Apple still thinks you’re too stupid to change the battery in an iPhone. But, other than that, judging only by specifications – not the actual performance of the iDevice – the iPhone 5 looks like a winner. Apple says the battery life will be longer for the iPhone 5 than for the iPhone 4S. The stats on apple.com are just wishful thinking for normal usage. We won’t know anything about battery life until we start using it in the real world.
It’s a little thinner (7.6mm), a little lighter (112 grams) and has a bigger, better display (1136×640 326 ppi) than the iPhone 4S.
It is 4G LTE compatible – this is a big deal; it means your phone could work on 4G LTE systems globally (should carriers allow). It also has dual-channel ultra-fast WiFi capability. If you don’t know what that is, don’t worry about it — it just means that under some circumstances, you can get some excellent broadband connectivity over WiFi.
It has a faster computer inside. The A6 chip is about 2 times faster than the processor in an iPhone 4S.
It will run iOS 6 – which has some nice features.
The cameras are better. 8 megapixels facing out that can shoot 1080p HD video. It has a 720p camera facing you for awesome Facetime fun.
New connectors – all your old docks are not usable. There will be an adaptor – it will create an aesthetically offensive experience and all kinds of issues for people who have built-in iPhone stuff. There’s a lesson there – I won’t belabor the point.
Preorder on September 14th, pick-up on September 21. Know that if you don’t order immediately you will wait – this phone will sell out immediately.
The prices are $199, $299 and $399 depending upon how much storage you want. No, there’s no slot for additional storage, so get ready to pony-up $399.