Source: macrumors.com
Features at a glance:
- 4" Screen - 1136x640 pixels
- 4G LTE connectivity (with "world" LTE compatibility)
- New 8 pin dock connector
- Brushed aluminum back
- 8MP rear camera with improved low light shooting & ability to take photos while shooting 1080p video
- 720p front facing FaceTime camera
- iOS6
- FaceTime over cell network
- A6 - 2x faster performance, 2x faster graphics
- Pre-orders start Friday September 14th, sales start Friday September 21st
The iPhone 5 sports a larger 4" screen (up from 3.5") while maintaining the same width, this gives the larger screen experience without the larger phone feel. The new 4G LTE connectivity brings the iPhone up to speed with the other top smartphones of today.
Note that iPhone 4S devices on the AT&T network have reported "4G" service ever since the iOS5 release, but AT&T's "4G" network is mostly HSPA+, which isn't actually 4G. This is why AT&T's commercials claim they have the most 4G, where Verizon's clearly state they have the most 4G LTE coverage. Both are correct, but nerds everywhere cringe at the suggestion that HSPA+ is "4G"...
The other big news is the new 8 pin dock connector, thus bringing an end to the 9 year reign of the 30 pin dock connector first introduced with iPods in 2003. Despite being a huge disruption in the accessory market for iDevices, it was a necessary update and will not change again for a very long time.
Source: macrumors.com
Why the iPhone 5 is Great
Apple does some things very well. They've taken the industry standard hardware in today's top smartphones and incorporated them into the iPhone 5. It is faster thanks to faster network connectivity options and the new A6 that powers it. It is thinner, a lot thinner; down to 7.6mm. The new metal back is more durable than the previous generations' glass, but with a dual antenna design you don't have to worry about another antennagate issue.
The phone is on par with today's greatest when you match spec for spec, but that isn't what Apple has ever been about. Apple's newest device maintains the industry standard of user experiences, sets the standard for stunning design, and doesn't sacrifice battery life.
This phone is perfect for anyone looking to upgrade their iPhone, or someone looking for an all around enjoyable smartphone experience that is very consistent with the genuinely great user experience you can expect from Apple products. I can say with no reservations, this is a great phone. Faithful Android users, or those looking for a more customizable phone, read on.
Why the iPhone 5 is Disappointing (for some)
Apple set the bar high with the original iPhone, then again with the App Store, again with the retina display on the iPhone 4, and arguably with Siri on the iPhone 4S (not all agree with this last point). This is both incredible and damning to what people have come to expect from Apple because it isn't realistic to expect mind-blowing announcements every year. The reports after the 4S announcement were less enthusiastic than previous generations, but sales numbers told a very different story. I'm hearing similar grumblings this year.The announcement lacked surprise. Each part of the iPhone had been leaked before - from the A6, to the new screen, aluminum back, thinner form factor, to the new 8 pin dock connector. With Apple's new products being in such high demand, it isn't necessarily Apple's fault (unless the leaks were controlled) that this information got out. One can't help but hope for one big surprise with these announcements, but there wasn't anything of the sort today. The specs of the device aren't record setting, each technology (other than the in-cell touch screen) is available on another phone. But...
Wrap Up
With all of this being said, Apple works hard to make stunningly beautiful devices that work great, are easy to get, and fun to use - they have yet again succeeded with the release of the iPhone 5. This article is to discuss the phone, not to proclaim it as the God of smartphones, so don't bother with "the only good smartphone is the iPhone" or "Everything Apple does sucks" fanboi comments, no one wants to hear it (and for the love of God, give the lawsuit commentary a rest). Capitalism and competition are beautiful things. Both Android and Apple have their perks and flaws, embrace it!
Helpful Links
Apple's Video of the iPhone 5 Announcement
MacRumors Summary
iOS 6 drops September 19th
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