Apple iPhone 4s
Key specs
Critic consensus
“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 the best 8MP stills and Full HD videos a mobile phone can produce. iOS 5 is busy making a difference too with the iCloud, iMessage, OTA updates, new notifications and voice recognition. On top of that you get the best app store and the brilliant looks of the original iPhone 4.”
“With a premium build, good camera and free accessories in the box, Alcatel's Idol 4S is a solid midrange buy.”
“The iPhone 4S is every bit a smartphone, and an excellent one at that. The range of functionality that it delivers, along with the entire ecosystem that it inhabits, still make it one of the best phones on the market. Apple has done an excellent job pushing things like the App Store and incorporating features that see wider adoption, like AirPlay, its wireless streaming system, for example.To us, the iPhone 4S feels as though it has responded to the competition, it's adapted a better notifications system, and ushered in new features, but in many ways we can't help feeling it has adopted some of the nice things about Android. For some, the concern might be that it's adapted Android's battery management issue too. The iPhone 4S is likely to be exactly what some people are looking for. For others, the excitement in other smartphone quarters could well draw their eye.”
“Unless you’re a diehard fan of the iPhone and have an unlimited stash of moolah lying around waiting to be used, or simply have an upgrade available, there’s no denying that you’ll find the iPhone 4S as the most amazing one yet. Sure we love its faster dual-core processor and improved camera, but the single best feature with the smartphone is found with Siri – it simply just works! However, not everything is peachy with the handset, which is evident by its less than gracious battery life. Our biggest gripe with regards to the iPhone 4S's features is the lack of 4G, which means it will provide slower data connectivity compared to LTE handsets on Verizon, for example. However, it should be noted that the iPhone 4S is just as fast as some 4G-branded smartphones on AT&T and T-Mobile.Well, if you happen to be an Apple iPhone 4 owner, we really don't see too many reasons why you should upgrade. However, if you have an older iPhone, the iPhone 4S will obviously be an awesome choice, due to its beautiful design, outstanding performance and cool features. If we have to compare it to the top of the line Android handsets of today, we believe the iPhone 4S has what it takes to compete successfully. Of course, whether you should side with it or a high-end Android phone depends entirely on your personal needs. One thing is certain – the iPhone 4S is not perfect, and neither is any product from the competition. They all have their pros and cons, but considering the current state of the landscape, we wouldn't go as far as to proclaim an ultimate leader. Frankly, the iPhone 4S will appease the appetite for now, but if it’ll take a full year before we see its successor, it might find itself in a disadvantage in the long run, as Android and Windows Phone continue to gain steam with each device that’s released into the market.”
Watch before you decide
In Depth
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)
What people actually want to know
When was the Apple iPhone 4s released?
The Apple iPhone 4s was released on October 14, 2011.
How long does the battery last on the Apple iPhone 4s?
The Apple iPhone 4s has a 1,430 mAh battery.
Does the Apple iPhone 4s have a headphone jack?
Yes, the Apple iPhone 4s has a 3.5mm headphone jack.
Where can I download the Apple iPhone 4s manual?
You can view and download the Apple iPhone 4s manual on our dedicated manual page.
Questions & answers
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I also have the same issue with iphone 4s on ios 9 and the same problem still when i updated to ios 9.3. I have read that it is a facetime issue but i have not activated either facetime or imessage. I am so hating this since it sends an unrecorded sms to uk which is very expensive and happens multiple times daily. Any help? Am in kenya