We have reviewed or used every single iPhone that was ever designed/built and to be honest the iPhone 5 was less exciting than we had expected due to the hype surrounding the handset.

There are no two ways about it - the iPhone 5 is perhaps the best phone around for those who are looking for the perfect balance of style and substance. It looks gorgeous and thanks to iOS's app treasury lets you do just about everything from playing high end games to editing high definition video...

While it's definitely the best iPhone to date in most respects, a number of small issues hold it back from being the undisputed dominant phone this year.

Beautiful design; Polished user interface; Audio jack on bottom of phone; Larger "Retina" screen; Fast 4G LTE service

Lightning connector adapter MIA; iOS lagging behind Android in some areas; Screen is taller but not wider; Weak battery life; Poor Google services integration (and getting worse

"It's the same thing with a bigger screen." "It doesn't have NFC." "Android phones have had 4G LTE for ages." Immediately after Apple announced the iPhone 5 ($199), lots of people started questioning whether Apple had done enough to stay in the smartphone vanguard.

Amazingly thin and light; Bigger more vibrant screen; Fast 4G LTE speeds; Very good battery life; Improved camera; Facebook integration and easy photo sharing

Half-baked Maps app; Very few interface enhancements

The iPhone 5 has finally come to T-Mobile, and if you're in the market for a smartphone from Apple, pay attention. T-Mobile's iPhone is the same iPhone 5 that you've seen elsewhere, with better voice quality at a lower price. That's a terrific combination for anyone currently shopping for an iPhone.

Relatively inexpensive; Speedy; Supports HD Voice

Limited network coverage in some parts of the U.S

Many Apple products are launched to something of a fanfare , and the iPhone 5 was no exception. While it's easy to get carried away in the queues , high-fiving Apple store staff , and endless reports, rumours, and rapid-fire reviews: it's worth taking a deep breath, standing back, and taking a good...

Lighter and slimmer design; improved camera; faster connectivity (even on 3G); faster processor; 4-in screen is amazing for movies

Expensive; Lightning port is annoying and replacement accessories are also expensive; no 4G LTE yet in the UK; 4-in screen isn't incredibly different from 3.5-in display on iPhone 4S

The iPhone 5 offers a thoroughly pleasant redesign with a taller display and a thinner, lighter frame. Fast and packing a great camera, the hardware is hard to fault, while iOS feels slick and offers loads of apps, even if Apple's new Maps software feels like a step backwards.

Larger screen with increased resolution; Extremely quick; Winning redesign makes for a thinner; lighter phone

IOS 6 Maps app is a step backwards; 4G won't work on all UK networks; New connector means you'll need to buy an adaptor for current chargers and docks; Very expensive

A number of high profile news stories emerged soon after the iPhone 5's release. These ranged from the metallic back and side chipping and revealing the aluminium beneath to issues with battery life and the Apple Maps fiasco. We go into more detail about the maps app further on.

Stunning design and build; Taller; more colourful display; 4G connectivity and superfast processor

Scratchprone chassis; New Maps app is a step backwards; Lacks NFC

A taller screen and a sumptuous redesign for the iconic smartphone, but Apple's latest iPhone falls tantalisingly short of the A-List

If you're a fan of Apple's iPhone and iOS, we think you'll be pleased with the enhancements made to the iPhone design. The new aluminium and glass combination is lovely, the longer screen is a slight improvement and the new hardware delivers a seamless user experience, as always.

Same slick performance as with previous iPhones; 4G is a welcome addition; Longer display adds needed screen real estate; Earpods are very comfortable

iOS is still mostly uncustomisable; Design isn't as nice to hold as it is to look at; No HDMI; micro USB or memory expansion; unless you pay for adapters; No NFC