mate.
I always fail to understand why people get so touchy about the whole Apple vs Android thing. I wouldn't recommend buying a 3+ year old second hand iPhone that only has 3 months warranty.
Yes, yes you can. My (almost as old) HTC Legend is running Jelly Bean far better than the stock Froyo it came with.
Except that wasn't an official update, while iOS always is; therefore, it's an incompatible comparison.
Yes but the rubes on eBay will buy anything. I sold my $99 defy on there for $130.
In the heat of bidding, anything can happens. Sometimes I am not sure whether is those people don't have time to check other sellers item that is new and cheaper than used ones that they are bidding or they get emotional and must have a win. Recently I see a used HTC One X sold for $570 while there are so many sellers selling new one, exactly the same model for $460-$480.
it will be better choice to get a brand new android instead of this old age 3GS phone
unless you want a real cheep (and just barely decent) iPhone
If you want an Apple phone and can't afford to pay more, then this is a good phone.
Great for kids that want the iphone, and the apps without going on a plan
If you're buying a phone just because it's got an Apple on it then should you even be on Ozbargain? This is overpriced regardless.
i didn't know 32gb was in black
Upgraded to Galaxy.
Gave this to my old man.
Planning to buy one for my mum too.
This phone is really user friendly to senior users.for $200 you can buy a brand new Huawei Ascend at RRP with 4.5in IPS/dual core/1GB ram
179 will get you the Sony xperia sola with dual core CPU and nfc.
$200 for a phone that's about to be 4 generations old 0_o
about?? they release new iphones around september
+1 year because iPhones are usually a generation behind everything else on the market when they release spec wise.
Considering that the iPhone 4 was released in June 2010 you'd better check that it comes with a new battery installed.
My guess would be no, it's refurbished by EB. I wouldn't be surprised if they just wiped it with a cloth.
My local EB Games is quite competent and would at least put it through the dishwasher first.
The only reason I keep my iPhone instead of getting an android is iMessage which saves me money. I'm yet to find an app on either apple or android which I couldn't easily live without, in fact I usually get bored of them after a couple of days. Does anyone on here actually require app store or play store?
PS actually the one app I couldn't live without is google+ because it automatically uploads my photos in full resolution and doesn't have any upload limits, it's my free unlimited dropbox however it is available on both app store and play store.
You should try whatsapp/viber.
KIK messenger?
If you want an Apple phone and only have $200 to spend… keep saving. $200 for a "refurbished" phone several generations old and with a meager 3 month warranty isn't a deal.
The alternatives are about 2x the price, Apple phones scale suprisingly well and if you stick to iOS 3/4 this phone should run pretty quick
I think its a pretty good deal specially as a present to grandma or those who are not all that tech savy, just want basic functions
I have iOS 5.something on my 3GS. Works just fine and dandy. I keep asking myself if there's a reason to change phones, and I can't really find one.
That's because your needs are basic enough that you don't notice that your phone's hardware is getting outdated.
no facetime or Skype, so no Deal
You can vid on skype. Flip your phone around.
The problem with refurbs from Apple is they only fix what's wrong and recase it. I had a 32GB 3GS a couple of years ago that I had bought from new and it had a lot of problems, I took it in to Apple store and gave $120 I think to exchange for a refurb as they refused to believe it wasn't water damage (there were no signs of water damage, the problem was mainly a piss poor battery and GPS was dead). The OS was fine but the devices buttons were worn right out unlike my own that they had just tken which was like new in comparison. I had to press the home button several times for a response and the volume rocker was knackered. I took it back in to Apple a few weeks later when I was back near an Apple store and they said it was wear and tare and offered me a refurb for $120! The phone got ebay'ed "as is" and I bought a SGS2. Never looked back.
It's cheap for an iPhone but on the other hand you may be stuck with a cheap iPhone. Better bang for your buck elsewhere.if you need a smart phone, then it is good to try. However, 1 annoying thing with apple iphone is that you need a pc and itune to sync you stuff (music, movie, book…). I cannot plug in my pc and copy my music files to the phone. (sorry i dont want jail break so plz exclude this)
wats wrong with jb?
nothing wrong with jb. I don't want the hassle to jb the phone or waste money to have someone do it. I don't root my s2 as well :-D
Old, refurbished and slow. Not worth $200. Not even close.
Agree, a 3GS is not worth even $100 let alone $200
hold on to your cash and save some more maybe you will get lucky in the future
http://www.theage.com.au/digital-life/mobiles/an-iphone-for-…
Those rumors of Apple working on a cheaper, cut back version have been going around since the iPhone 3G released in 2008 (at least). I wouldn't keep my hopes up about it ever happening especially when Apple control the largest chunk of the smartphone market worldwide (read an article the other week about it) and are continuously breaking sales records with each new release. Why would they come out with a cheaper version when they have no problems selling the expensive ones for full price despite their android equivalents being much cheaper?
why did Apple came out with mini-ipad when they were selling bigger ipad for a good profit!
this will give you some hope i guess
But they already have the older model iPhone to fill the (relative) lower cost hole in their lineup. The iPad Mini was a response to the release Nexus 7 and Kindle Fire (which were gaining quite a bit of attention), and an introduction into the 7" market; they're different circumstances. Apple's decision to cheap out it and still make it horrible in terms of price competition, however, is baffling. There really is no need for a new low cost iPhone, especially considering all the kiddies are just buying the current alternatives anyway - whether they're affordable or not.
I doubt they'll do it, for fear of crowding their lineup and diminishing the premium quality reputation their marketing department worked so hard on building.
Apple had iPad 2 (older model & cheaper) when they were selling newer iPad and still they released mini ipad.
Current iPhone 5 is longer in length than last gen which makes it easy to speculate that they might release mini iPhone, they did the same with iPod's and iPad's so why not iPhone.
Currently, tough competition is really Nexus 4 phone which is way cheaper than iPhone 5.
Mini iPhone will be entry into a new market not just cheaper price I think.
Anyway, still a rumour and I just hope for the best.
I don't know if it still worth $200, especially this is not a brand new phone. Don't expect a nice screen (looks very bad compare to iphone 4), nice battery life (3+years used), run all apps smoothly (slow cpu) etc on this phone. Tried this phone running ios5 and ios6, they are very slow. If you really want a iphone with the cheapest price, is this the one? probably. So i didn't negative.
Considering it's an Apple (paying for the badge), this is definitely a good bargain. It's hard to find these on Gumtree at such a low price.
paying for the badge …
no, he just wants to listen to the music on it, cause heaps of apps will not run on it
wow people use android? why waste your time
What's an Android? :)
and what's an apple? ;-)
Thanks for the entertaining read people :)
Any idea what a brand new sealed 3GS/32GB is worth? My mom has one from an insurance claim I believe.. asked me if I wanted it.. also has a iMate JASJAM from years back.. also brand new sealed.. better as a collectors item? Like a sealed copy of Win 3.1
keep it that way for a few more decades and you will be the richest person on earth when you sell it then
Any idea what a brand new sealed 3GS/32GB is worth?
Around $400 from Telstra Shop
$50 more and get yourself an iPhone 4, much better phone.
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Apple-iPhone-4-16GB-Black-Smartph…
So many people love comparing apples with android. But this post was for people that want an apple iPhone. No one cares you can get an android that is not upgradeable or supported in 1 yrs time for the same price. My brother has a galaxy nexus and still hasn't got a jellybean upgrade available for it.
This is a older phone but still has all the same iOS "main" components as the iPhone 5.
Obviously you missed my post above… This is a bargain website, people can - no, should - compare the value of one product against another and discuss appropriately. Just because this is an Apple thread, doesn't make it exempt from this.
No one cares you can get an android
Obviously some people do, or they wouldn't be talking about it. Honestly, get over yourself and stop trying to stop discussion. Everyone here has as much right to comment as you, whatever their opinion; this is a community based site, after all.
just a short story to share.
took my 3gs to the genius.
get an offer of $179 for a refurb., i reject.
before i go,
they curious if i replaced my screen with third party before.
genius: "white 3gs had white front panel, not black."
anybody?did you buy the phone second hand? if not, you're asking a stupid question as to whether you had the screen replaced.
i got the phone from three plan.
May be the phone is too old,
so the genius did not remember how should it look liked.
My initial impression is that of course the white 3gs would have a white front panel, otherwise it wouldnt be white. Or am I missing something?
How is an overpriced way out of date second hand phone a bargain…
Keep in mind they may not have even changed the battery on what is a 4yo phone and considering it's EB doing the refurbish it's unlikely they have.
Too old, basically useless with new apps
All apps work with iOS 6, so where are you getting your facts?
I know there will be tons of people about to comment saying how this deal sucks, but I think its pretty good. $200 for a 32GB MP3 player + phone with access to the App Store is pretty good if you ask me.