First iPhone 5s Reviews: Touch ID a 'Real Advance', Two-Tone Flash Produces 'Lovely Results'

[Deelron]

I'm sure it works as quickly and smoothly as it did in 2009 too. Really, I bet it would if you could downgrade to iOS 3.

What does that have to do with it iOS devices having a two year max lifespan, since that was comment was directed to (and quoted for good measure).

Oh right, I'm supposed to pick up on the dry wit and eyebrow waggling that you did while you were typing that expresses the obvious sarcasm that was astonishingly similar to half the other complaining posts.

And no, it doesn't work as quickly or smoothly, it also has applications on it that didn't exist in any form, as it has gained functionality it has lost responsiveness, but not to the point where it's useful lifespan is at an end. But hey, why actually talk about something when we can just snark back and forth.

 

[Kpjoslee]

According to Anandtech article, the A7 is approaching mobile Core 2 Duo performance level...pretty impressive.

 

[vsighi]

There were huge leaps with the processor, addition of the M7 chip, camera/flash, and rock-solid fingerprint sensor. If you look at all the previous generational upgrades this is by far the most extensive and significant.[/QUOTE]

"...and rock-solid fingerprint sensor !!"

Apple iPhone fingerprint scanner it start to raises security worries already...while the iPhone's fingerprint readings would only be stored on the device and not on centralized servers, cyber attackers who compromise a smartphone through malicious applications could still be able to access the biometrics.

 

[olowott]

I knew right from Day one i had nothing but excellent taste for the finest!

i will like to place an order for two space grey 32GB iPhone 5s

Love the reviews but without it, my mind was made up.

 

[osaga]

I doubt a lot of people will be upgrading their iphone 5 to the 5S.

1. 50% of people don't care much about securing their phone. (The rest are sexting enthusiasts.)

2. The impressive increase in processor speed will go largely unnoticed.

3. Aps that capitalize on the movement sensors will take a year or so to catch on.

4. The camera improvements are nice, but even the reviewers said the they are only slightly noticeable.

5. Everyone gets iOS7 anyhow.

What would motivate people to ditch their iphone 5? A larger screen and some hot new aluminum. Does it make sense to entirely refresh the flagship every year? Yep, if it's costing them market share losses, and impacting share value. They can skip the S every once in a while.

I'd rather see market share gains and profit increases, rather than profit margin improvements.

 

[-js-]

Don't thank me, thank Anand for his review, it's almost a troll repellent!

Seriously though, it looks like Apple has spent a ton of effort with the new chip and it is very intriguing not only in its performance but how they achieved it. It's still only a dual core and only clocked at 1.3Ghz but performs impressively, with a best-in-class GPU as usual although Qualcomm has done a great job with the Adreno 330 and they are in a virtual tie.

I wonder, if they can move ahead with more cores and higher clockspeed, what kind of performance can they get in a larger form factors. Does this mean the iPad Mini will have this very chip or a A7X, or a downclocked A7X compared to the larger iPad, or just the A7X? Will there be a bridge device between the iPad and the Macbook with the future A8/9/10? Maybe the rumored larger iPad will have a more powerful chip? Where will the M7 be used? So many questions.

Sometimes it's hard to tell this is a pro-Apple site by reading the forums. There are many here who have spent years just criticizing Apple, both overtly and passive-aggressively.

Excellent post. I completely agree. Especially the part about Anand's review being troll repelent. LOL! I loved the details about the A7 and the move to 64 bit. Anand clearly understands and appreciates what Apple has done. As he says in the Final Words section, "What got me last time was that Apple built their own ARM based CPU architecture from the ground up, while I understand that doesn't matter for the majority of consumers - it's no less of an achievement in my eyes." I've felt the same way since Swift--I was like, OH MY GOD! Don't people KNOW how much work it takes to do what Apple did with Swift / A6? So little appreciation. And now, with Cyclone / A7 Apple has done anything but sit on it's behind. A significant performance increase over the 5 and 5C.

Final Words

The iPhone 5s is quite possibly the biggest S-update we've ever seen from Apple. I remember walking out of the venue during Apple's iPhone 5 launch and being blown away by the level of innovation, at the platform/silicon level, that Apple crammed into the iPhone 5. What got me last time was that Apple built their own ARM based CPU architecture from the ground up, while I understand that doesn't matter for the majority of consumers - it's no less of an achievement in my eyes. At the same time I remember reading through a sea of disappointment on Twitter - users hoping for more from Apple with the iPhone 5. If you fell into that group last time, there's no way you're going to be impressed by the iPhone 5s. For me however, there's quite a bit to be excited about.

The A7 SoC is seriously impressive. Apple calls it a desktop-class SoC, but I'd rather refer to it as something capable of competing with the best Intel has to offer in this market. In many cases the A7's dual cores were competitive with Intel's recently announced Bay Trail SoC. Web browsing is ultimately where I noticed the A7's performance the most. As long as I was on a good internet connection, web pages just appeared after resolving DNS. The A7's GPU performance is also insanely good - more than enough for anything you could possibly throw at the iPhone 5s today, and fast enough to help keep this device feeling quick for a while.

 

[H2SO4]

There were huge leaps with the processor, addition of the M7 chip, camera/flash, and rock-solid fingerprint sensor. If you look at all the previous generational upgrades this is by far the most extensive and significant.

"...and rock-solid fingerprint sensor !!"

Apple iPhone fingerprint scanner it start to raises security worries already...while the iPhone's fingerprint readings would only be stored on the device and not on centralized servers, cyber attackers who compromise a smartphone through malicious applications could still be able to access the biometrics.[/QUOTE]

There probably won't be a picture of your fingerprint stored on the device - it'll most likely be hashed in some way. Even so I can't imageine it'll be any easier to crack than the encrypted password you're already using.

 

[Michael Scrip]

I doubt a lot of people will be upgrading their iphone 5 to the 5S.

Agreed.

Good thing there are other people who might want to get an iPhone 5S

• iPhone 4S users
• iPhone 4 users
• non-iPhone users
• non-smartphone users

Apple will sell plenty of iPhone 5S even if iPhone 5 users don't upgrade.

 

[Nevaborn]

I knew Engadget would be negative,they have always been massively negative about Apple and their forum contributers are some of the worst trolls ive seen whos ignorance generally reaches the same levels as the kids over at IGN's comments.

Its rediculous compqring an 8mp against a 41mp and saying theres less noise. Well duh genious ... You do have over 4 times the information.

However I will still pick Apple. Heres why.

I have owned many nokias going back long before phones had cameras.... And the worst camera phones I had were Nokias.

Yes theyve made progress but all they have done is now give us a digital camera with a phone function built into the screen. The images themselves can be very detailed however far too many of their shots are inconsistent and most from what ive seen just look washed out.

Apple does need to increase MP to allow selective editing especially for macro photography but the software they have developed will do far more than just a MP increase and the 3rd part apps that allow you to create a perfect work of art do aswell.

Engadget sum their class as a technology news company soon as they call the iPhone 5s a point and shot camera. The burst mode is great as is slomo.

But the fact it takes multiple shots at once getting a perfectly sharp one is the winner. So many times I have had that once in a life time photo ruined due to blur that you dont see until reviewing later. If this works as advertised it will be the top feature in the mobile photography market. Perfectly sharp photos everytime.

The best thing about Apple has always been they dont just throw the latest tech or that with the biggest numbers into something for the sake of it and say here you go. They will take lesser hardware and optimise it to its full potential far beyond other companies and get stunning results giving us a great device without sacrificing style or efficiency.

We will get an improved camera and if the iPhone 6 has a 12mp camera im sold as the support and features and 3rd party apps will make it unbeatable for making beautiful photoes and usin them for real world applications.

 

[Snowshiro]

To be honest, as brilliant as it is, for the foreseeable future, the A7 speed increase is basically irrelevant for several reasons:

• The 5C is similar in performance to an iPhone 5. When these two are combined, they will present the largest single ownership category in the entire range (likely a fair bit bigger than the iPhone 5S installed base) and will therefore be what developers target first when developing their apps.

• A lot of apps require network connectivity of some kind - in these cases, it's basically irrelevant how fast the processor is, because the bottleneck is always data transfer.

• At best, most iPhone 5S customers can expect minor graphical tweaks in games, but I think very few developers are going to specifically create games to exploit the superior processing power of the 5S, because it's a lot of work for a fairly small market share. Few will bother to harness the power of the 5S.

• History is on my side. Really, who has specifically written iPad 4 apps to exploit it's increased power over the 3 and 2? - answer: almost no one.

 

[lk400]

There were huge leaps with the processor, addition of the M7 chip, camera/flash, and rock-solid fingerprint sensor. If you look at all the previous generational upgrades this is by far the most extensive and significant.

"...and rock-solid fingerprint sensor !!"

Apple iPhone fingerprint scanner it start to raises security worries already...while the iPhone's fingerprint readings would only be stored on the device and not on centralized servers, cyber attackers who compromise a smartphone through malicious applications could still be able to access the biometrics.[/QUOTE]

The so called secure enclave is at chip level. The theoretical cyber attacker would not only need to breach iOS (which hasnt happened in practice), but somehow get past hardware level security.

If you consider that a worry, then theres many more likely and catastrophic events which could happen to you each day that you should be worried about. Like being struck twice by lightning.

 

[TheJae]

Does the sign above the store have an apple logo or Apple Store? Cause I thought nobody was offering pre-orders/reservations for the 5S.

See for urself
http://store.apple.com/hk/buy-iphone/iphone5s

 

[CJM]

Anand's review is the only one worth reading.

 

[vmistery]

To be honest, as brilliant as it is, for the foreseeable future, the A7 speed increase is basically irrelevant for several reasons:

• The 5C is similar in performance to an iPhone 5. When these two are combined, they will present the largest single ownership category in the entire range (likely a fair bit bigger than the iPhone 5S installed base) and will therefore be what developers target when developing their apps.
  
• A lot of apps require network connectivity of some kind - in these cases, it's basically irrelevant how fast the processor is, because the bottleneck is always data transfer.
  
• At best, most iPhone 5s customers can expect minor graphical tweaks in games, but I think very few developers are going to specifically create games to exploit the superior processing power of the 5S, because it's a lot of work for a fairly small market share.

Absolutely, just look at the small amount of iPhone 5 only Apps. Like the move from non-retina to retina display, it takes time. as Developers want as larger market as possible, for this reason Apps are nearly always a generation or so behind the technology (in requirements terms).

 

[HurryKayne]

They can say what they ..want but i'm not satisfied.
This year maybe i'll couple a new ipad mini retina or an ipad 5
( A7 is the key here ) with an Android one.
Then all this mayhem about Ios7 with a lot of devs forced (as with users )
to go for Ios7 to have compatibility.
(edit. i saw appstore option to install legacy app,but i see many devs still not in comfort )
I don't know,no one forces me you're right (am i?) so i will rather stick with ios6 for now,
but this is not so well managed in my opinion.
Maybe i'll be alone,maybe not,we'll see if new Cook's excuse will land and will quiet
investors worries we been told about some weeks ago.
As far i can see the news there has been the A7 ,maybe the Iphone 6c next year could be the one
for me if only i won't be satisfied by the duo Motox-IPad.

 

[iChrist]

sigh confirmed iphone 5s has 1GB RAM

Unbelievable. To use such a high end processor and then skimp like that.

That 1g RAM will be a huge bottleneck in performance. Oh well.

 

[peterdevries]

What's innovative about it, other than the fingerprint sensor which has a fairly minimal functional value for most people? Iterating the processor and camera is useful but not innovative. You could make the case that IOS 7 is innovative, but that's not part of the phone; other iPhones can use it as well.

Please educate yourself on what innovation is. Innovation is not measured by the amount of functionality experienced by a specific person or group of persons.

In terms of innovation the iPhone 5S has a ton. The new fingerprint sensor, the motion sensing chip, the camera flash, lens assembly and larger sensor are innovations. In addition iOS7 IS part of the phone. The whole point of Apple is the integration of software and hardware. The way the software uses these new hardware functions is an integral part of the experience of the phone. That other iPhones also run iOS doesn't mean the OS or the phone is any less innovative.

 

[Yondaime]

I don't know about most of people but I can't understand why people come to apple forums to bash idevices and itech. I don't like samsung nor do i like android. I might read about what they have coming out every now and then but it's pointless to me to go on their forums and pass negative comments. No one is forcing you to buy apple tech, if you don't like it don't buy it.

About being innovative, can someone give me an example of what that means, scrolling with your eyeball or with the wave of your hand? Apple is always being bashed for not being innovative but yet when they come out with a 64bit processor the critics say it's useless cos the apps can't make use of it and the same goes for the fingerprint sensor. There are also itech out there that apple is not even talking about quite as emphatically, like ibeacons which is pretty interesting and looks to have very useful and practical applications.

Also if you need to buy a new phone every year then you need to get your priorities checked. There is not that many new tech coming out every year and apple waits before implementing such new tech anyway so user experience is smooth and can be sustained.

Another Gripe is when people compare phones like nokia 1020 lunia to the iPhone. Thats a 41MP camera with probably a large sensor and a very ugly rear design. Compared to an 8MP camera with the best design in the industry IMO. And the difference in picture quality is not that substantial.

Apple does not claim to be the best in every category of mobile phones but to me they are the best holistically; the iPhone may not have the best battery life (moto X maybe), the best screen (nokia lumia series, LG, samsung etc), the best camera (nokia lumnia series), the best UI (Windows 8 maybe), the best design (HTC one, Moto X) but overall you get the best experience collectively and integrates an ecosystem that's second to none.

 

[sachisme]

Sums it pretty much!! +1

I don't know about most of people but I can't understand why people come to apple forums to bash idevices and itech. I don't like samsung nor do i like android. I might read about what they have coming out every now and then but it's pointless to me to go on their forums and pass negative comments. No one is forcing you to buy apple tech, if you don't like it don't buy it.

About being innovative, can someone give me an example of what that means, scrolling with your eyeball or with the wave of your hand? Apple is always being bashed for not being innovative but yet when they come out with a 64bit processor the critics say it's useless cos the apps can't make use of it and the same goes for the fingerprint sensor. There are also itech out there that apple is not even talking about quite as emphatically, like ibeacons which is pretty interesting and looks to have very useful and practical applications.

Also if you need to buy a new phone every year then you need to get your priorities checked. There is not that many new tech coming out every year and apple waits before implementing such new tech anyway so user experience is smooth and can be sustained.

Another Gripe is when people compare phones like nokia 1020 lunia to the iPhone. Thats a 41MP camera with probably a large sensor and a very ugly rear design. Compared to an 8MP camera with the best design in the industry IMO. And the difference in picture quality is not that substantial.

Apple does not claim to be the best in every category of mobile phones but to me they are the best holistically; the iPhone may not have the best battery life (moto X maybe), the best screen (nokia lumia series, LG, samsung etc), the best camera (nokia lumnia series), the best UI (Windows 8 maybe), the best design (HTC one, Moto X) but overall you get the best experience collectively and integrates an ecosystem that's second to none.

 

[juanmanas]

I don't know about most of people but I can't understand why people come to apple forums to bash idevices and itech. I don't like samsung nor do i like android. I might read about what they have coming out every now and then but it's pointless to me to go on their forums and pass negative comments. No one is forcing you to buy apple tech, if you don't like it don't buy it.

About being innovative, can someone give me an example of what that means, scrolling with your eyeball or with the wave of your hand? Apple is always being bashed for not being innovative but yet when they come out with a 64bit processor the critics say it's useless cos the apps can't make use of it and the same goes for the fingerprint sensor. There are also itech out there that apple is not even talking about quite as emphatically, like ibeacons which is pretty interesting and looks to have very useful and practical applications.

Also if you need to buy a new phone every year then you need to get your priorities checked. There is not that many new tech coming out every year and apple waits before implementing such new tech anyway so user experience is smooth and can be sustained.

Another Gripe is when people compare phones like nokia 1020 lunia to the iPhone. Thats a 41MP camera with probably a large sensor and a very ugly rear design. Compared to an 8MP camera with the best design in the industry IMO. And the difference in picture quality is not that substantial.

Apple does not claim to be the best in every category of mobile phones but to me they are the best holistically; the iPhone may not have the best battery life (moto X maybe), the best screen (nokia lumia series, LG, samsung etc), the best camera (nokia lumnia series), the best UI (Windows 8 maybe), the best design (HTC one, Moto X) but overall you get the best experience collectively and integrates an ecosystem that's second to none.

Your common sense is quite uncommon nowadays. It is old-good rational mentality. So... people will say you are not innovative...

 

[Vorst]

totally agree! 64bit and fp are merely mkting fodder for now. ppl should be worried about battery in 5s. Beware folks!

I disagree. iOS embedded applications are already taking advantages of it, like 120 frames/sec slow motion, 10 frames/sec photo shoot, fingerprint sensor algorithm speed. For gamers (like the new Infiniti Blade III), will benefit and give big improvement in 64 bit and more apps to follow quickly.

 

[juanmanas]

totally agree! 64bit and fp are merely mkting fodder for now. ppl should be worried about battery in 5s. Beware folks!

Having read all your comments, I don't have any doubt you have been hired to troll here.

Be consistent with your comments. Rule number one to be a good troll.

 

[throys]

I don't know about most of people but I can't understand why people come to apple forums to bash idevices and itech. I don't like samsung nor do i like android. I might read about what they have coming out every now and then but it's pointless to me to go on their forums and pass negative comments. No one is forcing you to buy apple tech, if you don't like it don't buy it.

About being innovative, can someone give me an example of what that means, scrolling with your eyeball or with the wave of your hand? Apple is always being bashed for not being innovative but yet when they come out with a 64bit processor the critics say it's useless cos the apps can't make use of it and the same goes for the fingerprint sensor. There are also itech out there that apple is not even talking about quite as emphatically, like ibeacons which is pretty interesting and looks to have very useful and practical applications.

Also if you need to buy a new phone every year then you need to get your priorities checked. There is not that many new tech coming out every year and apple waits before implementing such new tech anyway so user experience is smooth and can be sustained.

Another Gripe is when people compare phones like nokia 1020 lunia to the iPhone. Thats a 41MP camera with probably a large sensor and a very ugly rear design. Compared to an 8MP camera with the best design in the industry IMO. And the difference in picture quality is not that substantial.

Apple does not claim to be the best in every category of mobile phones but to me they are the best holistically; the iPhone may not have the best battery life (moto X maybe), the best screen (nokia lumia series, LG, samsung etc), the best camera (nokia lumnia series), the best UI (Windows 8 maybe), the best design (HTC one, Moto X) but overall you get the best experience collectively and integrates an ecosystem that's second to none.

Well Said mate, Couldn't written it any better.

 

[Mobster1983]

Does the sign above the store have an apple logo or Apple Store? Cause I thought nobody was offering pre-orders/reservations for the 5S.

Apple opened pre-orders for the iPhone 5S in china today. Most likely to keep the grey market sellers from standing in line and picking up all the phones.

 

[FrozenDarkness]

Unbelievable. To use such a high end processor and then skimp like that.

That 1g RAM will be a huge bottleneck in performance. Oh well.

I know people are going to defend apple on this. I'm a huge apple fan myself. The thing is RAM is meant for apps as well. I can only wonder what app developers can do with more RAM to work with.