Hardware Review: The iPhone 5s
The reason to stick with Apple.
The Exterior Shell
Over the last 20 years, cell phones have evolved into powerful, multi-tasking smartphones. Consumers now want their phones to have a multitude of functions seen in other devices. People want their phones to have the ability to make calls, take photos/videos, check emails, and browse the Internet. In addition, these powerful devices need to look aesthetically pleasing. The general public and critics alike look to these capabilities in order to decide what phone to buy. They want the functions of their mobile devices to work smoothly and effectively.
Apple has created incredible iPhones for many years now, and I will be reviewing its latest and greatest. One of the most popular smartphones right now is the Apple iPhone 5s, the sixth installment of Apple’s line of cell phones.
Apple has created incredible iPhones for many years now, and I will be reviewing its latest and greatest. One of the most popular smartphones right now is the Apple iPhone 5s, the sixth installment of Apple’s line of cell phones.
"it’s difficult to argue against the high-grade material of this Apple product"
Apple engineers have rendered a beautiful and powerful mobile device. One of the most noticeable characteristics of this smartphone is its 7.6 millimeters thickness. Another trait that sets it apart from its competitors is its stainless steel band that surrounds it. This band couples two glass panels (at the top and bottom portion of the backside of the phone) with the beautifully brushed aluminum panel in the center. These glass panels aren't at all frail because they were engineered with tough gorilla glass. In addition, this product is light enough to carry easily and heavy enough to not have a plastic, cheap feel. All of these features combined create a sense of durability and attractiveness. This cell phone doesn't look cheap because of the high-end and premium material used, giving it a slight edge in the eyes of the consumer. Apple engineers have also added chamfer edges to the rectangular ends of the iPhone. This gives it a beautiful gleam, proving that the iPhone isn't just a smartphone, but an accessory for style as well. Though many people have their own aesthetic preference, it’s difficult to argue against the high-grade material of this Apple product. The industrial design of the iPhone 5s simply outclasses the other smartphones in terms of looks and material.
The Camera
"the photos taken by the 5s are stunning"
The performance and quality of the iPhone 5s' camera should also be praised. The gadget’s hardware and display help to make for an excellent camera. The smartphone sports a 1.2 mega-pixel camera on the front and an impressive 8 mega-pixel camera on the back. Apple engineers have optimized the camera software in order to push the ability of the camera sensors to the limit. All of this means that Apple isn't just flexing its muscles by bragging about mega-pixel counts; the photos taken by the 5s are stunning. Focusing subjects in close-up macro shots are consistent and reliable. The sensor has also been upgraded to have better usability in the dark. Its new ""True Tone" flash allows for more accurate color reproduction of night-time photos.
In addition to the amazing photo capabilities, this device also captures videos in 720p, so videos are gorgeous in high definition. The new camera is also capable of taking slow-motion videos by reducing the speed of the recordings that are taken in 720p at 120 frames per second. Photos are more vivid and videos are more defined, meaning that this is a device that can replace little hand-held video cameras like the Flip brand. Moreover, consumers don’t have to spend more money on these little cameras because the iPhone 5s already has their functions and more. Even the more traditional point-and-shoot camera may be replaced by the more portable iPhone 5s for most situations. More sample photos can be seen in the photo gallery.
In addition to the amazing photo capabilities, this device also captures videos in 720p, so videos are gorgeous in high definition. The new camera is also capable of taking slow-motion videos by reducing the speed of the recordings that are taken in 720p at 120 frames per second. Photos are more vivid and videos are more defined, meaning that this is a device that can replace little hand-held video cameras like the Flip brand. Moreover, consumers don’t have to spend more money on these little cameras because the iPhone 5s already has their functions and more. Even the more traditional point-and-shoot camera may be replaced by the more portable iPhone 5s for most situations. More sample photos can be seen in the photo gallery.
Touch ID
The newest addition to Apple's line of smartphones is the fingerprint scanner. This is the feature that separates itself from all the previous iPhone iterations. The scanner is integrated into the home button. Apple calls their fingerprint scanner feature, Touch ID. With it, users can unlock their phone without inputting a passcode and purchase items from the App/iTunes store without inputting their Apple ID password. The biggest surprise of this new feature is how quick the scanner reads your fingerprint. Touch ID is actually faster than typing a password, so this feature isn't just a gimmick.
Touch ID can only be applied to these few things, but it shows potential for future applications. Hopefully, in a future update, Apple gives developers the ability to use Touch ID for their own apps. If we can just sign into accounts and apps with our fingerprints instead of typing long passwords, then navigating through iPhones would be so much faster.
The Touch ID fingerprint scanner is actually beneficial and simple. Up to five people can register their fingerprint, so family members can use the same iPhone. The shiny ring around the home button is part of the scanning mechanism, but it also serves as an beautiful, aesthetic feature. Touch ID is a welcome addition to the new iPhone 5s. |
"Touch ID is actually faster than typing a password, so this feature isn't just a gimmick." |
Apple's iPhone 5s sets the standard for hardware design. The only other smartphone that really challenges Apple's hardware is the HTC One. HTC's design actually takes some of Apple's hardware aesthetics by implementing chamfer edges and by using an aluminum body. This just exemplifies how Apple has set the bar for hardware design and their ability to influence the competition immensely. The beauty of the iPhone 5s hardware is reason enough to purchase this product.