iPhone 5 – Down & Dirty: Quick List of New Features

In what was perhaps the biggest tech story of the year, yesterday Apple announced it’s highly anticipated iPhone 5. While many believe that Apple is beginning to focusing more on evolution than revolution, the improvements to the new iPhone will surely be a welcome improvement to the 4S.

Pricing remains the same: $199 for 16gb – $299 for 32gb – $399 for 64gb

 

4” Display

The “biggest” news of the new iPhone is its larger 4” screen. A welcome addition to those who have wanted more screen real estate. Apple has maintained its pixel density of 326 ppi (Retina) while giving users a 5^th row of apps.

 

LTE

While 4g has come to mean a variety of technologies (HPSA+ on AT&T/T-Mobile) (WiMax on Sprint) (LTE on Verizon, AT&T and Sprint), the fasted of which, LTE is finally available on the iPhone. Bear in mind that the networks (AT&T, Verizon and Sprint) are still rolling out their LTE coverage. So for those of us in the St. Louis area, we are currently covered by only AT&T and Verizon.

 

Improved Camera

Apple announced a revamped 8 megapixel “iSight” camera, which features a sapphire crystal lens for improved durability and clearer photos. It also boasts improved image stabilization features as well as improved low light performance. Mobile photographers will also be pleased to know that the iPhone 5 in conjunction with new software will allow users to take 240 degree panoramic photos as well.

 

A6 Processor

The iPhone 5 is the first Apple product to utilize the new mobile A6 processor. Apple reports that this processor uses less energy while improving CPU performance and graphic performance by 2:1 over the previous A5 chip.

 

Smaller Port

For those who were tired of the cumbersome 30-pin dock connector that’s been found on mobile Apple products for past several years, Apple has introduced a smaller 9-pin connector that they’ve dubbed “Lightning”. Not to be confused with Apple’s USB 3.0 competitor Thunderbolt, Lightning is based on USB 2.0, but features a sent-from-the-heavens reversible port design; so no more fumbling to make sure you’ve got the cable plugged in the right direction. Unfortunately for those with “old” accessories, you’ll be forced to purchase a separate 30-pin to 9-pin adapter that will run between $29.95 and $39.95.

 

Aluminum Body & Reduced Weight

Apple has forgone the complete glass back of the previous iPhone and a body of mostly aluminum to give the iPhone 5 a sleeker look. The top and bottom portion of the backside are still made of glass, but the introduction of aluminum has brought down the thickness by 18% and the weight by 20%.  

 

New Wi-Fi

Somewhat of a technical improvement, but Apple has introduced the standard of 802.11n and 5GHz Wi-Fi for the iPhone 5. This means higher data throughput speeds and for those with dual band routers, the 5GHz option allows to take your iPhone off the 2.4GHz band that is used for most other electronics.

 

EarPods

If there was a true “surprise” announcement, it would be that Apple unveiled revamped earbud headphones for its mobile devices. Sold separately for $29.95, these new “EarPods” feature improved noise-cancelling functionality as well as technology that uses three separate cables to enhance audio quality.

 

What do you think of the improvements? Let us know in the comment section below.