Apple iPhone 4S (GSM China/WAPI) 8, 16, 32, 64 GB Specs
Identifiers: iPhone 4S (GSM China) - MD235CH/A* - iPhone4,1* - A1431 - N/A
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Released only for the mainland China market, and initially launched with China Unicom, the iPhone 4S (GSM China), model number A1431, is believed to be identical to the global iPhone 4S, except that the Wi-Fi capabilities have been modified to support the "WAPI" Wi-Fi standard as required by the Chinese government.
Like the global iPhone 4S, the China only variant uses the same all stainless steel body design with an ultra high-density 3.5-inch, IPS, LED-backlit 960x640 326 ppi multi-touch "retina" display, dual noise-cancelling microphones, mobile and data antennas integrated in the "metal band" that wraps around the sides of the phone, and a chemically hardened "aluminosilcate" glass front over both the display and a black or white frame and the chemically hardened black glass back, too. Both the front and back have an "oleophobic" oil repellent coating, as well.
The China-only iPhone 4S still is believed to be a "world phone," supporting both GSM and CDMA networks (UMTS/HSDPA/HSUPA (850, 900, 1900, 2100 MHz); GSM/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz), and CDMA EV-DO Rev. A (800, 1900 MHz), and the "antenna automatically switches between send and receive." It supports 802.11b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, and HSDPA of up to 14.4 Mbps, too.
The China-only iPhone 4S also has dual cameras -- an 8 megapixel HD video/still camera (1080p at 30 FPS) with a "backside illuminated sensor," and an LED flash on the rear and a VGA quality video/still camera on the front designed for video conferencing over a Wi-Fi network with Apple's included "FaceTime" application.
It is powered by a dual-core "Apple A5" processor, has 512 MB of RAM, and has 8 GB, 16 GB, 32 GB, or 64 GB of internal storage (32 GB and 64 GB options discontinued September 12, 2012, 8 GB option introduced September 10, 2013 and discontinued altogether September 9, 2014).
Apple reports that the iPhone 4S provides "up to" 40 hours of audio playback, 14 hours of talk time on 2G, 8 hours of talk time on 3G, 6 hours of Internet use on 3G, 9 hours of Internet use on Wi-Fi, 10 hours of video playback and 200 hours of standby time.
Also see: What are all the differences between the iPhone 4S and the iPhone 4?
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- Tech Specs
- Global Original Prices
- Popular Q&As
Click on a category for related details. The most commonly needed info is "open" by default, but all info is important. Asterisks (*) reference data in details fields.
| Introduction Date: |
January 13, 2012* |
Discontinued Date: |
September 9, 2014* |
| Details: |
The "Introduction Date" refers to the date a model was introduced via press release. The "Discontinued Date" refers to the date a model either was replaced by a subsequent system or production otherwise ended.
*This model first was sold by China Unicom on January 13, 2012. The 32 GB and 64 GB options were discontinued on September 12, 2012, and 8 GB option was introduced September 10, 2013. This final 8 GB configuration was discontinued on September 9, 2014.
Also see: All iPhone models introduced in 2012. |
| Processors: |
1 (2 Cores) |
Geekbench 2 (32): |
617 |
| Details: |
Geekbench 2 provides 32-bit benchmarks for iOS models. This number is an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.
You also might be interested in reviewing all Geekbench 2 user submissions for devices with the iPhone4,1* Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.
To dynamically compare Geekbench 2 results from different iPod touch, iPhone and iPad models side-by-side, please see Everyi.com's Ultimate iComparison.
|
| Geekbench 3 (32): |
215 |
Geekbench 3 (32): |
406 |
| Details: |
These Geekbench 3 benchmarks are in 32-bit mode and are for a single processor core and all processor cores, respectively. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.
You also might be interested in reviewing all 32-bit single core and multicore Geekbench 3 user submissions for devices with the iPhone4,1* Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.
To dynamically compare 32-bit Geekbench 3 results from different iPod touch, iPhone and iPad models side-by-side, see Everyi.com's Ultimate iComparison.
|
| Geekbench 3 (64): |
N/A |
Geekbench 3 (64): |
N/A |
| Details: |
The Geekbench 3 benchmark does not support 64-bit mode for this model. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.
You also might be interested in reviewing all 64-bit single core and multicore Geekbench 3 user submissions for devices with the iPhone4,1* Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.
To dynamically compare Geekbench 3 results from different iPod touch, iPhone and iPad models side-by-side, see Everyi.com's Ultimate iComparison.
|
| Geekbench 4 (SC): |
284 |
Geekbench 4 (MC): |
491 |
| Details: |
These Geekbench 4 benchmarks are are for a single processor core and all processor cores, respectively. All Geekbench 4 benchmarks are 64-bit. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.
You also might be interested in reviewing all single core and multicore Geekbench 4 user submissions for devices with the iPhone4,1* Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.
To dynamically compare Geekbench 4 results from different iPod touch, iPhone and iPad models side-by-side, see Everyi.com's Ultimate iComparison.
|
| Geekbench 5 (SC): |
N/A |
Geekbench 5 (MC): |
N/A |
| Details: |
The Geekbench 5 benchmark does not support this iPhone model. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.
You also might be interested in reviewing all single core and multicore Geekbench 5 user submissions for devices with the iPhone4,1* Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.
To dynamically compare Geekbench 5 results from different iPod touch, iPhone and iPad models side-by-side, see Everyi.com's Ultimate iComparison. |
| Processor Speed: |
800 MHz* |
Processor Type: |
Apple A5 |
| Details: |
*The iPhone 4S uses the "Apple A5" processor like the iPad 2 models, specifically a 1 GHz "dual-core Apple A5 (S5L8940) custom-designed, higher-performance, low-power system-on-a-chip," albeit downclocked to 800 MHz. It integrates the CPU, graphics, the memory controller, and I/O functions.
Also see: How much faster is the iPhone 4S than the iPhone 4? |
| Onboard RAM: |
512 MB* |
Storage Capacity: |
8, 16, 32, 64 GB |
| Details: |
*Apple provides no information regarding the RAM used in the iPhone 4S, but software analysis confirms that it has 512 MB. |
| USB Support: |
Sync & Charge |
Firewire Support: |
None |
| Details: |
The iPhone 4S does not offer a "disk mode" for file transfer. |
| Connectivity: |
USB |
Ports: |
Dock, Headphone |
| Case Type: |
Handheld |
Form Factor: |
iPhone 4S |
| Housing Color: |
Black & White |
Controller: |
Multi-touch |
| Details: |
The iPhone 4S is available with either a black or white front and back. |
| Built-in Display: |
3.5" Color |
Display Resolution: |
960x640 (326 ppi) |
| Details: |
The iPhone 4S has a 3.5" 960 by 640 (326 ppi) "Retina display," like the previously released iPhone 4. It is LED-backlit, uses IPS (In-Plane Switching) technology, has an 800:1 typical contrast ratio, a 500 cd/m2 typical maximum brightness and is coated with a fingerprint-resistant "oleophobic" (oil repellent) coating. The back of the phone, which also is made of glass, has an oleophobic coating as well.
Also see: How do I replace the glass cover, digitizer, and display (LCD screen) on the iPhone 4S?
In the UK, site sponsor ALB Repair offers component-level logic board repair, display repair, and other repair services for this iPhone. No fix, no fee!
In Spain, site sponsor iRepairs provides affordable repair and data recovery services. In-person and by mail repair services include the display, motherboard, charging port, and more for this iPhone.
|
| Standard Wireless: |
802.11b/g/n* |
Standard Bluetooth: |
4.0 |
| Details: |
*Apple notes that the iPhone 4S only supports the 2.4 GHz frequency of 802.11n Wi-Fi.
The iPhone 4S is a "world phone" and also supports UMTS/HSDPA/HSUPA (850, 900, 1900, 2100 MHz);
GSM/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz), and CDMA EV-DO Rev. A (800, 1900 MHz) networks. It is believed that the China-only iPhone 4S has been modified only to support the "WAPI" Wi-Fi standard as required by the Chinese government. However, if you are aware of other differences, please share. Thank you. |
| Cell Network: |
GSM/CDMA* |
Camera: |
8.0 Megapixels** |
| Details: |
*The iPhone 4S supports UMTS/HSDPA/HSUPA (850, 900, 1900, 2100 MHz); GSM/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz), and CDMA EV-DO Rev. A (800, 1900 MHz) networks. It supports HSDPA up to 14.4 Mbps as well. It is believed that the China-only iPhone 4S has been modified only to support the "WAPI" Wi-Fi standard as required by the Chinese government. However, if you are aware of other differences, please share. Thank you.
**The iPhone 4S has dual cameras. The rear camera supports HD video recording (1080p up to 30 FPS with audio), and functions as a 8 megapixel still camera as well. It has a "backside illuminated sensor," a 5X digital zoom, and an LED flash. The front mounted camera, designed to be used for video conferencing in conjunction with Apple's provided "FaceTime" software over a Wi-Fi network, takes VGA quality photos and video up to 30 FPS.
Like the iPhone 3GS and iPhone 4, it also supports geotagging, autofocus, macro, and white balance support, and a "tap to focus" feature. It adds face detection in still images as well. |
| Battery Type: |
Lithium Ion |
Battery Life (Music): |
40 Hours |
| Details: |
In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells replacement batteries for this iPhone.
Also see: How do I replace the battery in the iPhone 4S? |
| Battery Life (Voice): |
8-14 Hours* |
Standby Time: |
300 Hours |
| Details: |
*Apple reports that the iPhone 4S provides "up to" 40 hours of audio playback, 14 hours of talk time on 2G (GSM), 8 hours of talk time on 3G, 6 hours of Internet use on 3G, 9 hours of Internet use on Wi-Fi, 10 hours of video playback and 200 hours of standby time.
Also see: What is the battery life of the iPhone 4S in "real-world" tests? Is the battery designed to be replaced?
|
| Apple Order No: |
MD235CH/A* |
Apple Subfamily: |
iPhone 4S (GSM China) |
| Details: |
*MD235CH/A is the order number for this model in black with 16 GB of storage intended for China Unicom. MD239CH/A is the order number for this model in white with 16 GB of storage intended for China Unicom. The iPhone 4S with 16 GB of storage in white and black, and intended for China Telecom, are order numbers MD236CH/A and MD240CH/A, respectively. The 8 GB configuration introduced September 10, 2013, are order numbers MF265CH/A and MF266CH/A in black and white, respectively without a contract. These models also appear to be offered with a contract and have been assigned MF267CH/A and MF268CH/A order numbers accordingly. |
| Apple Model No: |
A1431 (EMC N/A) |
Model ID: |
iPhone4,1* |
| Details: |
Please note that these identifiers often refer to more than one model, but are unique for this device.
*The China-only variant of the iPhone 4S is believed to still identify itself as iPhone4,1. If you can confirm or deny this, please share. Thank you.
Also see: All iPhones with the A1431 Model Number, the N/A EMC Number, and the iPhone4,1* Model Identifier. |
| Pre-Installed OS: |
iOS 5.1 (9B179) |
Maximum OS: |
iOS 9.3.6* |
| Details: |
*This model is partially supported by the most recent version of iOS 9. It is not supported by iOS 10 or subsequent versions of the iOS at all.
Also see: Which iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad models fully support iOS 9? For models that "partially" support iOS 9, which features are and are not supported? |
| Dimensions: |
4.5 x 2.31 x 0.37* |
Avg. Weight: |
4.9 oz. (140 g) |
| Details: |
In inches - height by width by depth (115.2 x 58.6 x 9.3 mm). |
| Mac Support: |
Mac OS X 10.5.8* |
Windows Support: |
Windows XP SP3/Vista/7 |
| Details: |
Apple originally reported that the iPhone 4S is compatible with a "Mac computer with a USB 2.0 port, OS X v10.5.8 or later, and iTunes 10.5 or later." On September 12, 2012, Apple changed this to note support for OS X 10.6.8 or later as well as iTunes 10.7 or later.
It is compatible with a "PC with a USB 2.0 port, Windows 7, Windows Vista; or Windows XP Home or Professional with Service Pack 3 or later, and iTunes 10.5 or later" and iTunes 10.7 or later after September 12, 2012. |
| Audio Support: |
Apple reports that the iPhone 4S supports "AAC (8 to 320 Kbps), Protected AAC (from iTunes Store), HE-AAC, MP3 (8 to 320 Kbps), MP3 VBR, Audible (formats 2, 3, 4, Audible Enhanced Audio, AAX, and AAX+), Apple Lossless, AIFF, and WAV." |
| Photo Support: |
Apple does not formally specify photo formats for the iPhone 4S. The Safari web browser, however, supports JPG, GIF, and TIFF images, and the iPod function of the iPhone 4 supports images synchronized from iTunes. |
| Video Support: |
Apple reports that the iPhone 4 supports "H.264 video up to 1080p, 30 frames per second, High Profile level 4.1 with AAC-LC audio up to 160 Kbps, 48kHz, stereo audio in .m4v, .mp4, and .mov file formats; MPEG-4 video up to 2.5 Mbps, 640 by 480 pixels, 30 frames per second, Simple Profile with AAC-LC audio up to 160 Kbps per channel, 48kHz, stereo audio in .m4v, .mp4, and .mov file formats; Motion JPEG (M-JPEG) up to 35 Mbps, 1280 by 720 pixels, 30 frames per second, audio in ulaw, PCM stereo audio in .avi file format."
On an external display, it supports "576p and 480p with Apple Component AV Cable; 576i and 480i with Apple Composite AV Cable (cables sold separately)" as well as video mirroring and video out support up to 1080p. It also supports AirPlay Mirroring to Apple TV at 720p. |
| Incl. Accessories: |
Ships with "Apple Earphones with Remote and Mic, dock connector to USB cable, USB power adapter, [and] documentation."
In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells inexpensive headphones, cases and other accessories for this iPhone.
Also see: What is the best external keyboard for the iPhone? |
| Original Price: |
N/A* |
Est. Current Retail: |
N/A |
| Details: |
*This model was not sold in the US. The iPhone 4S (GSM China) originally sold unlocked and contract-free for 4,988, 5,888 or 6,788 RMB with 16 GB, 32 GB, or 64 GB of storage, respectively. The 8 GB model introduced September 10, 2013 and discontinued September 9, 2014 was offered for 3,288 RMB, again, unlocked and contract-free. It also was offered with a variety of contract plans at lower price points.
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. |
Global original prices for the iPhone 4S (GSM China/WAPI) in 24 different countries and territories follow; organized alphabetically by region. Please note that prices with an asterisk (*) are bound by carrier contractual obligations.
For global original prices for all iPod, iPhone, and iPad models in one particular country on a single page, please refer to Everyi.com's Global Original Prices section.
If you have additional original prices for this iPhone, please share. Thank you.
Original Prices - North & South America
| Mexico: |
N/A |
United States: |
N/A* |
Original Prices - Europe
| Austria: |
N/A |
Belgium: |
N/A |
| Denmark: |
N/A |
Finland: |
N/A |
| Luxembourg: |
N/A |
Netherlands: |
N/A |
| Norway: |
N/A |
Portugal: |
N/A |
| Switzerland: |
N/A |
United Kingdom: |
N/A |
Original Prices - Asia
| China: |
RMB 4,988, 5,888, 6,788 |
Hong Kong: |
N/A |
| India: |
N/A |
Indonesia: |
N/A |
| Malaysia: |
N/A |
The Philippines: |
N/A |
| Singapore: |
N/A |
Taiwan: |
N/A |
| Thailand: |
N/A |
Vietnam: |
N/A |
Original Prices - Australia & New Zealand
| Australia: |
N/A |
New Zealand: |
N/A |
If you have additional original prices for this model, please get in touch. Thank you.
Ten of the most popular Q&As about the iPhone line follow.
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