Apple·Flagship · Released Sep 2012

iPhone 5

The 2012 redesign — taller screen, aluminium body, Lightning port.

30/ 100 SpecEagle score
From
$649
Color · Black & Slate
Display
4.0" LCD
Chipset
Apple A6
Memory
1 GB · 16 GB
Main cam
8 MP · f/2.4
Battery
1,440 mAh
Weight
112 g
Quick answer

The iPhone 5 is a flagship Apple smartphone released Sep 2012, with a launch price of $649. It pairs the Apple A6 with a 4.0" LCD display, a 8 MP · f/2.4 main camera and a 1,440 mAh battery. In SpecEagle's editorial review it scores 30/100 — The 2012 iPhone that brought Lightning and a taller screen. Standout strengths: introduced the lightning connector, replacing the 30-pin dock. and first taller 4-inch iphone display. Main trade-off: tiny 1,440 mah battery.

AI Snapshot

The 2012 iPhone that brought Lightning and a taller screen.

The iPhone 5 introduced the Lightning port and the 4-inch display. It is firmly a vintage device — a milestone in connector history more than a usable phone.

Read the full review
Subscores · 0–100
Display44
Camera38
Performance22
Battery36
Build60
Value30
  • Introduced the Lightning connector, replacing the 30-pin dock.
  • First taller 4-inch iPhone display.
  • Light, all-aluminium unibody.
  • First iPhone with LTE.

Full specifications

Type
Retina IPS LCD
Size
4.0 inches
Resolution
1,136 × 640 px (326 ppi)
Protection
Ion-strengthened glass
Main
8 MP, f/2.4
Selfie
1.2 MP
Video
1080p @ 30 fps
Features
Panorama mode

Benchmarks

vs 2025 flagship class average
AnTuTu v10
Δ class avg -98.4%
This
26,000
Class avg
1,620,000
Geekbench 6 Single
Δ class avg -96.7%
This
95
Class avg
2,900
Geekbench 6 Multi
Δ class avg -97.5%
This
200
Class avg
8,100
3DMark Solar Bay
Δ class avg -99.2%
This
0.5 fps
Class avg
62.0 fps

How the iPhone 5 compares

iPhone 5Xperia ZiPhone 4s
SpecEagle score303024
ChipsetApple A6Snapdragon S4 ProApple A5
Display4.0" LCD5.0" FHD LCD3.5" LCD
Main camera8 MP · f/2.413.1 MP · f/2.48 MP · f/2.4
Battery1,440 mAh2,330 mAh1,432 mAh
Launch price$649$650$649

Frequently asked questions

When was the iPhone 5 released?

The iPhone 5 was released in Sep 2012.

How much does the iPhone 5 cost?

The iPhone 5 launched at $649 (manufacturer suggested price at release; street and second-hand prices vary by region, storage tier and time since launch).

What is the iPhone 5 screen size and type?

The iPhone 5 has a 4.0" LCD display.

What chipset does the iPhone 5 use?

The iPhone 5 is powered by the Apple A6 chipset.

How much RAM and storage does the iPhone 5 have?

The iPhone 5 ships with 1 GB · 16 GB (RAM · base storage); higher configurations may be available.

What is the iPhone 5 battery capacity?

The iPhone 5 has a 1,440 mAh battery.

How fast does the iPhone 5 charge?

The iPhone 5 supports ~5 W (Lightning) wired charging.

Does the iPhone 5 have wireless charging?

The iPhone 5 does not support wireless charging.

What is the iPhone 5 main camera?

The iPhone 5 has a 8 MP · f/2.4 main camera.

How much does the iPhone 5 weigh?

The iPhone 5 weighs 112 g.

What colours does the iPhone 5 come in?

The iPhone 5 is available in 2 colours: Black & Slate, White & Silver.

Is the iPhone 5 worth buying?

The iPhone 5 introduced the Lightning port and the 4-inch display. It is firmly a vintage device — a milestone in connector history more than a usable phone. SpecEagle gives the iPhone 5 an editorial score of 30/100.

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