Apple iPhone 3GS (16GB) vs Sony Xperia U (ST25a)

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Side by side comparison between Apple iPhone 3GS vs Sony Xperia U phones, differences, pros, cons and full specifications. What's the better?

7/24/2012 2:05 PM, updated: 6/19/2025 2:19 PM

Compare Sony Xperia U X Apple iPhone 3GS (16GB) 02Points

Specifications Compare Models Pictures

3.5"
TFT

320x480

3.1
MP

256MB
RAM

Single-core

1219
mAh

(Non removable)

24Points Sony Xperia U (ST25a) Compare Apple iPhone 3GS X

Specifications Compare Models Pictures

3.5"
LED

480x854

5
MP

0.3mp

512MB
RAM

Dual-core

1320
mAh

(Removable)

What's the better phone? Sony Xperia U (ST25a)

The phonemore's choice is much more technical than personal. Therefore, you shouldn't only consider this. Our goal is to help you, but what's important to us may not be important to you. You decide which one is the best! Comment!

2 Advantages Apple iPhone 3GS (16GB)	vs	24 Advantages Sony Xperia U (ST25a)
+16GB (14GB available)3 times More internal storage for applications and files	vs	8GB (4GB available)
+Proprietary TV-outAdvantage The TV-output lets you use your device on TV by cable	vs	Not supported
600MHz 32bit Single-core	vs	+1GHz 32bit Dual-core (45nm)100% More powerful processor, you can open your applications faster
256MB SDRAM	vs	+512MB LPDDR2100% More RAM memory. Typically more responsive and better for multitasking.
135 grams (4.73 ounces)	vs	+110 grams (3.85 ounces)23% Lighter
12.3 millimeters (0.48 inches)	vs	+12 millimeters (0.47 inches)2% Thinner
TFT LCD	vs	+TFT LED-Backlit LCDAdvantage TFT LED-Backlit LCD display is brighter and more vivid
320x480 pixels	vs	+480x854 pixels167% Higher resolution screen
165 PPI	vs	+280 PPI70% Crisper display of text, images and videos because it has more pixels per inch (ppi)
(back) 3.1MP	vs	+(back) 5MP60% Higher resolution main camera
Not supported	vs	+LED flashAdvantage The LED flash helps in dark places or in low light
Not supported	vs	+Only digital zoomAdvantage The zoom allows for better focus and approach to take pictures
Not supported	vs	+EIS: Digital stabilizationAdvantage Image stabilization prevents blurry photos and helps in recording motion video
Not supported	vs	+(front) 0.3MPAdvantage A front-camera is best for taking selfies
VGA (640x480)	vs	+HD (1280x720)2 times More image quality for recording videos with the primary camera
2300000 apps (App Store)	vs	+3500000 apps (Google Play Store)52% More apps available to download and use
3G HSDPA	vs	+3G HSUPAAdvantage The 3G HSUPA network is newer and faster
(3G HSDPA) 7.2 Mbps	vs	+(3G HSUPA) 14.4 Mbps100% Faster for surfing the internet and download files
Not supported	vs	+Ambient light sensorAdvantage Sensors help you use the device
1219 mAh	vs	+1320 mAh8% Battery - higher amperage (mAh) allows more device usage time, but it also depends on the hardware and use
Li-Ion: lithium-ion (Non removable)	vs	+Li-Ion: lithium-ion (Removable)Advantage Removable battery can be replaced easily
Not supported	vs	+Video callingAdvantage The video calling allows to make calls with voice and video
Not supported	vs	+Active noise cancellationAdvantage More noise-canceling microphones allow for better quality in calls and audio for recorded videos
Not supported	vs	+FM (RDS)Advantage The radio lets you listen to your songs and sports in general
802.11 b/g [wifi3]	vs	+802.11 b/g/n [wifi4]Advantage WiFi 802.11 b/g/n [wifi4] is newer and faster
Not supported	vs	+DLNAAdvantage With DLNA technology you can access and play media files on TV, tablet or DLNA compatible device.

18 Common items in both devices

Plastic body, glass front

60Hz

16 million

3.5"

Autofocus

Capacitive

Multitouch

+11 specs and more in the table below

Check the comparison table below for more items that are not evaluated in comparison score above.

Highlight differences

📱 Model features
	iPhone 3GS (16GB)	Sony Xperia U (ST25a)
Change model		Choose the model
Model	iPhone 3GS (16GB)	Xperia U (ST25a)
Other model names	Apple iPhone 3GS	Sony Xperia U ST25, Sony Kumquat
Country or region available	(Global, International)	(Latin America), Brazil, Canada, USA
Brand	Apple	Sony
Release date	6/19/2009, Announced: 4/13/2012	5/7/2012
Depth	12.3 millimeters (0.48 inches)	12 millimeters (0.47 inches)
Size (width x height)	62.1 x 115.5 millimeters (2.44 x 4.55 in)	54 x 112 millimeters (2.13 x 4.41 in)
Weight	135 grams (4.73 ounces)	110 grams (3.85 ounces)
Build, materials	Plastic body, glass front	Plastic body, glass front
Protection against water and others	Not supported	Not supported
📲 Display
	iPhone 3GS (16GB)	Sony Xperia U (ST25a)
Display type	TFT LCD	TFT LED-Backlit LCD
Screen size	3.5" inches	3.5" inches
Screen-to-body ratio	~50.9% (screen-to-body ratio)	~55.8% (screen-to-body ratio)
Display resolution	320x480 pixels (3:2)	480x854 pixels (16:9)
Touchscreen	Capacitive Multitouch 5-points	Capacitive Multitouch 4-points
Pixel density (dot pitch)	165 PPI	280 PPI
Colors	16 million	16 million
Scratch-resistant glass	Gorilla Glass	Scratch-resistant glass
Refresh rate	60Hz	60Hz
Display features	Not supported	Not supported
🤖 Operating System
	iPhone 3GS (16GB)	Sony Xperia U (ST25a)
System version	iOS 3.0	Android 2.3.7 Gingerbread
Firmware update	iOS 6.0	Android 4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich ICS
User Interface	feature not registered	feature not registered
⚙️ Processor
	iPhone 3GS (16GB)	Sony Xperia U (ST25a)
Chipset	32bit: Samsung S5PC100	32bit: ST-Ericsson NovaThor U8500 (45nm)
CPU	Single-core, 1 processor: 1x 600MHz ARM Cortex-A8 (Single-core)	Dual-core, 1 processor: 2x 1GHz ARM Cortex-A9 (Dual-core)
GPU graphical controller	PowerVR SGX535	ARM Mali-400 MP1
Performance (benchmark)	feature not registered	feature not registered
💽 Memory and storage
	iPhone 3GS (16GB)	Sony Xperia U (ST25a)
RAM memory	256MB SDRAM	512MB LPDDR2
Internal storage	16GB (14GB available) Flash (EEPROM)	8GB (4GB available)
External storage	Not supported	Not supported
📶 Mobile networks
	iPhone 3GS (16GB)	Sony Xperia U (ST25a)
Dual-SIM	Not supported	Not supported
SIM card	1 slot (Single-SIM) micro-SIM (3FF)	1 slot (Single-SIM) Standard mini-SIM (2FF)
Maximum Download / Upload	7.2 Mbps	14.4/5.76 Mbps
Network technology	2G, 3G	2G, 3G
Frequency, bands	Expand band details Collapse details
GSM MHz band	Quad-Band 850/900/1800/1900	Quad-Band 850/900/1800/1900
Primary 2G network	GSM 850/900/1800/1900	GSM 850/900/1800/1900
Primary 3G network	UMTS 850/1900/2100	UMTS 850/1900/2100
Primary 4G network	Not supported	Not supported
Primary 5G network	Not supported	Not supported
Primary data network	CSD, GPRS, EDGE, UMTS, HSDPA	GPRS, EDGE, UMTS, HSDPA, HSUPA
Secondary 2G network	Not supported	Not supported
Secondary 3G network	Not supported	Not supported
Secondary 4G network	Not supported	Not supported
Secondary data network	Not supported	Not supported
📷 Camera
	iPhone 3GS (16GB)	Sony Xperia U (ST25a)
Back camera (main camera)	3.1 megapixels	5 megapixels
Main camera resolution	2048x1536 pixels	2592x1944 pixels
Video recording (primary)	VGA (640x480) 30 fps	HD (1280x720) 30 fps
Flash	Not supported	LED flash
Focal aperture	feature not registered	feature not registered
Focal length	feature not registered	feature not registered
Sensor size	feature not registered	feature not registered
Pixel size	feature not registered	feature not registered
Autofocus	Autofocus	Autofocus
Touch focus	Supported	Supported
Image stabilization	Not supported	EIS: Digital stabilization
Zoom	Not supported	Only digital zoom
Face/smile detection	Not supported	Face detection, Smile detection
BSI sensor	Not supported	Not supported
HDR	Not supported	Not supported
Camera extras	feature not registered	feature not registered
📸 Front camera
	iPhone 3GS (16GB)	Sony Xperia U (ST25a)
Front camera (secondary)	Not supported	0.3 megapixels
Front camera resolution	Not supported	640x480 pixels
Video recording (secondary)	Not supported	VGA (640x480)
Front flash	Not supported	Not supported
Focal aperture	feature not registered	feature not registered
Focal length	feature not registered	feature not registered
Sensor size	feature not registered	feature not registered
Pixel size	feature not registered	feature not registered
🔉 Sound and multimedia
	iPhone 3GS (16GB)	Sony Xperia U (ST25a)
Loudspeaker	Mono sound (not stereo)	Supported
Active noise cancellation	1 microphone	2 microphones or more
Radio	Not supported	FM (RDS)
TV	Not supported	Not supported
Video formats	MPEG4, MOV	MP4, H.263, H.264, WMV
Audio formats	MP3	MP3, eAAC+, WMA, WAV
🔌 Connectivity
	iPhone 3GS (16GB)	Sony Xperia U (ST25a)
USB	USB 2.0 proprietary connector	MicroUSB 2.0, USB OTG On-The-Go
Audio output	3.5mm jack	3.5mm jack
TV output	Proprietary TV-out	Not supported
Bluetooth	2.1 + A2DP	2.1 + A2DP
WiFi	802.11 b/g [wifi3] (2.4GHz)	802.11 b/g/n [wifi4] (2.4GHz)
DLNA	Not supported	Supported
GPS	A-GPS, GeoTagging	A-GPS, GeoTagging
NFC	Not supported	Not supported
Infrared port	Not supported	Not supported
🧭 Sensors
	iPhone 3GS (16GB)	Sony Xperia U (ST25a)
Sensors	Accelerometer Compass Proximity sensor	Accelerometer Ambient light sensor Compass Proximity sensor
Vibrating alert	Supported	Supported
🔋 Battery
	iPhone 3GS (16GB)	Sony Xperia U (ST25a)
Battery type	Li-Ion: lithium-ion (Non removable) 616-0435	Li-Ion: lithium-ion (Removable) BA600
Battery capacity	1219 mAh	1320 mAh
Charger, watts	5W (5V/1A) Wired charging	Wired charging
Inductive / wireless charging	Not supported	Not supported
Talk time autonomy	11.7 hours	5.6 hours
Standby	300 hours (12.5 days)	472 hours (19.7 days)
➕ Other features
	iPhone 3GS (16GB)	Sony Xperia U (ST25a)
Call control	Voice recorder, Voice commands	Voice dialing, Voice recorder, Voice commands
Messaging	SMS, MMS, E-mail	SMS (T9), MMS, E-mail, Push mail
Hands-free calling	Supported	Supported
Video calling	Not supported	Supported
Ringtones	Polyphonic and customized with tutorial	Polyphonic and customized
Web browser	HTML, XHTML	HTML, XHTML, Flash player
Antenna	Internal antenna	Internal antenna
Qwerty physical keyboard	Not supported	Not supported
Miscellaneous	• Colors: Black, White • Audio/video player • Image editor • iCloud service • Google Maps • Twitter	• Colors: Black, White • Exchangeable bottom caps: White, Black, Pink, Yellow • Sony Reality Display • Sony Mobile BRAVIA Engine • xLoud • 3D surround sound • WiFi hotspot • Java framework
☢️ Radiation rate
	iPhone 3GS (16GB)	Sony Xperia U (ST25a)
SAR 1.6W/kg (USA, Mexico, etc.)	0.26W/kg (head), 0.79W/kg (body)	1.09W/kg (head), 0.93W/kg (body)
SAR 2W/kg (Europe, UK, etc.)	0.45W/kg (head), 0.4W/kg (body)	1.62W/kg (head)