The Lesser Known Backend Features Of The iPhone 5 & 4G Compatibility
If you’re an iPhone enthusiast, you can probably trot out the major improvements over the iPhone 4 without having to even think about it. We all know that it’s going to boast a larger screen, and we’re all buzzing with excitement about the 4G capabilities (where supported). And yes, it has a sleeker and lighter build with a spanking new A6 chip and iOS6 powering it all.
However, lets now look at some of the lesser talked about features that iPhone 5 delivers and get some terminology in perspective.
What Exactly Is 4G Compatibility? 4G delivers faster mobile browsing, and iPhone 5 will support it. In fact, browsing speeds for 4G are expected to far exceed 3G, and Apple’s 4G inclusion to become one of the few phones who support it will be easy reading for iPhone lovers.
Keep in mind though, that not all networks can currently deliver 4G using their existing technologies. This does mean that in some countries like the UK, while you may have bought your spanking new iPhone 5, you may not actually be able to use the 4G feature if your mobile provider isn’t yet able to deliver it.
The frequencies are the key here, with the iPhone 5 using the 1800MHz frequency for 4G – because there are no worldwide standards set, different mobile companies operate on different frequencies and this can create problems if you happen to be on a network that uses a different frequency. For example, in the UK, Orange and T-Mobile both employ the 1800MHz frequency while O2 and Vodafone do not. Similar issues have cropped up in the USA too.
Lightning Dock Connector – The iPhone 5 has a new and easier process for plugging in the phone, via the “lightning dock connector” – it’s located at the bottom of the phone, it’s tiny and the plug works whichever way up (or down) you insert it. Unfortunately, it does mean that any existing docking bays or speaker docks you currently own will need to be replaced.
Advanced Retina Display – Apple describes its new Retina Display as panoramic, with 44% greater color saturation than the iPhone 4. The iPhone 5 also has improved touch technology – while the iPhone 4 had 2 layers, with the iPhone 5 the pixels and touch sensors have been brought together into a thinner, single layer. It all equates to a far cleaner and crisper iPhone experience.
New SIM Card – To try and make the phone smaller and lighter, Apple has replaced the old micro-SIM card with the new and tinier nano-SIM. You might be able to get the SIM exchanged for no extra cost over the counter at your local Apple store.
Pricing – The iPhone 5 will be launched at $649 (16GB), $749 (32 GB) and $849 (64GB). In the UK the pricing will be £529 (16GB), £599 (32 GB) and £699 (64GB). The launch date is set for 21 September 2012. The pre orders and expected sales for the iPhone 5 have been exceptionally strong.
