iPhone 4S (GSM China)

Sold exclusively in the mainland China market and initially launched with China Unicom, the iPhone 4S (GSM China), model A1431, is thought to be identical to the global iPhone 4S. The key difference is the modification of its Wi-Fi capabilities to support the "WAPI" standard, a requirement by the Chinese government.

Like the global version, this China-specific model features the same all-stainless steel body and a 3.5-inch, high-density 960x640 (326 ppi) IPS LED-backlit "retina" display. It includes dual noise-canceling microphones and integrated antennas in the surrounding metal band. The device has a chemically hardened "aluminosilicate" glass front and back (in black or white), with an "oleophobic" oil-repellent coating on both surfaces.

It is believed that the China-only iPhone 4S is also a "world phone," supporting both GSM and CDMA networks (UMTS/HSDPA/HSUPA at 850, 900, 1900, 2100 MHz; GSM/EDGE at 850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz; and CDMA EV-DO Rev. A at 800, 1900 MHz), with an antenna that automatically switches between send and receive. It also supports 802.11b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, and HSDPA up to 14.4 Mbps.

The China-only iPhone 4S is equipped with dual cameras: a rear 8-megapixel camera for HD video/stills (1080p at 30 FPS) with a "backside illuminated sensor" and LED flash, and a front-facing VGA camera for FaceTime video calls over Wi-Fi.

It is powered by a dual-core "Apple A5" processor, has 512 MB of RAM, and was available with 8 GB, 16 GB, 32 GB, or 64 GB of storage (32 GB and 64 GB options were discontinued on September 12, 2012; the 8 GB option was introduced on September 10, 2013, and the model was fully discontinued on September 9, 2014).

Apple's battery life figures for the iPhone 4S are up to 40 hours of audio, 14 hours of 2G talk time, 8 hours of 3G talk time, 6 hours of 3G internet use, 9 hours of Wi-Fi internet use, 10 hours of video playback, and 200 hours of standby.

The China-specific iPhone 4S variant received measured analysis from regional technology experts who recognized it as Apple's strategic adaptation to local regulatory requirements while maintaining global product standards. Industry observers noted that the WAPI Wi-Fi modification represented Apple's pragmatic approach to accessing the world's largest smartphone market, demonstrating the company's willingness to accommodate regional technical specifications without compromising core functionality. Technology reviewers in China praised the device for delivering the full iPhone 4S experience, including the revolutionary Siri assistant and enhanced camera capabilities, while seamlessly integrating with local network infrastructure. Market analysts particularly highlighted how this model exemplified Apple's growing sophistication in navigating international regulatory landscapes, establishing a precedent for future region-specific adaptations that would become increasingly important as the company expanded its global footprint.