the fingerprint sensor works consistently. the phone performs noticeably faster. the new interface, while it requires a little getting used to, is a definite advance.
In the article I read, it doesn't seem very easy to hack the fingerprint sensor. iPhone 5S fingerprint sensor hacked by Germany's Chaos Computer Club | Technology | theguardian.com It appears the hacker has to: - have possession of your iPhone. - get a high-quality fingerprint of yours off of the iPhone screen or on another smooth surface. - have the equipment to lift that fingerprint and reproduce it accurately for their own finger to wear. And, the user only gets 5 attempts at passing the fingerprint scan until the phone changes modes and requires the entry of the 4-digit PIN instead. So, the 5S fingerprint security mechanism isn't foolproof but neither are suitcase locks but I still use one. .
i see the finger reader as a gimmick/novelty. Unless you can use the fingerprint reader + pin I don't see the point (that's assuming there isn't an easy way to bypass either). I'd awaiting a bigger screen where it counts, in width
Can you go over some specifics in improvement? I'm still on a very functional 4 and trying to rationalize upgrading to the 5s. Other than speed, any other improvements?
compared to the iphone 4: browsing (internet) speed is a HUGE improvement on the 5s, especially over the 4G network. the camera is far better especially in darker environments. and the camera makes can take cool panorama photos; also slo-mo video. larger screen. thinner profile. a bit longer battery life. ios 7 is far better (you can upgrade your iphone 4 to ios 7)
You're tempting me to consider upgrading to the 5s. I have the old iPhone 4, so I don't even have Suri's female voice to talk to. My wife has the regular iPhone 5 and I do like the Suri voice driving directions when going to a specific destination on the GPS map. I hate upgrading, but I think I might have to. .
ron: i am not (yet) a fan of suri. the latest suri has become more functional. the phone can now respond to voice commands to turn off bluetooth, for example. by the way, you can now switch suri to a male voice!: http://howto.cnet.com/8301-11310_39-57602645-285/how-to-change-siris-voice-on-ios-7/
good review of the iphone 5s camera in dpreview: Conclusion: Review: How does Apple's new iPhone 5s perform as a camera?: Connect
the motion sensors are not calibrated properly on my iphone5s. evidently this is a common problem. my level app consistently is off by 4 degrees. The iPhone 5S Motion Sensors Are Totally Screwed Up
I just upgraded from a 5 to the 5S. I don't notice any difference at all. I did the fingerprint thing when I first set it up but I've never had to use it for anything?? Seems like a gimmick.. same as 'Siri'...
I just got my 5S yesterday-- upgraded from the 4. My son has a 5, and I don't know that I would upgrade from that-- but from the 4, it's a big upgrade. Noticeably faster, nicer shape, Siri... and the fingerprint scanner is great! I can just press the home button and rest my thumb on it for a second, and it unlocks.
The 5C is the exact same guts as last year's 5.. but with cheap/colored plastic back. The 5S has the new finger print scanner, better camera/flash, faster processor, etc.. same 'shell' as last year's 5. With contract, the 5C is $99... and the 5S is $199.
For $350? Did you select the 32gig version? If you're coming from a 4 or 4S... definitely worth it. If you're coming from last year's 5... not worth it.
+2 I was just forced (for reasons that need not concern us here ) from my trusty 4S to a 5S. I'm a happy camper. Cheers, Ian
My dad got a 5S, upgrading from his 4. He likes it so far...the bigger screen, the speed, the fingerprint scanner, and Siri.
Looks like I'm getting the 5S...dropped my 5 today and the screen is completely shattered to the point where it's just about impossible to read anything. Just my luck, I dropped my 4 so many times and it never got a single crack, and the first time I drop my 5 it shatters. How do you guys like the fingerprint scanner? Any issues?
I think Apple made a blunder with the pricing of the phones. Over here, the difference of the 5S and 5C is only RM400. The 5C looks pretty terrible in flesh. Really looks cheap and not feasible at all. Add another 400 bucks and you get the 5S. So whats the point of the 5C then?