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Apple iPhone 4s review

8.9/10 AVG.
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Apple iPhone 4s
Apple iPhone 4s
Apple iPhone 4s
Apple iPhone 4s
Apple iPhone 4s
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8.9/10
Informr score
The Apple iPhone 4s currently has an Informr score of 8.9 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 41 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

While the iPhone 4s does not look much different from the iPhone 4, it does boast both hardware and software related improvements. As you may know, the iPhone 4 had some problems with dropping calls due to the placement of its antennas. The iPhone 4s has been redesigned to eliminate this problem, and it is no longer necessary to worry about how to hold the phone to avoid dropping important calls.

The processor is also upgraded, with the A5 CPU being used. This is the same CPU that is used in the iPad 2, though runs at 800MHz compared to 1GHz in the iPad 2. Even with the slight speed decrease, the phone still is one of the best performers on the market. Up to 64GB of storage space is available as well, which is plenty even for the most demanding power users. The camera on the iPhone 4s is one of the best on any cell phone on the market. The photos it can create rival a dedicated point and shoot camera, with rich color and impressive low light performance, making it a significant step forward from the camera on any iPhone before it.

The iPhone 4s also introduces Siri, which is a computerized virtual assistant built into the iOS 5 software. Using this new voice technology, you talk to Siri naturally and she can help you do anything on the phone just by speaking to her, making it easier than ever to check the weather, send a text, or put an appointment on your calendar.

There are a couple weak points, but nothing that spoils the experience. The latest 4G capability is still not available so users who wish for the fastest data transfer speeds will want to look elsewhere. The back of the phone is still constructed of glass making it easier to crack (when dropped) than a phone with a plastic back.

Need to Know: iPhone 4s

1. The best iPhone yet. Super fast and user-friendly. (The Good)

2. Camera is one of the best on any phone. (The Good)

3. Still no 4G. (The Bad)

4. Not the most durable phone around. (The Bad)


iOS
Operating system
Operating system
iOS
1 GHz
Processor
Processor
1 GHz
3.5"
Screen Size
Screen Size
3.5"
8+ MP
Camera
Camera
8+ MP
1430 mAh
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


Cnet
Cnet

With a premium build, good camera and free accessories in the box, Alcatel's Idol 4S is a solid midrange buy.

- Patrick Holland, Cnet
GSMArena
GSMArena

The iPhone 4S is blazing fast on the new dual-core CPU and graphics chip. And by the way, this is a long-term asset - new apps and services will take advantage and they'll be exclusive to the 4S. The iPhone is finally up there with the industry's finest cameraphones too. In fact, it may well have th...

- GSMArena Team, GSMArena
Good Housekeeping
Good Housekeeping

As with all Apple upgrades, the iPhone 4S is better and faster than its predecessor — and was easily our top pick for a premium phone for AT&T customers. Enhancements include a more responsive dual core processor, an 8-megapixel camera with improved sensors, a sharper display, and slick ca...

- Good Housekeeping team, Good Housekeeping
UnleashThePhones
UnleashThePhones

The iPhone 4S is just as excellent a smartphone as it’s recent predecessors. It delivers a huge range of functionality along with an entire ecosystem that all together makes it one of the best phones in the market right now. Things like AirPlay, which I’m a huge fan of, are neat little features inco...

- Clinton Jeff, UnleashThePhones
Techsmart
Techsmart

Whilst Apple’s new iPhone 4S may look like the outgoing model, its faster CPU, enhanced antenna and new optics combine to make it one of our top 3 smartphones currently on the market. Regarding Siri - it sure is an interesting concept, but we soon lost interest as the novelty faded. The iPhone 4S co...

- Hanleigh Daniels, Techsmart


Prices (Where to Buy)




Common Questions


Apple iPhone 4s prices will vary depending on retailer, age, special offers and whether or not it's purchased with a service plan. If purchased with a 2 year service contract for example, you would likely pay much less for the phone itself up front. Apple's suggested retail price is $549.00. You can compare iPhone 4s prices from around the web here on The Informr.


We've got you covered! Download a free PDF copy of the Apple iPhone 4s user manual here.


Apple backs up the iPhone 4s with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.


If your iPhone 4s has problems and is still within its warranty period, you could contact Apple support or the retailer you purchased the phone from. You'll find Apple's contact information here. If your phone is off warranty and needs repair for a physical problem such as a broken screen or bad battery, you should visit an authorized service centre or a local phone repair shop. You can also connect with others in The Informr Community Forum to find and share answers to questions.




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Quick view

Screen Size
3.5"

The Apple iPhone 4s's screen size is 3.5 inches with x pixels resolution.

Processor
1 GHz

There is a Apple Dual-core A5 1 GHz processor (CPU).

OS

The phone runs on proprietary operating system firmware.

Camera
8+ MP

You can take photos or capture video with the phone's onboard 8+ MP camera.

There is also a secondary front facing camera with VGA (640 x 480) resolution.

Storage
16/32/64 GB

Internal memory is 16/32/64 GB. No external card slot is available for expansion.

Battery
1430mAh

The phone is powered by a Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion), 1430 mAh battery. Apple's performance ratings are 8.5 days standby time, 840 minutes, 540 minutes Wi-Fi surfing.

iPhone 4s Specs

Overview
Release Date October 14, 2011
Regions Available USA, Canada, United Kingdom
Operating System No

Compare iOS Smartphones

Processor Apple Dual-core A5 1 GHz
Internal Storage 16/32/64 GB
RAM 512 MB
Hearing Aid Compatible Yes
TTY/TDD Yes
Noise Cancellation Yes
SAR Head: 1.15 W/kg
Body: 1.18 W/kg
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included AC Charger, Data Cable, Manual, Standard Battery
Cellular
Networks
GPRS, EDGE, EV-DO Rev. A, HSDPA 7.2, HSUPA
Mobile / Cellular Data
Push-to-talk (PTT) No
Wi-Fi Calling No
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) No
SIM card size
Micro-SIM
Dual SIM No
Connectivity
USB Micro-USB 2.0
USB OTG Support No
GPS Type A-GPS
Infrared No
Bluetooth 4.0
Bluetooth Profiles A2DP, HFP, HSP
Bluetooth Audio Codecs SBC
Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
Mobile Hotspot Yes
Memory Expansion Slot No
Expansion Slot Info
NFC No
Data Tethering Compatibility Yes
Camera
Main Camera
Resolution / Aperture
8+ Megapixels
Zoom
5x digital
Flash
Yes (LED)
Additional Rear Camera Info
Auto focus, Face detection, Geotagging
Video Recording Formats
3GP / 3GPP, H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4
Video Recording Parameters
Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels), 30 fps
Front Camera
Resolution / Aperture
VGA (640 x 480)+ Megapixels
Additional Front Camera Info
No
Video Recording Parameters
Display / Screen
Type Color
Technology LCD (TFT)
Colors 16.7 million
Resolution x pixels
Pixel Density 326 pixels
Size 3.5 inches
Secondary Display No
Sensors Ambient Light, Proximity, Motion / Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Digital Compass
Multi-Touch Yes
Fingerprint-Resistant Coating No
Additional Display Features Capacitive touch screen, Retina Display
Power & Battery
Battery Type Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion)
Battery Capacity 1430 mAh
Removable Battery No
Wireless Charging No
Fast Charging No
Video Playback Time Up to 600 minutes
Internet Use (Wi-Fi) Up to 540 minutes
Internet Use (Cellular) Unknown
Talk Time Up to 840 minutes
Standby Time Up to 8.5 days
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Design Type Bar
Material Plastic
Colors Black, White
Dimensions [H x W x D] 11.4 x 5.9 x 1.0 cm (4.5 x 2.3 x 0.4 in)
Weight 136 grams
Water Resistant / Waterproof Unknown
Rugged design No
IP Rating No
Headset Jack 3.5mm
External Speakers No
Input / Navigation
Sleep / Wake Key Yes
Home Key Yes
Input / Keyboard Type Touchscreen
Navigation Type Touchscreen
External Volume Control Yes
Fingerprint Sensor No
More
Additional Information Messaging: SMS, MMS
Multi-Use Smart Phone / PDA: Yes
Graphics: Wallpapers
Themes: Yes
Backlit Illumination: Yes
Zoom / Magnification: Yes
Mute Key: Yes
Predictive Text Entry: Yes
Voice Commands: Yes
Keypad/Screen Lock: Yes
Multiple Numbers Per Contact: Email address, Other fields
Contact Groups: Yes
Voice Activated Dialing: Yes
Photo Caller ID: Yes
Web Browser: Yes
Email Client: Yes
Email Protocols: POP3, IMAP, SMTP, Microsoft Exchange
PC Synchronization: Yes
TV Out Info: HDMI
Audio Formats: MP3, Protected AAC, AAC, Audible, Apple Lossless, AIFF, WAV
Video Playback Formats: 3GP / 3GPP, H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4
Streaming Video: Yes
Custom Ringtones: No
Vibration Alert: Yes
Downloadable Ringtones: Yes
Ringer ID: Yes
Speakerphone: Yes
Data Tethering: Yes
Mobile Hotspot: Yes
Viewable document types: DOC, DOCX, GIF, HTML, JPG, PDF, PPT, PPTX, RTF, TIFF, TXT, XLS
Games: Downloadable
Apps: Downloadable
Included Software / Apps: -
To-Do / Task List, Calendar, World Clock, Alarm, Stop Watch, Timer, Calculator, Currency Converter, Weather, Stocks, Maps, NotePad, Voice Memos / Recorder

Other Names (AKA):
Related Links Manual (PDF)
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