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The iPhone 5S is coming to store shelves later this year. Exactly when, however, is unknown. Some reports have suggested that the device will ship this summer since the handset will come with the same basic design as its predecessor, the iPhone 5.
Others have pointed to Apple’s disclosure that it’s launching iOS 7 in the fall to prove that the iPhone 5S will be available around the same time. Historically, Apple has launched a new iPhone with its latest operating system launch.
Regardless of when the iPhone 5S is made available, customers shouldn’t expect many significant new features. The device, if the rumors are true and Apple’s own past moves are any indication, will be a bore compared with other smartphones that have reached the market in recent months.
The handset will launch with the same design as its predecessor. It will come with barely updated components and will lack the feature set that would put it on an even playing field with the Samsung Galaxy S 4. In other words, the iPhone 5S could very well disappoint those who have come to expect big things from Apple.
Read on to find out why the iPhone 5S will be a bit of a bore.
1. The same iPhone 5 design
If the dozens of leaked photos are any indication of what Apple has planned for the iPhone 5S, the device will come with the same design as its predecessor, the iPhone 5. While that might appeal to some Apple fans who are pleased with that device’s consistent look and feel, it’s unfortunate that Apple won’t show off something a bit flashier.
2. A better flash will impress few new buyers
Speaking of flash, it appears that, based on the images leaked so far, Apple’s next iPhone will come with an enhanced camera flash. Granted, that will improve photo taking, but is it really the kind of feature that requires so much attention? A bigger light on the back of the iPhone 5S is hardly any more exciting.
3. The quad-core A7
There is one positive surprise: the A6 processor currently available in the iPhone 5 will be replaced by the company’s quad-core A7 chip in the iPhone 5S. That means the device will be able to deliver more processing power and deliver an overall better user experience. But initial reports suggest the performance improvement will not set a new standard.
4. Multiple colors are possible
According to several reports from China, where Apple’s next device is being produced, the company has decided to offer several color versions to iPhone 5S customers. So, in addition to the white and black that are available now, customers will be able to choose from blue, red, yellow and other colors.
iPhone 5S Will Be a Bore Compared to Competing Smartphones
5. A camera that comes close, but doesn’t match the Galaxy S 4’s
The iPhone 5S will ship with a 12-megapixel camera, besting the 8-megapixel option that’s available in the iPhone 5. If that were the iPhone’s only competition, the upgrade would be impressive. However, the Galaxy S 4, which is already available, comes with a 13-megapixel camera. If Apple can’t match its chief competitor, why even launch an update?
6. No improvements to the display
In addition to keeping the same 4-inch display, Apple isn’t expected to deliver any new technology in the iPhone 5S that would enhance the Retina display’s visual quality. Although that won’t bother too many customers, it should annoy those who have watched the Retina display’s pixel-per-inch measure be easily topped by devices from both HTC and Samsung.
7. No storage improvements
Based on the devices that have leaked at this point, Apple is planning to stick with 16GB, 32GB and 64GB storage options with the iPhone 5S. There’s currently no word on whether the company will eventually decide to bundle 128GB of storage into the handset. From one storage-hungry iPhone user to another, let’s hope it happens.
8. Only a slightly improved battery
Reports out of China, as well as stripped-down iPhones that have leaked onto the Web, suggest that Apple will be launching the iPhone 5S with an improved battery. However, the improvement might not be major and could only add a fraction of use time to the device. While that’s nice, it’s not groundbreaking, by any means.
9. Expect the same old iPhone
Unfortunately, Apple has created a scenario in which customers should expect the expected. Every other year, the company launches a major smartphone update, leaving the gaps to be filled by minor upgrades. This year happens to be a “minor upgrade” year, which automatically means the iPhone 5S will be a bore.
10. It could be overshadowed by the iPhone Mini
Perhaps the iPhone 5S will be a bore for more than its features. According to the rumor mill, Apple is currently working on launching a cheaper smartphone this year, known as the iPhone Mini. If Apple actually releases the device this year, then it’s possible that the device will overshadow the iPhone 5S. After all, the iPad Mini did that to the larger iPad.
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