Got the chance earlier to briefly play with the successor of the iPhone 5, the iPhone 5S, and here are my first impression about this new iPhone.
Physically, the iPhone 5S feels and looks similar to the iPhone 5. Same aluminum construction, same size, same finish. The only difference would be is the dual LED flash found on the iPhone 5S, and also the addition of the Gold color.
Internally is where the updates on the iPhone 5S happens, but not by much as expected from a minor update. It now uses a 64-bit 1.7GHz dual-core A7 chip which they claim gives twice the CPU and graphics performance as the previous chip. I wasn’t able to feel the boost from launching a few apps or navigating within iOS7 because the iPhone 5 doesn’t lag as well.
What I noticed though is that the new chip made the camera perform faster. In fact, the iOS7 camera app will show the slow-mo option for video recording when using the iPhone 5S, but is not available on the iPhone 5. The iPhone 5S also shoots faster burst photos compared to the iPhone 5.
Other expected improvement would be the battery life but it was impossible for me to check that in just a limited amount of time.
Another notable addition would be the Touch ID fingerprint scanner on the Home button allowing you unlock your phone simply by resting your thumb on it. No more pesky passcodes but there’s about a second delay before the screen unlocks. Oh it also works with your elbow, your nipple, or any part of the body with unique, distinguishable lines. Although, I don’t know why you would want to have those as your security print.
Obviously, aside from Touch ID, there’s no clear reason why you would want to upgrade from your iPhone 5. Well unless you want that gold iPhone. The iPhone 5S was made for those coming from an iPhone 4/4S or those new to iPhone.
The iPhone 5S is still not officially available in the country but the grey market is already selling them with price based on color. For example, the 16GB iPhone 5S is priced Php37,900 (space gray), Php43,500 (silver), and Php53,800 (gold). A 64GB gold iPhone 5S would go for Php76,600. (Prices are from Kimstore)
*Thank you Mr. Art Samaniego for letting me play with your iPhone 5S
*Thank you Crish for letting me use your photos. Visit her site at http://www.ontheroadwithz.com