Apple iPhone 5: Pros and Cons
Apple announced the launch of the iPhone 5 smartphone in 2012. The manufacturer is offering this smartphone with 4 inch IPS display, Apple A6 SoC, and 1 GB of RAM. The smartphone runs on the iOS 6 operating system. This phone uses a high resolution 640 x 1136 px, 4 inch IPS display. This phone has only one rear-camera (8 MP, 3264 x 2448 px, autofocus) on its back for photos and videos.
Table of Contents
- Apple iPhone 5 specifications
- Weight, dimensions, colors
- System, chipset, performance
- Display type, size, resolution
- Memory, storage
- Cameras, flash
- Connectivity, network, wireless
- Battery type, capacity, charger
- Features, sensors, specials
- Verdict, pros and cons
This article shares our personal experiences and thoughts about using the Apple iPhone 5 smartphone. We hope to offer helpful insights to others interested in this device. The specifications below are from the official manufacturer data, but we also consider user reviews. If you've seen any mistakes or things missing in these specifications, please let us know.
Apple iPhone 5 specifications
| Brand | Apple |
|---|---|
| Name | iPhone 5 |
| Model | IP5 |
| Release date | 2012 |
Weight, dimensions, colors
| Weight | 3.95 oz |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 4.87 x 2.31 x 0.3 inch |
| Colors | black/slate, white/silver |
| SIM type | Nano SIM |
The weight of the Apple iPhone 5 is still considered to be lightweight and portable. Smartphones use a Nano SIM as a subscriber identity module (SIM), which is a chip card.
System, chipset, performance
| OS version | iOS 6 |
|---|---|
| SoC | Apple A6 |
| CPU | Dual-core 1.3 GHz Swift |
| GPU | PowerVR SGX543 MP3 |
The Apple iPhone 5 comes with iOS 6 out of the box. iOS includes a range of proprietary features and apps, such as Siri, FaceTime, and iMessage. This Apple A6 CPU can be fast enough for basic phone operations. Many consider PowerVR GPUs to highly compete with other leading mobile GPUs.
Display type, size, resolution
| Display type | IPS |
|---|---|
| Screen size | 4 inch |
| Resolution | 640 x 1136 px |
| Multitouch support | yes |
People know IPS for its wide viewing angles. It also has accurate color reproduction. Smaller smartphones are generally more compact and easier to handle. The display size is the diagonal distance from one corner of the screen to the opposite corner.
Memory, storage
| RAM | 1 GB |
|---|---|
| Internal storage | 16 GB |
| Memory card slot | no |
1 GB of RAM is not typically considered to be enough for a smartphone. Having more RAM alone does not guarantee better performance. If you use your smartphone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and browsing the web, 32GB may be sufficient for your needs. The internal storage of the Apple iPhone 5 (1 GB) cannot be expanded.
Cameras, flash
| Main camera | 8 MP, 3264 x 2448 px, autofocus |
|---|---|
| Flash | LED |
| Selfie camera | 1.2 MP |
You may have budget limits. Or, you may prioritize other features over a multi-camera system. If so, this single camera setup can be a good choice. The iPhone 5 does not have optical image stabilization (OIS).
Connectivity, network, wireless
| GSM 2G bands | 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
|---|---|
| Network coverage | 2G / 3G / 4G |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n |
| Bluetooth | v4.0, A2DP, LE |
| GPS | A-GPS, GLONASS |
| NFC | no |
| FM radio | no |
| USB | Lightning |
| Headphone | 3.5 mm jack |
The Apple iPhone 5 supports 4G/LTE networks. This Apple phone can connect to Wi-Fi networks at home, at work, or in public places. You can use Bluetooth to connect your iPhone 5 smartphone to many Bluetooth devices. This phone has a built-in GPS receiver. The phone isn't NFC (Near Field Communication) capable. NFC is not essential for basic phone functionality, but it can be useful. The 3.5 mm headphone jack allows you to connect wired headphones or earphones to the device.
Battery type, capacity, charger
| Type | Li-Po 1440 mAh, non-removable |
|---|
The Li-Po 1440 mAh, non-removable battery gives the smartphone a good battery backup. The lithium polymer (Li-Po) battery is a light-weight, rechargeable battery. The iPhone 5 does not have a removable battery, it integrates the battery into the phone's design.
Features, sensors, specials
| Sensors | accelerometer, compass, gyroscope, proximity |
|---|
Today, smartphones come with many sensors. They help make the user experience better. The accelerometer provides information about the smartphone's movement in three axes. These are X (horizontal), Y (vertical), and Z (depth).
Verdict, pros and cons
Every phone has its strengths and weaknesses, and this Apple phone is no exception. As with any device, there are aspects that shine and others that fall short. By examining both sides, we can paint a complete picture of what this phone has to offer. Let's explore its standout features and areas for improvement. Remember, this is just my opinion, and yours might be different.
Pros
- none
Cons
- limited-size screen
- insufficient memory
- insufficient internal storage
- non-expandable storage
- single camera setup
- no OIS function
- no 5G support
- no NFC feature
- low-capacity battery
- no fingerprint reader
Please let us know if you find incorrect information or something isn't working. Also, tell us if you have a suggestion for improvement.
I'm Lucas Bradley, the founder of the Phone42.com site. I love technology, especially smartphones, and I've been working with tech stuff for more than 20 years. This means I've seen a lot of changes and have learned a bunch about what makes a good phone. On Phone42.com, I look at all kinds of phones. They can be from big, well-known companies or new ones trying to make their mark. I want to help people understand what's new and cool in the world of smartphones, in a way that's easy to get.