Skip to main content

Apple iPhone 4S vs Samsung Galaxy S II: Spec showdown

galaxy-s-ii-iphone-4s
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Apple just unveiled the new iPhone 4S, it’s newest addition to the most-popular smartphone line in the US. While demand for the device sits at an all-time high, Apple faces stiff competition from a growing array of high-end Android handsets. The iPhone 4S won’t be available until October 14, when it ships in the US, Canada, UK, France, Germany, and Japan. An additional 22 international markets will receive the device on October 28. So we haven’t yet had the chance to get our hands on the device. But let’s take a look at how the technical specs of the iPhone 4S stack up next to those of our favorite new Android smartphone, the Samsung Galaxy S II.

Apple iPhone 4S vs Samsung Galaxy S II
iPhone  4S  Galaxy S II
Price (with contract) $199 to $399 $199.99
OS iOS 5 Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) w/ TouchWhiz 4.0
 Processor  Apple A5 (dual-core) Samsung Exynos (dual-core)
 Display  3.5-inch 960×640 IPS 4.3-inch 800×480 SAMOLED+
Dimensions 115.2 x 58.6 x 9.3 (mm) 129 x 66 x 8.9 (mm)
Weight 140g 117g
Cellular  CDMA/EV-DO Rev. A/GSM/HSPA GSM/HSPA+
Max. speed 14.4Mbps down/5.8Mbps up 21.1Mbps down
Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n (single-band) 802.11 b/g/n (dual-band)
 Rear camera 8-megapixel AF w/ LED flash 8-megapixel AF w/ LED flash
 Front camera VGA 2-megapixel
 Video capabilities
 1080p at 30fps 1080p at 30fps
Internal storage  16GB/32GB/64GB 16GB
Mini SD No Yes (expands storage up to 48GB)
Max. battery life  8 hrs talk/6 hrs browsing 3G/10 hrs video/40 hrs music 8 hrs talk
 Construction Glass w/ aluminum band Plastic

*For this comparison, we pitted the iPhone 4S against AT&T version of the Galaxy S II. T-Mobile and Sprint versions have a few different specs, but are more or less the same phone inside. The same model of the iPhone 4S is available on AT&T, Verizon Wireless and Sprint

Editors' Recommendations

Andrew Couts
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Features Editor for Digital Trends, Andrew Couts covers a wide swath of consumer technology topics, with particular focus on…
Samsung Galaxy S24 vs. Galaxy S22: Do you really need to upgrade?
Renders of the Samsung Galaxy S24 and Galaxy S22 next to each other.

Your Samsung Galaxy S22 is now at least two years old. Are you thinking about upgrading your smartphone to the Galaxy S24? The newer processor, the introduction of Galaxy AI, fresh colors, and other upgrades can make it a tempting offer.

However, is it really worth the $800 price tag if you already have a Galaxy S22? Here's what you need to know before making a decision.
Samsung Galaxy S24 vs. Galaxy S22: specs

Read more
iPhone 16: news, rumored price, release date, and more
A person holding the Apple iPhone 15 Plus and Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max.

Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

We're a few months removed from the launch of the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro, so you know what that means: iPhone 16 rumors are in full force. Talk is heating up about everything from design leaks and rumored specs to camera changes and more.

Read more
Why you should buy the iPhone 15 Pro instead of the iPhone 15 Pro Max
Natural Titanium iPhone 15 Pro with Chopper and BD-1 droids around it.

Apple releases multiple iPhones every year, offering folks choice in terms of size and features. In 2024, the iPhone 15 lineup includes four distinct models.

The regular iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus are great for those who don’t need a telephoto lens and don’t care about the Action button or the 1TB of storage. But anyone who wants a more “pro” experience has the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max.

Read more