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Apple's faster iPhone 5S features fingerprint scanner (pictures)

Equipped with a more powerful A7 processor, a Touch ID fingerprint scanner, and a souped-up camera, Apple's iPhone 5S brings home the goods.

Scott Stein
I started with CNET reviewing laptops in 2009. Now I explore wearable tech, VR/AR, tablets, gaming and future/emerging trends in our changing world. Other obsessions include magic, immersive theater, puzzles, board games, cooking, improv and the New York Jets. My background includes an MFA in theater which I apply to thinking about immersive experiences of the future.
Scott Stein
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Ready for Apple's iPhone 5S?

Landing in stores on Friday, the iPhone 5S is Apple's latest flagship smartphone. It sports a handful of new features including a unique gold color choice, a faster 64-bit A7 processor, and a fingerprint scanner for security. It'll be available in three storage options, starting at $199 on contract.

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Same vibrant Retina Display

In terms of the iPhone 5S' screen, not much has changed compared with its predecessor. It's still equipped with a crisp 4-inch Retina Display that has a 1,136x640-pixel resolution and 326ppi.

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The standard accessories

As expected, the device comes packaged with a pair of Apple EarPods and a Lightning connector charger.

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Still thin and lightweight

The handset measures 4.87 inches tall, 2.31 inches wide, and 0.30 inch thick. It weighs 3.95 ounces and remains very lightweight.

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A view from the bottom

At the bottom edge, there's a 3.5mm headphone charger, the Lightning charging port, and dual speakers.

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Internal memory and connectivity

The device will be available in 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB versions. All models will support 4G LTE, Bluetooth 4.0, and Wi-Fi (802.11 a/b/g/n).
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The new Touch ID sensor

At the handset's launch, Apple touted its Touch ID sensor, a fingerprint scanner that's integrated into the home button and made out of sapphire crystal and a "stainless-steel detection ring."

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Layer of security

Touch ID doubles as your security key in lieu of a lock-screen password, as well as your verification when you purchase music and other media content from iTunes.

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Easy touch setup

To set up Touch ID, tap and circle your finger to capture multiple fingerprint angles. The phone will collect more prints the more you tap, and after that, you're in.

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New True Tone LED flash

The device's 8-megapixel camera sports a True Tone LED flash that reportedly adjusts to different lightning environments, and gives photos a more natural look.

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A better 8-megapixel shooter

New camera features include a sensor that's 15 percent larger than previously, and a f/2.2 aperture to capture more lighting with every photo.

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Shooting with burst mode

After launching burst mode shooting, which rapidly takes several photos consecutively, you or the camera app itself can select the best photo out of the bunch, and delete the rest at once.

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The bigger picture

In addition, you can now see the Camera Roll as expansive "collections," initially organized by year.

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Breaking down your collections

Upon more-thorough combing, photos can then be viewed by events and locations.

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What's new with video

The rear-facing camera can record 1080p HD video, as well as in slow motion.

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Little too cramped for editing

For new iOS 7 devices, iMovie comes free. However, editing onscreen shows how real estate can get tight with just a 4-inch screen.

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Quickly looking back

As the successor to iOS 6 (seen on the left with the iPhone 5), the iPhone 5C (middle) and 5S' (right) iOS 7 software comes with many new features. For a deeper dive on the OS, check out CNET's hands-on.

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Get down with iTunes Radio

With iOS 7's music app, Apple launched iTunes Radio, a Pandora-esque music-streaming service. For more on iTunes Radio, check out CNET's hands-on.

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Share it with AirDrop

Also currently available on OS X, Apple's file-sharing service, AirDrop, will be integrated with iOS 7. You will be able to send and share photos, videos, and contacts via a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection.

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Sadly, no events

Another new iOS 7 feature is Notifications. Though already a mainstay in Android devices, Notifications let you check on app activity and updates by swiping from the top of the screen.

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Finally, Control Center for iOS

The device also features Control Center. Swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen to quickly access settings (like adjusting screen brightness and turn on Wi-Fi), as well as other apps like the music player and camera.

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Siri isn't going anywhere

The new iOS version will still feature Siri, Apple's voice assistant service, where you can launch Web searches.

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Go longer without charging

Compared with the iPhone 5 (left), the 5S has a longer battery life. Reported stats include 10 days of standby time, 10 hours of talk time on 3G, 10 hours of Web browsing on 4G LTE or Wi-Fi, or 10 hours of continuous video playback.

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Playing games with XCom

The handset features a faster, 64-bit A7 processor and M7 motion co-processor. Here, the game XCom looks great, though a bigger screen would make gameplay a bit more enjoyable.

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Benchmarking the iPhone 5S

Running 3DMark's graphics test shows the iPhone 5S' gaming's potential.

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Not alone in the market

In the US, the iPhone 5S will be sold on all four major carriers: AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and Sprint. It will face stiff competition from reigning Android flagships, which include the HTC One, Samsung Galaxy S4, and Motorola Moto X (from left to right).

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