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Earlier this year I saw a leaked image that may or may not have been the new iPhone. The leaked photos were just the front plate but were correct. I tweeted my disappointment at the time:

really hope this is not Apples answer to a larger screen on the new iphone – goo.gl/fUbrn -looks like a lazy solution #iphone5

— tyler ransburgh (@ransburgh) June 1, 2012

When Apple officially announced the new iPhone I was a little let down. I was really hoping for a noticeably different design. Regardless, I was up for an upgrade and I was getting one.

Black or White?

The first decision was what color to get and it had to be decided before I saw it in person (pre-order). I traditionally alternate between the two colors and my iPhone 4 was black. What I didn’t expect was that Apple was going to use black anodized aluminum on the device. I loved the blacked-out iPhone and broke my cycle of colors.

Weight and Feel

Putting a case on an iPhone is lame. Apple spends millions of dollars on R&D to get the size and materials just right. Every time I buy a case it lasts for about 2 hours till I can’t handle it anymore.

The weight is a bit crazy. When you pick up an object you have certain assumptions on the mass based on size and materials. The new iPhone defies those assumptions. It is oddly light and even those that prefer Android devices have been surprised by the weight and how it feels in their hand.

Doesn’t it Scratch?

So far, no scratches (remember, no case). I was lucky and did not have any of the factory blemishes. I throw it in my pocket, it sits on my desk, night stand at home, and even my toddlers have got a hold of it. Still scratch-free. I had a fear when I first got it but it has held up better than expected. And you know that a scratch on the black will be more visible than the silver aluminum on the white version.

The Screen

Getting to the furthest corners of the screen can be a stretch but can be done with the same hand holding the device. I have no clue how those with screens larger than 4″ or that have a larger width can reach the opposite corner of the screen. I now understand why Apple kept the device at 4″ and built it in the dimensions that it did.

New Apps

The light redesign of most of the native apps are hit and miss. I don’t like the new design of the App Store where you have to swipe right to left to view a list of apps, specifically on the “Featured” and “Charts” pages. I would prefer the lists be vertical.

I have not had any issues when using the Maps App as others have. I am only a light user and don’t need it to get around a tight urban setting or use public transportation.

In the End…

I was expecting disappointment even after I ordered the device but was surprised by how the whole package was put together. As usual, Apple took the entire experience into consideration and nailed it from top to bottom with the physical design. There were some slips in app usability but those are much easier to correct after launch.

(image credit: apple.com)