The photo above shows the video performance difference between the iPhone 3G and the 3GS.

The new iPhone 3GS has some significant improvements over the iPhone 3G. First off, the name is different. Apple added an “S” for the more expensive model to stand for “Speed.” The 3GS is up to twice as fast at loading pages, running software applications, opening email and email attachments due to a faster processor.

Another big feature, available for the first time, is video recording capability on the 3GS. You can easily record video, edit, and share right on your iPhone. This is huge since the iPhone has WIFI where available or 3G speeds if not. Uploading videos to YouTube and other similar video-sharing sites is now a piece of cake.

A third upgrade with the premium 3GS is the higher quality 3 megapixel camera. The biggest difference with this camera isn’t the extra megapixel – its the touch-focus feature. Simply tap on the object you’d like to focus on, and the camera does all the work. Here’s proof.

For all you fans of the new voice control iPod Nano, the same voice control is now part of the upgrade of the new 3GS.  Not only can you control your iPod by merely speaking, you have the same feature for finding contacts on your iPhone. I always felt searching for contacts on my iPhone was the easiest of any phone I’ve ever owned, but now, Apple somehow made it even easier.

Photo above shows the 3G on the left and the 3GS on the right with the “self-orienting”  feature.

Finally, the fifth major difference between the 3G and the 3GS is the new built-in digital compass on the more powerful model. Apple’s intent was not for you to feel like a Boy Scout again with this one.  Their objective is its potential with new applications and its potential when fused with Google Maps. Since it self-orients itself, the map or guide you view will move as you move.  Superior GPS systems will be available with this new feature.

I’m not sure if all 3 models will be available in Korea, or if all features of the iPhone models in the US will be available in Korea.  It would be a pity if KTF or SK Telecom (sounds like KTF may have gotten the contract with Apple) strip any features of the iPhone to protect their profits from internet usage on the Korean iPhones. Nobody knows exactly what prices for the iPhone will be like or how the service contracts will read, but currently in the US, the price for the 8 gigabyte iPhone 3G with a 2 year contract is only $99, $199 for the 3GS with 16 gigabytes of storage, and $299 for the 3GS with 32 gigabytes of storage. Is it worth the price difference? Yes, if you’re like most people. No, if you don’t take pictures or take advantage of the applications.