Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

bedouin

macrumors member
Original poster
Mar 3, 2011
95
7
I still use my iPhone 4S as a daily driver despite owning an iPhone 6. It’s on its original battery from 2012, which according to coconutBattery has 79.9% of its design capacity left and 1200 some charge cycles.

Given that iOS 9 and modern apps push the old CPU in the 4S pretty hard, thereby resulting in pretty high power consumption regardless, would it be worth replacing the battery?
 
I still use my iPhone 4S as a daily driver despite owning an iPhone 6. It’s on its original battery from 2012, which according to coconutBattery has 79.9% of its design capacity left and 1200 some charge cycles. Given that iOS 9 and modern apps push the old CPU in the 4S pretty hard, thereby resulting in pretty high power consumption regardless, would it be worth replacing the battery?

80% is still pretty good for an 5-year-old 4s. Mine was worse when I sold it earlier this year. If you already have a car charger and power bank to keep you going through the day, I wouldn't yet. But I'd also switch the 6 into the daily driver, and the 4s into backup.
 
If you already have a car charger and power bank to keep you going through the day, I wouldn't yet. But I'd also switch the 6 into the daily driver, and the 4s into backup.

I don’t have a car, so my car charger doesn’t get much use. I do have a power bank, but hate carrying extra things in my pocket.

I mainly use public transportation and tend to be in areas that aren’t so wonderful, so only carry the 6 with me when riding in a car or when I know I’ll be using the internet a lot that day. Plus I like the form factor.

Last time I checked the 6 in April it had 97% design capacity and 250 some cycles. Not bad :)

I suspect that replacing the battery would, at best, maybe result in an extra hour of use under heavy conditions. I could be wrong about that though. I’m also a little fearful about getting a dud replacement from one of the dealers where I live.
 
An iPhone 4S battery, even a good quality one is inexpensive and it is very simple to replace it yourself. If you still value the phone, it's a worthwhile investment. Most batteries start misbehaving when they get below ~70% of design capacity.
 
Every time I go out and come back with 20% battery left just from using Uber and Google Maps I definitely consider replacing it.
 
Every time I go out and come back with 20% battery left just from using Uber and Google Maps I definitely consider replacing it.

Replace the 4S with an SE. size is similar, resolution is the same, great battery life, most importantly security updates OS/Apps/Browser etc. Features are better as well. Plus lighter in your pocket than the 4S. More cost effective offer the next year or more.
 
  • Like
Reactions: addamas
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.