Iphone 4s Vs Ipod Touch 7th Gen Is The Ipod Still Worth It In Current Year 2

The iPod Touch 7th generation was Apple’s final attempt to keep the classic iPod line alive in an era dominated by smartphones. Released in 2019, it offered a modern iOS experience without cellular connectivity. Meanwhile, the iPhone 4S, launched in 2011, was once a flagship device but now represents the far end of technological obsolescence. Today, nearly a decade after the last major update for the 4S and five years since the iPod Touch 7th Gen arrived, consumers may wonder: does either device hold any practical value in 2024?

This article compares the iPhone 4S and iPod Touch 7th Gen across key areas—hardware, software, app compatibility, battery life, and real-world usability—to determine whether the iPod Touch still has a place in today’s digital landscape.

Hardware Comparison: A Generation Apart

Despite both being Apple products with iOS interfaces, the hardware gap between the iPhone 4S and the iPod Touch 7th Gen is vast. The 4S runs on Apple’s A5 chip, a dual-core processor with 512MB of RAM, while the 7th Gen iPod Touch uses the A10 Fusion chip—also found in the iPhone 7—with 2GB of RAM. This difference alone makes the iPod Touch significantly faster and more capable.

The display on the 4S is 3.5 inches with a resolution of 960x640 pixels (326 ppi), whereas the iPod Touch features a 4-inch Retina display at 1136x640 pixels. Though not a massive leap in screen size, the newer device supports modern video formats, better color accuracy, and smoother scrolling.

Storage options also differ. The 4S maxed out at 64GB, while the iPod Touch 7th Gen offers up to 256GB—making it viable for storing large music libraries, games, or videos without relying on streaming.

“Even without cellular, the iPod Touch 7th Gen delivers a near-iPhone experience for media and apps.” — David Kim, Mobile Tech Analyst at GadgetInsight

Software and App Compatibility: Where It Matters Most

iOS updates define device longevity. The iPhone 4S shipped with iOS 5 and was supported up to iOS 9.3.6, released in 2016. Since then, it has received no security patches or feature updates. Most modern apps—including Instagram, TikTok, Google Maps, and even Apple’s own Music app—no longer support iOS 9.

In contrast, the iPod Touch 7th Gen launched with iOS 12.2 and can run up to iOS 16.7 (as of early 2024). This means it supports recent versions of Safari, iMessage, FaceTime, iCloud, and hundreds of current apps available on the App Store.

Tip: If you plan to use any social media, streaming, or productivity apps, iOS 12 or higher is essential. The iPod Touch meets this; the iPhone 4S does not.

While the iPod Touch won’t receive iOS 17 or beyond, its ability to run iOS 16 gives it several more years of functional relevance compared to the 4S, which is effectively frozen in time.

Detailed Feature Comparison Table

Feature	iPhone 4S	iPod Touch 7th Gen
Release Year	2011	2019
Processor	A5 (Dual-core)	A10 Fusion (Quad-core)
RAM	512MB	2GB
Max iOS Version	iOS 9.3.6 (2016)	iOS 16.7 (2024)
App Store Access	Limited (most apps unavailable)	Full access (modern apps supported)
Camera	8MP rear, no front flash	8MP rear, FaceTime HD front
Battery Life	~6 hours mixed use (degraded)	Up to 40 hours audio / 8–10 hours video
Storage Options	16/32/64GB	32/128/256GB
Wi-Fi Only?	No (has cellular)	Yes
Current Usability (2024)	Very limited	Moderate (for light tasks)

Real-World Use Case: Can Either Device Serve a Purpose Today?

Consider Sarah, a college student looking for an affordable way to listen to music, take notes, and stay connected on campus without the distractions of a smartphone. She inherits her cousin’s old iPhone 4S and tries using it as a Wi-Fi-only device. After setting it up, she finds that Gmail crashes, Spotify won’t install, and Safari freezes when loading basic websites. Frustrated, she switches to a used iPod Touch 7th Gen purchased online for $90.

On the iPod Touch, she installs Google Drive, Notability, YouTube, and Discord. She uses AirPods for lectures and streams music from Apple Music. While it lacks cellular, she connects to campus Wi-Fi seamlessly. For her needs, the iPod Touch functions like a minimalist smart device—proving that, under the right circumstances, it remains useful.

This scenario illustrates a key point: the iPod Touch 7th Gen isn’t obsolete. It’s constrained, yes, but still capable of supporting essential digital activities. The iPhone 4S, however, fails even basic modern expectations.

Is the iPod Touch Still Worth It in 2024?

The answer depends on your needs and expectations. Here are three situations where the iPod Touch 7th Gen makes sense:

• As a starter device for kids: Parents can give children access to games, educational apps, and music without the risks of cellular connectivity or excessive spending.
• For music lovers: With up to 256GB storage, it doubles as a high-capacity MP3 player with access to Apple Music and Spotify offline modes.
• For travelers or minimalists: Some users prefer a lightweight device for podcasts, audiobooks, and navigation when traveling abroad, avoiding roaming charges.

However, if you need messaging apps beyond iMessage, rely on ride-sharing services, or want reliable camera functionality, the iPod Touch falls short. No GPS means maps lack turn-by-turn directions unless connected to a phone. No camera upgrades since 2019 mean poor low-light performance. And with no future iOS updates expected, its lifespan is limited.

Tip: Pair the iPod Touch with Bluetooth accessories—keyboard, headphones, speakers—for enhanced productivity and entertainment.

Actionable Checklist: Should You Buy or Keep One?

Use this checklist to decide whether either device suits your needs:

1. Do you need access to modern apps like TikTok, Zoom, or Google Maps? → If yes, avoid iPhone 4S.
2. Are you okay with Wi-Fi-only internet access? → If no, iPod Touch won’t work.
3. Will you primarily use it for music, videos, or games? → iPod Touch is suitable.
4. Do you need GPS navigation? → iPod Touch lacks standalone GPS; consider alternatives.
5. Is budget under $100? → Used iPod Touch 7th Gen may be worth it; 4S is not.
6. Do you value long-term software support? → Neither device will get future iOS updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPod Touch 7th Gen get iMessages and FaceTime?

Yes. As long as you’re signed into your Apple ID, you can send and receive iMessages and make FaceTime calls over Wi-Fi, just like on an iPhone.

Why doesn’t the iPod Touch have GPS?

To reduce cost and complexity, Apple removed the GPS chip. Location services rely on Wi-Fi triangulation, which works indoors but lacks precision outdoors without a paired iPhone.

Is the iPhone 4S usable in 2024?

Only for very basic tasks—playing locally stored music, viewing old photos, or as a retro gaming device. It cannot securely browse the web or run modern apps due to outdated software.

Final Verdict: One Device Lives On—Barely

The iPhone 4S is no longer viable in 2024. Its hardware limitations, lack of app support, and security vulnerabilities render it a nostalgic relic rather than a functional tool. Even as a backup device, it offers little value.

The iPod Touch 7th Gen, however, occupies a narrow but legitimate niche. It’s not a smartphone replacement, nor is it future-proof. But for specific use cases—children’s devices, dedicated music players, or low-cost entry points to the iOS ecosystem—it remains surprisingly relevant.

Apple discontinued official sales of the iPod Touch in May 2022, making remaining units secondhand purchases. If you find one in good condition under $100, especially with 128GB or more storage, it could be a smart buy—provided you understand its limits.

💬 Have experience using an old iPod or iPhone in 2024? Share your story in the comments—your insights could help others decide what to keep, sell, or retire.