How to Tell the Difference Between an iPhone 4 and an iPhone 4s: A Detailed Guide
Identifying an older iPhone model can be surprisingly tricky, especially when dealing with the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4s. At first glance, they appear nearly identical. However, a few key differences exist that can help you distinguish between the two. This comprehensive guide will walk you through several methods to differentiate an iPhone 4 from an iPhone 4s, ensuring you can accurately identify your device.
## Why It Matters: Knowing Your iPhone Model
Before we delve into the specifics, let’s briefly discuss why knowing your iPhone model is important. This knowledge is crucial for several reasons:
* **Software Updates:** Different iPhone models support different iOS versions. Knowing your model ensures you download and install the correct updates, preventing potential compatibility issues.
* **Troubleshooting:** When encountering problems, specifying your model is essential for finding accurate troubleshooting guides and solutions.
* **Accessories:** Some accessories, like cases and screen protectors, are specifically designed for certain models. Identifying your device ensures you purchase compatible accessories.
* **Selling or Trading In:** Accurately identifying your iPhone is crucial when selling or trading it in, as the model significantly impacts its value.
## Method 1: External Physical Examination
While both phones look alike, careful observation of the external features can help. Here’s what to look for:
### 1.1. External Screw Type
This is perhaps the most reliable method, requiring a close look at the screws located on either side of the dock connector at the bottom of the phone. This is one of the easiest visual checks to carry out, but also the most subtle and likely to be changed by third party repairs.
* **iPhone 4:** Usually features **Phillips #00 screws** (small cross-head screws). This was the initial screw type.
* **iPhone 4s:** Almost exclusively features **Pentalobe screws** (five-point star screws). Apple started using these screws for added security and to deter unauthorized repairs.
**How to Check:**
1. **Power off your iPhone:** Always power off your device before inspecting any hardware.
2. **Locate the screws:** Turn your iPhone upside down and find the two small screws flanking the dock connector.
3. **Examine the screw heads:** Use a magnifying glass or a well-lit area to clearly see the screw heads. If they have a cross shape, it’s likely an iPhone 4 (though some might have been replaced). If they have a five-point star shape, it’s almost certainly an iPhone 4s.
**Important Note:** Be aware that the screws might have been replaced during a repair. If you see different screw types than expected, it doesn’t automatically invalidate other identification methods.
### 1.2. SIM Card Tray
While less definitive than the screw type, the SIM card tray can sometimes offer a clue, especially in conjunction with other methods.
* **iPhone 4:** Uses a standard-sized SIM card, often referred to as a Mini-SIM.
* **iPhone 4s:** Also uses a standard-sized SIM card (Mini-SIM), identical to the iPhone 4.
**Why it’s less reliable:** Both phones use the same SIM card size. Therefore, visually inspecting the SIM card tray won’t definitively tell you which model you have.
### 1.3. Color Options (Initial Release)
At their initial release, color availability differed slightly, though this isn’t a foolproof method because replacements may have occurred. Also, both were eventually produced in both colors.
* **iPhone 4:** Was initially available in black and white.
* **iPhone 4s:** Was also initially available in black and white.
**Why it’s less reliable:** Both models were eventually available in both black and white. Checking the color alone is *not* a reliable method for identification.
### 1.4. Physical Buttons and Ports
Examine the volume buttons, mute switch, power button, headphone jack, and dock connector. Any significant differences in their placement, size, or shape could indicate a different model. However, there are **no physical differences in the buttons and ports of the iPhone 4 and 4s.**
**Conclusion for external examination:** While external physical differences are subtle, checking the screw type offers the most reliable clue. However, always consider the possibility of repairs and use it in conjunction with other methods.
## Method 2: Software and Settings
Checking the iPhone’s software and settings provides more definitive identification methods.
### 2.1. iOS Version Compatibility
This is one of the most reliable methods. Each iPhone model has a maximum iOS version it can support.
* **iPhone 4:** Can be updated up to iOS 7.1.2.
* **iPhone 4s:** Can be updated up to iOS 9.3.6.
**How to Check the iOS Version:**
1. **Turn on your iPhone:** Ensure your iPhone is powered on and unlocked.
2. **Open the Settings app:** Locate the Settings icon (usually a gray gear) on your home screen and tap it.
3. **Navigate to General:** Scroll down and tap on “General”.
4. **Tap on “About”:** At the top of the General menu, tap on “About”.
5. **Look for “Version”:** On the About screen, find the “Version” entry. This will display the installed iOS version.
**Interpretation:**
* If the “Version” shows 7.1.2 or lower, it is an iPhone 4.
* If the “Version” shows a version between 8.0 and 9.3.6, it is an iPhone 4s.
* If you see something lower than iOS 7.1.2 then the phone is likely an iPhone 4. Be careful, the phone may not be up to date.
**Important Note:** If the iPhone is not working properly, or it cannot be started, you cannot use this method.
### 2.2. Siri Availability
Siri, Apple’s virtual assistant, was introduced with the iPhone 4s. The iPhone 4 does *not* have Siri.
* **iPhone 4:** Does not have Siri.
* **iPhone 4s:** Has Siri.
**How to Check for Siri:**
1. **Turn on your iPhone:** Ensure your iPhone is powered on and unlocked.
2. **Press and hold the Home button:** Press and hold the Home button for a few seconds.
3. **Observe the response:**
* **iPhone 4s:** Siri will activate, displaying its interface and listening for your commands.
* **iPhone 4:** Nothing will happen. Holding the Home button will typically bring up Voice Control (if enabled) or do nothing at all.
**Alternative Method:**
1. **Open the Settings app:** Locate the Settings icon on your home screen and tap it.
2. **Look for “Siri”:**
* **iPhone 4s:** You will see a “Siri” option in the main Settings menu.
* **iPhone 4:** There will be no “Siri” option in the main Settings menu.
**Important Considerations:**
* Siri can be disabled on the iPhone 4s. If you don’t see Siri when holding the Home button, check the Settings app to ensure it’s enabled.
* This method is highly reliable, as Siri is a hardware-software feature unique to the iPhone 4s at the time of its release. It was a key selling point.
## Method 3: Identifying the Model Number
Every iPhone has a unique model number that identifies its specific configuration and region. This is perhaps the *most definitive* way to identify your iPhone model.
### 3.1. Finding the Model Number
There are two ways to find the model number:
1. **On the iPhone’s Back Cover:** Look at the fine print on the back of the iPhone. You should see the word “Model” followed by a letter and four numbers (e.g., Model A1332). This method can be difficult to read because the printing is very small. It is the least reliable method because back covers are easily replaced.
2. **In the Settings App:** This is the easiest and most reliable method.
1. **Turn on your iPhone:** Ensure your iPhone is powered on and unlocked.
2. **Open the Settings app:** Locate the Settings icon on your home screen and tap it.
3. **Navigate to General:** Scroll down and tap on “General”.
4. **Tap on “About”:** At the top of the General menu, tap on “About”.
5. **Tap on the Model Number:** Tap the number to reveal the actual model number, which starts with the letter A.
### 3.2. Matching the Model Number
Once you have the model number, compare it to the following list:
**iPhone 4:**
* A1349 (CDMA model)
* A1332 (GSM model)
**iPhone 4s:**
* A1431 (CDMA model)
* A1387 (GSM model)
**Interpretation:**
If your iPhone’s model number matches any of the iPhone 4 numbers, you have an iPhone 4. If it matches any of the iPhone 4s numbers, you have an iPhone 4s.
**Example:** If your iPhone’s model number is A1387, you have an iPhone 4s.
### 3.3. Using Online Model Number Lookup Tools
If you’re still unsure or want to double-check, several websites and online tools allow you to enter your iPhone’s model number and get detailed information about the device.
Simply search for “iPhone model number lookup” on Google or your preferred search engine. Enter your model number into one of these tools, and it will provide information about your iPhone model, including its release date, specifications, and supported features.
## Method 4: Checking the Device’s Specifications
Comparing the specifications of both devices can help you to find the difference.
### 4.1. Processor
* **iPhone 4:** Apple A4 chip
* **iPhone 4s:** Apple A5 chip
The A5 chip in the 4S is considerably faster than the A4 in the iPhone 4, which contributes to the phone feeling faster and smoother to use.
### 4.2. Camera.
* **iPhone 4:** 5MP rear camera
* **iPhone 4s:** 8MP rear camera
The improved resolution of the 4S means it can take sharper photos with more detail. It also records 1080p video, compared to the 720p capability of the iPhone 4.
### 4.3. Download an App that checks phone specs
There are numerous appliactions on the App store that report the technical details of a phone. An example app is called “Mactracker”. Note that this requires the phone to function correctly so that you can log into the app store, download, and install the app.
## Troubleshooting: What If You’re Still Unsure?
If you’ve tried all the above methods and are still unsure about your iPhone’s model, consider these troubleshooting steps:
* **Visit an Apple Store:** Take your iPhone to an Apple Store. Apple technicians can quickly and accurately identify your device.
* **Contact Apple Support:** Contact Apple Support online or by phone. They can guide you through the identification process and provide further assistance.
* **Consult a Repair Technician:** A reputable phone repair technician can also help you identify your iPhone model. They have experience with various iPhone models and can use their expertise to determine the specific device.
## Conclusion: Identifying Your iPhone with Confidence
While the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4s share a similar design, several key differences can help you accurately identify your device. By examining the external features, checking the software settings, and identifying the model number, you can confidently determine whether you have an iPhone 4 or an iPhone 4s. Remember to consider the possibility of repairs and use multiple methods for confirmation. With the information provided in this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to identify your iPhone model and ensure you have the correct information for software updates, troubleshooting, accessory purchases, and selling or trading in your device.