After using my iPhone 3G S for several hours, I can say it’s a solid upgrade to the original iPhone 3G with several major enhancements. My immediate impression is that it’s a lot faster. Applications launch about 2x as fast, web pages load 2x to 3x as fast, and tabs switch instantaneously in most applications. The camera is also drastically improved.

Rather than standing in line at an Apple or AT&T Store, I pre-ordered my iPhone 3G S from Apple’s online store with free shipping. As promised, it arrived via UPS before 11AM this morning. You can see my unboxing pictures here.

Speed

The increased speed is the first thing you’ll notice, and it’s a huge difference. It really feels snappy.

Earphones

The iPhone 3G S includes the same new earphones introduced with the new iPod Shuffle, with an inline volume control. All of the same click controls are available both with the included earphones and Apple’s new in-ear phones.

Camera

The camera quality is drastically improved. You can now tap on any part of the picture to focus there.

A slider at the bottom of the screen lets you select still pictures or video. Tap to focus works exactly the same in video mode.

The picture quality is really great. I don’t think I’ll be traveling with a point & shoot camera any more.

Video quality is also very good. You can upload to Youtube right from the action menu.

Compass

The other major hardware enhancement is a magnetometer & compass. The compass is very straightforward: it simply tells which direction you’re facing. You can choose Magnetic or True North with the Info button at the bottom right.

The location button at the bottom left shows your location on the map.

Unlike the iPhone 3G, there’s almost no delay in displaying the map. You don’t see it being drawn in individual tiles.

In all, the iPhone 3G S is definitely a solid upgrade that’s worth the price.