We review the iPhone 5 vs. iPhone 4S to see whether it’s really worth you forking out all that extra money for the latest version of the Apple series.
Looking good
When you check out the iPhone 5, the first thing that you notice is that it is aesthetically more pleasing to the eye than its predecessor.
Slightly taller, it looks a little smoother, with its expensive-looking aluminum back.
However, although it’s a tiny bit slimmer, it’s around the same width and only half an inch bigger.
The twin speakers give the iPhone 5 a greater sense of balance than the iPhone 4, which has one external speaker, however, when put to the test, the 5 is negligibly louder, so it’s all about the appearance.
Hardier?
The iPhone 5 has a crystal lens cover that is difficult to scratch, even if like myself, one of your hobbies is dropping your phone at every opportunity. With the scratch-free lens, you should notice a marked difference in image quality when you check your pics.
There is also the fact that the aluminum back should be sturdier than the old glass back.
However, that is probably a moot point when you consider the corners are still glass and when you drop a phone, it’s the corners that inevitably hit the deck first.
Multi-tasking – Review – iPhone 5 vs. iPhone 4S
When you compare the iPhone 5 to the iPhone 4s, one of the few places where there is a marked improvement is the installation of apps.
Whereas with the 4, you could only install one at a time, the 5 can install multiple apps simultaneously.
Brighten up your day
Another area where the 5 has clearly improved on its little sister is the colors.
More vivid colors give make images look much more real and this is particularly noticeable with images and games.
Neck and neck – Is it worth the extra cost?
When it comes to operating speed there’s very little in it.
Despite an improved Dual-core 1.2 GHz processor, there is very little difference when it comes to loading apps and games; in fact, some apps actually run slightly faster on the 4S.
Wi-Fi speeds are also around the same, with both performing well. Internet browsing is also pretty much identical.
One of the things that is quite irritating about the iPhone 5 is that many games and apps haven’t been optimized for the bigger screen and as such, it’s very often of no use.
A big screen is all well and good, but when you have an area on both sides that is not being used, you are as well to have a smaller phone.
Why bother? Will there be a new iPhone 5S or 5C out soon?
In our Review – iPhone 5 vs. iPhone 4S, in summary, the iPhone 5 just felt a tiny bit better than the 4s, however, it’s tough to put your finger on exactly why.
The reality is that Apple has dominated the mobile market for some years and has been able to drip-feed their loyal customer’s tiny improvements, knowing that many will dig deep to keep upgrading.
Now Samsung is competing very well and both Sony and HTC have released superb handsets in the shape of the Experia Z and One respectively.
Either Apple will have to start releasing the technology that they are currently withholding, or they could be in for a rough ride over the coming few years.
Especially with Samsung now doing more than just breathing heavily down their neck.
