iPhone 5 review
Monday, September 24, 2012 at 2:59AM You can read reviews detailing every aspect of the iPhone 5 over at The Verge, Daring Fireball or other places and so I will just concentrate on how the iPhone 5 feels, what it brings to the user and if it is a success. I have only had 2 days with the phone so far so I don't pretend this to be comprehensive look at how it works over time.
The general reception for it so far has been extremely positive, particularly in regards to the design, but I have found myself slightly underwhelmed by the styling. All of the talk about special cameras used in the production process, feeling like an expensive watch and so on doesn't translate to my experience. It certainly feels well built and is great to hold, but the black version is somewhat boring in appearance in my opinion. Strangely, against the general flow I prefer the look of the white one because it has more to it compared to the all black version from a visual perspective. I also prefer the 4 / 4S design, but of course that is just my view.
In a discussion over the weekend Peter M. came up with a point about the design-
"Regarding the look of the iPhone 5, it just occurred to me that Jony Ive just achieved a long time goal - making the device completely disappear. By making every detail of the phone black and using a screen technology that puts the images right up against the screen, you have the most direct connection to the software possible. The phone fades away. Ive follows the design principles of Dieter Ram. One of those principles is "Good design is unobtrusive"."
The form factor is a different matter altogether. The larger screen is almost unnoticeable in normal use which is testament to the care that has been put into creating a larger iPhone that still feels entirely portable. Strangely, when using third party apps that have not been tweaked for the larger screen, which is most of them at the moment, it does become noticeable quite quickly how small they seem. The natural progression to getting used to the larger screen crept up on me and this is a very good thing. To have a phone that is bigger, but which does not feel gargantuan in the hand or pocket is a positive step forward and I get what Apple is doing here. One thing that has been talked about a lot is the improvement of screen quality thanks to the reduction of a screen layer. Well, this flew past me because if you had not told me that it was better I wouldn't have noticed it. It is very slightly noticeable when the brightness is cranked up, but my eyes could barely detect it. And I had an eye test last week before anyone pops up with a 'Specsavers' comment.
Overall I love the form factor of the 5 and feel that it could not have been made any better. My thoughts surrounding the styling matter little because ultimately it is the way a phone works and how it can be used every day that counts and in many ways this iPhone is an improvement over the 4S.
The general performance is breathtaking once you realise what is happening. It is so fast that I didn't even think about it for the first few hours, but eventually realised that it does indeed outperform my 4S which was already incredibly quick. The iPhone 5 has reached a level of performance that makes all other phones I have tried feel positively pedestrian apart from maybe the Galaxy S III. Peter M. summed it up in another email over the weekend-
"Yes, somehow, everything seems faster - just totally rapid. Never used a computer, let alone a phone, with this kind of instant response time to the user's actions."
When I thought about it I realised that he was right, but not even noticing it at first is perhaps the biggest compliment I can give to the performance on offer here. The browsing speed through Wi-Fi is quite unbelievable. Seriously, never have I been able to browse the web at this speed and it feels completely instant on almost every site I visit. The same is true for Twitter and other apps that require internet connectivity.
I did suffer from a problem connecting to my WPA2 secured router which seemed to be an issue talked about a lot on the Apple support site. Connecting via WEP with a password or WPA2 with no password was fine and oddly, everything else connects to the same router fine; iPad (iOS 6), Apple TV etc. so I think it may be a hardware problem affecting some units. Still no resolution for this and quite disappointing because the rest of the setup was pain free.
So the performance is great and the form factor is superb. Let's take a look at the camera. There is a difference here and especially in low light conditions. Again, for a 4S owner the improvements are marginal for most snaps and potentially a bigger step could have been taken here. However, it is by far the best smartphone camera I have used to date. The panorama function works perfectly and is better than I have used on third party apps in the past, but it isn't exactly groundbreaking.
I have noticed a few quirks with the software, presumably due to iOS 6. Typing isn't quite as accurate as before which may be due to a faulty review unit and at times I struggled to hit the screen as I would the 4S. It seems as though a slightly harder touch is required on the 5. Some apps simply did not work in iOS 6 and a couple closed on me for no reason, including the stock camera app. To call the software unreliable would be ridiculous though because it is, on the whole, as smooth and peerless as it always was.
I love the new lightning connector. It is incredibly easy to use and the simple fact of slotting it in either way makes a difference. When charging through the mains it fills back up to 100% very quickly, but through USB it was much, much slower than my 4S ever was. Indeed, it took an hour to charge 20%. The fact that you get one lightning connector cable in the box and that it is very difficult to purchase replacement cables or 30-pin connectors at the moment is an oversight by Apple. It leaves me wondering how I will charge the phone at night and is somewhat inconvenient at this time. The Lightning to Micro USB Adapter is probably the best choice and something I will look at should I decide to keep the 5 I have been sent. The subject has been discussed at length, but the cost of adapters and charging accessories for the 5 is not fair at all. Loyal customers who have upgraded from previous iPhones and who have purchased many accessories have been screwed over here. I understand the need to change the connector, it was long overdue, but the cost implications feel like Apple is taking the rise somewhat.
The iPhone 5 still requires a charge at night for me because the battery has so far proved to be worse than the 4S. I am giving it a pass, however, because it is new and these things can take time to bed in. I do expect the battery performance to be roughly equivalent to the 4S in the long run which in my opinion was never really good enough, but many of you disagree with me on that subject.
The external speaker has been improved which is impressive because it was great before and I can listen to podcasts, music and share whatever else I like with others even in noisy environments. The new ear pods have received much attention from the press and public alike. Here is the description from Apple-
"The Apple EarPods with Remote and Mic are designed to rest comfortably inside — and stay inside — a variety of ear types. The audio quality is so superior, they rival high-end headphones that cost much more."
In my experience this is complete nonsense. They fall out all of the time and the sound is far too bass-driven to be comfortable. If anything I prefer the previous iPhone headphones and my Sennheiser CX 200's sound more rounded and are able to recreate music much more clearly. They cost £24 on Amazon. No phone matches the iPhone for external speaker quality, but for headphones Apple still has some way to go. Of course all of this is my personal preference, but it highlights that the marketing, or indeed the design, will not always cover all eventualities.
I use an iPhone every day and have done for some time so the iPhone 5 is likely a no-brainer for me. I love the simplicity, the power behind that simplicity and most of all the 'get things done without fiddling' environment that iOS brings.
The iPhone 5 is thinner, lighter, much more powerful and the big screen is an advantage from the moment you start using it provided you don't have very small hands. There is nothing surprising in my thoughts about the 5, but I have to say that I am still slightly underwhelmed by the device as a whole. It takes all that is good in the 4S and improves upon it, but it is still very similar to its predecessor. If you upgrade from the 4S and have to take a route that costs a lot of money, you may feel slightly short changed because it is not a huge leap forward.
If you love the iPhone experience and enjoy the fact that Apple is concentrating on the practical areas that don't always receive the most headlines you will be more than happy with the result. It is of course the best iPhone ever made and for me, it is the best smartphone ever made. There is a price to pay for such a device, but the rewards just about make it worth it depending on how you buy it.
All of the above is said with the continuing sense that Apple cannot continue on the exact path it is treading now and so we come to the second part of this article.
Apple: 80% right, 20% wrong
For those of us who own Apple products, it is very easy to become attached to the wonderful craftsmanship of the hardware. The iPhone is a stunning device with a feel and build quality unlike no other. The iMac is a powerhouse of a computer that just works for me day after day and I have come to rely on it a great deal. The iPad does everything it needs to even if I rarely pick it up these days and then there is the Apple TV which brings them all together to create a near perfect entertainment environment in my living room.
I own all of the above products and do not regret purchasing them for one moment, but all of the great design, reliability and joy I get from them does not excuse the series of mis-steps that Apple continues to make in the software arena.
What a disaster Apple Maps turned out to be, a disaster that completely overshadowed the otherwise impressive iOS 6. We do not know what caused Google Maps to disappear from iOS, but John Gruber summed up the possibilities well (daringfireball.net/)-
"Seems pretty clear the new Maps is going to be the biggest problem with iOS 6. Here’s the thing, though: we don’t know how much of this decision to switch was Apple’s alone. We do know that Apple’s existing contract with Google for Maps expired this year. It’s possible Apple tried to renew for another year or two and Google either refused (unlikely, I’d say) or offered to do so under terms Apple found unacceptable (possible, I’d say).
Could well just be arrogance on Apple’s part, too. Just saying, we don’t know. It’ll be interesting to see how long it takes for Google to release a standalone Google Maps apps in the iOS App Store, as they did already with YouTube. What if Google doesn’t ever release a Google Maps app, to paint iOS as the platform with crappy maps?
Anil is right about the bottom line though: the maps experience in iOS 6 is a downgrade. Users shouldn’t (and won’t) give a rip about behind the scenes negotiations."
The fact that Steve Jobs made some very negative comments about Google in the past won't help the notion that this may be Apple's decision, but it still stands that we do not know how it came about. No matter how, Apple's Map solution is really poor. You don't need me to tell you what's wrong with it, but it is an example of a company that is on the outside completely in control letting something out that they MUST have known was broken. It is a feature that many people rely on every day and on iOS it is completely broken. I always believed that a decent mapping service that could compete with Google Maps was beyond Apple and it could take years to fix. Don't underestimate how important this is and what happens next will have a big impact. If the money involved in mapping is high enough, Google will roll out a standalone app (which Apple would dare not block), but if Google doesn't (unlikely) where does that leave iOS? It would put a magnifying glass on Apple's attempts to control everything and to the outside world it would appear to be pure profit over user experience.
This control extends to the little niggles that continue to annoy. If Google makes a Maps app, the default will still be for iOS to jump to Apple Maps. eBooks readers have to make their users go elsewhere to buy the books they want to read on an iPhone or iPad and the infuriating silences that deafen from Apple whenever there is a big problem such as iCloud not working. The sense of arrogance is plainly felt by those of us who do not feel that every Apple does is wonderful and it is these small things that continue to rankle. Apple's need for control is the main weakness that I can see in a machine that produces exceptional hardware, brilliant operating systems and an eco-system which is unparalleled at this time. Control over certain aspects is one thing, but I am talking about control over areas that Apple sees as profit-driven and the decisions that are taken stem from that rather than from user experience.
Back to the iPhone 5. All of this comes together to create a smartphone that is beautifully made and one that pushes the boundaries of performance for 'any' computing product. The design is good, but certainly not to the level that Apple sells it and to what some believe. As good as the components are, it is still an iPhone and in the hands of the majority will feel like that- just the next iPhone. The fact that we cannot do everything we want with iOS is down to Apple and I can only dream of sharing my data with any app I like and having much more flexibility. And the fact that I still choose an iPhone over devices that allow me that flexibility shows that Apple is getting it 80% right.
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Reader Comments (19)
I read a theory that the reason for iOS6 not having much in it is because so much development resource was taken up in writing the maps app. The theory also said that the amount of work left to do in maps could make iOS 7, 8 and 9 somewhat lacklustre too.
I'd say the omission of NFC is another example of Apple putting their own needs ahead of consumers. Any modern flagship smartphone should include NFC, no question, if for nothing more than future-proofing. Apple thinks leaving it out of the iPhone will kill it and their own passbook initiative will win out, leaving all non-Apple customers out in the cold. Of course the days when that would have worked are long gone; regardless of hype they're still far smaller than Android. NFC is the standard, NFC will win and iPhone users will be left out in the cold.
Passbook could be more useful than NFC. I had NFC on my S3. It was cool. But in reality hardly ever used it.
Shaun's perspective is interesting. I was thinking of some of the older Apple devices I have in the house, a 3GS, iPad 2, and iPod Touch 2g. The iPod Touch is on a version of iOS 4 but still looks amazing and works perfectly. The iPad 2 and my wife's 3GS are both on iOS 6. My wife is very happy with her 3GS. And the iPad 2 with iOS 6 and its new font to make text sharper and easier to read, means I see no need to change it. That's the thing. It is not always necessary to change as the software updates give you nearly the same device as the newer versions. Ad that's why Apple devices hold value.
My view of the iPhone 5 is different to Shaun's.
Interesting that CPW only have a 3 wait for the White iPhone 5 (the 64gb version). Perhaps not many White devices sold on pre-order.
My neighbour walked into a CPW on Friday at 5pm and bought a 32GB black iPhone 5 SIM free. They had one 32GB and a few 64GBs in both colours.
Stock of the iPhone 5 are plentiful everywhere. When mine got delivered on Friday the courier said he only had 26 to deliver which was lower than what he had expected. He did say he made significant deliveries the days before to various stores.
I have a theory that apple produced crazy amounts of 5s.
They then deliberately made the online stores move to 3-4 weeks to force people to queue outside their stores, creating publicity for them. Miraculously after grand launch, stock orders moved to shipping.
Good review, Shaun!
I'm enjoying the white 5, but there is glue visible around the glass panels on the back, so I don't think the fit and finish is quite what's described in the Ive video. I'm used to looking for this type of glue around guitar inlays though. I read on the iMore forums that one user has already had some of the black coating flake off of his iPhone 5, so that may be an issue with the black version over time.
I still can't get used to the reach (both top and bottom) when using one-handed with a thumb. My hands aren't small, but I find its difficult to be in a position to reach the bottom and be able to reach the top without having to reposition the phone. This is a little precarious when walking or over a concrete surface.
Fired up my S3 today, which is currently on eBay. Oh my what a good phone. Had to power off quickly. Anyway, back on track....
I found my Samsung HS3000 Bluetooth stereo headset which allows you to use your own headphones. The sound with this using the S3 was incredible, due to the S3 having apt-x codec, which produced very high quality sound. However, I paired the Samsung HS3000 with the iPhone 5 and plugged the earpods into the HS3000. The 5 doesn't have apt-x . However, this the combo is a match made in heaven.
The sound using all 3 items is so good, I could scream extremities at how incredible the sound is. Truly blown away. It's like rediscovering all your music again.
"I have a theory..."
Ordered very late after deciding not to (shaun - remember our discussion on not bothering).
My iPhone 5 has arrived...
"I have a theory that apple produced crazy amounts of 5s.
They then deliberately made the online stores move to 3-4 weeks to force people to queue outside their stores, creating publicity for them. Miraculously after grand launch, stock orders moved to shipping."
The Apple site still has 3-4 weeks on it for delivery. Of course Apple is very good at stirring up false excitement, but not convinced they would hold many back.
Peter. Theory proved correct.
"Ordered very late after deciding not to (shaun - remember our discussion on not bothering).
My iPhone 5 has arrived..."
Direct from Apple? When did you order?
I really am not convinced about passbook and its usefulness. Maybe it is a UK vs USA thing. I have tried using e-mails etc with barcodes included on the e-mail etc that the the person on the other side can see as plain as day - their machines could even scan them (i.e. working just like passbook - just not nicely stored on one side) - result - sorry Sir we just can't use that even though it all works fine - we need a print out. So not sure its going to be something useful until they can get all airlines and sporting and other events places to buy in - good luck trying that here in the UK.
We have one train line that will scan your mobile for your train ticket which is part of their app. The rest insist on tickets or Oyster cards. It is going to take a while for this type of system to get mainstream use as there is currently no reason why we can't do it now. If we could, I would consider an e-mail folder to store them just as easily. Though I am sure it wouldn't take some one long to develop an app to do this, as per iOS.
To me the NFC is far more interesting, especially as this seems to be something banks and shops are seriously considering. However I think we tend to see NFC as just this - a payment system when the reality is it is far more:
1) really quick and easy method for transferring volumes of data/pictures etc. I like the fact the phones have to be near as it increases security.
2) NFC tags can be written and read - which can produce some interesting applications of NFC. Examples of this:
a) setting up a tag at your front door so you tap it when leaving which turns off wifi, turns on automatic brightness, increase ring volume etc. When you return and tap it, it switches off auto bright, decreases ringtone, and turns on wifi etc.
b) visitor with NFC taps the tag, which sets up their phone with your wifi connection, tap it when leaving and it forgets, thus enabling people to use your wifi connection without knowing the exact details, or even better resolves having to physically set it up each time for my wife and her friends who are technologically defunct.
c) phone shops could have a variety set up at the store - tap them and it automatically sets up a customers phone to preset conditions as per the tag without the store staff having to physically do it, saving time and money.
It is this side that is probably far more interesting to me, as I can see real gains from it, and can see it saving time and money.
The tags are easy to use and are rewriteable - they can only be rewritten so many times, but far exceeds most people's rewriting options, especially as they are reasonably cheap so numerous can be used without having to rewrite them for different functions which would be against the whole objective anyway.
Is it ready for prime time yet? Payment - getting there. Tag system - depends on the level you want to go into. With the extremely useful tasker app (however you need to spend a lot of time using this app to understand how to work it), you can go very deep and virtually set it up the phone to do anything you want - by setting up a tasker action, and then setting the tag to that tasker option, thus when read it will read and action it (two issues - tasker is a paid for app, you would need to make the action available to others to download and install) - so while not impossible, still slightly impractical at this stage. However for basic settings and changes as described in a) and most of b) yes it can already do that very easily and works a treat. So yes I would consider this part of NFC ready for prime time as shown by Sony providing tags with the phone.
Samsung's app isn't usable in the UK yet, however there are alternatives which seem to be preferred to the Samsung app.
"When did you order?"
After we exchanged emails on 14th, I can't remember if it was Friday or Saturday as I was on holiday in the peak district, I can check the email if i find it.
Obviously outside of "the hour".
I did the same thing when I bought the 4s, ummed and ahh'd for a day or so, and ordered it, and it turned up on launch day. Wonder if they do a "limit", and then assign a few extras later on (+ reassign bounced payments).
Perhaps having a surname beginning with "C" helps. That or being a dev?
Oh I see- thought you had ordered it this weekend.
Coincidence- lots of Android fans emailing me about the iPhone 5 review seem to think my name begins with 'C' today as well:)
@Gavin NFC isn't all that useful yet, but it will be when contactless payment takes off.
People who buy an iPhone expecting it to last them two years will be feeling miffed when that happens.
Bug, agree with you, but I'm sure Apple is aware of it and that's the main reason for releasing a brand new iPhone6 next year... with NFC feature. People will rush to buy one, of course, with the latest technology.
NFC will take off. But at the moment I'm not sure how I feel that my phone also becomes my bank.