We can all exhale now, as Consumer Reports has released their “first look” at the new iPhone 5, calling it a “notable improvement” over the iPhone 4S, but criticizing Apple’s new iOS 6 Maps applications as being not up to par.
The GPS navigation team at Consumer Reports has been testing the iPhone 5, and determined that Apple’s new Maps application in iOS 6 has “much maturing to do” before it can compete with other turn-by-turn services. Still, the consumer advocacy group’s initial impressions of the iPhone 5 have been largely positive following last Friday’s launch.
The organization says the iPhone 5 is a worthwhile improvement over its predecessor, in spite of “a mapping app that’s disappointing, at least so far.” Even thought they highlighted the Maps app as the “biggest drawback” of the iPhone 5, CR also noted that the software is “likely to improve over time.”
Consumer Reports did have one positive thing to say about Maps, admiring the simple interface of the Apple app.
CR also liked the larger 4-in display of the 5, remarking on the reduced glare. They also enjoyed the lighter weight, speedy 4G LTE, and the A6 processor which helped content to load faster.
The camera was found to be a “modest step up” from the iPhone 4S. CR said while the still shots and video look crisper and sharper on the 5, they failed to find any improvements in low lighting footage.
CR raised a furor back in 2010 when after ranking the iPhone 4 as the best smartphone available, they changed their stance and stated they couldn’t recommend the 4. The group had performed testing and found that covering the bottom left corner of the handset with a bare hand could reduce phone reception.
The group had a more favorable take on the iPhone 4S when it was released last year, saying the reception issues of the 4 had been addressed. Earlier this year, the organization tested the new iPad and found the device could reach temperatures of 116 degrees Fahrenheit, saying it got “warm but not especially uncomfortable if held for a brief period.”
