I have now had my iPhone 5 for two weeks – using it for work and leisure – here are a few of my thoughts about it.
Work
This iPhone just like my previous one is an excellent business tool. It keeps me in contact with my staff and clients, connects with the company hosted exchange server and allows me to access the data stored on our virtual server. The camera is great for taking screen shots and for photographing documents and I can share them straight from the phone – the updated iOS 6 email client helps with this, now allowing multiple images per email.
Battery Life
I am still unconvinced by the battery life, I think it is shorter than my iPhone 4. I still carry my emergency power pack with me, which works with the lightening/30 pin adaptor.
One of the reasons it is probably less is that the processing speed of the phone is much faster. It is noticeable when I use the camera app Pro HDR which is very processor intensive, it was slow on the 4 and is quick on the 5.
Headphones
I used these for the first time today, whilst walking in Scotland, and they sound as good as it states in the advert and they are comfortable to wear all day. The big problem would be how expensive a replacement set would be?
Case and screen protector
My phone gets hard use, not only at work but when I am walking and backpacking, so some protection for the phone is needed. The case I got from Tesco is really good, it is a soft case and gives a secure grip. The iPhone 5 is a “slippery” phone and when I am holding the phone over a river to get a really good photograph I do not want to drop it. Today I was holding the phone out over a cliff!
The case does not add much to slim dimensions of the phone.
Camera
The better camera was the top reason I wanted this phone – I am a keen photographer (every day last year I posted at least one photo every day and I have continued it for 2013 Clive’s Blog) and the only camera I use is my iPhone.
8-megapixel iSight camera
Panorama mode
Video recording, HD (1080p) up to 30 frames per second with audio
Autofocus
Tap to focus video or still images
Face detection in video or still images
LED flash
Improved video stabilization
Photo and video geotagging
Making a call
I do not think the phone reception is as good as my previous iPhone – when I am in my living room at home the signal drops in and out, it didn’t do that on the 4. I struggle for 3G at the same place – the 4 was fine.
What’s missing?
I have had a number of new phones over the years, a perk of my job. When I got them I was always excited to see what was new. Martin has recently got a new Samsung S3, bigger screen, thinner, faster, configure the screen for your needs etc etc etc. I got my iPhone 5, an extra row of icons, a faster chip, 4G if you live in the right place, a better camera but to be honest this is the iPhone 4G Camera Edition.
This new phone had no wow factor. Be careful Apple I want to be “wowed” by the iPhone 6.
