Apple iPhone 3G S 32GB Black review

Apple's new iPhone has a faster processor and graphics chip, and more RAM than previous models.

Storage capacity has risen to 32GB from the iPhone 3G's maximum of 16GB. These changes have reduced app and data loading times dramatically without reducing battery life. With the latest firmware, it lasted over 40 hours in our battery test, but it's worth noting that this was without power-hungry components such as WiFi or GPS enabled.

As well as a higher megapixel count, the camera now has autofocus, and you can tap on the screen to choose where to focus. Exposure was good but photos suffered from noise in low light due to the lack of a flash. After you record video, a timeline appears above it, allowing you to trim the start and end.

Another new capability is voice control, which you activate by holding down the Home button. It only supports playing albums and calling contacts, but it worked reasonably well in our tests. Our favourite feature is the new oleophobic (oil resistant) screen treatment, which is also found on HTC's Hero. It won't stop greasy fingerprints appearing on the screen, but it makes them easier to wipe off, and the screen is practically frictionless.

There are drawbacks, though. The most obvious is the price: the iPhone 3G S 32GB costs £274 with an 18-month contract or £538 on O2's Pay & Go. The 16GB model is slightly less expensive, at £185 and £440 respectively. We also dislike the way Apple ties you to its iTunes service, and insists on rubber-stamping applications - a major contrast with Android's open source philosophy.

The 3G S is certainly the best iPhone yet. There's little reason for iPhone 3G owners to upgrade, but anyone else is likely to be sorely tempted. It's a superb piece of engineering, with great apps and a wonderful design, but it's very expensive and ties you into Apple's highly regulated software. If money is no object, though, it's still the most desirable phone on the market. It wins our Ultimate award.