iPhone 4S Specifications in 2026: Complete Guide & Significance
The iPhone 4S is Apple’s fifth-generation smartphone, announced on October 4, 2011, featuring the first Siri voice assistant, Apple A5 dual-core processor, and 8-megapixel camera.
I remember the excitement when Apple unveiled the iPhone 4S – it looked identical to the iPhone 4, but packed revolutionary technology that changed smartphones forever.
After analyzing technical documentation and collector market data for over a decade, I’ve compiled this comprehensive guide covering every specification, historical significance, and practical detail about the iPhone 4S.
Whether you’re a tech historian, vintage device collector, or simply curious about this milestone device, you’ll find everything from the original $199 launch price to the 15-20% home button failure rate in aging units.
iPhone 4S Overview and Key Specifications (2026)
The iPhone 4S represented Apple’s transition to dual-core processing, introducing the Apple A5 chip that delivered twice the processing power and seven times the graphics performance of its predecessor.
⚠️ Important: The iPhone 4S reached end-of-life in 2016 with iOS 9.3.6 as its final supported version, making it unsuitable for modern app usage.
| Specification | iPhone 4S | iPhone 4 (Comparison) |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Apple A5 (Dual-core 1GHz) | Apple A4 (Single-core 1GHz) |
| RAM | 512MB LPDDR2 | 512MB LPDDR |
| Storage Options | 16GB, 32GB, 64GB | 16GB, 32GB |
| Display | 3.5″ Retina (960×640) | 3.5″ Retina (960×640) |
| Main Camera | 8MP with 1080p video | 5MP with 720p video |
| Front Camera | VGA (0.3MP) | VGA (0.3MP) |
| Battery | 1432 mAh | 1420 mAh |
| Special Feature | Siri Voice Assistant | None |
These specifications positioned the iPhone 4S as a powerhouse in 2011, with the dual-core processor enabling smooth multitasking that wasn’t possible on earlier models.
Display Specifications
The iPhone 4S featured Apple’s revolutionary Retina display, a 3.5-inch IPS LCD screen with 960×640 pixel resolution delivering an industry-leading 326 pixels per inch.
Retina Display: A marketing term Apple uses for displays with pixel density so high that individual pixels are indistinguishable to the human eye at typical viewing distances.
The display specifications included a 800:1 contrast ratio, 500 cd/m² maximum brightness, and fingerprint-resistant oleophobic coating on the front glass.
- Screen Size: 3.5 inches diagonal
- Resolution: 960 × 640 pixels at 326 ppi
- Aspect Ratio: 3:2
- Technology: IPS LCD with LED backlight
- Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass (aluminosilicate glass)
By today’s standards, the 3.5-inch screen feels tiny – I recently held my old iPhone 4S next to a modern iPhone, and it’s less than half the screen area.
However, the Retina display technology introduced with the iPhone 4 and continued in the 4S set new standards for mobile display quality that influenced the entire industry.
Performance and Hardware Specifications
The Apple A5 system-on-chip marked Apple’s entry into dual-core mobile processing, featuring two ARM Cortex-A9 cores running at 800MHz (underclocked from 1GHz for battery efficiency).
“The A5 chip delivers up to 2X faster processing and up to 7X faster graphics, making the iPhone 4S the most powerful iPhone yet.”
– Apple Inc., Official Press Release, October 2011
The graphics processing came from a dual-core PowerVR SGX543MP2 GPU, which enabled the iPhone 4S to handle complex 3D games and graphics-intensive applications.
Memory and Storage Details
The iPhone 4S included 512MB of LPDDR2 RAM, which seems minuscule compared to modern smartphones with 8GB or more.
Storage options expanded to include a 64GB model for the first time in iPhone history:
- 16GB Model: Originally $199 on contract ($649 unlocked)
- 32GB Model: Originally $299 on contract ($749 unlocked)
- 64GB Model: Originally $399 on contract ($849 unlocked)
The storage used NAND flash memory with no option for expansion via memory cards, establishing Apple’s closed storage ecosystem that continues today.
✅ Pro Tip: For collectors, the 64GB white model commands the highest prices, often reaching $300-800 for sealed units in 2025.
Camera Specifications and Capabilities
The iPhone 4S introduced an 8-megapixel rear camera with an f/2.4 aperture, representing a 60% increase in resolution over the iPhone 4’s 5-megapixel sensor.
The camera featured a custom-designed five-element lens and used a backside-illuminated CMOS sensor (likely the Sony IMX145) for improved low-light performance.
Camera Features
- Main Camera: 8MP (3264 × 2448 pixels)
- Aperture: f/2.4
- Focal Length: 4.28mm (35mm equivalent: 35mm)
- Video Recording: 1080p at 30fps
- Image Stabilization: Video stabilization only
- Flash: LED flash
- Features: Autofocus, face detection, HDR photos
The front-facing camera remained a modest VGA resolution (640×480) primarily intended for FaceTime video calls rather than selfies.
I tested the iPhone 4S camera extensively back in 2011, and it produced remarkably sharp images that still hold up reasonably well for social media today.
Connectivity and Network Specifications
The iPhone 4S supported GSM and CDMA networks on a single device, making it Apple’s first “world phone” that could work across different carrier technologies.
| Connectivity Type | Specification | Real-World Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Cellular | GSM/CDMA, HSPA+ 14.4 Mbps | 3G speeds only, no LTE support |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 b/g/n (2.4GHz only) | No 5GHz support, max 65 Mbps |
| Bluetooth | 4.0 with A2DP | Low Energy support introduced |
| GPS | Assisted GPS and GLONASS | Accurate location services |
| Port | 30-pin dock connector | Last iPhone with 30-pin |
The lack of 4G LTE support became the iPhone 4S’s most significant limitation as carriers rapidly deployed LTE networks in 2012-2013.
The 30-pin dock connector, used since the original iPhone, would be replaced by Lightning in the iPhone 5, making the 4S the end of an era.
Design and Build Quality
The iPhone 4S maintained the iconic glass sandwich design introduced with the iPhone 4, featuring aluminosilicate glass panels on front and back with a stainless steel band around the edges.
Dimensions and weight specifications:
- Height: 115.2 mm (4.54 inches)
- Width: 58.6 mm (2.31 inches)
- Depth: 9.3 mm (0.37 inches)
- Weight: 140 grams (4.9 ounces)
The stainless steel band served dual purposes as both the structural frame and the antenna system, though Apple resolved the “death grip” antenna issues from the iPhone 4.
Available in black and white color options, with the white model launching simultaneously (unlike the delayed iPhone 4 white version).
⏰ Time Saver: Check for antenna design differences – iPhone 4S has symmetrical black antenna breaks, while iPhone 4 has asymmetrical placement.
iOS Compatibility and Software Features in 2026
The iPhone 4S shipped with iOS 5 and received updates through iOS 9.3.6, giving it nearly five years of software support – impressive for a 2011 device.
Most significantly, the iPhone 4S introduced Siri, Apple’s voice assistant that revolutionized smartphone interaction.
iOS Version History
- iOS 5 (2011): Launch version with Siri, iMessage, and Notification Center
- iOS 6 (2012): Apple Maps, Passbook, and Do Not Disturb
- iOS 7 (2013): Complete visual redesign with flat design language
- iOS 8 (2014): Health app, Family Sharing, and Continuity features
- iOS 9 (2015-2019): Final supported version, ending at 9.3.6
Siri’s initial capabilities included setting reminders, sending messages, checking weather, and answering questions – features we take for granted today but were revolutionary in 2011.
However, modern app compatibility is severely limited as most apps now require iOS 12 or later.
Historical Significance and Legacy
The iPhone 4S holds unique historical significance as Steve Jobs’ final iPhone presentation, unveiled just one day before his passing on October 5, 2011.
This device introduced several industry-changing innovations that shaped modern smartphones.
Key historical milestones include being the first smartphone with an intelligent voice assistant, pioneering dual-core mobile processing in the iPhone line, and achieving record-breaking sales with 4 million units in the first weekend.
“It’s the most amazing iPhone yet. It’s been our fastest rollout ever and we’re thrilled with the incredible customer response.”
– Tim Cook, Apple CEO, October 2011
The iPhone 4S also marked Apple’s transition from exclusive carrier partnerships to broader availability, launching on multiple carriers simultaneously in many markets.
Its influence extended beyond Apple, with competitors racing to develop their own voice assistants (Google Now, Samsung S Voice) and match the dual-core performance standard.
Looking at best Apple laptops today, you can see how the design philosophy introduced with the iPhone 4S influenced Apple’s entire product line.
Collector’s Guide and Authentication
For collectors and enthusiasts, authenticating genuine iPhone 4S devices requires checking specific model numbers and identifying features.
Model Number Identification
- A1387: GSM/CDMA model (most common)
- A1431: China-specific model
Sealed units in original packaging command premium prices, with 64GB white models reaching $300-800 in the collector market as of 2025.
Authentication tips for collectors:
- Check antenna design: Symmetrical black lines distinguish 4S from iPhone 4
- Verify Siri presence: Hold home button to confirm Siri functionality
- Examine model number: Settings > General > About shows authentic model
- Original accessories: 30-pin cable, 5W adapter, and EarPods add value
Frequently Asked Questions
What processor does the iPhone 4S use?
The iPhone 4S uses the Apple A5 dual-core processor running at 800MHz (underclocked from 1GHz), paired with a PowerVR SGX543MP2 GPU. This represented Apple’s first dual-core iPhone processor, delivering twice the processing power of the iPhone 4’s single-core A4 chip.
How much RAM does the iPhone 4S have?
The iPhone 4S has 512MB of LPDDR2 RAM. While this seems tiny compared to modern smartphones with 8GB or more, it was sufficient for iOS 5-9 and the apps of that era. The efficient iOS optimization allowed smooth performance despite the limited RAM.
What is the maximum iOS version for iPhone 4S?
The iPhone 4S supports up to iOS 9.3.6, which was its final update released in July 2019. The device originally shipped with iOS 5 in 2011, receiving nearly five years of major iOS updates and eight years of security patches.
What’s the difference between iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S?
The main differences include the dual-core A5 processor (vs single-core A4), 8MP camera (vs 5MP), Siri voice assistant, 64GB storage option, and improved antenna design. Externally, they look identical except for the antenna band placement.
Is the iPhone 4S worth buying in 2025?
As a daily phone in 2025, no – it lacks modern app support and security updates. However, it’s worth buying as a collector’s item ($50-200 used, $300-800 sealed) or for those interested in mobile technology history and the introduction of Siri.
What size screen does the iPhone 4S have?
The iPhone 4S has a 3.5-inch diagonal Retina display with 960×640 pixel resolution at 326 pixels per inch. This was considered high-resolution in 2011 but is tiny by 2025 standards where phones commonly have 6-inch or larger screens.
Can iPhone 4S use 4G LTE networks?
No, the iPhone 4S does not support 4G LTE networks. It’s limited to 3G speeds with HSPA+ providing maximum download speeds of 14.4 Mbps. This became its biggest limitation as carriers deployed LTE networks shortly after its release.
Final Thoughts on iPhone 4S Specifications
After spending countless hours researching and documenting every aspect of the iPhone 4S, it’s clear this device represents a pivotal moment in smartphone history.
The specifications that seemed revolutionary in 2011 – dual-core processing, 8MP camera, and Siri voice control – are now baseline features we expect in even budget smartphones.
For technology enthusiasts and collectors, the iPhone 4S offers a tangible piece of mobile computing history, marking the transition from phones as communication devices to pocket computers with AI assistants.
While it can’t serve as a daily driver in 2025 due to app incompatibility and security concerns, its influence on modern smartphone design and functionality remains undeniable.
Whether you’re verifying specifications for a potential purchase or simply exploring mobile technology evolution, the iPhone 4S stands as testament to Apple’s innovation during a transformative period in consumer electronics.