The New iPhone 5 is Here
OK, you can breathe again; the iPhone 5 has finally been unveiled. At a media event preceded by unprecedented speculation, Apple showed off the features of its latest smartphone on September 12, 2012. Here's what you can look forward to in the new iPhone device... |
What's New in the iPhone 5?
The new iPhone 5 actually looks like a meaningful upgrade over its predecessor, the iPhone 4S. The next news cycle, though, will surely focus on what cool things Apple should have included, but didn't.
The iPhone 5’s screen is 4 inches, half an inch taller than its predecessor. It’s a state-of-the-art Retina screen, too, brighter and more colorful, with the same 326 pixels-per-inch found in the iPhone 4S. The screen resolution is 1136 x 640, and the aspect ratio is 16:9, which is good for viewing HD videos. The iPhone 5 will support up to five rows of icons, versus four rows in earlier models.
Apple has updated native apps, such as iWork and iLife, to take advantage of the larger screen space, and will allow third-party developers to do likewise. Apps that are not updated won't be stretched to fill the bigger screen.
Thanks in part to a new aluminum chassis, the iPhone 5 weighs 20 percent less (112 grams, to be precise). At only 7.6 mm, it’s 18 per cent thinner than the iPhone 4S. All of the buttons are in the same places.
As expected, the iPhone 5 supports 4G LTE connectivity; a long-awaited upgrade that puts the iPhone on par with speeds that Android users have enjoyed for almost two years. It also supports HSPA+ and DC-HSPDA. WiFi is 802.11n with 2.4 and 5 GHz signals.
The new A6 processor is 22 per cent smaller than its A5 predecessor, but is purportedly twice as fast and will double graphics performance. Images will save 1.7 times faster on an iPhone 5 than on an iPhone 4S.
But Wait, There's More (Battery Life)
Battery life has been improved, says Apple. The company promises 8 hours of 3G talk time and 8 hours of 4G Web browsing. On standby, a single charge will last 225 hours (as if anyone could go without using an iPhone that long).
The iSight camera has been upgraded, too. It now has an 8 megapixel sensor and 3,264 x 2,448 resolution, backside illumination, a five-element lens, and better low-light performance. It also shoots videos in 1080p resolution. Facial recognition software will help you remember who you photographed. Another feature that should prove to be popular is the ability to take panoramic photos. In the panorama mode, you can wave the camera along an arc, and software will automatically stitch together multiple shots.
A smaller connector means you will need an adapter to use external speakers and other accessories. But Apple promises that this form factor is more durable.
The iOS 6 operating system will ship with the iPhone 5. Users of older iPhones can start downloading iOS6 on September 19. Apple introduces a new mapping feature with turn-by-turn directions that replaces Google Maps on the iPhone 5. It is integrated with Siri, which can now open apps via voice commands. FaceTime video chats are now possible over 3G connections. Facebook is easier to use on the iPhone 5.
A rudimentary digital wallet called Passbook will store electronic tickets, passports, and other items; one day, it will become Apple’s mobile payment system. Overall, about 200 new features are baked into iOS 6.
Pricing for the iPhone 5 is set at $199 for the 16 GB version, $299 for 32 GB, and $399 for 64 GB. Pre-orders will be taken starting September 14, and units will start shipping September 21 to the U.S., Canada, UK, Germany, France, Australia, Japan, Hong Kong, and Singapore. Twenty more countries will get their iPhone 5 next month.
Will you upgrade or switch? Post your comment or question about the iPhone 5 below...
This article was posted by Bob Rankin on 13 Sep 2012
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Most recent comments on "The New iPhone 5 is Here"
Posted by:
Mark Madere
13 Sep 2012
Will the iPhone 5 accept the same size accessory lenses that the 4S accepted? I saw an offer on Groupon for a 3-in-1 Camera Lens Kit for iPhone but it did not mention the iPhone5 in it's list.
Posted by:
Zoltan
13 Sep 2012
This is an incredible device and I am certainly going to get it. But if I stop and think about it there is nothing in it that I need and I could be quite content with my current iPhone 4.
It's being said that this in not a 'game changer' upgrade and that's probably true. Apple will no doubt sell enough of them so at this point it doesn't need to be. At some point though, either Apple or another company will come up with a game changer and it will make a difference to Apple. But in the meantime I'm going to just enjoy the benefits of what this has to offer which is not to be sneezed at.
Posted by:
Harry Goeller
13 Sep 2012
It would seem to me that this device's major function has been overlooked. Does it actually make phone calls and if so how well does this work?
Posted by:
jkcook
13 Sep 2012
I'm third on the waiting list at our store.
Posted by:
Jay
13 Sep 2012
Does the iPhone 5 allow you to make it a hot spot for other WiFi devises?
Posted by:
salim
13 Sep 2012
for mark madere:
bob did mentioned that all the features are in the same place as the earlier models, so I think the lens kit you were thinking of getting would still work..
Posted by:
Gary
13 Sep 2012
@Harry: "Does it actually make phone calls?" Yes, there's an app for that. Several, in fact. The one I use is called Magic Jack. The app is free, and the calls are free, unless you want to RECEIVE calls. Then it's $20 a year.
Whether the phone itself can, like, phone or something, that I have not researched.
Posted by:
Joe
13 Sep 2012
Can one use the iPhone 5's GPS with the cell and wifi services off?
Posted by:
Larry
14 Sep 2012
Too bad T-Mobile will not carry the iPhone5
My contract is up, so I may decide to switch to AT&T
I like T-mobile prices, but I've waited long enough.
Posted by:
Bob
14 Sep 2012
I see no reason to purchase. Samsung and Motorola have been doing everything the iPhones Jacobsen doing for years. And the phone call quality is MUCH better on them too. Sorry, Apple.
Posted by:
Charlie
15 Sep 2012
Sounds great, but where can I buy one for $199 ?
Link to apple prices start at $799 !!
Posted by:
Joe L.
15 Sep 2012
When I hike beyond cell and wifi service range will the iPhone work with offline maps, just like a regular GPS? I've called the local Apple store, as well as, Apple support twice and no one knew the answer. Has anyone used it in this way?
Posted by:
isaac
15 Sep 2012
No iPhone 5 for me.
Still not enough improvement to warrant expense to upgrade from iPhone 4
Deal breakers? New connector. Adapter needed. Headphone jack moved to bottom. New size would require new case.
I'll pass on this one. Now that iPhone 5 is out has anyone seen any iPhone 6 leaks online?