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Eyes on Apple's new iPhone 5 (pictures)

Apple's iPhone 5 is taller, thinner, lighter, and all-around improved.

Jessica Dolcourt
Jessica Dolcourt is a passionate content strategist and veteran leader of CNET coverage. As Senior Director of Commerce & Content Operations, she leads a number of teams, including Commerce, How-To and Performance Optimization. Her CNET career began in 2006, testing desktop and mobile software for Download.com and CNET, including the first iPhone and Android apps and operating systems. She continued to review, report on and write a wide range of commentary and analysis on all things phones, with an emphasis on iPhone and Samsung. Jessica was one of the first people in the world to test, review and report on foldable phones and 5G wireless speeds. Jessica began leading CNET's How-To section for tips and FAQs in 2019, guiding coverage of topics ranging from personal finance to phones and home. She holds an MA with Distinction from the University of Warwick (UK).
Jessica Dolcourt
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1 of 22 James Martin/CNET

Apple's iPhone 5 is real

At long last, the Apple iPhone 5 is here. We got our hands on the new phone at Apple's September 12 launch event in San Francisco.
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2 of 22 James Martin/CNET

Similar design, but taller

Just as the leaks promised, the iPhone 5 has a taller, 4-inch screen.
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3 of 22 James Martin/CNET

Side by side

The new iPhone 5 (on right) is taller than the iPhone 4S (on left).
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4 of 22 James Martin/CNET

Side view

The iPhone 5's thinner build and aluminum body are apparent when seen side by side with the iPhone 4S, though the phones' shapes remain similar. Apple removed the glass plate we can see on the 4S (above) and colored in the sides. The taller iPhone 5 also has black metal buttons.
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5 of 22 James Martin/CNET

New connector

The Lightning connector is smaller than the 30-pin connector that's reigned for a decade. An aftermarket adapter will be available.
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6 of 22 CNET Asia

Taller indeed

CNET Asia got its hands on this iPhone 5 case, which is indeed taller than the iPhone 4S.
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7 of 22 CNET Asia

Another view

Slide the iPhone 4S into an iPhone 5 case and you'll notice the size difference -- and the gap.
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8 of 22 Apple

Build

The iPhone 5, which comes in white and black, is made from glass and aluminum, and the back is now all-metal, without the shatterable glass on the back.
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9 of 22 Apple

Even svelter

At 0.29 inch thick, this is a very rakish phone.
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10 of 22 Apple

Wide-screen mode

The screen now has a 16:9 aspect ratio for wide-screen playback.
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11 of 22 Apple

Capacity

The phones come in 16GB, 32GB, or 64GB versions, with the 16GB version starting at $199.99.
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12 of 22 Apple

Camera

Apple's new iSight camera update keeps its 8-megapixel lens, but can also take panoramic photos up to 28 megapixels big.
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Close-up

Here's another view of the iPhone 5's top and back.
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LTE

As promised, the iPhone 5 will have LTE. Get even more details about the iPhone 5 here.
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New earbuds

Called EarPods, these new plastic earbuds come with the iPhone 5 and the new iPods.
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16 of 22 James Martin/CNET

Taller screen, taller apps

A taller screen means taller apps, like this redesigned OpenTable app.
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17 of 22 James Martin/CNET

Unveiling

Apple's Phil Schiller unveils the iPhone 5 in San Francisco.
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18 of 22 James Martin/CNET

Side buttons

Talking about the phone's construction at the launch event.
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19 of 22 James Martin/CNET

Video playback

The new 16:9 aspect ratio translates into wide-screen viewing during video playback.
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20 of 22 James Martin/CNET

Lighter iPhone 5

112 grams is 3.95 ounces.
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21 of 22 James Martin/CNET

Screen size

Apple introduces the larger screen at its keynote.
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22 of 22 James Martin/CNET

Colors

During the keynote, Apple announced the two colors.

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