Apple iPhone 5 Pro Reviews

As is, it's hard to recommend that AT&T users to stay put, but its one ace in the hole - the ability to maintain a voice call and surf the Internet at the same time - can't be dismissed. Even those with the greatest incentive to leave, i.e. the desire to conduct FaceTime over cellular without being forced into a shared plan, may still want to stay.

In our initial days of using the iPhone 5 on Verizon's LTE network, we've come away pleased with the results, as it's been speedy and reliable in regular use. It's about on par with other Verizon LTE handsets we've tested in the same market, though for longtime Apple users, it's a late but appreciated revolution that dramatically enhances the iOS 6 experience.

A taller screen and a sumptuous redesign for the iconic smartphone, but Apple’s latest iPhone falls tantalisingly short of a place on our A-List

The Apple iPhone 5 smartphone underwent the scrutiny of two reviewers during our in-depth test. The verdict was pretty much unanimous. Even though the device may divide opinions on the web, it ultimately remains a smartphone with both strengths and weaknesses. There is no "Killer Feature", but perhaps it does not really need one. Compared to the iPhone 4S, Apple has made improvements on many fronts. That said, we would have already expected some of the innovations in the previous generation. The completely redesigned case leaves a very good impression. It's stable, it's very slim measuring just 7.6 millimeters in thickness, and the workmanship is convincing as well, even though some users have complained of manufacturing problems (ScuffGate). The decreased total weight is also quickly felt in practice. The newly introduced Lightning Connector replaces the 30 pin connector after almost ten years, which means that many accessories now only work with an adapter, for which Apple charges a hefty premium. That's especially true for the Micro-USB adapter for the European market. The device can score further points with its improved camera modules, up to date wireless technologies, and iOS 6.

The iPhone 5 has stepped forward with a long list of refinements and improvements, clearly surpassing its predecessor and the majority of its competitors. The screen stretch may not be enough to convince many Android owners to defect, and the phone lacks nascent tech such as NFC, Wi-Fi direct and water-resistant internal coating. Despite our frustration with Maps, which will likely be sorted out in the near future, the sixth-generation iPhone is hard to beat. The design is aesthetically pleasing and compact, the LTE radio promises fast downloads, the camera takes great pictures, and the battery life is great for most users. Is it the perfect phone? No—we haven't handled anything deserving of that title, but the iPhone 5 is pretty close. iPhone hardware has continued to advance in leaps and bounds, leaving us waiting for the operating system to move farther forward. Google's "open" platform is refreshing in this regard, however we have yet to see an Android device that has surpassed Apple's polish. This is still a two-horse race, running neck-and-neck for the foreseeable future.

With a sublime, but familiar design inside and out, a speedy new processor, fast LTE, and the best apps in the business, the new iPhone is like the old iPhone, just much better.

The iPhone 5 has a lot to prove. While it’s definitely the best iPhone to date in most respects, a number of small issues hold it back from being the undisputed dominant phone this year. iOS app problems, awkward power button placement, a cramped screen (tall, but thin), a Lightning adapter delay, and unimpressive battery life are a few issues that haunt Apple’s sixth iPhone. But even with these issues, the gorgeous camera, beautiful “Retina” display, robust app ecosystem, and premium build quality make it a top contender and worthy of consideration by any smartphone buyer, Apple fan or not. With the Galaxy S3, a line of Razrs, the HTC One X/EVO 4G LTE, and many other top-notch phones hitting the market (including some Windows Phone 8), weigh your options. Those who use a lot of Google services should also be weary. We had a tough time importing our Google contacts and have yet to get all of our calendars synced up, among other things.

Undeniably, the iPhone 5 is the most highly anticipated smartphone of the year – rightfully so considering that this sixth-generation sees one major design overhaul! For some time now, the competition has been leaping over the iPhone 4S’ specs sheet, but with the introduction of the iPhone 5, Apple has seemingly addressed many of the desires and wants of iPhone owners. Upgraded for the modern world, we appreciate the change to a larger 4-inch Retina Display, but even more impressive, is the reality that its overall footprint is still easy on the hands – as opposed to the overimposing stature of some of its rivals. And with that, the iPhone 5 continues to stand tall and proudly as being one of the classiest looking devices on the market – aided by its impeccable construction and quality choice of materials. In fact, it’s treated more like a piece of jewelry than anything else! Additionally, it’s nice to see that 4G LTE connectivity is now on board with the iPhone, which again brings it up to the modern world.

What Apple has created with the iPhone 5 is an extremely polished smartphone that oozes appeal. It's incredibly well built, easy to use, features a beautiful screen, and comes packed with enough speed and power to service all your requirements. The hardware is just stunning. It really is impressive how much is crammed into such a tiny box. On the software front the story isn't as cut and dry. Apple's iOS operating system is clean and easy to use, but iOS 6 adds little to the story over iOS 5. It doesn't feel like it has taken the same leap forward as the hardware, and that this version of the OS has been more about filling gaps or replacing services rather than re-writing what's available from the ground up. There are some nice touches, but they are just that.

Competition between mobile platforms keeps the industry moving and innovating. That can often present itself as a surfeit of innovation: feature upon feature, piled high in an all-singing, all-dancing device. Right now, the iPhone 5 has the best balance of everyday usability and performance, without the distraction of functionality that is clever but unintuitive. It’s an area in which Apple excels, and it’s the reason the iPhone 5 is one of the best smartphones on the market today.

The iPhone 5 completely rebuilds the iPhone on a framework of new features and design, addressing its major previous shortcomings. It's absolutely the best iPhone to date, and it easily secures its place in the top tier of the smartphone universe.