iPhone 5

Everything iPhone 5

Welcome to the everything iPhone 5 hub, where we provide you with the ultimate resource center. You’ll find reviews, cases, news, how-to guides and how to find help with your device.

The iPhone 5 is Apple’s fastest, lightest smartphone. Announced on September 12, 2012 at Yerba Beuna Center for the Arts in San Francisco, pre-orders started just two days later on September 14th, 2012. Pre-orders were sold out in record time. Apple latest iPhone features iOS 6, billed as the most advanced operating system on a mobile device. Despite that claim, this update featured the removal of Google powered Maps in favor of Apple’s new Maps application. Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO has since apologized for the poor job on Maps, suggesting customers look at third party alternatives. There are plenty of great options, most notably Google Maps.

What’s Important
Bigger 4-inch Display: The biggest thing is the bigger display. For the first time since it’s origination in 2007, the screen size has been increased from 3.5-inches to a new 4-inch retina display. Apps that don’t support the new display will still work, with black bars appearing at the top and bottom.
Faster Wireless Speeds: Also new is support for 4G LTE. At some point, carriers like AT&T and Verizon started displaying a 4G icon to represent HSPA+, an update of their 3G networks. This version supports full 4G LTE, which can result vastly faster download and upload speeds.
Incredibly Light: Bigger yes, but it’s also incredibly light. This was accomplished by utilizing anodized aluminum compared to the previous generation which was largely made of glass. This material can scuff, but it will not shatter into pieces, a problem with the 4 and 4S.

Buyer’s Guide

While some updates are more evolutionary in nature, that’s not the case with the 6th generation model. While you can get discounts on the previous model, when comparing iPhone 4S vs iPhone 5, there is no comparison. As a consumer, you have to consider the subsidy you are receiving when purchasing a new phone. If you were to purchase without a contract, it would be $700 or more. The wireless providers are discounting your phone due to years of service commitment. For that reason and since you can only receive a full subsidy once every two years, it makes sense to get the most for your money. If the option is $200 vs Free, it is worth paying the additional money. Not only are you getting a superior phone, you’ll likely recoup your investment if/when you sell your phone.

Colors
You can choose between white/silver or black/slate. There were rumors of scuffing primarily on the black and slate models, but those have for the most part proven to be false.

Storage
Options are 16GB, 32GB or 64GB. We recommend you check the size of your music library along with factoring in any videos, photos that you’ll want to keep stored on your new iPhone. To save on storage, you can subscribe to iTunes Match for $24.99 per year. You can stream all of your music from iCloud, without having it on your device. If you are going to be outside of both wireless and cell service, iTunes Match allows you to download for local storage and playback. Make sure you account for applications. If you are a gamer, heir on the side of caution and upgrade. Games today are getting larger in size and can easily impact your storage.

Carriers
The three major US carriers all offer the iPhone 5.

• AT&T
• Sprint
• Verizon

Announced in January, 2013 that a T-Mobile iPhone 5 would be available, although it’s not clear if pricing will be in line with other carriers. All of these carriers are aggressively rolling out expanded LTE coverage, but the coverage is no where as good as with 3G. When selecting a carrier, check the coverage maps to see if they support LTE in your area.

Price
The retail price is $199.99 – 16GB, $299.99 – 32GB, $399.99 – 64GB. To get these prices, you must sign a new 2-year contract agreement in the US. International markets vary from the US. Check with your local carrier.

Where should I buy it?
If there are no discounts or sales, the best place to buy an iPhone 5 is at the the Apple Store. They offer excellent service, they are familiar with the product and support is often top notch. You can find a local store or purchase online. Apple does not discount at all. In some cases, you’ll save up to $50 if you purchase from a retailer like Best Buy or Walmart. Both were offering holiday sales and these might continue in 2013. Regardless of where you purchase, you’ll be eligible for the 1-year limited warranty. This enables you to visit a Genius Bar for support or service.

Review

Our comprehensive iPhone 5 Review will provide you with in-depth analysis and review. There are also comparisons of the current model vs previous generations, to further aid you in making a decision on which one to purchase.

Case Reviews

• SPIGEN SGP Ultra Thin Air Case
• Belkin Grip Candy Sheer Case
• Speck CandyShell Case
• Poetic Atmosphere Case
• SwitchEasy Tones Case
• Incipio DualPro Case
• Splash Cruiser Slim-Fit Slider Case

Help and Support

• iPhone 5 Forums Here you’ll find a friendly community of over 140,000 members. Registration is completely free and we also offer the free everythingiCafe Forums for iPhone app in the App Store. Our members welcome experts and new users. If you just got your iPhone, you can feel comfort in knowing that our members will welcome you and any questions you might have regarding your device. Helpful, courteous and free support.