The HTC DROID Incredible 2 and Apple iPhone 4s represent a pivotal era in smartphone history. Both devices were highly regarded in their time, but how do they stack up against each other today? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to see which phone holds up best.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The iPhone 4s wins overall due to its superior performance thanks to the dual-core A5 chip, smoother iOS experience, and generally better camera. While the Incredible 2 offered a unique design and Android customization, the iPhone 4s remains the more compelling choice for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | CDMA 800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| Speed | EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps, HSPA | HSPA 14.4/5.76 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO |
| | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2011, April. Released 2011, April | 2011, October 04. Released 2011, October 14 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Corning-made glass), glass back, stainless steel frame |
| Dimensions | 120.7 x 64 x 12.2 mm (4.75 x 2.52 x 0.48 in) | 115.2 x 58.6 x 9.3 mm (4.54 x 2.31 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Micro-SIM |
| Weight | 135 g (4.76 oz) | 140 g (4.94 oz) |
| | - | Scratch-resistant glass back panel |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass, oleophobic coating |
| Resolution | 480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~233 ppi density) | 640 x 960 pixels, 3:2 ratio (~330 ppi density) |
| Size | 4.0 inches, 45.5 cm2 (~59.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 3.5 inches, 36.5 cm2 (~54.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | S-LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | 1.0 GHz Scorpion | Dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A9 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8655 Snapdragon S2 | Apple A5 (45 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 205 | PowerVR SGX543MP2 |
| OS | Android 2.2 (Froyo), upgradable to 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich), Sense UI | iOS 5, upgradable to iOS 9.3.6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot), 16 GB included | No |
| Internal | 1.1GB 768MB RAM | 8GB 512MB RAM, 16GB 512MB RAM, 32GB 512MB RAM, 64GB 512MB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 8 MP, f/2.4, 35mm (standard), 1/3.2", 1.4µm, AF |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 1.3 MP | VGA, videocalling over Wi-Fi and 3G |
| Video | - | 480p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | SRS WOW HD | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 2.1, A2DP, EDR | 4.0, A2DP, LE |
| Positioning | GPS, A-GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, DLNA, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Browser | HTML, Adobe Flash | - |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| | Dedicated search key
MP3/AAC+/WAV/WMA player
DivX/XviD/MP4/H.264/WMV player
Organizer
Document viewer
Voice memo/dial/commands
Predictive text input | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 361 h | Up to 200 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 6 h 30 min | Up to 8 h (3G) |
| Type | Removable Li-Ion 1450 mAh battery | Li-Po 1432 mAh, non-removable (5.3 Wh) |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Red, White | Black, White |
| Models | - | A1431, A1387, iPhone4,1 |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 190 EUR |
| SAR | 1.29 W/kg (head) 1.44 W/kg (body) | 1.18 W/kg (head) 0.98 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.99 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -91.2dB / Crosstalk -93.0dB |
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 45h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1261:1 (nominal) / 2.269:1 (sunlight) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 65dB / Noise 64dB / Ring 74dB
|
| OUR TESTS |
|---|
| Audio quality | - | Noise -91.2dB / Crosstalk -93.0dB |
| Battery (old) | - | Endurance rating 45h |
| Camera | - | Photo / Video |
| Display | - | Contrast ratio: 1261:1 (nominal) / 2.269:1 (sunlight) |
| Loudspeaker | - | Voice 65dB / Noise 64dB / Ring 74dB |
HTC DROID Incredible 2
- Customizable Android OS
- Unique design
- Good build quality
- Expandable storage via microSD
- Slower processor
- Less polished user experience compared to iOS
- Camera not as good as iPhone 4s
- Limited app ecosystem compared to iOS
Apple iPhone 4s
- Faster processor and smoother performance
- Excellent camera
- Polished iOS user interface
- Strong app ecosystem
- Good battery life
- No expandable storage
- Older technology
- Limited customization options compared to Android
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 3.7-inch display with a respectable contrast ratio of 1261:1. However, the iPhone 4s generally offered slightly better color accuracy and brightness. The Incredible 2's display was known for its slightly warmer color temperature. Sunlight readability was comparable on both devices.
Camera Comparison
The iPhone 4s boasted a 8MP camera with improved image processing compared to its predecessor. While the Incredible 2 had an 8MP camera as well, the iPhone 4s consistently produced better photos with more accurate colors and less noise. Video recording quality was also superior on the iPhone 4s.
Performance
This is where the iPhone 4s truly shines. Its dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A9 processor significantly outperforms the Incredible 2's single-core 1.0 GHz Scorpion processor. Apps launch faster, multitasking is smoother, and the overall user experience feels more responsive on the iPhone 4s. The A5 chip was a significant leap forward at the time.
Battery Life
Both phones had an endurance rating of 45 hours, suggesting comparable battery life in typical usage. However, real-world performance could vary depending on usage patterns and network conditions. The iPhone 4s's power efficiency was generally considered slightly better.
Buying Guide
The HTC DROID Incredible 2 might appeal to Android enthusiasts seeking a customizable experience and a taste of early Android. The Apple iPhone 4s is a better choice for users prioritizing performance, a polished user interface, and a reliable camera, especially if they're already invested in the Apple ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The iPhone 4s is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful processor and optimized iOS platform.
❓ Can I still find apps for these phones?
Finding apps for both phones can be challenging now. The iPhone 4s is no longer officially supported by Apple, but some apps may still be available. The Incredible 2's app ecosystem is even more limited.
❓ Are these phones worth buying today?
Primarily for collectors or those interested in retro technology. Functionality will be limited due to age and lack of software updates.
