Apple's new iPhone 5 is the biggest redesign of the hit smartphone since
it launched in 2007. Our video review runs through the differences
between iPhone 5 and iPhone 4S, to work out whether this is an essential
upgrade.
As with all Apple products, you're unlikely to see
iPhone 5 discounted during the next 12 months, so buying early is not a
bad idea.
It's also worth considering switching network - the
new handset's fast '4G' connection will only work on EE's new 4G network
in the UK, so if you want to get the most out of the phone, it might
pay to switch.
Is it worth upgrading if you own iPhone 4S?
Would I upgrade
out of cycle if I had the iPhone 4S? No. But if you have an iPhone 4 or
older, I say reach for the iPhone 5 if you can. Personally, I have been
using a Samsung Galaxy SII for the last 6 months and I will be switching
back to the iPhone 5 now that it has faster data, with the hope that my
battery will last all day.
Bigger Screen
The
body of the iPhone 5 has been elongated, adding about a quarter inch to
the screen height without changing the width. This will allow for HD
video to display in its true 16:9 format and give game designers more
real estate to work with. While the body is longer, the iPhone 5 is 18%
thinner than the iPhone 4S — and 20% lighter.
Faster Processor
The brains of the iPhone have
been given a significant bump and now have a faster processor than even
the new iPad. According to Apple, the new A6 chipset will result in
applications loading twice as fast, graphics running smoother and photos
capturing 40% faster.
The Camera
The camera
has gotten 25% smaller, has better low light processing, and can produce
panoramic images. The video camera can shoot 1080p HD video, has
improved video stabilization, and allows you to take still pictures
simultaneously while you shoot video. Apple's video conferencing app,
Facetime, will now transmit HD video, and Facetime can be enabled over
cellular networks and WiFi alike.
LTE Data & Battery Life
The
new iPhone will connect up with the UK's EE 4G network - which means
that it may be worth switching network to enjoy all that iPhone 5 can
offer. This will mean significant increases in web browsing and download
speeds. This data network is a notorious drain on battery life, so
Apple made a big call-out that the battery life of the phone will remain
consistent if not a little better (10% improvement overall) than
battery life on past iPhones. They claim 8 hours of talk time, 225 hours
of stand-by, and 8 hours of LTE web browsing.
Smaller Dock Connector
The
30-pin dock connector that has come standard on every iPhone to date
was certainly due for an upgrade. It takes up a lot of space, and it was
big entry spot for dust and moisture. Apple has introduced an 80%
smaller connector they are calling Lightning that can be plugged into
the phone in any direction, offers faster data transfer, and better
durability. This switch will be painful and costly as users are forced
to buy extra charging cables, docking speakers/alarm clocks or cases.
Apple will be selling adapters, but they will not ship until October.
IOS 6
The
IOS operating system has over 200 changes, the biggest of which is
turn-by-turn navigation using Apple's own maps and 3D bird's-eye images.
There will be deeper social media integration within the operating
system for posting to Facebook and Tweeting, and the web browser will
now allow a full screen view that takes advantage of the bigger screen.
Price, Timing, and Design Options
The
new iPhone will come in black and white with a new, brushed metal back.
It will be available for pre-order September 14th and in stores
September 21st. The 16GB model will retail for $199, 32GB for $299, 64GB
for $399. The iPhone 4S goes down in price to $99. Initial countries
where the iPhone 5 will be available: United States, Canada, UK, Japan,
Hong Kong, Singapore, Germany, France, and Australia, Availability in
more countries by the end of the year.
Is it Worth the Upgrade?
The
iPhone 4S was only a superficial upgrade to the device, and I did not
recommend an upgrade except for those who really needed a new phone. But
the iPhone 5 is an iterative step forward from Apple. The faster
processor, speed increases from LTE data networks, a better and faster
camera, and consistent battery life despite the LTE drain (real world
tests pending), make this a worthy purchase.
Specs in a nutshell:
Weight: 112 grams (20 percent lighter than 4s)
Thickness: 7.6 mm (18 percent thinner)
Screen:
4-inch display (up from 3.5 inches), 1136x640 pixel resolution (up from
960x640), a fifth row of icons on the screen, 44 percent more color
saturation
Connectivity: LTE network compatible, available on Verizon/Sprint/ATT
Processor: new A6 chip (processor and graphics are 2x faster).
Battery: 8 hours talk time, 8 hours browsing, 10 hours wifi browsing, 10 hours video, 40 hours music, 225 hours standby.
Camera:
8 mp, 3264x2448 resolution, f/2.4 aperture, 25% smaller, improved
low-light quality, panorama feature, 1080p HD video, front-facing
Facetime camera updated (720p) and face detection, improved mics and
speakers.
Dock and connector: New connector is called Lightning, 8 pin, reversible (adaptor available for current connector).
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