Hands-on: Apple iPhone 4S (without camera)
Even though camera removal services for the Apple iPhone have been available for some time now, Mindef does not allow uncertified modified devices into military bases. This was why the collaboration with an operator was necessary. Each of these devices sold by M1 comes with a certificate that proves it was modified by the operator. The army personnel must then show this sheet to his security officer who will attach a sticker on the handset to approve it for use in army camps.
The certificate that comes with each non-camera iPhone sold by M1. (Credit: John Chan/CNET Asia)
Such a product is useful not just for army personnel, but also for those who work at secretive workplaces such as research labs or factories that produce tech products. However, it comes at quite a cost. Each unit from M1 must be bought with a mobile plan and it will cost S$49 more than a standard iPhone. Apple's warranty becomes void with the modification and the customer can choose to pay S$321 for a year's warranty provided by M1's contractor, which carried out the modification.
Nelson Lau, who is serving in the Singapore army, got his hands on one of these modified devices and gave us a chance to find out how it looks and works.
Taking a cursory glance at the non-camera iPhone 4S, you will not find any difference compared with a regular iPhone. The front and back surfaces remain exactly the same, with the camera cut-outs fully intact. A closer look will reveal that the camera lenses, both front and back, are no longer present. In their places is a gray material--epoxy used to fill up the void created by the removal of the camera modules.
The front camera removed. (Credit: John Chan/CNET Asia)
Here's what the rear camera looks like. Notice the LED flash is also gone. (Credit: John Chan/CNET Asia)
Note that the rear camera flash is also gone. This means that apps that let you use the LED as a flashlight are no longer useful--you'll have to get by with the light emitted by the LCD if necessary.
Tapping on the camera app will now show a black screen. Tapping the shutter icon will not do anything, not even take a picture of a black screen. This probably indicates that iOS knows the camera module is absent and disables the onscreen buttons in the app. Likewise, third-party programs that require the camera still launch, but are rendered useless like the QR reader app we tested.
The camera viewfinder shows a black screen and the onscreen buttons do nothing. (Credit: John Chan/CNET Asia)
M1 is the only operator in Singapore to provide a camera-neutered iPhone, though the other two telcos, SingTel and StarHub, did also indicate that they are in talks with Mindef. Though paying more to remove one of the best features of the iPhone 4S seems counterintuitive, the camera-free iPhone from M1 is still one of the best ways for the iOS-faithful to make use of an Apple smartphone at locations that don't allow image-capture devices.
Note that M1 no longer lists the device on its Web site so those interested in getting one should head down to an M1 shop or call the company's customer service hotline for details.
About the author
Editor John Chan's love for gadgets can be traced back to the days when he disassembled his toys and couldn't put them back together again. He practices great restraint in not opening up every review product that comes through the CNET Asia Labs, and before that, in his previous job at HardwareZone. He has reviewed items big and small, from mobile phones to projectors and feels everyone should carry a multitool at all times in case of MacGyver situations.
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