Apple iPhone 5 review
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Review: September 2012 |
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Last updated October 2012.
Phone rating: 
In a nutshell: The iPhone 5 is
the best iPhone yet, with a larger display, faster processor,
improved camera, super-fast 4G and ultra-thin design. But the
retail price is higher than ever, and some will criticise the
fact that its screen size still lags rival phones and it has
no NFC chip for wireless payments. We've deducted one star for
these factors and the problems with Maps.
Best Buy: Dialaphone
(16GB Black) or Dialaphone
(16GB White).
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iPhone 5 - thinner, lighter, faster
So, after months of speculation, the new iPhone has been announced and
will be in the shops by the end of September. And it's not called anything
silly - just the iPhone 5. It's the thinnest, lightest, fastest iPhone
ever, but also the most expensive, so let's take a closer look.
Longer & thinner
 The
iPhone 5 looks very much like the iPhone
4S, but it's longer. The reason it's longer is because it has a larger
4 inch display. It's exactly the same width though, and that's because
the display is the same width as before. It's just had a bit added to
the top. An extra row of apps now appears on the home screen. Keeping
the width the same means that you can use the phone single-handedly exactly
as with previous models. It also means that the aspect ratio has changed
to a conventional 16:9 widescreen format, which is a benefit when watching
video.
The number of pixels in the Retina display has increased in the vertical
direction and remains the same as before horizontally, giving a resolution
of 1136 x 640 pixels. As usual, the Retina display is impressive, but
we can't help pointing out that it's not a HD screen, like those of
the Samsung Galaxy S3 or the new
Sony Xperia T.
An increase in screen size from 3.5 inches to 4 inches is welcome.
3.5 inches was looking ridiculously small compared to rivals with screens
up to 4.8 inches or more. Apple haven't made the leap needed to catch
up with its competitors, but nevertheless any increase in screen size
is positive. Existing iPhone users will appreciate the extra space,
whilst feeling that it's an incremental change rather than a completely
new look and feel. Existing apps will work with a black edge above and
below until developers have time to update them to make use of the increased
screen area.
A cynical viewpoint might be that Apple didn't want to make the jump
to an even larger screen in order to hold something back for the iPhone
6. But there is an argument that keeping the width the same and adopting
a conventional 16:9 format means a seamless transition for existing
users and apps.
Did we mention thinner? At 7.6mm, it's astonishingly, vanishingly thin!
It's also significantly lighter too. Apple have clearly worked hard
to miniaturise every component to make it fit into the reduced size.
It uses a nano-SIM card, which is 44 percent smaller than a micro-SIM.
The old 30-pin connector has been replaced by a new Lightning connector.
A Lightning to 30-pin adapter will be available to buy for around £25,
so you won't have to replace all your accessories. The screen has been
made thinner by integrating the touch technology into the display layer,
a bit like the Super AMOLED screens used on Samsung phones. The result
is an even brighter and clearer display.
The design of the iPhone 5 is similar to that of the 4S. It's available
in a choice of two-tone colours - Black & Slate or White & Silver.
A high quality aluminium housing is used for the casing, with an anodised
aluminium back with inlays along the top and bottom made of ceramic
glass (on the White & Silver model) or pigmented glass (on the Black
& Slate model). The build quality and materials used clearly demonstrate
why Apple products are so highly regarded.
A6 chip
The processor that powers the iPhone 5 is a new A6 chip. Apple aren't
being very open about whether this is dual-core or quad-core, but they've
said it's twice as fast as the A5 chip used in the iPhone 4S. Since the
old A5 chip was very fast indeed, we don't think there'll be any complaints
in this department.
4G
The addition of 4G (LTE) in the iPhone 5 isn't really a surprise, as it
first appeared in the new iPad, but it
could be a game changer. With T-Mobile/Orange now
given the go-ahead by Ofcom to roll out 4G in sixteen UK cities this year,
and the other operators to follow in 2013, 4G will finally become a reality
for many UK phone users.
The benefit of 4G is that it offers much faster data rates than 3G
- up to 100Mbps, which is as fast as fibre optic broadband.
The device also supports dual-band WiFi at speeds up to 150Mbps.
iOS6 and Maps
A new version of iOS has been created for the new iPhone. iOS6
doesn't bring very much that's new, but it does include an improved version
of Siri, the voice-activated intelligent assistant and it brings a new
Maps app.
It's no secret that Apple hates Google. So being dependent on Google
Maps must have really hurt. Now Google Maps has been kicked off the
iPhone and replaced by Apple's own version. It's not a copy you see,
because someone
might get sued if it was, but it's a way of displaying your location
on a mobile phone and finding a route to your destination.
Maps can show you directions on screen in 2D or 3D and give turn-by-turn
voice directions too. It can also display real time traffic information.
Flyover displays interactive photo-realistic views of major cities in
3D. You can also do a local search to find restaurants, hotels, etc.
But it didn't take long for people to find that Maps doesn't always
work. There are many errors in Maps. Some of the most spectacular include
showing bridges with sharp plunges, moving the location of an airport,
changing the capital of Israel and turning hospitals into supermarkets.
After being used to the brilliant Google Maps, this simply isn't good
enough. It isn't good enough to replace a fully functioning app with
a broken one. Apple realised that and CEO Tim Cook issued
an apology. Apple, he said, is "working non-stop" to fix
this problem, so watch this space.
FaceTime HD
At first glance, the 8 megapixel camera included in the iPhone 5 is no
better than the previous model. But Apple say that it has improved low
light capability and faster photo capture. A new Panorama feature has
also been added. As before, it's equipped with autofocus, an LED flash,
face detection, image stabilisation and geotagging. It can record full
HD 1080p video at 30 frames per second. It's a very capable camera, and
the new iPhone must rank among the top 10 best camera phones, although
it isn't a match for phones like the Nokia
Lumia 920 or Sony phones using Exmor
R technology.
The secondary front-facing camera has also been upgraded, making FaceTime
video chat possible in HD (720p). Another improvement is that you can
now make video calls over a 4G connection and not just Wi-Fi.
New EarPods
 Another
new development is the inclusion in the sales package of redesigned headphones,
called EarPods. According to the Apple hype, "their design is defined
by the geometry of the ear." You might have imagined that other headphone
manufacturers have thought of this before, but Apple says no, they're
the first.
In any case, they promise to deliver great audio quality as well as
comfort, and they're provided free with the phone.
Battery life
Apple claim that the new A6 chip uses less power than the old A5 chip
used in the 4S. That's quite plausible, but it doesn't necessarily mean
improved battery life overall. There's a lot going on in the new iPhone
and all of it uses power. Apple are quoting a figure of 8 - 10 hours use
from a single charge, but we bet that's under idealised conditions. Don't
be surprised if you need to recharge your phone before the sun goes down.
Cost
The iPhone 5 will be available in 16GB, 32GB or 64GB versions and in a
choice of black or white. The basic 16GB version is expected to cost £529
in the UK, which is about £50 more than the 4S model. That makes
it the most expensive phone on the market. You're looking at a two-year
£30/month contract plus an upgrade charge. Ouch!
Conclusion - the best iPhone yet?
It's frighteningly expensive. It doesn't have NFC (Near Field Communication
technology for cashless payments.) It's still got one of the smallest
screens on any modern smartphone (even entry-level Android phones have
bigger screens), and it'll lock you into Apple's restrictive content system
and extract every remaining penny from your pocket.
On the other hand, it's clearly the best iPhone to date. Despite criticism
that it hasn't changed much from the 4S, there are some new features
here that existing users will clearly notice if they choose to upgrade.
The 4 inch screen is a welcome move in the right direction. 4G will
deliver real benefits now that Ofcom has cleared the way for Orange/T-Mobile
(Everything Everywhere) to start rolling out 4G this year. The updates
to the processor and camera are nice to have. And the new gorgeously
thin design is the icing on the cake.
We originally awarded the new iPhone five stars. But then the Maps
issue came to light and we thought, "Oh no, not again!" Because
it seems that every new iPhone has some huge unexpected problem, from
non-existent reception to diabolical battery life. And now MapGate.
When you buy the most expensive product in a shop, you expect it to
work perfectly. And Apple are now building a solid reputation for making
products that don't work first time. They may be "working
non-stop" to fix them, but that's what's supposed to happen before
they release the product.
You'll need to have deep pockets to afford the iPhone 5, and also to
carry it around. And you'll need to put up with the Maps problems until
they've been fixed. Also, check your phone for scuffs and scratches,
because people have been reporting problems with quality control. If
you can put up with all of this, then the iPhone 5 will be a great upgrade
for anyone who loves the Apple experience. But Apple can no longer claim
that "it just works," because it quite clearly doesn't.
Features of the Apple iPhone 5 include:
- iOS 6 Operating System
- 8 megapixel camera with touch autofocus, LED flash and Panorama
- Video camera: Full HD (1080p) up to 30 frames per second, HD (720p)
secondary camera for FaceTime video calling
- Retina display: 1136 x 640 pixels (4 inches) touchscreen
- Music player
- Video player supports 1080p Full HD playback at 30 frames/second
- Voice control, voice memos
- Siri intelligent assistant
- Messaging: SMS, MMS, email
- Assisted GPS and GLONASS with digital compass and Maps app
- Memory: 16GB, 32GB or 64GB plus iCloud
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.0, USB 2.0, Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n), 3.5mm
headphone jack
- Size: 124 x 59 x 7.6 mm
- Weight: 112g
- Quad-band GSM (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz) plus UMTS/HSDPA (850, 900,
1900, 2100 MHz) plus 4G LTE
- Talktime: 8 hours
- Battery standby: 225 hours
Apple iPhone 5 User Reviews
Love your mobile? Hate it? Please share your experiences to help other
people choose the phone that's best for them. Please do not review this
phone if you have not used it. This is a review site, not a forum, so
please don't just ask questions. Please do not use swear words or offensive
language, and please, no advertising!
Average rating from 54 reviews: 
Reviewed by Toni Paneto from Germany on 30th Apr
2013
2 months now with iPhone 5 and i always enjoy the sound quality when
I capture videos. The only problem is that everyone walking around with
iPhone now and after 3GS we all look the same.. I purchased a carbon
sticker and i don't get bored from the same exactly design over and
over. I also get mad when some talk about oranges(Galaxy S3-S4) when
we talk about Apple..
Rating: 
Reply
Reviewed by Steve from Southend Engerland on 26th
Mar 2013
Droped calls all the time, dodgy wifi, flimsy, gave it to my sister,
gone back to N95 8GB.
Rating:  Reply
Reply by KDM from UK on 27th Mar 2013
Seriously? You have given up one of the best phones on the market and
Gone back to a phone that was first released in 2007? Wow!..... Oh btw...
*dropped *England
Reply by Steve from Southend on 31st
Mar 2013
KDM *Gone - capitalization mid sentence? What you simply must understand
is that my N95 8GB just functions better than the iphone I gave away.
It is possible to carry a spare battery for a start, I can customise
all I like, I can install anything I like without some overlord from
apple getting in my way and when it fell off the table on to a marble
floor the screen did not break. PS as for Engerland - I am from Southend
and I support Millwall and Engerland at football so for me it is the
proper way to say it.
Reply by KDM from UK on 31st Mar 2013
Yes I can understand anyone's reasons to choose a mobile phone, we all
have our reasons why we pick one phone over another. Surely you must
have done a small amount of research about the iphone before you got
it? You would have known that you can't install third party apps unless
you jailbreak it. I too have dropped my iphone a couple of times and
so far it hasn't been damaged. I have no problem with wifi connection
and it is one of the best made mobiles there is, it's not 'flimsy' at
all, and the call quality is perfect, no dropped calls. Sure, I agree,
it would be nice to be able to carry a spare battery but I have a charger
in my car and a charger at work, I would guess that most people with
smart phones have the same set up. Anyway, each to their own and I hope
you enjoy your N95 for another 6 years or so... PS You may pronounce
it 'Engerland' but the proper way to spell it is England. :)
Reviewed by Glen from Uk on 23rd Feb 2013
I've had all the iPhones except the 4s. Went from a 4 to a samsung s2
then to the s3. Got a 64 gig for the right price and all I can say is
wow, really missed the smoothness of them. IOS is a little dated compared
to android but it is less clunky and laggy. Love the build quality do
the 5 and the feel glad I went back love it
Rating:
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Reviewed by CS from England on 2nd Feb 2013
Don't listen to anyone else. If you have an iPhone or had one,get an
iPhone 5.You will be disappointed if you swap and will expect things
to be as easy as it used to be with iPhone, they won't be.You will need
a car charger or office charger, or just an adapter, that's all. Iphone
is easy, intuitive and quality. Just think, you get what you pay for.
Why would you pay less for a better product? Why? If you want a bigger
screen buy an iPad mini or iPad. I bought a Galaxy Note 2 and ended
up returning it and buying and iPhone 5. Apple is easy, iTunes works
great. I have an iPhone 5 and I'm happy again.
Rating:
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Reply by Tony from UK on 6th Mar 2013
Absolutely agree. Went from iphone 4 to a Galaxy Note 2, but now changed
to the iphone 5. I missed the simple reliable interface among other
things.
Reviewed by LM1980 from UK on 22nd Jan 2013
I am by no means an apple fanboy, but apple do make exceedingly good
phones.
I've had every version of the iphone but also have had top end android
handsets and blackberries but after a few months with them I always
end up going back to an iphone, either the latest one or the version
I had. Since the wife got her iphone 5 I have always thought what a
waste of time apple took to design a phone that is only slightly taller
instead of keeping the same ratio screen as the 3.5" iphones but made
it 4.3" or so.
Anyway, I was finding my iphone 4s 16gb of storage restrictive considering
androids can come with 16gb and can be extended via SD cards. So I decided
to look around for a new phone.
As I have unfortunately fallen victim to apples ecosytem (apple tv 3,
itunes match etc) I ended up getting the iphone 5 which I said was pointless.
I got the 32gb version. From previous experience I know 32gb doesn't
mean I'll get 32gb, but when I saw 28.8gb I was a little surprised.
3gb missing, I'd expect 2gb. Small issues really. After carefully reducing
my music collection of 31gb to a playlist to 20gb leaving 7gb (just
under) for other apps etc I am more than happy. I don't watch films
on my phones as I prefer larger screen experience.
overall impression other than screen size negative is a very good phone.
I prefer the metal back rather than the glass on the 4 and 4s, but prefer
the 4s handset weight. The 5 feels a little light.
5 out of 5 for what the phone is, but I hope the next iOS release (iOS7)
will bring a slight change to what the UI is like now. Basic rows of
icons is a little dull now.
Rating:
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Reviewed by Ken from UK on 17th Jan 2013
It does everything it supposed to do brilliantly but it is so boring.
Agreed the UI need revolutionary update and build quality could be better,
but a fantastic phone that does what it says on the tin
Rating:
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Reviewed by Steve from UK on 14th Jan 2013
I have had problems with connectivity, battery life, and email set-up
- so much so that I'm taking it back to my provider and will go back
to Blackberry. A great disappointment from an avid Apple supporter!
Rating: Reply
Reviewed by SKT from UAE on 23rd Dec 2012
I've been using it for a week now ,upgraded from Iphone 4 .
It's a great phone. Weight ,Speed , screen clarity and size is perfect.
Battery needs an improvement but it's fine for a smart phone. As a user
need I consider this is the best phone at the moment for my use . Maybe
others won't agree on this but again it's all about your expectation
and needs . So you decide based on your own need .
Rating:
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Reviewed by Mo from UK on 18th Dec 2012
I have had the iphone 5 for 3 weeks now and I used to be an android
man before. Still am to be honest. Anyway, I am with O2 and I am very
happy with the phone now that google maps is back. Regarding battery
life, I got 5 days out of it the second time I had it fully charged.
The trick is turn off your wifi, bluetooth etc if you don't need them.
I must say that I am an average user and generally I get 4 days out
of it. The phone has one of the best batteries I have found in smartphones.
It was difficult adjusting to the restrictive iOS at first but I got
used to it. If you want the iphone 5, get it. If you want the battery
to last then turn off the things that you don't need. It is a good phone
and will what you want and do it well. I have docked a star below due
to thr restrictive iOS. Oh, like all the other phones I have had, get
a screen cover and case/wallet for it if you want to keep it in mint
condition.
Rating:
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Reviewed by Mint from Uk on 17th Dec 2012
I keep this one short
Just simply the best mobile phone ever.
Rating:
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Reviewed by David from uk on 15th Dec 2012
Best phone out there.... not sure why everyone has had problems...it
does what it does with speed and agility....battery life is fantastic...wifi
brilliant and build and finish superb.... this phone is a serious piece
of kit and all the naysayers wrong.... there are reasons why the 5 hasn't
a bigger screen and no NFC.... phone fits hand nicely and pocket well....bigger
screen would be awkward..have seen people struggle with other phones....
NFC.... new technology and lots of bugs to be ironed out and security
an issue still...wait till the 6 for that little baby.... nope...maybe
expensive but you get what you pay for and this phone is well worth
it.
Rating:
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Reviewed by Harry from UK on 14th Dec 2012
iPhone is the best on the market in my opinion except one thing - wifi.
Thousands of users including me (see: discussions.apple.com) have reported
slow, unreliable wifi which constantly drops on the iPhone 5.
I'm still having this problem where the wifi would drop unexpectedly
and am worried this is a hardware problem and can't be fixed with a
new iOS update. I've tried everything from changing routers, router
settings, and wifi settings on my iPhone.
I have tried Galaxy S3, HTC, Blackberry and Nokia but I prefer the iPhone
5. If only Apple could listen to their customers and fix problems with
their iPhone or at least drop the prices. Hopefully this wifi (and maps)
issue would be rectified with a future update and apple won't brush
it under the carpet like they usually do and pretend everything is okay.
Rating:
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Reviewed by Bob from Scotland on 11th Dec 2012
iPhone 5 is my first iPhone and I love it. My previous phone was a HTC
Desire which I thought was great. On the face of things the iPhone 5
doesn't warrent the extra cash but having used the phone for about 2
months and now getting used to it, I can say that it is worth the extra
outlay. I love the rock solid build quality, the fast peocessing, the
crisp display and the great battery life. ios just seems so much more
logical than android, I feel already that I would struggle if, after
only 2 months, I went back to the HTC. Obviously I cant compare it to
previous iPhones, but in its own right its top notch. My only slight
disappointment is the camera. If the subject is still, then the photos
are brilliant, if however my dog moves slightly even in good light the
image blurs. Still, I didn't buy it for a camera!!
Rating:
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Reviewed by Mark from UK on 15th Nov 2012
Had it about a month now, great build quality but in terms of improvements
from the 4S, I had a 4S and to be honest it just isn't really much better.
I sold my 4S for £300, and in all honesty I regret shelling out the
further £230 for the 5. If you have a 4, get one, but not if you own
a 4S, wait for the next one!
Rating:
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Reviewed by BC from UK on 15th Nov 2012
I have had iphone and android, just selling my Samsung Galaxy s2, as
my iphone arrived and is so much smoother and more consistent in flow
and performance. It feels so nice to come back to ios, and you would
only appreciate the OS after leaving it and coming back after a while.
4 stars as the hardware is not a great upgrade from the 4s.
Rating:
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Reviewed by Martin from England on 5th Nov 2012
Firstly lets get it straight, I am not an iphone hater, I have owned
the iPhone 3GS, 4, 4S and unfortunately now the 5. I bought this as
a replacement for my now out of date 4S, how wrong could anyone be.
My iPad iPod and iMac are a pleasure to use.
Firstly when the 5 was announced my first reaction was "well what have
they done to justify this hype" I did not see any major leaps foreward
from the 4S so I held off for a short time.
I received what I expected to be my nice shiney new iphone 5, but the
box was just about the only impressive thing I have received. The phone
itself had chips along the edges of the screen and the metal casing
was shoddily painted to say the least, but I persevered placing it in
a specially bought case.
On using the phone daily I found that the screen although a little bigger
did not really enhance the iphone experience, in fact worked against
it. I find myself now taking a call and instead of reaching a few millimetres
with my finger and locking the phone one handed, I have to now have
to use two hands one to hold the phone and one to lock it, all for a
tiny extra longer screen.
Google maps still do not work properly, I want to find where I am going,
I don't want a 3d image of the building as I hopefully will be standing
right outside it as I did using my old 4S using the 2D viewer.
The salesman at the car phone warehouse said its thinner and sleeker,
what an idiot am i, slimmer the 4s was hardly a unwieldy thing in the
first place. In reality it's about 3mm which to be honest is hardly
worth the mentioning once its in my pocket.
Final straw came today when I opened my nice expensive case to find
small flecks of paint from the back plate rattling around inside. Listen
when you spend in excess of 500 on a phone I expect it to be top build
quality not a second rate half arsed attempt at a premium product.
To say the least it went back today, and what did the salesman say to
me, oh yeah that is a common problem with these. I'll send it back to
apple and you will get it back in a few weeks. Erm no if its a known
problem fix it before you sell any more faulty phones.
I had a Samsung galaxy S2 that I had as a work phone so I exchanged
it for a s3. My god what a difference, I now have a working phone that
has been designed to be used rather than an after thought after the
pure look, I now have a phone with ergonomic ally designed features
allowing me to use the phone one handed again, the paint has stayed
attached to the phone shell where it's supposed to be and the features
also make it a lottery advanced that the iPhone ever was.
Rating: Reply
Reviewed by BC from UK on 4th Nov 2012
I have had two now, both turned up with chips marks on them, so forget
it, looks to me the black paint will fade quickly making the phone look
worn, just like the 4s was out to correct the 4, a 5s will be out to
correct the 5.
looking at the nokia lumia 920.
Rating: Reply
Reviewed by Ianj from UK on 29th Oct 2012
Just got my "5" In terms of quality materials and construction I don't
see anything else even approaching it. Everything works too. Great screen
now it's a little larger and so simple to use. I know they are expensive,
but not that much more than the competition. I think you get what you
pay for, a premium product.
Rating:
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Reviewed by unknown from UK on 25th Oct 2012
I'm not an iPhone fanboy but have owned each version since release.
I have now gone the way of the Android with a Galaxy S3 (not the 4G
one).
Since upgrading from the 3GS which was in my opinion the best iPhone.
The reason why I say this is down to iOS 4.3.3
Again in my opinion this was the best iOS version. More so when jailbroken.
It removed almost 90% of its limitations compared to Android.
A review on the iPhone 5 is why I wrote the above, but since I now have
a Galaxy S3 it seems odd that I do.
Well I think the latest version is not what it should have been. Come
on Apple. Look at what other manufacturers are doing. All Apple have
done is tweaked iOS 5 to have a few extras and called it iOS 6. The
handset, wow, it has a 16:9 screen ratio so we can watch movies without
black bars. The screen is to small to watch movies. Yes build quality
is fantastic, but this doesn't warrant such a high price.
Apple have changed the type of plug/connector. There goes my BOSE dock.
I am not going to pay another £25 for the adapter, why should I.
I just don't understand what Apple had in mind when they came up with
the iPhone 5. It didn't impress me at all.
I believe there are several problems with the iPhone 5. Not to sure
how many issues there are but since my wife (me) upgraded her 4 to have
iOS 6 she has had problems and I keep having to reset network settings
for it to connect to the web and itunes/store etc.
The last time I had an Android device I wasn't dead keen on it. I think
it was 2.3 or lower. Now on 4 or 4.1 I am blown away by how far it has
come.
iPhone 5 - 2 stars
iPhone 4S - 4 stars
iPhone 4 - 3 stars
iPhone 3GS - 5 stars
Galaxy 3s - 5 stars
Rating: 
Reply
Reply by KDM from UK on 26th Oct 2012
I'm confused by this review... did you actually own an iphone 5? You
say "I believe there are several problems with the iphone 5"... did
your 5 have these "problems?" You talk about your wife's iphone 4 having
problems with network connection, did you have this problem with your
5? (there are fixes for wifi problems if you search the web btw) and
you can buy an adapter for the 5 for less than a tenner (I spent more
on a case) if you search the web too, so your Bose system will still
work with the 5. All in all a confusing review, and I think more geared
at earlier versions of the iphone rather than the iphone 5
Reviewed by Martin from Uk on 20th Oct 2012
Is anyone else having problems with IOS 6 with home Wifi? I like this
phone, specially the build quality. I just can't get Wifi to work fully
at home. Apple support have no cure and don't admit the problem despite
hundreds of pages on Apple forums on the subject. I give the phone 4
stars but IOS 6 one star. Disappointed with Apple
Rating:
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Reply by Mike from UK on 22nd Oct
2012
Yep, same problem with my iPad (3)
Reply by Martin from Uk on 28th Oct
2012
Problem now solved. You need to have an up to date router for it to
fully work. Now it's working I believe it deserves four stars mainly
due to good build quality, good battery and excellent screen :-)
Reply by Mike from UK on 1st Nov 2012
I have the latest BT router and WiFi is beyond unreliable!
Reviewed by kafu from England on 19th Oct 2012
Got the I phone 5 on upgrade it went back, exchanged for the Samsung
s3 which is fantastic. I have always been an android user so going to
iPhone was a bit risky. I have an iPod touch so I sort of knew the layout
of the phone. For me it's so restrictive in what you can do & very boring.
Everything Is through iTunes which I find very UN user friendly. Also
it's the specs, it baffles how this phone is the most expensive phone
yet it's not the best phone! In all honesty all iPhone user would for
better staying with your 4s and wait & see what the next iPhone brings
you because this one is not much of an upgrade. IPhone have fallen behind,
if your a die hard iPhone user you will probably like this phone, if
you want, sheer power, entertainment, a great screen & and no loan needed
to buy a phone then go for the Samsung s3 or the HTC one x. Or the Samsung
note 2 for roughly the same price as the iPhone but streets better it'd
just very big!
Rating:
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Reviewed by Goatman from UK on 18th Oct 2012
A simple good & bad points list for you all
The GOOD- Build quality is second to none, with premium materials used.
Amazing light weight, but also very rigid. Screen is eye searingly bright,
colourful, contrasty & sharp. Screen size is a great balance between
area & corner reaching ability. Ios is, as always, beautifully simple
with some useful tweaks. New charging port is great, bi directional
will take off!
The BAD- Still prefer the curved back design of the 3GS over the hard
edged 4, 4S & 5. Phone designers, take a look at the shape a hand forms
when holding a phone! Apple, you had it nailed a few years ago........
Teeny tiny sim re design is surely not necessary? Charging port adapter
for £25? You guys are now officially taking the **** with pricing!
All in all, superb stuff
Rating:
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Reviewed by Garry from Manchester uk on 17th Oct
2012
This is a follow up to the review I submitted earlier on. I was fairly
Luke warm about the phone compared to my 4s which I have given to my
wife. However now that I have used it for nearly a month I can understand
why apple is so highly regarded. It is the user experience which for
me is on a different planet from anything else I have used. The biggest
improvements from the 4s is the call quality and the colourful screen.
The best endorsement of this device for me is that I have both a 17
inch laptop and a desktop with an apple 27 inch display and I use the
phone for browsing 95% of the time. At the moment I am on holiday in
Hong Kong and I am typing this over breakfast one handed. I did try
out the galaxy s3 and note2 and I think they are great phones as well,
but this phone is so satisfying to use that I have no regrets about
upgrading from the 4s. To me I am more concerned that an operating system
works than being able to use widgets, customise, etc. also there is
an apple store in Manchester and they help you with technical queries
even though I did not buy the phone from them. Sure it had a scuff mark
on it from new but I have quickly forgotten about this. The cameras
panorama app is exceptional. I am using a 2k slr and lens combination
while on holiday but some of the best photos I have so far are the panorama
photos of the Hong Kong skyline lit up at night. I am not a fanboy I
am just telling you as it is. I will continue to assess all phones from
different manufacturers from time to time but at the moment this iphone5
is giving me everything I need from a phone
Rating:
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Reviewed by Fiona from Brum on 15th Oct 2012
On Friday 19th of October I will have had it for 4 weeks and I am bored
already. When is my upgrade?
Rating:
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Reply by Fozzy from Uk on 16th Oct
2012
I paid for a sim free one. Exactly the same, bored after 2 weeks or
so. I've just bought an htc one x to replace it. It's a good piece of
kit, it's just so dull, should come with a pipe, cardigan and a packet
of Werthers Originals.
Reply by Ken from UK on 16th Oct 2012
Me three, boring beyond words! And now the proprietary chip thing in
the cable has really frustrated me. The last iPhone for me after having
had 4 iPhones, an iPad and an iPod touch.
Reviewed by Anastazija from Canada on 15th Oct
2012
Hate the iPhone 5 - only because of the nicks on the aluminum (sides
and on the bottom.)
Nicks were there, right out of the box.
Carrier refused to do anything about it.
I should have stayed with the iPhone 4.
Rating:
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Reviewed by Trent from England on 14th Oct 2012
Ok, let us be clear IT IS NOTHING SPECIAL. It is just an iPhone 3Gb
in new clothes and on high supplement vitamins (5 is my main phone but
3g is my player phone). However that said, it is so easy to use (probably
too easy) that setting it up to go doesn't take even a GCSE in English
or Maths to be able to use it. Nice build, good screen, useful camera,
boring Internet interface, reasonable voice calling capability but brilliant
hype.
All in all, an average phone that has the magical ability to appear
to be more than it really is.
Rating:
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Reply by Alton from Wales on 15th
Oct 2012
You must mean 3GS? Overall one is in agreement on your review of the
phone. It just has not evolved enough
Reviewed by David from Australia on 11th Oct 2012
Had the Htc One X from the day it was released and have had nothing
but trouble with it , it has been exchanged 3 times and every one that
I have had has poor battery life , poor call quality and just plenty
of software issues. Decided to bite the bullet and get myself iphone
5. Best money I have ever spent!! Just a better phone all round. It's
been 3 weeks and problems so far , battery is getting better with each
week and the camera is amazing. Highly recommended .
Rating:
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Reply by Dave B from Uk on 23rd Oct
2012
Agree with you about the HTC One X , I had nothing but trouble with
mine! Did yours get red hot!! iPhone 5 far better!
Reply by David from Australia on 24th
Oct 2012
Yes it did , forgot to mention overheating problem. Phone would heat
up and then turn itself off. Have no regrets in getting iphone 5.
Reviewed by Adam from UK on 11th Oct 2012
Not impressed,I upgraded from my 4s and to be honest there is a problem
'BATTERY LIFE' its pants,I had to reach for the charger by lunchtime
with small amount of use,my 4s would give me a day and a half.. I tried
all the usual tricks so squeeze more ot of it,no joy,chatted to few
Apple friends who upgraded and they have they same problem!
Battery life is a problem,the black ones are a finger print magnet too,I
was not impressed returned it to the store and got a refund and guess
what I was not the only person to have returned one with battery issues,I
am now back on my 4s and sticking with it for now.
Rating:
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Reviewed by Jass from UK on 10th Oct 2012
Avoid avoid avoid!!!...had for 1 week and returned it...glade i did
that...and bought HTC one x..much better phone...Apple is ripping people
off...Launched new phone with one extra app (map) which doesn't work
properly and slightly large...Steve Job must be really frustrated up
der...it has battery issue..camera issue..
Rating: Reply
Reply by Brad from Australia on 10th
Oct 2012
My iphone 5 battery life is much better than the HTC One X that I had
before it , One X camera is good but iPhone is a long way ahead of it.
If you really don't like Apple and think they rip people off then it
makes you wonder why you got yourself an iPhone , if you really did.
Reply by Jass from UK on 11th Oct
2012
Wanted something new..thats why I bought it..I'm not what you mean by
Iphone is a long way ahead of HTC one X???????????...only Apple's fan
boy say these things, I can understand but practically is not true (other
way around)...are you sure you ever had One X?..Anyway I don't wanna
argue with it...just gave my honest opnion so people don't waste their
money...
Reply by Brad from Australia on 11th
Oct 2012
The problem is anyone who defends Iphone or Apple products gets the
usual come back that you must be an Apple fan boy.I have owned and used
HTC One X for around 3 months and yes it is a great phone but I consider
the Iphone 5 better for myself for everyday use. The Iphone does get
better battery life than the One x and the camera on Iphone is way ahead
of the camera on the One x , you only have to read all the review sites
that say the same thing , its not my opinion its just the way it is,
One X camera is good but the Iphone 5 camera is better.That does not
make me a fan boy.Most of the user reviews on different sites that completely
put down Iphone 5 seem to make it very clear that they do not own an
Iphone and are only posting comment to be able to put down Iphones .
I now have Iphone 5 which I use for work and I have One x that I use
as my personal phone, my wife also has the Samsung Galaxy S3. I think
they are all great phones it is just that when I need a phone I can
rely on for work I always seem to end up back with an Iphone.
Reply by Jass from UK on 16th Oct
2012
coming back to the camera..Iphone5 gives u pink n green shades in front
of bright light and answer from Apple is don't hold camera front of
bright light...don't take a shot when is sunny day..its ok in UK bcoz
we hardly see sun but not sure in Aus...I found HTC so easy to do things..like
printing..uploading document on websites..so easy which u can't do Iphone...anyway
end of day ..all matter wat u like n wat works for u.
Reviewed by William from Great Britain on 4th
Oct 2012
Funnily enough I'm actually typing this from my iPhone 5. I bought the
phone today on a 2 year contract, the 32GB version in white. I noticed
when I first opened it, how light it was! It was almost a if there is
nothing inside it. Also it is lighting fast for web browsing, the camera
quality is outstanding and it feels like a really nice phone! I would
definitely recommend it for anyone who is looking at buying one 5 stars.
Rating:
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Reply by Lauren from UK on 6th Oct
2012
A case of the emperor's new clothes me thinks! Nice phone, nothing interface
and nothing new to write about. What it could have been! I being an
owner of this new iteration, like my phone but it doesn't feel special.
Reply by Daniel from UK on 7th Oct
2012
Having owned the Iphone from having a 3GS, 4 & 4S I can also say the
5 is outstanding, it's an improvement over what was an already outstanding
device, not a case of emperor's new clothes me thinks.....
Reviewed by Dave from Australia on 2nd Oct 2012
Been using samsung galaxy s3 for a couple of months but could not resist
Iphone 5 when it was released last week as I had Iphone 4 in the past
and found it to be a great phone. Iphone 5 is a very good phone , great
for calls with better reception than what I was getting with S3. Camera
is also better than S3 and it is nice to be able to place a smaller
phone in my pocket as I found S3 a bit big for my liking.The one thing
I have found with Iphone 5 is terrible battery life. I have been running
out of battery by mid afternoon where the S3 got me through the whole
day with still around 30 to 40 percent left. As i use the phone for
work and am not always in a position to be charging the phone all the
time I am thinking of just going back to using S3. This is a shame as
I really like the Iphone and have tried everything people have suggested
on forum sites but with no improvement.I am not saying S3 is not a great
phone as it very much is , I just prefer Iphone and find them easier
to use. The Iphone 5 to just feels like a bit of a let down after being
told that it would have better battery life.
Rating:
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Reply by Sam from Leeds on 2nd Oct
2012
Have you spoke to apple about the battery? I'm having great battery
life better than iPhone 4S.. Maybe you need a replacement handset if
its not holding charge
Reply by Dave from australia on 4th
Oct 2012
Got replacement phone today , see how this one goes.
Reply by John from Ireland on 4th
Oct 2012
I agree with Sam. I am getting two full days of battery power before
charging. The same usage with my S3 was one day, granted it was a bigger
screen though.
Reply by Stephen from Cyprus on 10th
Oct 2012
How is the new battery going?
Reply by Dave from Australia on 17th
Oct 2012
Had 2nd phone for about two weeks now and battery life is much better
, really glad I stuck with this phone and didn't swap for something
else.
Reviewed by Martin from UK on 1st Oct 2012
Well Ive had the phone for a week now so feel I can write a fair review.
Before this I had the I Phone 3GS which I loved.
The positives first, battery lasts ages if you dont use it, longer than
the 3GS but drains quicker if your on it doing things. I'm getting almost
2 days use out of it. The screen quality and speed is light years ahead
of the 3GS. The phone itself feels very solid and the bigger screen
works well in landscape mode for writing texts although u can also speak
in to the phone which picks up sppech very well.
The negatives, its very expensive. Miss the traffic of google maps which
just worked a lot better. SIRI is a gimic as you have to press it to
make it work. Worse of all is the operating system which is looking
very dated next to the Windows phones.
Conclusion, Despite the negatives I love this phone. Its fast, works
well and feels like its well made. If they could update the operating
system it would get five stars. If your a 3GS owner wanting to upgrade
then you wont be disappointed
Rating:
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Reviewed by Fozzy from UK on 30th Sep 2012
Bought a 64gb version sim free in white. Love the build quality as always
and it is exactly what you come to expect from an Iphone. Battery life
is on a par with most smart phone devices. I have no issues with it
except one. It's just an elongated Iphone 4s. Take away that extra 1/2
inch and when put in a phone case (like most Iphones are), most people
couldn't tell the difference. I also have a Galaxy Note, S3 and Razr
Maxx, the Iphone screen is still too small by todays standards. As someone
who paid £700 for a new sim free Iphone 5, I would only recommend it
if you have no previous Iphone 4 incarnations. If you have, save your
money.
Rating:
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Reviewed by Victor James from Uk on 30th Sep 2012
Had an iPhone 4 before this one which was over 2 years old. Was happy
with it all the way and the IOS 5 update was fantastic. A 5 star phone
all the way for me.
Holding this new one in one hand and the old one in another hand, I
could really appreciate how much slimmer/lighter it was. The bigger
screen is a nice touch. It's the right size for a phone, wouldn't want
it any bigger. Styled very well too. Has an upmarket feel and still
feels small.
I like how iCloud just seamlessly transferred everything from the old
one to the new one. The speed of this thing is really good, most of
the time it's lightning fast on 3G. Siri is decent. Facebook integration
is nice to have. Mail VIP is useful too.
I really want to give it 5 stars. But unfortunately the maps spoils
it. Can't do streetview anymore and there are some inaccuracies. I hate
not having google maps on my iPad anymore because of ios 6. I really
want to go back to ios 5
So I am downgrading this from 5 stars to 3 stars. Unfortunately apple
have put their pride (against google) before their paying customers.
Rating:
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Reviewed by Scott from UK on 30th Sep 2012
Sorry but its pants stick with a Galaxy S3 if want the next big thing.
Rating:
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Reply by Mark from Uk on 30th Sep
2012
Great review thanks so much
Reviewed by Mikey from UK on 28th Sep 2012
Ok, had it a week now. Here is the down low (no not that type)
1. Siri is useless
2. Form factor is ok, should be wider, like 4.3 inch screen
3. Bought a case before I got phone so I don't know about scratch issues
4. IOS 6 is no great upgrade
5. Useability is where this phone really shines, sadly without a glitzy
interface (shame)
6. Maps work, it really does.
7. Camera should be 9.6 mpx and front 3.2 (for FaceTime to really work)
8. iTunes is a marmite moment and I hate it but Apps Store new look
is an improvement
9. Battery is great if you don't use it but for a few calls, but begin
YouTube, mail, Facebook and battery is really poor
10. As a phone, absolutely marvellous
11. Internet browsing is better with Chrome than safari
Overall a good phone with a really dated look. However unless Wp8 or
Rim 10 come up with something special, it will be king for another 12
months.
Rating:
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Reply by Jayne from Scotland on 29th
Sep 2012
That is the best summary of the iPhone 5, I have seen and the issues
around dated interface and poor battery do need to be addressed, otherwise
the contenders willl in 2 years, remove the gloss from Apple's halo.
It is not a 5 star phone, 4 yes, 5 no.
Reviewed by John from Ireland on 28th Sep 2012
Its a beautiful phone! Its bigger yet it feels smaller. It feels very
good in the hand and made of good quality materials. iOS 6 is a nice
upgrade. Before I bought my new iPhone today I was aware of the scuff
gate problem so I opened my device in store and thoroughly examined
it and found 3 marks, 2 were tiny and the third was bigger so changed
it for a second one with no problem. Please guys thoroughly examine
your device before you leave the store!
Anyway I am going to give the new iPhone 4 stars and have withheld the
last star for the scratching issue and for what I feel to be an ageing
OS as well as not big enough changes to the form factor. But still a
great handset.
Rating:
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Reviewed by Merv from Uk on 27th Sep 2012
Well. As you do unwrap. It. Look at it first impression is that it is
lighter. And thiner But not a lot bigger its what. It dose that counts.
Out. Of choice. Of hand set I prefer. Samsung s3. But on what I get
out of performing. My every day use. The iPhone comes. Top I hate. It
but love it for the functions. It dose for me. I have scanned. Thou
the iTunes. Apps. And android. Apps. The apps on iPhone that I have
bought. Work. 100%. The apps I have bought on android. 70%. That is
the down fall. The iPhone 5 signal. At the moment. Is the strongest.
I have had for long time I have bought a case that makes it look. Bigger.
Connection. To my Bluetooth is 100%. On my Samsung it was not so good.
Shame. The bottom line is the iPhone. For me works. all day with out
any problems. And that's what I need.
Rating:
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Reply by Mobile Phones UK from UK on
27th Sep 2012
Thank. You. Merv for the. Review.
Reply by Pedro from UK on 3rd Oct
2012
Merv, appreciate you taking the time to review the phone but your use
of punctuation made it almost impossible to read! Very disjointed...
Reviewed by Ste W from United kingdom on 27th
Sep 2012
This phone is mint, the quality and feel is superb and in my opinion
is is way ahead of the rest, love Siri and just all in all a quality
phone, you get what you pay for, it's a solid piece of kit
Rating:
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Reviewed by Keith Farrow from UK on 26th Sep 2012
I migrated to the 5 from a HTC Desire. A very good phone.
First thing I noticed about the iPhone 5 was just how much faster everything
was. It will load a web page on a 3G signal as fast as my HTC did on
WiFi, as for loading under WiFi, well it is on a different planet. Whilst
on the subject of signals, this phone will get a signal in places that
my HTC never did, 3G is picked up in far more places.
Everything about this phone is slicker, screen responsiveness is great,
music is superb quality and camera pictures sharp.
It feels a really high quality phone, build quality seems superb and
it is really easy to hold. I'm not a lover of the massive screens on
some new Android phones, the whole thing gets too big, I wanted a phone
not a tablet. Apple for me have got the size spot on.
Siri seems to work very well for me.
What do I not like? Well I miss the Android ability to configure the
phone exactly as I want, you sort of have to accept what Apple decide
is best for you.
There is one area though where this phone fails dismally............battery
life.
Even when I manually turn off all unused apps, the battery is still
struggling to get through the day. Turn on Bluetooth or maps and it
just eats the battery.
Apple you have let the phone down big time. This failing reduces the
phone from outstanding to merely good. A phone is of no use if it will
not work, no matter how well the rest of it is designed. A real shame.
Rating:
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Reply by Neil from Uk on 1st Oct 2012
Interesting, maybe a fault with your battery. I use my phone with Bluetooth
and I'm charging every other day! I'm amazed by it. I'm writing this
at 2202 with 22 %battery having not charged since yesterday morning.
I surf, email, text and watch the odd video during the day
Reviewed by Max from uk on 26th Sep 2012
I have been an avid follower of the iphone, this is the 4th version
I have owned. But although is saddens me say - it will probably be my
last.
Iphone has lost its feel good factor, apple feel that they can release
the smallest of changes and keep thier audience chained to them. But
not me, may even consider selling it on and moving to the darkside.
RIP Stevie Jobs
Rating:
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Reply by Haroon from UK on 27th Sep
2012
Why spoil a winning formula. Apple have got a great product which is
the envy of the world. I love my iphone 5 (i upgraded from iPhone 4).
If it wasn't for the original iPhone, there would be no tablets or consumer
oriented smartphones at all.
Reviewed by Ross from UK on 25th Sep 2012
I've been an Android user for the past 18 months with the wonderful
HTC Desire HD. That was a fantastic phone, but I missed my 3GS and the
apps I had purchased from before, so I thought I would give Apple another
try. I was very close to cancelling after I read the reports of Scuffgate
in the news. My White 64Gb arrived and I opened it to be confronted
with 6 nicks on the bottom, the phone itself was still sealed but dirty.
After seeking details of returning my phone I had a closer inspection
and the nicks (or what I thought were nicks) rubbed off. Cleaned with
a microfibre cloth and the phone was pristine apart from a bit of fluff
which has entered the casing. This really is unacceptable to send out
phones like this. I have never, ever encountered this even with the
cheapest of handsets.
Anyway. Now that the phone has been used a couple of days, I must say
it's incredible. It's fast, light and does everything better than my
last fews smartphones. It connects quickly to my car for Bluetooth,
gets better connection at places I struggled before and Siri is working
well with my Scottish accent. The battery seems to be holding up too.
I have all the settings on and it's not getting drained too fast (maybe
that's after having the desire HD - it's battery was pitifully small
- And yes you could replace it if you wanted but it was horrible to
get the cover off)
Last thing. Get a case. It's far too easily damaged. I know this is
something Apple products have always been like, but it's getting old
now. You can't even look at it, but it's threatening to be scratched.
5 Stars for the phone. 1 star for the state it was in when it arrived
and minus one for the Apple store in Aberdeen that had no accessories
at all. Nothing. No cases, no adapters, screen covers etc (not sold
out - they'd never even had any stock). Thank goodness for Carphone
Warehouse.
Rating:
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Reviewed by First Time Apple Buyer from UK on
23rd Sep 2012
This is my first iPhone and to be honest I would consider myself an
android fanboy. Previously I have owned an HTC hero, HTC Desire, HTC
Desire S and most recently a Samsung Galaxy S3.
My only reason for buying the iPhone is that I'm supplied an iPad and
iMac in a job I'm about to start so I wanted a totally compatible phone.
I bought the phone from Apple on Saturday am and my first thought on
picking up the demo instore was that the home felt like a children's
toy compared to my S3.
Although I was taken by the solid feel, I think my opinion was formed
more due to it's small feel vs the substantial S3. Putting the iPhone
on top of the S3 it's pretty much the same size as the S3 screen!!
I went ahead and bought it thinking that if I can't get along with it
I'd give it to my wife and live with comparability issues.
Here I am just over a later typing this a complete convert. This phone
is just incredible. What is most incredible though is that in many areas
the S3 wins...I think the S3 has abetted screen, more adaptable with
widgets etc, bigger screen for viewing media spring to mind.
But I can't put this iPhone down. Once getting used to the smaller size
(which will actually be a godsend given how much I travel), it just
feels superb in hand and does everything I want really well. I find
it at least as fast as the S3 if not faster and genuinely find iOS6
a work of art (let's not discuss maps though).
The battery on the iPhone wipes the floor with the S3 which with moderate
use often needed a blast of juice by 7pm.
The most pleasing discovery is the music player and ear pods...the S3
was pants, I'm currently listening to The Who and loving it.. Next long
haul flight will be a breeze!!
So in summary, if you want the best phone on the market in terms of
paper specs then go and buy and S3. If you just want the best phone
then get an iPhone 5. But do me a favour, don't go waving it around
outside the Apple store wearing designer glasses and sporting a man
bag!!
Rating:
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Reply by First Time Apple Buyer from UK on
24th Sep 2012
Please forgive the typos in my review
Reviewed by Haroon from UK on 23rd Sep 2012
I upgraded from the iPhone 4 to the iPhone 5 and quite simply this is
the best phone I've ever had. The phone is incredibly light and is effortless
to use. Absolutely outstanding!
Rating:
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Reviewed by xenon from uk on 22nd Sep 2012
Bit of a let down .... galaxy S3 is better
Rating:
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Reviewed by Iceman from Luton UK on 22nd Sep 2012
I hardly write any reviews but after reading some reviews I am compelled
to give you my personal experience of the iPhone 5. I am a bit perplexed
to read how people jump to buy an apple product then they begin whinging.
I have had the iPhone 5 since yesterday and in one word I would say
its Amazing. Very solid and classy build, very responsive and fast processor
and an absolutely stunning display. And the apple customer service is
without a doubt the best.
I have used the Samsung S3 for a month and this phone is way better
in every aspect. Looks,build and the classy IOS and if your S3 goes
wrong you have to send it off and wait for three weeks twitching your
thumbs. The S3 has a known problem of overheating!! Now the only downside
i have noticed so far is that battery is similar to 4S and that could
be because it hasn't been charged fully !
I would highly recommend to anyone it's a brilliant phone with a solid
and stable iOS. If you want to be an iPhone wannabe then buy Samsung,
HTC or any other.
Rating:
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Reviewed by bc from uk on 22nd Sep 2012
Firstly, I'm not an apple hater, had a 3gs &4s, just amazed that with
all the premium hype it turns up like someone had dropped it, just google
this, scuffgate and see the many users and aritcles
Rating: Reply
Reviewed by Bally from UK on 22nd Sep 2012
Sublime, build quality is like my BMW, superb. And why should my phone
be plastic? It should be built to last, look like it really is worth
the money, will still within my contract work...I love htc also but
I have just upgraded back to iPhone, it's fast, new screen and display
are awesome, Siri is really slick now, tinternet is blistering fast,
4g is going to be out of this world, the new casing is classy looking...battery
good, panoramic camera is unreal.I do miss android for personalising
home and apps the way I want, but you can't have everything eh...
I know there are apple haters, just like Manchester United haters now...
Or Liverpool haters back in the day...but the fact is, when success
is apparent, people naturally hate something...
I rest my case...
If u can afford it buy it, if you can't, get an S3, Sony or Nokia free
on a £20 p/m contract and keep hating lol
Rating:
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Reply by Sam from Leeds on 23rd Sep
2012
Well said.. Nothing worse than a squeaky plastic phone!!!
Reply by Scott from Dumfries on 24th
Sep 2012
Funny, I have a plastic-backed Galaxy S2 which when I bought it, some
folk said "Oh, it's so flimsy compared to an iPhone!". However, I have
found it to be very solid and have had no issues with it whatsoever
and I believe the S3 is better again. On the other hand, the number
of iPhone owners I know who have had to replace cracked front screens
or back plates because they have breathed on it is unreal...
Reply by P Stonhead from UK on 27th
Sep 2012
Worst I've got a BMW and an iPhone 5 review ever
Reply by Bally from UK on 29th Sep
2012
And it's a brand new M5...lol boo hoo for you P Stonhead...it goes nice
with my iPhone 5 Must be a Nokia mars bar owner, remember them because
he/she does lol
Reply by Mobile Phones UK from UK on
30th Sep 2012
OK, that's enough BMW humour, boys.
Reply by Jay from UK on 14th Oct 2012
I'm fed up with apple fans saying "you only buy Android because you
can't afford iPhone," fact is the Android flagships are just about as
expensive a the iPhone maybe 5 quid a month less, we Android users are
not envious that you have an iPhone and we don't, we could have had
one but choose something else because maybe we want to send stuff visa
Bluetooth or use or phones as USB mass storage devices or even just
carry a spare battery that we can swap over ourselves when our big screens
and multiple cores deplete the first one. I don't hate apple devices
but I do hate people who think they're better than me just because they
have an iPhone and I have a galaxy s2.
Reply by Freddy from UK on 22nd Nov
2012
Got given an Iphone 5 as a work phone last month and I already had an
S2 as a personal phone. My personal contract is about to run out too
on my S2, so was in a dilemma, to stick with just the Iphone 5, or upgrade
to s3???? Neither, my S2 is still the nuts, got 3 spare batteries to
take with me again this year to Reading festival so I don't have to
join the hideous queues to charge my phone or pay £25 for a pants little
rip off charger. My contract was £26 a month 900 minutes, unlimited
texts + 1.5GB of Data. Find me an iPhone with a contract like this.
Doubt i'll even upgrade to the S4, just cut my contract down, best part
is, the maps still work too.
Reviewed by G from England on 22nd Sep 2012
Mine too looks as if its been used previously for a while out of the
box. its a good phone, but it has no groundbreaking features, which
we have come to expect from high end smart phones. It seems like another
"filler". i went from galaxy s2 and have used galaxy s3, and the screen
quality on the Samsung cannot be matched. Id say 3/5.
Rating:
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Reviewed by Mark from Uk on 22nd Sep 2012
Well it seems the apple haters are out. I wonder if they have actually
got one or not? I have and it's great not sure where they get that the
quality is poor from. It feels solid and has a nice bright screen that
is responsive and clear. The feel of the phone is really quick and very
little lag. As for the first reviewer If your phone is damaged tell
apple about it and they will replace it there customer service is great.
I think it comes down to of you like apple product you like them and
you would be happy with the new phone. I went from a 3GS and I'm very
happy. I didn't get an android phone because they have gone to big I
need a phone I can get in my pocket and the latest android phones are
just to big. And I'm not just a apple fan boy as I have an android tablet.
Why do I have one because its better and cheaper than an IPad and it
suits my needs. So basically buy the phone that best suits your needs
and lets stop the hating.
Rating:
Reply
Reply by John from Ireland on 22nd
Sep 2012
Who is hating? Seems like people are just leaving their feedback and
their opinions... You can't call people haters just because their opinion
of a product is different from your own. Even though i think the new
iphone is great not everyone will agree, thats life.
Reviewed by Mike S from UK on 21st Sep 2012
Just my iPhone 5 upgraded from the 4. In terms of speed it's streets
ahead, loading safari pages over wifi is like 10 times faster, I'm impressed
with that. You tube vids load much quicker. I tested my 4 and the 5
over the same wifi connection. I like the new form factor looks cool
in white, also the lighter weight feels beefed in the hand. Siri seems
slower than expected, but never had the 4s to compare to.
The camer in low light with flash on is definitely better, not sure
so much without the flash. The speaker is loads better, and I'm sure
the Air Play sound with my Zeplin is better too.
Still a few more things to test but so far I'm pleased and impressed.
Rating:
Reply
Reviewed by Garry from England on 21st Sep 2012
Like the previous reviewer mine was not perfect out of the box-it came
with minor scuff marks around the edge. The phone itself-I noticed that
it was faster than my 4s but not dramatically so. The 4s became significantly
faster once I had downloaded iOS 6 on to it and also benefitted from
a full screen option when browsing. The screen on the 5 has a less greenish
and more natural tint to it, although there's not much in it in this
respect. The extra screen size is useful as the text comes out larger
than on the 4s (in landscape mode), and is easier to read. Some may
complain about the light weight having a detrimental effect on perceived
quality, and I can understand this. However this makes the 5 easier
to hold in 1 hand despite the larger screen, so I can understand apples
thinking behind this decision to reduce the weight. I do not use apple
or google maps so cannot comment on this. The camera I feel has definitely
not improved from the 4s, the photos taken so far coming out less sharp
than the 4s and also the photos do not fill up the screen, having black
bars on either side. I obviously cannot comment on battery life yet
as I just purchased it today. Overall so far I feel that although the
screen enhancements are welcome, I think the camera needs improvement
(possibly this can be done through an early iOS update), and I am aware
of the problems encountered in apples maps replacement. Because I use
the phone mostly for browsing the phone represents a decent enough upgrade
for me, but I can understand if others are underwhelmed by this phone.
I bought the phone intending to give the 4s to my wife, and I would
say that overall it is better than the 4s but it is not worth upgrading
unless at the end of a contract as the 4s with an ios6 download gives
you 90% of the performance of the iphone5
Rating:
Reply
Reviewed by bc from uk on 21st Sep 2012
mine has just arrived, box is unmarked, yet the unit has chipped marks
around the edges, shame, poor and rushed.
Rating: Reply
Reviewed by Ken from Birmingham, UK on 21st Sep
2012
Oh my days, just got home and all I can say is, What have I done? Or
more to the point what have Apple done? Having had a 3G and 4! I had
set my heart on a Windows Phome 8 device but got pulled in by the smoke
and mirrors of Applle.
The elongated form factor is down right ugly (hugly), the feel is cheap,
the phone doesn't look or feel isn't the quality that the 4 or 4S have.
What have I done?
I genuinely thought I was getting the latest state of the art device
and deliberately stayed away from the Galaxy S3 because it is a cheaply
constructed device, but so is this new iPhone!
What have I done?
Anyone with common sense who reads this should consider WP8 or any top
class Android device, as this is a real let down.
Rating: Reply
Reply by Sam from Leeds on 21st Sep
2012
Nothing cheap about the feel of this iphone!!... I had all iphones including
the 4 & 4s & just now I was looking at my old 4s & holding it & it felt
cheap & fat!.. This is sleek & beautiful. & the screen is big enough
without being massive.. A lovely designed piece of equipment from apple
Reply by Paul from UK on 21st Sep
2012
Well what can i say, i had mine delivered at 10.00am and its fantastic.
I have had a Samsung Galaxy S3 and anyone that claims it is better is
just fooling themselves. Ken from Birmingham should sell it if he doesn't
want it as there will be millions that do. Sorry but if you cant spell
Apple you should probably stick to Windows anyway. What have you done,
you have purchased a really superior product that will give good service,be
reliable and easy to use, look great and if you look after it you will
be able to sell it next year for iPhone 5S or 6. I really do wish Microsoft
luck with their windows 8 Phone because Apple need some competition
as they aren't getting enough at the moment. I am not an Apple nut or
fanboy i just like the quality phones they make.
Reply by MikeHunt from UK on 24th
Sep 2012
@Paul. Apple aren't getting enough competition at the moment.... A quick
Google to check their smartphone market share should set you right on
that one. As a hardware manufacturer they are top, but when you look
at the OS penetration, Android is wiping the floor with iOS. Yes they
make most of the profit, but they don't make most of the smart phones.
Reply by Paul from Uk on 25th Sep
2012
@very clever name. Apple aren't getting enough competition at the moment...I
was referring to quality competition, there are lots and lots of phones
made using the Android OS so it's obvious that they will have a larger
share. Samsung, HTC, Sony just to name a few, all make great premium
products, they just dont feel as good. In reply to Ken from Birmingham
though, seriously 1 star for iPhone 5??? He got home with it and considered
"the elongated form factor down right ugly" and the "feel is cheap",
so ken went to the shop, where they were on display, didn't look at
them, didn't feel them, he just bought it! What has he done....I'll
leave it there!
Reply by Freddy from Uk on 22nd Nov
2012
@Sam Lmao! 4 & 4s feel cheap now? is that because as soon as 12:00am
hits on the day of the new iPhone release anything other than the new
iPhone becomes pants. You're an idiot mate, i'll probably be seeing
you in the Darwin awards dying of exposure queuing up for the next release
because you didn't wanna be caught on the day of release with something
other than the new iPhone whattaberk!
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