Apple iPhone 4S: Pros and Cons
Apple announced the launch of the iPhone 4S smartphone in 2011. The manufacturer is offering this smartphone with 3.5 inch IPS display, Apple A5 SoC, and 512 MB of RAM. The smartphone runs on the iOS 5 operating system. The IPS display of this phone has wide viewing angles. It also has accurate color reproduction and better contrast and black levels. This phone has only one rear-camera (8 MP, 3264 x 2448 px, autofocus) on its back for photos and videos.
Table of Contents
- Apple iPhone 4S specifications
- Weight, dimensions, colors
- System, chipset, performance
- Display type, size, resolution
- Memory, storage
- Cameras, flash
- Connectivity, network, wireless
- Battery type, capacity, charger
- Features, sensors, specials
- Verdict, pros and cons
This article shares our personal experiences and thoughts about using the Apple iPhone 4S smartphone. We hope to offer helpful insights to others interested in this device. The specifications below are from the official manufacturer data, but we also consider user reviews. If you've seen any mistakes or things missing in these specifications, please let us know.
Apple iPhone 4S specifications
| Brand | Apple |
|---|---|
| Name | iPhone 4S |
| Model | IP4S |
| Release date | 2011 |
Weight, dimensions, colors
| Weight | 4.94 oz |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 4.54 x 2.31 x 0.37 inch |
| Colors | black, white |
| SIM type | Micro SIM |
The weight of the Apple iPhone 4S is still considered to be lightweight and portable. A micro SIM is larger than the current standard Nano SIM card but smaller than the older SIM card size.
System, chipset, performance
| OS version | iOS 5 |
|---|---|
| SoC | Apple A5 |
| CPU | Dual-core 1 GHz Cortex-A9 |
| GPU | PowerVR SGX543 MP2 |
The Apple iPhone 4S comes with iOS 5 out of the box. iOS includes a range of proprietary features and apps, such as Siri, FaceTime, and iMessage. The Apple A5 CPU can be fast enough for basic phone operations. Many consider PowerVR GPUs to highly compete with other leading mobile GPUs.
Display type, size, resolution
| Display type | IPS |
|---|---|
| Screen size | 3.5 inch |
| Resolution | 640 x 960 px |
| Multitouch support | yes |
People know IPS for its wide viewing angles. It also has accurate color reproduction. Smaller smartphones are generally more compact and easier to handle. The display size is the diagonal distance from one corner of the screen to the opposite corner.
Memory, storage
| RAM | 512 MB |
|---|---|
| Internal storage | 8 GB |
| Memory card slot | no |
512 MB of RAM is not typically considered to be enough for a smartphone. The needed RAM amount for good performance depends on factors. These include the OS, the apps, and the services you use. If you use your smartphone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and browsing the web, 32GB may be sufficient for your needs. The internal storage of the Apple iPhone 4S (512 MB) cannot be expanded.
Cameras, flash
| Main camera | 8 MP, 3264 x 2448 px, autofocus |
|---|---|
| Flash | LED |
| Selfie camera | VGA |
You may have budget limits. Or, you may prioritize other features over a multi-camera system. If so, this single camera setup can be a good choice. The iPhone 4S comes with a basic camera setup and lacks any advanced features.
Connectivity, network, wireless
| GSM 2G bands | 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
|---|---|
| Network coverage | 2G / 3G |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Bluetooth | v4.0, A2DP, LE |
| GPS | A-GPS, GLONASS |
| NFC | no |
| FM radio | no |
| USB | 30-pin dock connector |
| Headphone | 3.5 mm jack |
Compared to modern 4G and 5G networks, 3G networks are much slower. This Apple phone can connect to Wi-Fi networks at home, at work, or in public places. You can use Bluetooth to connect your iPhone 4S smartphone to many Bluetooth devices. This phone has a built-in GPS receiver. The phone isn't NFC (Near Field Communication) capable. NFC is not essential for basic phone functionality, but it can be useful. The 3.5 mm headphone jack allows you to connect wired headphones or earphones to the device.
Battery type, capacity, charger
| Type | Li-Po 1432 mAh, non-removable |
|---|
The Li-Po 1432 mAh, non-removable battery gives the smartphone a good battery backup. The lithium polymer (Li-Po) battery is a light-weight, rechargeable battery. The iPhone 4S does not have a removable battery, it integrates the battery into the phone's design.
Features, sensors, specials
| Sensors | accelerometer, compass, gyroscope, proximity |
|---|
Today, smartphones come with many sensors. They help make the user experience better. The iPhone 4S smartphone has an accelerometer.
Verdict, pros and cons
Every phone has its strengths and weaknesses, and this Apple phone is no exception. As with any device, there are aspects that shine and others that fall short. By examining both sides, we can paint a complete picture of what this phone has to offer. Let's explore its standout features and areas for improvement. Remember, this is just my opinion, and yours might be different.
Pros
- none
Cons
- limited-size screen
- insufficient memory
- insufficient internal storage
- non-expandable storage
- single camera setup
- no OIS function
- no 4G support
- no 5G support
- no NFC feature
- low-capacity battery
- no fingerprint reader
Please let us know if you find incorrect information or something isn't working. Also, tell us if you have a suggestion for improvement.
I'm Lucas Bradley, the founder of the Phone42.com site. I love technology, especially smartphones, and I've been working with tech stuff for more than 20 years. This means I've seen a lot of changes and have learned a bunch about what makes a good phone. On Phone42.com, I look at all kinds of phones. They can be from big, well-known companies or new ones trying to make their mark. I want to help people understand what's new and cool in the world of smartphones, in a way that's easy to get.