The Apple iPhone 4 CDMA, announced in January 2011 and released in February of the same year, was a notable variant of the iPhone 4, specifically designed to support CDMA networks. This version catered to users on carriers like Verizon, offering the same iconic design and features as the original iPhone 4 but with network compatibility that broadened its reach. Below, we explore the detailed specifications and provide an in-depth review of the Apple iPhone 4 CDMA.
Apple iPhone 4 CDMA Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Network Technology | CDMA / EVDO |
| 2G bands | CDMA 800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Speed | EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps |
| Announced | January 2011 |
| Released | February 2011 |
| Status | Discontinued |
| Dimensions | 115.2 x 58.6 x 9.3 mm (4.54 x 2.31 x 0.37 in) |
| Weight | 137 g (4.83 oz) |
| SIM | Micro-SIM |
| Display Type | IPS LCD |
| Display Size | 3.5 inches, 36.5 cm2 (~54.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Resolution | 640 x 960 pixels, 3:2 ratio (~330 ppi density) |
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass, oleophobic coating |
| OS | iOS 4, upgradable to iOS 7.1.1 |
| Chipset | Apple A4 (45 nm) |
| CPU | 1.0 GHz Cortex-A8 |
| GPU | PowerVR SGX535 |
| Internal Storage | 16GB 512MB RAM, 32GB 512MB RAM, no expandable storage |
| Main Camera | Single: 5 MP, AF |
| Camera Features | LED flash, HDR |
| Video | 720p@30fps |
| Selfie Camera | Video calling over Wi-Fi only |
| Loudspeaker | Yes |
| 3.5mm Jack | Yes |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Bluetooth | 2.1, A2DP |
| Positioning | GPS, A-GPS |
| Radio | No |
| USB | 2.0 |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Browser | HTML5 (Safari) |
| Additional Features | iCloud cloud service, MP3/WAV player, MP4/H.264 player, Document viewer |
| Battery | Li-Po 1420 mAh, non-removable |
| Colors | Black, White |
| Models | iPhone 3,3 |
| SAR | 1.18 W/kg (head), 0.87 W/kg (body) |
| Price | About 150 EUR |
Review of the Apple iPhone 4 CDMA
Design and Build Quality
The Apple iPhone 4 CDMA maintained the iconic design of the original iPhone 4, with its glass front and back panels, and stainless steel frame, giving it a premium look and feel. Measuring 115.2 x 58.6 x 9.3 mm and weighing 137 g, the iPhone 4 CDMA was compact and sleek, making it easy to handle and carry. The use of Corning Gorilla Glass and an oleophobic coating on the display provided durability and resistance to fingerprints.
One of the most significant design changes in the CDMA version was the relocation of the antenna bands to accommodate the different network technology. This adjustment improved signal reception and reduced the likelihood of signal drop issues that were reported with the GSM version of the iPhone 4.
Display
The 3.5-inch IPS LCD display on the iPhone 4 CDMA was one of the standout features of the device, offering a resolution of 640 x 960 pixels and a 3:2 aspect ratio. With a pixel density of 330 ppi, the display was sharp and clear, making text and images appear crisp. This was one of the first devices to feature what Apple branded as the “Retina Display,” setting a new standard for screen quality in smartphones.
Performance
Under the hood, the iPhone 4 CDMA was powered by the Apple A4 chipset, featuring a 1.0 GHz Cortex-A8 CPU and a PowerVR SGX535 GPU. This combination provided smooth and responsive performance for everyday tasks, such as browsing the web, running apps, and playing games. The device originally shipped with iOS 4 but could be upgraded to iOS 7.1.1, allowing users to enjoy a wider range of features and apps.
With 512MB of RAM and storage options of 16GB and 32GB, the iPhone 4 CDMA provided adequate space for apps, music, and photos, though it lacked expandable storage options.
Camera
The iPhone 4 CDMA featured a 5 MP rear camera with autofocus and an LED flash, capable of capturing decent quality photos in various lighting conditions. The camera also supported HDR mode, which improved image quality in high-contrast scenes. Video recording was possible at 720p@30fps, which was impressive at the time and allowed for smooth and clear video capture.
The front-facing camera was limited to video calling over Wi-Fi only, making it useful for FaceTime but not for selfies, which were not yet as popular as they are today.
Battery Life
The iPhone 4 CDMA was equipped with a 1420 mAh Li-Po battery, which was non-removable. Despite its relatively small capacity by modern standards, the battery life was sufficient for a full day of moderate use, thanks to the efficient hardware and software integration. Users could expect around 7-8 hours of talk time or web browsing on a single charge.
Connectivity and Other Features
As a CDMA device, the iPhone 4 CDMA supported CDMA 800 / 1900 bands and CDMA2000 1xEV-DO for 3G connectivity, with speeds up to 3.1 Mbps on EV-DO Rev.A networks. The device also featured Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP, and GPS with A-GPS support for location-based services.
The iPhone 4 CDMA included a 3.5mm headphone jack, USB 2.0 port, and essential sensors like an accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, and compass. These features made it a versatile and functional device for a wide range of tasks.
Verdict
The Apple iPhone 4 CDMA was a significant addition to the iPhone lineup, providing users on CDMA networks with access to Apple’s iconic smartphone design and features. Its combination of a high-quality display, solid performance, and reliable camera made it a popular choice among users, despite the limitations of its storage and battery capacity. For collectors and technology enthusiasts, the iPhone 4 CDMA represents a key moment in the history of smartphones, showcasing Apple’s ability to adapt its products to different network technologies.
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