Apple iPhone 5

 iPhone 5 Review (2012): Apple Redefines the Smartphone… Again

September 26, 2012

It’s finally here.

After months of leaks, whispers, and sky-high expectations, Apple has officially released the iPhone 5, and just as we’ve come to expect from Cupertino, it’s sleek, sophisticated, and subtly powerful. While critics may argue it’s an “evolution” rather than a revolution, there’s no denying that the iPhone 5 marks a significant shift, not just in Apple’s mobile roadmap, but in the smartphone industry as a whole.

So how does it stack up in real-world use? Is it worth the hype, and your hard-earned money? After spending a few days with the device, I can confidently say: this is not just a phone. It’s a statement.

Let’s take a closer look.

A Quick Look Back: How Far We’ve Come

Before diving into the iPhone 5, it’s worth remembering how far the iPhone has come in just five short years.

• In 2007, Apple introduced the world to the original iPhone, a product that would change the mobile landscape forever.
• The iPhone 3G (2008) brought the App Store and mobile internet mainstream.
• The iPhone 4 (2010) gave us the Retina display, FaceTime, and a sleek glass-and-steel design that became iconic.
• The iPhone 4S (2011) introduced Siri, a better camera, and a significant speed bump.

Now, in 2012, the iPhone 5 builds upon this legacy with the most dramatic redesign since the iPhone 4, packing more power into a thinner, lighter frame.

Build & Design: Thinner, Lighter, Stronger

At just 7.6mm thick and 112 grams, the iPhone 5 is noticeably lighter the moment you pick it up. Apple has shaved down the edges, giving it a razor-thin profile that’s still durable thanks to a beautifully machined aluminum unibody, a big departure from the glass back of the iPhone 4 and 4S.

The attention to detail is stunning. The chamfered edges (polished at a 45-degree angle) catch the light in subtle, classy ways. It’s less about flash and more about finesse. Every port, button, and seam feels purposeful. This is Apple industrial design at its finest.

The taller form factor accommodates a new 4-inch Retina display, which we’ll talk about next.

The 4-Inch Retina Display: More Room to Breathe

At long last, Apple has finally increased the iPhone’s screen size—but in a uniquely Apple way. Instead of going wider and sacrificing one-handed usability (like many Android phones), the iPhone 5 goes taller, making room for a 1136 x 640 pixel resolution.

This adds a full extra row of icons on the home screen and gives apps and web pages more room to breathe. Watching 16:9 HD videos now fills the screen entirely, no black bars. It’s immersive without feeling overwhelming.

And yes, this is still a Retina display at 326 pixels per inch, meaning text is razor sharp, images are vibrant, and viewing angles are excellent. Apple’s color calibration remains top-tier, with accurate whites and deep blacks.

Performance: A6 Chip – Twice the Speed, Half the Wait

Under the hood, the iPhone 5 is powered by Apple’s brand-new A6 chip, a custom-designed processor that delivers double the CPU and graphics performance of the iPhone 4S.

That’s not just a marketing number. In daily use, you’ll notice the difference. Apps launch instantly. Games like Asphalt 7 and Infinity Blade II run smoother than ever. Switching between tasks is seamless, and even heavy-duty apps like iMovie or GarageBand feel snappy.

What’s even more impressive is that this performance leap doesn’t come at the cost of battery life. Apple claims 8 hours of LTE browsing, 10 hours of video playback, and 225 hours of standby time, and real-world testing suggests those numbers are fairly accurate.

Finally: LTE Comes to iPhone

Let’s talk about one of the biggest additions: 4G LTE support.

Until now, iPhones were limited to 3G or HSPA+ speeds. But the iPhone 5 brings true LTE connectivity, making downloads, uploads, and streaming blazingly fast, assuming your carrier supports it.

I tested LTE on Verizon in New York City and regularly saw speeds of 20-30 Mbps down, making streaming HD YouTube or Netflix feel instantaneous. Whether you’re downloading a podcast or uploading a photo to Instagram, LTE changes the experience dramatically.

Apple has included multiple LTE bands to support different carriers globally. In the U.S., that includes Verizon, AT&T, and Sprint. However, you’ll want to double-check compatibility if you’re planning to travel internationally.

The Lightning Connector: Smaller, Smarter, Future-Proof?

Another bold move by Apple: the introduction of the Lightning connector.

Gone is the wide 30-pin dock connector we’ve used since the original iPod. In its place is a new 8-pin reversible connector that’s smaller, more durable, and easier to plug in. No more fumbling in the dark.

Of course, this means older accessories won’t work without a $29 adapter, which has sparked some frustration. Still, the move is clearly future-focused. The Lightning port frees up space inside the phone, allowing for better components, and it sets the stage for slimmer devices down the line.

Cameras: Better in Low Light + Stunning Panoramas

The iPhone 5 doesn’t bring a massive overhaul to the camera, but the refinements make a difference.

• The 8MP iSight rear camera still captures stunning images, but now it’s 40% faster at taking photos and includes better low-light performance.
• The new sapphire crystal lens cover is scratch-resistant and adds to the durability factor.
• The Panorama mode is a showstopper. With a simple swipe, you can take breathtaking wide-angle photos, up to 28 megapixels.

Video is still 1080p and includes improved stabilization. The front-facing camera has been upgraded to 720p HD, making FaceTime calls sharper and more enjoyable.

Audio: EarPods and Wideband Voice

Apple didn’t stop at visuals. They’ve improved the audio experience, too.

The new EarPods, developed over three years and tested on hundreds of ears, offer vastly improved sound quality. Deeper bass, clearer mids, and a fit that doesn’t constantly fall out, they’re a major upgrade from the old earbuds.

The iPhone 5 also features three microphones (top, front, and bottom), enabling better voice recognition, noise cancellation, and support for wideband audio (if your carrier supports it). Calls sound crisper and more natural than ever.

Software: iOS 6 Polishes the Experience

Running out of the box is iOS 6, Apple’s latest and most refined mobile OS yet. Here are some standout features:

• Passbook: A digital wallet for movie tickets, boarding passes, loyalty cards, and more.
• Apple Maps: A bold move to replace Google Maps, though it’s received criticism for inaccuracies and missing data. (Let’s hope for fast updates.)
• Facebook Integration: Share photos, links, and locations directly from your apps.
• Siri Improvements: Now provides sports scores, restaurant recommendations, and movie listings.
• FaceTime Over Cellular: At last, you can FaceTime away from Wi-Fi (depending on your carrier).

Some features feel like catch-up (Android users have had them for a while), but the overall iOS experience remains intuitive, fast, and reliable.

Storage Options & Pricing

The iPhone 5 comes in three storage sizes, each available in Black & Slate or White & Silver:

• 16GB – $199
• 32GB – $299
• 64GB – $399
  (All prices with a 2-year contract)

Unlocked versions will be available later, though expect to pay a premium.

How Does It Compare to the Competition?

It’s a fair question. Android phones like the Samsung Galaxy S III and HTC One X boast larger screens, quad-core processors, and bigger batteries.

But what Apple offers is cohesion, tight integration between hardware and software, unmatched build quality, a superior app ecosystem, and the kind of polish you won’t find on most other devices.

If you’re deep in the Apple ecosystem (MacBook, iPad, iCloud), the iPhone 5 feels like the missing piece. Everything just works, and works well.

Final Verdict: Is It Worth the Upgrade?

Yes.

Whether you’re upgrading from an iPhone 4, 4S, or even an older Android device, the iPhone 5 delivers a meaningful leap in design, performance, and

Specs