Generational divide: iPhone 4S vs iPhone 4

By Andrew Couts October 4, 2011

iphone-4-vs-iphone-4s-white — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Apple’s newest smartphone offering, the iPhone 4S, looks identical to the iPhone 4. On the inside, however, these two devices sit miles apart. According to Apple, the iPhone 4S clocks in at twice the processing speed as the older iPhone 4. Other iPhone 4S upgrades include a better camera, more powerful graphics processing and dual-mode GSM/CDMA worldphone capabilities. But that’s not all that’s different between the two Apple handsets. Let’s take a look at the nitty gritty details, shall we?

**iPhone 4S vs iPhone 4**
	iPhone 4S	iPhone 4
Price (w/contract)	$199 16GB; $299 32GB; $399 64GB	$99 8GB
OS	iOS 5	iOS 5 (w/update)
Processor	Apple A5 (dual-core)	Apple A4 (single-core)
Display	3.5-inch 960×640 IPS	3.5-inch 960×640 IPS
Dimensions	115.2 x 58.6 x 9.3 (mm)	115.2 x 58.6 x 9.3 (mm)
Weight	140g	137g
Cellular	GSM-CDMA hybrid/HSPA	GSM or CDMA/HSPA
Max. speed	14.4Mbps	7.2Mbps
Wi-Fi	802.11b/g/n (single-band)	802.11b/g/n (single-band)
Rear camera	8-megapixel AF w/flash & f/2.4 aperture	5-megapixel AF w/flash
Front camera	VGA	VGA
Video capabilities	1080p at 30fps	720p at 30fps
Max. battery life	8 hrs talk on 3G/14 hrs talk on 2G/6 hrs browsing 3G/9 hrs browsing on Wi-Fi/10 hrs video playback/40 hrs music playback	7 hrs talk on 3G/14 hrs talk on 2G/6 hrs browsing 3G/10 hrs browsing on Wi-Fi/10 hrs video playback/40 hrs music playback
Siri voice control	Yes	No
FaceTime video calling	Yes	Yes
Colors	Black, white	Black, white
Carrier	AT&T, Verizon Wireless, Sprint	AT&T, Verizon Wireless, Sprint

The iPhone 4S will be available for pre-order on Oct. 7, and will hit stores starting on Oct. 14. Users of iPhone 4 and iPhone 3G S will be able to upgrade to iOS 5 on Oct. 12.

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