iPhone 5 in Pictures: What You Need to Know to Make a Buying Decision

The iPhone 5’s Big Display

The iPhone 5 comes with a 4-inch display. Previous models of the iPhone came with a 3.5-inch screen. And yes, the extra screen real estate matters.

Lightning Connector

Apple’s Lightning replaces the former 30-pin connector. So far, the connector won’t work with iPhone accessories—which is annoying—but over time, that’ll change.

An Aluminum Back Plate

Apple has added an aluminum back plate to the iPhone 5. This produces a device that’s both thinner and more shatter-resistant. Nice.

It’s a Taller iPhone

In order to offer a larger screen, the iPhone 5 is slightly taller than its predecessors. The extra height isn’t a problem, since the device will still fit into a pocket with ease.

It’s a Thinner iPhone

Apple has done a great job making the iPhone 5 thinner than the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S.

Pick Your Color—Black or White

As with previous models, Apple is allowing customers to choose from a black or white finish. They can also choose between 16GB, 32GB and 64GB models.

Passbook Is New

Apple is offering a location-based app called Passbook that allows iPhone 5 users to store and redeem coupons, movie tickets, boarding passes and consumer loyalty cards. It’s Apple’s alternative to near-field communication (NFC). There’s just one problem: Right now, few companies support Passbook.

Apple’s Maps Is Just OK

Apple’s Maps isn’t ready for primetime. The feature displays a host of errors and despite a strong showing in major cities, such as New York, it’s lacking elsewhere.

Check Out the 3D in Maps

One neat addition to Maps is a 3D option, which lets folks see cities as if they were a bird flying overhead.

Applications Don’t Fit Taller iPhone Screen

One of the biggest issues with owning an iPhone 5 is that the vast majority of apps available in Apple’s mobile marketplace don’t fit the taller screen.

The iPhone 5 Camera Is Barely Improved

The iPhone 5’s camera isn’t a major improvement over the iPhone 4S, but it’s still delivering a high-quality experience for users who want to snap some quick photos.

Tell Them You’ll Get Back to Them Later

Tired of getting calls during an important meeting? Apple lets users send out messages rather than answer a call.