iPhone 4S In 2020! (Still Worth It?) (Review)

TL;DR

The iPhone 4S, despite its age, still offers decent quality and performance, but is not a viable option in 2020.

Transcript

what's up everyone welcome back to the channel once again another still with a video and this time around I'm actually sick so I'm gonna be like coughing up a lot my nose is basically congested so please excuse my voice sometimes but we're gonna be talking about one of the phones that probably point zero one percent of the world is using and if you... Read More

Key Insights

• ✋ The iPhone 4S, released in 2011, reflects a high-quality construction that feels premium even today.
• 🔒 Apple's decision to provide a security update years post-deprecation shows their commitment to user security, despite the phone's limited viability.
• 🧡 The Retina display, although dated, still delivers good clarity, comparable to some current mid-range smartphones.
• 😀 Many modern apps are unavailable on the iPhone 4S due to outdated software, restricting its usability for everyday functions.
• 🥶 Despite being over nine years old, the iPhone 4S can still perform basic tasks adequately, including calling and messaging.
• 🖤 The phone's camera, while lacking advanced features, is still capable of decent photography for casual users.
• 🔋 Standby battery life for the iPhone 4S can outperform many contemporary smartphones, demonstrating efficiency in a low-power device.

Questions & Answers

Q: What standout features does the iPhone 4S retain compared to modern smartphones?

The iPhone 4S retains a premium build quality and a Retina display that still provides a respectable pixel density. Despite its size, the screen performs adequately for basic tasks. Many newer devices lack the solid feel of older models like the 4S, showcasing how Apple once excelled in design.

Q: How did Apple manage to provide a security update for the iPhone 4S?

Apple issued a security update (iOS 9.3.6) for the iPhone 4S several years after the device’s last major update. This showed Apple's commitment to security, even for older devices, by revisiting and modifying the existing code to patch vulnerabilities despite limited usage of the device in the current market.

Q: How does the camera performance of the iPhone 4S hold up in 2020?

While the iPhone 4S features a single 8-megapixel rear camera and a VGA front camera, the photo quality remains surprising for a nine-year-old device. It lacks modern features like ultra-wide or telephoto capabilities but performs reasonably well given its age, making it still decent for casual photography.

Q: What are some limitations of using the iPhone 4S in 2020?

The iPhone 4S faces several limitations, primarily due to being unable to run current app versions and software. Users often encounter incompatibility issues, especially with social media and games, restricting functionality and user experience in a smartphone landscape dominated by more powerful devices.

Q: What are the battery life expectations for the iPhone 4S?

The iPhone 4S is equipped with a 1432 mAh battery, providing impressive standby time that can last weeks without charge. However, under active use, battery performance is average compared to contemporary standards, yet the longevity during standby conditions is a notable advantage of its lower power requirements.

Q: Is it worth considering the iPhone 4S as a phone option in 2020?

While nostalgia plays a role, the iPhone 4S is generally not recommended as a primary phone in 2020 due to its limited app compatibility and outdated features. Newer models like the iPhone 6S or SE offer better performance, longevity, and functionality, making them more viable options for users today.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Despite being released in 2011, the iPhone 4S maintains solid build quality and a decent display that remains competitive against some modern phones.

• The phone has limited software capabilities, running an outdated iOS version, which restricts access to newer apps, but Apple surprisingly provided a recent security update.

• Overall, while the iPhone 4S has some redeeming qualities, it doesn't meet the expectations of modern smartphone users, making newer models like the iPhone 6S or SE far more desirable.