Apple got the iPhone 5's physical design right

iPhone 5 and 4S side by side. Making it a little longer and thinner makes a big difference.

(Credit: CNET)

With the iPhone 5, Apple did what it does best: come up with a good industrial design. But that's not always the case.

Until I got my hands on the iPhone 5 -- I picked one up on Friday -- I wasn't sure if Apple had nailed the design (hands-on videos and reviews go just so far).

Well, after 48 hours I'm pretty sure it did. It just looks and feels a lot better than the 4S (which I owned until Friday).

Thinness, in my book, is the foundation for coolness. But thinness isn't just an aesthetic bonus; it can be practical too. In this case, Apple stretched out the 4S just enough to allow for a bigger screen, while making it lighter and easier to hold.

Let's quantify that.

iPhone 4S:

• Height: 4.5 inches (115.2 mm)


• Width: 2.31 inches (58.6 mm)


• Depth: 0.37 inch (9.3 mm)


• Weight: 4.9 ounces (140 grams)

iPhone 5

• Height: 4.87 inches (123.8 mm)


• Width: 2.31 inches (58.6 mm)


• Depth: 0.30 inch (7.6 mm)


• Weight: 3.95 ounces (112 grams)

The two-toned back plate is a nice touch too. Not to mention that the metal-clad sides look better when there's about 0.7 inches shaved off.

And the front is more attractive too. The ratio of display area to non-display area... [Read more]