How to Tell an iPhone 4 from a 4s: Quick Guide

Last Updated: February 5, 2017

Perhaps you have recently received an iPhone as a gift, or are in the market to buy a used iPhone. The iPhone 4 and iPhone 4s are almost nearly identical, but there are some slight physical differences between the two. Before making your purchase, you should make sure if it's an iPhone 4 or an iPhone 4s. To determine which iPhone you are looking at, you can differentiate between some physical differences, or use software to figure out the model.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Differentiating Physical Differences

1
Check the front and back exterior. The iPhone 4 and iPhone 4s both have a flat front and back made of glass, and both have a stainless steel band around the edges.
2
Notice the Volume buttons. Both iPhones have Volume buttons marked with a plus (+) and minus (-) sign.

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3
Check the SIM tray.
- There are 2 models of the iPhone 4: GSM and CDMA. CDMA has no SIM tray, but the GSM has one for a micro-SIM card.
- There are 3 models of the iPhone 4s: GSM, GSM model China, and CDMA. All models have SIM trays for micro-SIM cards.
4
Know the model number.
- The iPhone 4 has the following model numbers: A1332 for GSM models and A1349 for CDMA models.
- The iPhone 4s has these model numbers: A1431 for GSM model China, and A1387 for CDMA models and GSM models.
- You can see these model numbers at the back of the iPhone.
5
Identify the differences in antenna breaks. Depending on the model, your iPhone will have a slightly different pattern of antenna breaks, or small notches in the iPhone's silver side band.
- The iPhone 4 (GSM) has three antenna "breaks" in the metal band (one on the top and one on each side toward the bottom).
- The iPhone 4 (CDMA) and iPhone 4S have four (two on both sides toward the top and bottom).

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Using Software For Identification

1
Connect your iPhone to your computer. In order to use software to identify your iPhone, you must first connect it to your computer.
- Make sure your iPhone is connected properly, using the cable that was included at the time of purchase.
2
Download and install Everyi.com's Ultimate Lookup feature or the EveryMac app. These softwares can identify these iPhone models by EMC Number and their Serial Numbers.
- This is a much easier way to identify the iPhone model you have, as long as the phone turns on properly.
3
Find the "Model" number in order to use the app. In order to utilize the model finding apps, you need to find this specific number and input it.
- Apple refers to the order number as "Model" in software.
- To find the "Model" select the "Settings" app and then click General > About > and scroll until the field is visible.
- Use this model number in the app in order to find your iPhone's model.