iPhone 5S/5C thread

[Ns1]

G2 and iPhone 5S have good overall cameras.

Still, there is no other camera compared to Nokia 1020. According to Brian Klug 1020 has by far the best camera.

Where does he compare a 1020 vs 5s?

 

[Eug]

Looking around the net it seems the Lumia 1020 has amongst the best sensor quality, but it falls down for two things.

1. Speed. It's slooooooowwwww.
2. Colour balance under artificial light. <-- I read somewhere that Nokia is aware of this, and is working on it, whatever that means.

The really good thing is that I think we can finally say camera phones are as good as the lower end point-and-shoots, or at least good enough for "capturing the moment" shots where you may not be carrying around a DSLR.

Yeah, up to now I've pretty much hated every smartphone camera. It seems 2013 brings a big improvement.

 

[QueBert]

Yeah, that haze is awful. I didn't originally think it was such a big deal on the 5, but (at least for the initial batch - dunno about later batches) the more I saw of it the more disappointed I was in that camera. In fact, even without the fingerprint scanner, the 5S is still a very compelling product over previous iPhones, because of the faster CPU and the much improved camera.

BTW, here are some iPhone 5S HD slow mo videos at Vimeo:

http://readwrite.com/2013/09/27/iphone-5s-slo-mo-slow-motion-review#awesm=~oiIU5ybZMilbAZ (Beware! Portrait mode!)

The only problem with this new feature I think is that we will have a bazillion slow mo videos of cats and running kids, etc. and as always, we have very, very little professional looking and truly interesting slow mo. But then again, I'm sure I'm going to be in the first group with slow mo videos of my daughter, posted to Vimeo for my relatives.

According to Dave Chapelle everything's better in slow motion

NSFW https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJsvecIzjXA

 

[WelshBloke]

...The really good thing is that I think we can finally say camera phones are as good as the lower end point-and-shoots, or at least good enough for "capturing the moment" shots where you may not be carrying around a DSLR.

Until theres a good replacement for a 10x optical zoom I'll still be packing my point-and-shoot for the holidays.

 

[Mopetar]

Where does he compare a 1020 vs 5s?

I think he did a comparison in one of the more recent AT podcasts.

 

[Eug]

I was at the Apple Store today. Of course they had no stock of the 5S. However, I finally got to check out the gold. I quite like it in real life. Interestingly, in some light it's quite pale, although in other light it's slightly darker than I was expecting, but it's still not gaudy dark. However, I might have preferred just a shade lighter. The look does grab you a bit more than the silver though.

One thing though is that both the silver and the gold have the metal coloured ring around the home button, which adds a nice accent. I don't really like the all black home button and ring of the space grey. It's all just so plain looking.

I tried the TouchID again, this time spending some more time with it. It worked perfectly with my thumb 15 times in a row, with the thumb in various angles. Then I tried my thumb's skin over the interphalangeal joint, and it didn't work, which makes sense because I had not trained TouchID for that part of my thumb. Also, the other 9 fingers didn't work. Then I tried my thumb again 5 times, and it worked perfectly every time.

As for performance, I tried the most laggy spot in iOS 7, which is selecting a camera roll picture for the background (strangely enough). On the iPhone 5S the lag is less than 0.5 seconds, but there is still a lag there. On the iPhone 5C it's more like 1 s. On my iPhone 4 it's several seconds.

Another spot I noticed some jerkiness is the viewscreen in camera photo mode. On the 5S, that view is buttery smooth, but on the 5C it's jerky, as if image stabilizer is kicking in and readjusting 6 times per minute or something (just guessing). I've made a little video here to demonstrate the difference:

Video of 5S vs 5C camera, showing jerkiness on 5C

I didn't check any image stabilizer settings though. However, are there any at all to adjust?

Also you'll see in the video that the burst mode on the 5S is 10 fps. Furthermore, the photos are grouped together as a single collection for each burst mode shoot. In contrast, although the 5C has a pseudo-burst mode in iOS 7, it's only 2-3 fps, and the photos are not shown as burst mode collections in the camera roll. They are shown as individual pictures.

For burst mode, when you access the cluster from the camera, you can't see the other pictures in the burst, which is kinda annoying. You can only see the one the camera thinks is the best, unless I'm doing something wrong. You have to go to the Photos app to see the other pictures in the burst.

 

[mavere]

For burst mode, when you access the cluster from the camera, you can't see the other pictures in the burst, which is kinda annoying. You can only see the one the camera thinks is the best, unless I'm doing something wrong.

There's a button at the bottom titled "Favorites", where you pick out your favorite pics from the burst pile. I don't think the name is particularly intuitive, but the option is there and fairly easy to access.

 

[Eug]

OK, thanks. I'll keep an eye out for that. I didn't click on that.

BTW, after using the 5S for a while (and even the 5C), I'm more and more agreeing with the others that think the zoom animation is simply too slow. As you know the 4 isn't a fast machine and the iPad 2 is not blazing fast either. On those though the zoom animation does take a while longer than preferred, but the time the zoom animation takes to complete doesn't seem completely out of place. I also think it may in fact be there to hide lag on these older iDevices. However, on the 5S, the slow zoom animation seems kinda out of place. Everything zips along speedily and then you hit the home button and that slow zoom animation plays. If possible, I think they should shorten its play time by at least 1/3rd.

 

[Eug]

After a week, the iPhone 5S is still outnumbering the 5C by almost 3:1 in the US.

http://www.localytics.com/blog/2013...hone-5c-starts-to-gain-ground-across-the-u-s/

 

[Eug]

Video benchmark:

5S vs 5C vs 5 vs 4S vs 4 vs 3GS vs 3G vs 2G

 

[bearxor]

I find this gif funny for some reason.

 

[Stuka87]

Video benchmark:

5S vs 5C vs 5 vs 4S vs 4 vs 3GS vs 3G vs 2G

That was a neat video. I know upgrading from my 4S to my 5S was VERY noticeable in day to day use. Camera quality is noticeably better as well.

 

[mavere]

WPCentral looks at camera quality on the iPhone 5s, Lumia 925, and Lumia 1020:

The Lumia 1020 is the best for IQ, but slower (and the phone is bulkier). The iPhone 5S gives very good images but you&#8217;re stuck with a tiny 4-inch display and no manual controls (i.e. forget long exposures or artistic creations). The Lumia 925 is light and nimble with a gorgeous display, but image quality, while excellent, falls behind both devices.

 

[Dari]

Just came back from an Apple Store. After having a 5.5" phone for a while, the iPhones feel like toys. I could never use that on a daily basis.

 

[OS]

Lots of people on apple forums still waiting for their midnight launch orders, particularly gold.

At this rate the Nexus 5 might launch before most people get their gold 5S orders.

 

[Stuka87]

Lots of people on apple forums still waiting for their midnight launch orders, particularly gold.

At this rate the Nexus 5 might launch before most people get their gold 5S orders.

I got my midnight order 5 days ago. 32GB Space Gray. I am sure golds will be in short supply though.

 

[Commodus]

Just came back from an Apple Store. After having a 5.5" phone for a while, the iPhones feel like toys. I could never use that on a daily basis.

I regularly switch between the iPhone 5 and other devices (including some very big ones) -- it's definitely on the small side, but I adapt fairly quickly. There's a certain appeal to it, actually, since it's both discreet and easy to use one-handed. I will admit that I'm hoping for a 4.7- to 5-inch iPhone in 2014, though; hopefully, it's about as comfortable in one hand as the Moto X.

 

[Eug]

WPCentral looks at camera quality on the iPhone 5s, Lumia 925, and Lumia 1020:

The iPhone 5S sensor is roughly 1/3.0:

Given its sensor size, the Lumia 1020 should destroy basically all other phone cameras, but it's interesting that it doesn't because of its lack of speed and its wonky colours. High MP camera phones are still a work in progress it seems. Nokia has its work cut out for it.

Lots of people on apple forums still waiting for their midnight launch orders, particularly gold.

That includes me. Some of the Americans got their golds already and a few Canadians are supposed to get theirs this week.

I got my midnight order 5 days ago. 32GB Space Gray. I am sure golds will be in short supply though.

I walked into a store, and they had the grey. A few days later a buddy walked into the store and they had the grey then too.

The few golds were instantly sold out.

I regularly switch between the iPhone 5 and other devices (including some very big ones) -- it's definitely on the small side, but I adapt fairly quickly. There's a certain appeal to it, actually, since it's both discreet and easy to use one-handed. I will admit that I'm hoping for a 4.7- to 5-inch iPhone in 2014, though; hopefully, it's about as comfortable in one hand as the Moto X.

I can't wait until I go back to the 4" iPhone from my 4.7" phone. I would appreciate a bit bigger, but I'd guess something more like 4.2" or so would be most appropriate for me. Interestingly, that is the size of the Z10.

 

[OneOfTheseDays]

The iPhone 5s is an impressive phone, but I find iOS to simply be lacking. All that horsepower sitting inside the 5s is for naught, the OS does not even multitask. We're still stuck with the same static grid of icons that has existed since day 1.

I wish Apple had spent their time addressing the major functionality woes of iOS instead of slapping a new coat of paint on the OS, which came at the expense of usability.

Overall I am actually surprised to see Apple execute like this. I never realized just how integral Jobs was to the success of the company.

 

[shady28]

The iPhone 5s is an impressive phone, but I find iOS to simply be lacking. All that horsepower sitting inside the 5s is for naught, the OS does not even multitask. We're still stuck with the same static grid of icons that has existed since day 1.

I wish Apple had spent their time addressing the major functionality woes of iOS instead of slapping a new coat of paint on the OS, which came at the expense of usability.

Overall I am actually surprised to see Apple execute like this. I never realized just how integral Jobs was to the success of the company.

I agree with this. I just moved to android, wife still has a 4s. I'm actually moving away from Mac as well, though ive had one since the PPC eMac and iBook. I see bad things in many small places. iTunes for example, used to be super easy to use, but seems to have come down with feature-itus. Apple now reminds me of Sony, well engineered but not particularly imaginative products.

 

[blairharrington]

I really don't like the 5C TV ads. I just think adults look ridiculous using any 5C caseless that isn't white.

Does Touch ID mean that the iPhone 6 will most likely retain the physical home button? Is there any way to replicate this action on a screen instead of a physical button? I'm guessing there isn't. That would essentially guarantee a physical button on the iPhone next year.

I'd like to see Apple incorporate an LED notification light. Perhaps something like the G Pro where the home button lit up around the edges.

Are there any iOS apps like AirDroid? Something where I can transfer music to the iPhone without using iTunes? I just added 5 albums to my S4 with AirDroid. I don't ever want to use iTunes again with respect to my music. Google Music + AirDroid is heaven.

 

[Eug]

I really don't like the 5C TV ads. I just think adults look ridiculous using any 5C caseless that isn't white.

I think it's ridiculous that you care that much about the shell colour on other people's phones.

Personally, if I were buying a 5C, I'd get the yellow.

P.S. I have a baby blue iPod mini, and a bright pink iPod shuffle, and yes, both are my personal devices, not for other people in the family.

However, I do agree the latest Apple ads aren't very interesting.

Does Touch ID mean that the iPhone 6 will most likely retain the physical home button? Is there any way to replicate this action on a screen instead of a physical button? I'm guessing there isn't. That would essentially guarantee a physical button on the iPhone next year.

On-screen home buttons royally suck anyway IMO. Apple nailed it here with this feature. I suspect it's also one of the (many) reasons why Samsung dominates in the Android market. The lack of a physical home button is one of the things I hate the most about my Nexus 7 and my RAZR HD.

I'd like to see Apple incorporate an LED notification light. Perhaps something like the G Pro where the home button lit up around the edges.

That would be nice.

 

[blairharrington]

I think it's ridiculous that you care that much about the shell colour on other people's phones.

Personally, if I were buying a 5C, I'd get the yellow.

P.S. I have a baby blue iPod mini, and a bright pink iPod shuffle, and yes, both are my personal devices, not for other people in the family.

However, I do agree the latest Apple ads aren't very interesting.


On-screen home buttons royally suck anyway IMO. Apple nailed it here with this feature. I suspect it's also one of the (many) reasons why Samsung dominates in the Android market. The lack of a physical home button is one of the things I hate the most about my Nexus 7 and my RAZR HD.


That would be nice.

Why exactly is my opinion ridiculous? I'm making an observation. I think many would agree that the colors Apple chose for the 5C are a bit odd. I hear the argument that it's meant to attract teenagers, moms, other cultures, etc. It makes the iPhone 'fun'. I also think it could turn off a lot of consumers at the same time. Those colors are bright and attract attention. Not something everybody wants. At the same time most consumers use cases so it's not a huge issue. Why are you taking this so personally?

Are you a woman? I ask because you are using pastel colored iDevices plus your avatar is very feminine IMO.

I could probably live with on-screen buttons as long as I have a good power/wake button (tactile and placement). That's why I'm so down on the HTC One. No home button and an awkwardly placed power button.

 

[bearxor]

Does Touch ID mean that the iPhone 6 will most likely retain the physical home button? Is there any way to replicate this action on a screen instead of a physical button? I'm guessing there isn't. That would essentially guarantee a physical button on the iPhone next year.

It wouldn't be impossible to do this without a home button. The sensor just rests under a piece of glass right now. The could just put it under the from glass anywhere on the bezel, I'd imagine. However, this would greatly diminish the convenience of the feature.

The home button is a defining feature of the iPhone. I'm surprised enough they dropped the square design off it for the 5S. I don't expect it to go away anytime soon and I'm happy about that.

Why exactly is my opinion ridiculous? I'm making an observation. I think many would agree that the colors Apple chose for the 5C are a bit odd. I hear the argument that it's meant to attract teenagers, moms, other cultures, etc. It makes the iPhone 'fun'. I also think it could turn off a lot of consumers at the same time. Those colors are bright and attract attention. Not something everybody wants. At the same time most consumers use cases so it's not a huge issue. Why are you taking this so personally?

I think I'd argue that if you're at this point in your buying process, choosing between the colors of the 5S if you just want a black one isn't going to drive you to an Android device. It's probably going to drive you to 5S.

In other words, Apple doesn't care.

 

[Red Storm]

I like how in burst mode it keeps the photos grouped together in the camera roll and you can delete them all at once. I haven't actually used burst mode on any phone so I don't know if other phones do the same.

I'm also glad to see the 5S outnumbering the 5C. Never liked the idea of them phasing out the previous flagship and introducing a plastic replacement. Makes you wonder what's going to happen to the 5S when the 6 comes out?