The Apple iPhone 4s CDMA, announced in October 2011 and released shortly after, was a significant upgrade from its predecessor, the iPhone 4. This model, available only if sold and activated for use on a CDMA network, brought enhanced performance, an improved camera, and the introduction of Siri, Apple’s voice-activated personal assistant. The iPhone 4s CDMA was a pivotal device in Apple’s lineup, bridging the gap between the older iPhone models and the more modern smartphones that followed. Below, we explore the detailed specifications and provide an in-depth review of the Apple iPhone 4s CDMA.
Apple iPhone 4s CDMA Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Network Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO |
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 CDMA 800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Speed | HSPA 14.4/5.76 Mbps |
| Announced | October 4, 2011 |
| Released | October 14, 2011 |
| Status | Discontinued |
| Dimensions | 115.2 x 58.6 x 9.3 mm (4.54 x 2.31 x 0.37 in) |
| Weight | 140 g (4.94 oz) |
| Build | Glass front (Corning-made glass), glass back, stainless steel frame |
| 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 5, upgradable to iOS 9.3.6 |
| Chipset | Apple A5 (45 nm) |
| CPU | Dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A9 |
| GPU | PowerVR SGX543MP2 |
| Internal Storage | 8GB 512MB RAM, 16GB 512MB RAM, 32GB 512MB RAM, 64GB 512MB RAM, no expandable storage |
| Main Camera | Single: 8 MP, f/2.4, 35mm (standard), 1/3.2″, 1.4µm, AF |
| Camera Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Video | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie Camera | Single: VGA, videocalling over Wi-Fi and 3G |
| Selfie Video | 480p@30fps |
| Loudspeaker | Yes |
| 3.5mm Jack | Yes |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot |
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP, LE |
| Positioning | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | No |
| USB | 2.0 |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery | Li-Po 1432 mAh, non-removable (5.3 Wh) |
| Stand-by | Up to 200 h (3G) |
| Talk Time | Up to 8 h (3G) |
| Colors | Black, White |
| Models | A1431, A1387, iPhone4,1 |
| SAR | 1.18 W/kg (head), 0.98 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.99 W/kg (head), 0.99 W/kg (body) |
| Price | About 190 EUR |
| Tests | Display: Contrast ratio: 1261:1 (nominal) / 2.269:1 (sunlight) Camera: Photo / Video Loudspeaker: Voice 65dB / Noise 64dB / Ring 74dB Audio quality: Noise -91.2dB / Crosstalk -93.0dB Battery (old): Endurance rating 45h |
Review of the Apple iPhone 4s CDMA
Design and Build Quality
The Apple iPhone 4s CDMA maintained the iconic design of the iPhone 4, with its glass front and back panels encased in a stainless steel frame. The dimensions, at 115.2 x 58.6 x 9.3 mm and a weight of 140 g, were identical to the iPhone 4, making it compact and easy to handle. The glass back panel, which was scratch-resistant, added to the premium feel of the device, while the Corning Gorilla Glass on the front provided durability against drops and scratches.
The design was both sleek and functional, with the stainless steel frame doubling as the antenna. Although this design choice had caused signal issues in the iPhone 4, these were largely resolved in the iPhone 4s, making it a reliable choice for users on CDMA networks.
Display
The iPhone 4s CDMA featured a 3.5-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 640 x 960 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of 330 ppi. This “Retina Display” was one of the standout features of the device, offering sharp, clear visuals that were unmatched at the time. The display provided excellent color accuracy, brightness, and viewing angles, making it ideal for a wide range of activities, from browsing the web to watching videos.
The oleophobic coating on the display helped reduce fingerprints and smudges, ensuring that the screen remained clear and easy to view even after extended use.
Performance
The iPhone 4s CDMA was powered by the Apple A5 chipset, featuring a dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A9 CPU and a PowerVR SGX543MP2 GPU. This combination provided a significant performance boost over the iPhone 4, allowing for smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better graphics performance. The device originally ran on iOS 5, but was upgradable to iOS 9.3.6, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of apps and features.
With 512MB of RAM and storage options ranging from 8GB to 64GB, the iPhone 4s CDMA offered sufficient space for apps, photos, and videos, though it lacked expandable storage, which was typical of Apple devices.
Camera
The iPhone 4s CDMA featured a substantial upgrade in the camera department, with an 8 MP rear camera that offered an aperture of f/2.4 and a sensor size of 1/3.2″. The camera was capable of capturing high-quality images with better color accuracy, detail, and low-light performance compared to its predecessor. The addition of panorama mode and HDR further enhanced the camera’s capabilities.
The iPhone 4s CDMA also supported 1080p video recording at 30fps, making it one of the first smartphones to offer Full HD video recording. The front-facing VGA camera was primarily used for FaceTime video calls, but it also supported video recording at 480p@30fps.
Battery Life
The iPhone 4s CDMA was equipped with a 1432 mAh Li-Po battery, providing up to 8 hours of talk time on 3G and up to 200 hours of standby time. While the battery was non-removable, its endurance was adequate for most users, allowing a full day of use with moderate activity. The device’s battery life was slightly improved over the iPhone 4, thanks to the more efficient A5 chipset.
Connectivity and Other Features
One of the key features of the iPhone 4s CDMA was its compatibility with both GSM and CDMA networks, supporting HSPA speeds up to 14.4 Mbps and EV-DO Rev.A speeds up to 3.1 Mbps. This made the iPhone 4s CDMA a versatile device for users in regions with different network standards.
The device also featured Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP and LE, and GPS with A-GPS and GLONASS. The inclusion of these connectivity options ensured that the iPhone 4s CDMA could handle a wide range of tasks, from internet browsing to navigation.
In addition to its connectivity features, the iPhone 4s 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 the iPhone 4s a well-rounded device for everyday use.
Verdict
The Apple iPhone 4s CDMA, with its improved performance, better camera, and introduction of Siri, represented a significant evolution in the iPhone lineup. Its compatibility with both GSM and CDMA networks made it a versatile option for users across different regions. The device’s combination of sleek design, powerful hardware, and innovative software features ensured its place as a beloved smartphone during its time.
For those looking back at the evolution of smartphones, the iPhone 4s CDMA stands out as a pivotal device that helped shape the future of mobile technology.
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