The Apple iPhone 4S, released on October 14, 2011, was one of the most impactful devices in the iPhone series. Marking a significant upgrade from the iPhone 4, the iPhone 4S introduced Apple’s A5 chipset, a dual-core processor that greatly improved performance. The device also featured an enhanced 8 MP camera with 1080p video recording, alongside the introduction of Siri, Apple’s voice assistant, revolutionizing the way users interacted with their devices. Its sleek design, powerful hardware, and innovative features helped the iPhone 4S become one of the best-selling smartphones of its time.
In this article, we’ll explore the Apple iPhone 4S full phone specifications, covering key aspects like its camera, design, display, performance, and battery life. Despite being discontinued, the iPhone 4S remains an important milestone in Apple’s smartphone history, offering features that continue to influence modern smartphones.
Apple iPhone 4S Full Phone Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Network Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO |
| Launch | Announced: October 2011, Released: October 2011 |
| Status | Discontinued |
| Body Dimensions | 115.2 x 58.6 x 9.3 mm (4.54 x 2.31 x 0.37 in) |
| Weight | 140 g (4.94 oz) |
| Build | Glass front (Corning-made glass), glass back, stainless steel frame |
| SIM | Micro-SIM |
| Display Type | IPS LCD |
| Display Size | 3.5 inches, 36.5 cm² (~54.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Display Resolution | 640 x 960 pixels, 3:2 ratio (~330 ppi density) |
| Display Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass, oleophobic coating |
| Operating System | iOS 5, upgradable to iOS 9.3.6 |
| Chipset | Apple A5 (45 nm) |
| CPU | Dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A9 |
| GPU | PowerVR SGX543MP2 |
| Storage Options | 8GB, 16GB, 32GB, 64GB with 512MB RAM (no card slot) |
| Main Camera | 8 MP, f/2.4, 35mm (standard), 1/3.2″, 1.4µm, AF |
| Camera Features | LED flash, Panorama, HDR |
| Video | 1080p @ 30fps |
| Selfie Camera | VGA, video calling over Wi-Fi and 3G |
| Video (Selfie Camera) | 480p @ 30fps |
| Audio | Loudspeaker |
| 3.5mm Jack | Yes |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot |
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP, LE |
| Positioning | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS |
| USB | 2.0 |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Gyro, Proximity, Compass |
| Battery | Li-Po 1432 mAh, non-removable (5.3 Wh) |
| SAR | 1.18 W/kg (head), 0.98 W/kg (body) |
| Colors | Black, White |
| Models | A1431, A1387, iPhone4,1 |
| Price | About 190 EUR |
Camera
The iPhone 4S introduced a remarkable 8 MP rear camera with features like autofocus, LED flash, HDR, and the ability to shoot 1080p video at 30fps. This camera significantly improved the iPhone’s photo and video quality, providing sharp, detailed images and high-definition video. It was a considerable leap forward from the 5 MP camera found in previous iPhones. The camera’s capabilities made it an excellent choice for photography enthusiasts and casual users alike.
For selfies and video calls, the iPhone 4S featured a VGA front-facing camera, which allowed for video calling over Wi-Fi and 3G. While not as high-quality as modern front cameras, it was a useful feature for those who wanted to stay connected through FaceTime or other video communication apps.
Design and Display
The iPhone 4S maintained the same stunning design that debuted with the iPhone 4. With its glass front and back, paired with a stainless steel frame, the iPhone 4S exuded a premium feel. The device’s dimensions (115.2 x 58.6 x 9.3 mm) and weight (140g) made it compact and comfortable to hold, with a sleek and modern aesthetic that became iconic in the smartphone industry.
The 3.5-inch Retina display, offering a resolution of 640 x 960 pixels, delivered sharp and vibrant visuals with a pixel density of 330 ppi. The display, protected by Corning Gorilla Glass and oleophobic coating, was both durable and resistant to scratches, providing an excellent viewing experience for browsing, watching videos, or gaming.
Performance
The iPhone 4S was powered by the Apple A5 chipset, featuring a dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A9 processor and a PowerVR SGX543MP2 GPU. This upgrade from the previous iPhone models allowed the 4S to perform tasks more efficiently, enabling smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and better graphics for gaming. With 512MB of RAM and storage options ranging from 8GB to 64GB, the iPhone 4S provided a solid user experience for both casual and power users.
Running iOS 5 at launch, the iPhone 4S was one of the first devices to feature Siri, Apple’s voice assistant, which became a standout feature. The iPhone 4S was also upgradable to iOS 9.3.6, allowing users to take advantage of newer apps and features.
Battery and Charging
The iPhone 4S included a 1432 mAh Li-Po battery, providing up to 8 hours of 3G talk time and up to 200 hours of standby time. While it wasn’t as long-lasting as some modern smartphones, the iPhone 4S still provided reliable battery life for most users throughout the day. The battery was non-removable, contributing to the sleek design, but this also meant that users couldn’t easily replace it themselves.
Durability
The iPhone 4S’s glass front and back were durable, thanks to the use of Corning Gorilla Glass, which helped protect the device from scratches and minor drops. However, like other glass-backed phones, the iPhone 4S was more susceptible to cracking upon a hard drop. Still, the stainless steel frame provided extra strength, ensuring that the device felt solid and premium in hand. Unlike modern devices, the iPhone 4S didn’t feature water or dust resistance, so users had to be cautious in these environments.
