Apple introduced the iPhone 4S on 4-10-2011. The news was underwhelming and disappointing to many who were also expecting an iPhone 5. There's also the fact that the iPhone 4S looks almost identical to the iPhone 4. However, there's more than meets the eye, as Apple made a number of changes under the hood to improve on performance, including a faster processor, a more advanced camera, and a new antenna design. In addition, Apple expanded its family to include Sprint and a 64GB model.
The iPhone 4S features Apple's A5 dual-core 1GHz processor along with a dual-core GPU. Apple says the new chipset will make the iPhone 4S twice as fast and offer graphics performance that is seven times faster than the iPhone 4's. Despite the more powerful processor, the company claims the smartphone will be able to provide 8 hours of talk time over 3G, 14 hours over 2G, 6 hours of browsing over 3G, 9 hours via Wi-Fi, 10 hours of video playback, and 40 hours of music playback.
The iPhone 4S features Apple's A5 dual-core 1GHz processor along with a dual-core GPU. Apple says the new chipset will make the iPhone 4S twice as fast and offer graphics performance that is seven times faster than the iPhone 4's. Despite the more powerful processor, the company claims the smartphone will be able to provide 8 hours of talk time over 3G, 14 hours over 2G, 6 hours of browsing over 3G, 9 hours via Wi-Fi, 10 hours of video playback, and 40 hours of music playback.
iPhone 4S: Performance
During our brief demonstration of the iPhone 4S, the handset did operate smoothly and speedily. We weren't able to test it against the iPhone 4 in a side-by-side comparison to notice exactly how much of a boost the new A5 chip offers, but a change for the better is definitely there.
During our brief demonstration of the iPhone 4S, the handset did operate smoothly and speedily. We weren't able to test it against the iPhone 4 in a side-by-side comparison to notice exactly how much of a boost the new A5 chip offers, but a change for the better is definitely there.
iPhone 4S: Siri
The feature that Apple touted most during the event was the new voice assistant called Siri. It doesn't completely replace the current Voice Control feature, but it certainly does a whole lot more. Basically, Siri is designed to deliver information or follow commands that you give it. For example, you can check the weather, ask for a contact's address, set up a reminder, get directions, and ask for obscure trivia like the height of Mount Everest. You speak with a robotic female voice (you can't change her identity) and access the feature by holding down the Home button.
Despite the omission, it's a fun and useful feature that we imagine many people will like. The challenge for Apple will be to fully integrate hands-free technology. You will be able to activate Siri with a Bluetooth headset (no word on if you can do it with a wired headset), but we understand that car integration is "coming." Given the abundance of hands-free driving laws, Apple will need to make Siri fully accessible to drivers while they keep both hands on the wheel. Siri will be in beta mode when it launches and will support English, French, and German. More languages will come later.
Despite the omission, it's a fun and useful feature that we imagine many people will like. The challenge for Apple will be to fully integrate hands-free technology. You will be able to activate Siri with a Bluetooth headset (no word on if you can do it with a wired headset), but we understand that car integration is "coming." Given the abundance of hands-free driving laws, Apple will need to make Siri fully accessible to drivers while they keep both hands on the wheel. Siri will be in beta mode when it launches and will support English, French, and German. More languages will come later.
iPhone 4S: Camera & Video
The iPhone 4's 5-megapixel camera was already great, but it's about to get better. The iPhone 4S has an 8-megapixel camera with autofocus, flash, f/2.4 aperture lens, and a backside-illuminated CMOS sensor that allows 73 percent more light than the previous sensor and should deliver better low-light performance. A hybrid IR filter is also onboard for better color accuracy. Apple also claims the new camera performs 33 percent faster than the iPhone 4's camera, and the A5 processor has a built-in image processor that adds face detection and 26 percent better auto white balance. Videos also get a boost with the ability to shoot 1080p HD video clips at 30 frames per second and with video stabilization.
iPhone 4S: Network
As widely reported, the iPhone 4S is a dual-band world phone, meaning it supports both GSM and CDMA. What's yet to be determined is whether the carriers will unlock the preloaded SIM card, so users can swap it out for a prepaid international SIM card at their destination. We also don't know if the CDMA models will offer simultaneous voice and data over the CDMA network.
Meanwhile, for GSM customers, the iPhone 4S now supports HSPA+ 14.4, so the smartphone is capable of reaching theoretical download speeds of 14.4Mbps down, 5.8Mbps up. It's certainly an improvement over the current model, but disappointing that there's no compatibility with the faster HSPA+ 21Mbps networks.
iPhone 4S: Design
As we noted earlier, the iPhone 4S' design is nearly identical to the iPhone 4's. Aside from being 0.1 ounce heavier, the iPhone 4S is exactly the same size as its predecessor. It also features the same 3.5-inch, 960x640-pixel Retina Display with a glass back and front. One thing Apple did redesign, however, is the antenna system. The new design will hopefully prevent another Antennagate situation and Apple says to expect even better call quality.
The iPhone 4's 5-megapixel camera was already great, but it's about to get better. The iPhone 4S has an 8-megapixel camera with autofocus, flash, f/2.4 aperture lens, and a backside-illuminated CMOS sensor that allows 73 percent more light than the previous sensor and should deliver better low-light performance. A hybrid IR filter is also onboard for better color accuracy. Apple also claims the new camera performs 33 percent faster than the iPhone 4's camera, and the A5 processor has a built-in image processor that adds face detection and 26 percent better auto white balance. Videos also get a boost with the ability to shoot 1080p HD video clips at 30 frames per second and with video stabilization.
iPhone 4S: Network
As widely reported, the iPhone 4S is a dual-band world phone, meaning it supports both GSM and CDMA. What's yet to be determined is whether the carriers will unlock the preloaded SIM card, so users can swap it out for a prepaid international SIM card at their destination. We also don't know if the CDMA models will offer simultaneous voice and data over the CDMA network.
Meanwhile, for GSM customers, the iPhone 4S now supports HSPA+ 14.4, so the smartphone is capable of reaching theoretical download speeds of 14.4Mbps down, 5.8Mbps up. It's certainly an improvement over the current model, but disappointing that there's no compatibility with the faster HSPA+ 21Mbps networks.
iPhone 4S: Design
As we noted earlier, the iPhone 4S' design is nearly identical to the iPhone 4's. Aside from being 0.1 ounce heavier, the iPhone 4S is exactly the same size as its predecessor. It also features the same 3.5-inch, 960x640-pixel Retina Display with a glass back and front. One thing Apple did redesign, however, is the antenna system. The new design will hopefully prevent another Antennagate situation and Apple says to expect even better call quality.
iPhone 4S: iOS 5
The iPhone 4S will debut with all the features of iOS 5, which is Apple's latest version of its operating system. We tackle that analysis in our separate iOS 5 First Take, so be sure to check it out. In short, it's not a huge upgrade, but we welcome the new features like the advanced notifications and "PC Free."
The iPhone 4S will debut with all the features of iOS 5, which is Apple's latest version of its operating system. We tackle that analysis in our separate iOS 5 First Take, so be sure to check it out. In short, it's not a huge upgrade, but we welcome the new features like the advanced notifications and "PC Free."
Specification
General General
2G Network GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
CDMA 800 / 1900
3G Network HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100
CDMA2000 1xEVDO
Dimensions 115.2 x 58.6 x 9.3 mm
Weight 140 g
Internal 16/32/64 GB storage
Card slot No
OS iOS 5
CPU 1 GHz dualcore ARM CortexA9 processor, PowerVR SGX543MP2 GPU, Apple A5 chipset
Standard battery, LiPo 1430 mAh
Standby Up to 200 h (2G) / Up to 200 h (3G)
Talk time Up to 14 h (2G) / Up to 8 h (3G)
Music play Up to 40 h
Connectivity Connectivity
GPRS Yes
EDGE Yes
3G HSDPA, 14.4 Mbps; HSUPA, 5.8 Mbps
WLAN WiFi 802.11 b/g/n, WiFi hotspot
Bluetooth Yes, v4.0 with A2DP
Infrared port No
USB Yes, v2.0
GPS Yes, with AGPS support
Entertainment & Features Entertainment & Features
Phonebook Practically unlimited entries and fields, Photocall
Call records 100 received, dialed and missed calls
Messaging iMessage, SMS (threaded view), MMS, Email, Push Email
Browser HTML (Safari)
Games Downloadable, incl. motionbased
Java No
MicroSIM card support only
Scratchresistant glass back panel
Active noise cancellation with dedicated mic
Siri natural language commands and dictation
iCloud cloud service
Twitter integration
Digital compass
Google Maps
Audio/video player and editor
Image editor
Voice command/dial
TVout
Camera Camera
Primary 8 MP, 3264x2448 pixels, autofocus, LED flash
Touch focus, geotagging, face detection
Video Yes, 1080p@30fps, LED video light, video stabilization, geotagging
Secondary Yes, VGA
Screen Screen
LEDbacklit IPS TFT, capacitive touchscreen, 16M colors
640 x 960 pixels, 3.5 inches (~330 ppi pixel density)
Scratchresistant oleophobic surface
Multitouch input method
Accelerometer sensor for autorotate
Threeaxis gyro sensor
Proximity sensor for auto turnoff
Sound Sound & Music
Alert types Vibration, MP3 ringtones
Loudspeaker Yes
3.5mm jack Yes
Radio No
Pros
General General
2G Network GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
CDMA 800 / 1900
3G Network HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100
CDMA2000 1xEVDO
Dimensions 115.2 x 58.6 x 9.3 mm
Weight 140 g
Internal 16/32/64 GB storage
Card slot No
OS iOS 5
CPU 1 GHz dualcore ARM CortexA9 processor, PowerVR SGX543MP2 GPU, Apple A5 chipset
Standard battery, LiPo 1430 mAh
Standby Up to 200 h (2G) / Up to 200 h (3G)
Talk time Up to 14 h (2G) / Up to 8 h (3G)
Music play Up to 40 h
Connectivity Connectivity
GPRS Yes
EDGE Yes
3G HSDPA, 14.4 Mbps; HSUPA, 5.8 Mbps
WLAN WiFi 802.11 b/g/n, WiFi hotspot
Bluetooth Yes, v4.0 with A2DP
Infrared port No
USB Yes, v2.0
GPS Yes, with AGPS support
Entertainment & Features Entertainment & Features
Phonebook Practically unlimited entries and fields, Photocall
Call records 100 received, dialed and missed calls
Messaging iMessage, SMS (threaded view), MMS, Email, Push Email
Browser HTML (Safari)
Games Downloadable, incl. motionbased
Java No
MicroSIM card support only
Scratchresistant glass back panel
Active noise cancellation with dedicated mic
Siri natural language commands and dictation
iCloud cloud service
Twitter integration
Digital compass
Google Maps
Audio/video player and editor
Image editor
Voice command/dial
TVout
Camera Camera
Primary 8 MP, 3264x2448 pixels, autofocus, LED flash
Touch focus, geotagging, face detection
Video Yes, 1080p@30fps, LED video light, video stabilization, geotagging
Secondary Yes, VGA
Screen Screen
LEDbacklit IPS TFT, capacitive touchscreen, 16M colors
640 x 960 pixels, 3.5 inches (~330 ppi pixel density)
Scratchresistant oleophobic surface
Multitouch input method
Accelerometer sensor for autorotate
Threeaxis gyro sensor
Proximity sensor for auto turnoff
Sound Sound & Music
Alert types Vibration, MP3 ringtones
Loudspeaker Yes
3.5mm jack Yes
Radio No
Pros
New camera — The 8MP camera with simple editing features (crop, rotate, enhance, and red-eye reduction), a backside illumination sensor, and larger aperture (for better low-light and white balance correction) make the iPhone 4S's camera one that competes with regular point-and-shoots. It will also come with face detection and image stabilization and the ability to capture HD 1080p video.
Faster processor — The custom A5 chip in the iPhone 4S is the same one you'll find on the iPad 2, which means the iPhone 4S will be faster in processing speeds, games, and downloads.
More carriers — Since the iPhone 4S is compatible with CDMA and GSM cellular bands, you can use it in more places around the globe. Even on Sprint's network, if you're looking for a change.
Siri integration — Apple's new Assistant feature basically turns the iPhone 4S into a voice recognizing personal assistant. The demo during the keynote was impressive and highlighted some interesting uses for the blind, hands-free texting, and more.
Wireless syncing — Raise the roof for wireless sync! This will be an iOS 5 feature that will be compatible for the iPad and iPod Touch as well, but I couldn't help but mention the fact that you'll soon be able to set up your devices and get updates without connecting your iDevice to a Mac or PC.
Airplay — If you've got an Apple TV, the iPhone 4S will allow you to stream what's playing on your device to your HDTV with Airplay, which is built right into the new iPhone.
Fingerprint resistant — The iPhone 4S has an oleophobic coating on its glass exterior, making it resistant to fingerprints by repelling oils in your fingers.
Cons
No 4G — Still no 4G on the iPhone 4S. This is unfortunate, but you may not have to wait too much longer to get fast download speeds on your iDevice — analysts believe that Apple is waiting for better LTE chips before adding them into the iPhone, which could be as soon as early next year.
No NFC — Mobile payments on the iPhone will have to wait as Apple has excluded NFC (near-field communication) technology on the latest iPhone model. Of course, this won't be a deal breaker for some of you who said you wouldn't use it anyway.
All those leaked case images — We've seen too many leaked "iPhone 5" case images to forget about the wider screen, sleek form, and wider body. I'm betting the real iPhone 5 is just around the corner.
Other options — Why spend upwards of $199 with a two-year contract when you could spend $99 and get an iPhone 4? Sure, you won't get the 8MP camera and Assistant feature, but it's a really good deal nonetheless. Even better — the 3GS is free!
No unlocked models . . . yet — If you're an avid traveler, you might want to hold off on purchase for a few months. According to Apple's website, unlocked versions of the iPhone 4S are coming soon.
Should You Buy? Our Verdict
iPhone 3GS owners who have been waiting for their contracts to expire will get a much-needed bump in power, speed, and form factor with this update, and it's one that's worthy of your hard-earned dollars. iPhone 4 owners should stick to their current handsets and simply update to iOS 5 to get that "new phone feel." You'd be better off waiting for the iPhone 5 next year.
Should You Buy? Our Verdict
iPhone 3GS owners who have been waiting for their contracts to expire will get a much-needed bump in power, speed, and form factor with this update, and it's one that's worthy of your hard-earned dollars. iPhone 4 owners should stick to their current handsets and simply update to iOS 5 to get that "new phone feel." You'd be better off waiting for the iPhone 5 next year.
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