iPhone 5 - intro and concerns

12.09.25: It appears there are a few problems with the iPhone 5...

In my opinion, the main problem is very slow wi-fi ... the reason I replaced my iPhone a while ago!

12.09.12 Back in April, I posted an iPhone 4S vs Samsung item.
Today, Apple introduced its newest iPhone ... which is likely to sell approx 30 million before the end of the year ... which might raise the stock value to $750-$1000/share before year-end (currently $695).
Unbelievable, for such a limited upgrade. But Apple and iPhone customers are loyal, regardless how much better other smartphones may be.


The Toronto Star had an article today "New iPhone Offers Few Surprises" and another article today "A better smartphone, but nothing revolutionary".

Tech Republic is a trusted technical reporting service and here is their analysis of the iPhone 5.



Summary of improvements:

1. thinner, lighter and larger screen - 18% thinner and 20% lighter than 4S and a 4" display with more pixels than 4S. More pixels = better viewing.
Other smartphone have more pixels. 


2. 4G LTE capable - the 4S was 3G capable. Means faster speed. 
Most smartphones have this ... but LTE isn't available yet.  

3. larger front camera (1.3MP) than 4S (.93MP).
Most smartphones have 2MP front camera.  

4. larger internal storage than 4S or other smartphones.
Most smartphones have a card slot for up to 32GB removable storage ... which can easily be copied to your PC for backup.

5. has a better battery than 4S. Still will not last 8 hours with active use.
All smartphones allow for easily changing battery...a must for anyone using a golf GP type app during a game.

6. better back camera (8MP) than 4S (5MP).
Most smartphones have 8MP back camera.

7. panorama pictures (up to 28MP) with IOS6 - same for 4S with IOS6.

8. a new map system instead of Google Maps (untested at this time).
All smartphones have the excellent Google Maps app.

9. a different peripheral connector than 4S.
All users will need to buy new connectors for their clock radio, etc.

I am curious to see the offer from Bell and Rogers for a three year plan.
The USA expectation is $199 (16gb), $299(32gb) and $399(64gb).

In summary, for existing iPhone owners, there will be slight improvements  in this new model ... but you will pay more (for connecting things to it and probably for their telephone plan) and still not be able to switch batteries when it dies at a critical time.

BTW, I am not a fan since my 3GS iPhone had serious problems than could not be fixed free (no wi-fi reception, very poor battery life, and dead back camera).