As some of you know, I’m a bit of an Apple fan. But don’t worry—this isn’t going to be a sales pitch for the latest gadget from Cupertino. I simply want to share why I still believe the iPhone is the best smartphone on the market—and how the iPhone 5 only reinforces that view.
A Big Step Forward
Last week, Apple officially introduced the long-awaited iPhone 5. Unlike past launches, many details had leaked ahead of time—whether intentionally or not. And yes, as a longtime Apple follower, I couldn’t help but think, “This never would’ve happened under Steve.” That said, the updates are impressive.
The iPhone 5 marks the biggest leap in design and engineering since the iPhone 3 to iPhone 4 transition. It’s not just an upgrade—it’s a complete redesign.
Slimmer, Lighter, Sleeker
The iPhone 5 is 18% thinner than the 4S and just 7.6mm thick—slimmer than both the Galaxy S3 and the Lumia 920. It feels more compact and refined in your hand.
At 112 grams, it’s also noticeably lighter than its main competitors (the Galaxy comes in at 133g and the Lumia at a hefty 185g). The headphone jack has moved to the bottom of the phone, following the design of the iPod Touch—one of those small details that just makes sense.
And finally, goodbye glass back. One of the iPhone’s more fragile design choices has been replaced with a solid metal back, making the phone far more durable.
But what really sets it apart is the build quality. Samsung often gets criticized for its plastic feel, and the Lumia, while stylish, can’t match Apple’s precision craftsmanship. The iPhone 5 is compact, practical, and premium—just the way a phone should be.
Display That Delivers
Apple improved the Retina display by making it taller—now 4 inches diagonally—and thinner, too. They achieved this by building the touch sensors directly into the screen. The result? A thinner phone, less glare, and a screen that feels like you’re actually touching the content—not glass over a display.
Yes, the Galaxy S3 (1280×720) and Lumia (1280×768) have technically higher resolutions than the iPhone 5 (1136×640), but in daily use, the difference is barely noticeable. Pixel density is what really counts: the iPhone 5 holds strong at 326 PPI, matching the Lumia’s 332 PPI and beating the Galaxy’s 306 PPI.
More pixels don’t automatically mean better visuals—especially when app quality and screen tech come into play.
What About Features?
Of course, there are loads of features to talk about. LTE is now supported—but only on Deutsche Telekom’s network in Germany, which limits its usefulness. LTE rollout is still spotty, especially in rural areas. By the time coverage really improves, we’ll likely be on to the iPhone 6 anyway.
Some have criticized the lack of NFC (near-field communication). But let’s be honest—it’s a solution still searching for a problem. Without widespread infrastructure (like payment terminals), it’s hard to make a strong case for it right now.
The same goes for processor comparisons. While the A6 chip doesn’t sound impressive on paper next to Android specs, Apple’s strength lies in software optimization. iOS apps are designed specifically for the hardware they run on. That means you get smooth, fast performance without needing monster specs. The iPhone 5 may not top benchmarks, but in real use, it’s fast—and that’s what matters.
EarPods & Connectors
Apple’s new EarPods are one of the more eye-catching design changes. They’re said to offer better fit and possibly better sound, but time will tell. What’s clear is the attention to detail—they look and feel like Apple put serious thought into them.
Then there’s the new dock connector. Yes, it breaks compatibility with older accessories. And yes, Apple sells an adapter (for €29). It’s annoying, but it’s also forward-looking. Competitors rely on micro-USB, which might seem more universal, but it’s also limited. Apple’s proprietary connector opens up more possibilities—for both accessories and performance.
The Real Advantage: Software
Here’s where Apple really wins: the ecosystem. The hardware has always been the showcase for something more important—iOS.
While competitors have stumbled (RIP Symbian, good luck BlackBerry), Apple continues to evolve its platform. iOS offers users access to the largest, most well-curated app ecosystem out there. Yes, Android is catching up—but with so many app stores and device variations, it’s a mess for users and developers alike.
iOS users are also more likely to pay for apps, which encourages developers to create better ones. Add to that Apple’s stricter app guidelines, and you get a safer, more consistent experience.
Most importantly: software updates. Apple supports older devices for years. iOS 6 will even run on the iPhone 3GS—from 2009! That’s unheard of in the Android world, where updates arrive late (if at all), and hardware makers often abandon older models. Windows Phone 8? No backward compatibility. That says it all.
Final Thoughts
Apple still knows how to build a complete experience. No gimmicks. No race for meaningless specs. Just great hardware, great software, and a strong ecosystem that works seamlessly together.
That’s why the iPhone 5, just like its predecessors, is—at least for me—the best phone out there.
Sadly, I won’t be due for a phone upgrade for another year. But you better believe I’m already looking forward to the iPhone 5S! 😉