What's this? Overall score is based mainly on Ease of use, Messaging, Web browsing, Display quality, Voice quality, Phoning, Battery life, Camera Image and Video quality, and Portability. Music and Camera features are also considered. The displayed score is out of a total of 100 points. Phones are listed in performance order, within carriers. Due to test upgrades, and phone firmware updates, results may vary from past Ratings.
Approximate retail price:
$400
We expect this model to perform similarly to the tested Apple iPhone 5 (16 GB) (AT&T) although it may differ in price and features.
The Apple iPhone 5 (64 GB) (AT&T) is a smart phone available from
Apple.
The iPhone 5 (64 GB) (AT&T) typically costs
$400 .
Consumer Reports recommends that you match the features on a model to the needs you have. Here's
our take on some of the specifications and features that are commonly available on smart phone
models like the iPhone 5 (64 GB) (AT&T).
Requires data service:
These phones require a plan for browsing the Web or accessing e-mail and other media services and sites.
4G broadband data:
Indicates which models are considered "4G" based on the definitions from the carriers. Check with your carrier to see which broadband data networks are available in your area.
Camera (megapixels):
Specifies, in megapixels, the maximum resolution of the built-in camera. A camera with a 0.3 megapixel value is also referred to as VGA.
Tested Model
The Ratings of Apple iPhone 5 (16 GB) (AT&T) were applied to untested model Apple iPhone 5 (64 GB) (AT&T), which in our judgment is enough alike in its performance, features, and specs that our test results apply to both.
There's only one product line to choose from, and only one new model is introduced each year. These models complement their sleek, trend-setting designs and intuitively simple operation with top-notch displays, cameras, and music players. They also provide superb ease of use via a highly interactive multitouch screen and a customizable icon-driven interface. Newer iPhone models have a fascinating, built-in voice-activated "assistant" called Siri that's fairly good at following complex orders. iPhone 5, the first iPhone with a 4-inch display and support for fast 4G LTE data networks, is the best one yet. Consumer Reports has recommended every iPhone model except the iPhone 4, which had a signal-reception problem confirmed during testing.
Features & Specs - Apple iPhone 5 (64 GB) (AT&T)
Requires data service These phones require a plan for browsing the Web or accessing e-mail and other media services and sites.
Requires data service
Yes
Requires messaging service These phones require a plan for sending and receiving text, picture, or video messages.
Requires messaging service
No
4G broadband data Indicates which models are considered "4G" based on the definitions from the carriers. Check with your carrier to see which broadband data networks are available in your area.
4G broadband data
Yes
Camera (megapixels) Specifies, in megapixels, the maximum resolution of the built-in camera. A camera with a 0.3 megapixel value is also referred to as VGA.
Camera (megapixels)
8
Camera recording resolution The maximum recording resolution of the phone's primary video camera: 1080p, 720p, or SD (Standard Definition).
Camera recording resolution
1080p
Bluetooth Voice indicates the phone works with wireless Bluetooth headsets and most hands-free car systems; stereo means it supports stereo Bluetooth headsets for music and other multimedia; data indicates the phone can wirelessly exchange pictures, contacts, and other files with other compatible Bluetooth devices, such as a computer, cell phone, or PDA.
Bluetooth
Voice, stereo
Wi-Fi Cell-phone data networks--even those designated as "3G broadband"--are much slower than the broadband Internet connections many people have at home. But a rising number of phones have a built-in Wi-Fi radio that allows them faster Internet and e-mail access via home networks and Wi-Fi hotspots. On some phones, the Wi-Fi is just for Web browsing; on others, you can use the connection to make calls using Voice Over Internet Protocol. Others support data via the Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) standard. This lets the phone connect via WI-Fi to share content with other compatible certified devices such as a TV, printer, and computer.
Wi-Fi
Web
Memory card Many phones have slots that accept memory cards, typically microSD, to expand storage capacity by as much as 32GB. The removable cards can also serve as an easy way to shuttle files between your phone and other devices--provided that the phone's maker didn't bury the card slot behind the battery cover.
Memory card
none
Touch screen Full touch-sensitive displays respond to light contact with a stylus, finger, or both. They provide an alternate, and sometimes more direct, method to input data and launch phone features and controls. But they often require two hands to operate, and they smudge more frequently than their non-touch counterparts.
Touch screen
Yes
World phone Indicates the phone supports international GSM frequency bands for coverage abroad.
World phone
Yes
QWERTY keyboard Keyboards make composing and editing text and e-mail messages much easier than a keypad does. Some phones have keyboards that try to save space by having some letters, numbers, and symbols share a key. Those "condensed" keyboards, though still more convenient than a keypad, are not quite as easy to handle as full QWERTY keyboards.
QWERTY keyboard
Yes
Document editing All smart phones, and some conventional cell phones, allow you to review documents. Some models add the convenience of creating, deleting, and editing them out of the box.
As an Apple product, it is just a bit more elegant than other choices.... and it plays well in the Apple ecosystem syncing with iPad and Mac computers with iCloud convenience.<br /><br />Apple seems to be currently in a standoff with Honda on Bluetooth compatibility. It does not work in my Honda CRV. Other cars seem to have same issue. This is a major inconvenience and safety issue.
How long have you owned it:
Three-to-six months
Bottom Line
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend.
By Crowepepper
from Winston Salem, NC
(2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)
4.0
A lot packed into a small package.
10/12/2012
Pros
Display Is Brilliant
Excellent quality
Great Sound quality
Intuitive Design
Nice feel in your hand
Cons
Battery life
Needs A Bumper
New Connector
Best Uses
Camera
Cell phone
Internet
Music Audiobooks
Text
Comment:
This phone has an amazing feel and size that really stands out in your hand. The craftsmanship on the aluminum milling amazed me. I was impressed with the display, sound and ease of use.<br />It frustrates me that such a beautiful design needs to be covered in a plastic case but I feel otherwise an accident would be catastrophic. Battery life is disappointing even after turning down the screen brightness to less than I would like.<br /> Nevertheless I am glad I have it and use it all the time.
2 people have reviewed this model.
Requires data service
