iPhone 5 (AWS**)

It is important to note that this "GSM" A1428 iPhone 5 variant was introduced by T-Mobile and includes AWS (1700/2100 MHz) support for its network in the United States, leading to it often being called the "T-Mobile" iPhone 5.

However, as Engadget first reported, starting April 12, 2013, this model was also distributed by AT&T in the US (which doesn't use AWS) and other North American carriers, some of which do and some of which do not support the AWS standard. This model supports LTE bands 4 and 17. Besides the added AWS support on compatible networks, it is identical to the earlier "GSM" A1428 iPhone 5, which EveryiPhone.com documents separately for clarity.

All iPhone 5 models, irrespective of network compatibility, feature a 4-inch (diagonal) widescreen multi-touch IPS LED-backlit "retina display" with an 1136x640 resolution (326 ppi). They are equipped with dual cameras: a rear 8-megapixel, 1080p "iSight" camera and a front 1.2-megapixel, 720p "FaceTime HD" camera. The device supports 4G/LTE and is housed in a slim, 0.30-inch aluminum "unibody" case with a glass front, available in either dark gray "slate" with a black front or silver with a white front.

All iPhone 5 devices are driven by a 1.3 GHz dual-core "Apple A6" processor, have 1 GB of RAM, and come with 16 GB, 32 GB, or 64 GB of flash storage. They also support dual-band 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz 802.11n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, three noise-canceling microphones, a bottom-mounted headphone jack, and the new USB 2.0-based Lightning port.

Apple's battery life estimates for the iPhone 5 models are up to 40 hours of audio playback, 8 hours of 3G talk time, 8 hours of 3G internet use, 8 hours of 4G/LTE internet use, 10 hours of Wi-Fi internet use, 10 hours of video playback, and 225 hours of standby.

In the US, this "GSM" A1428 iPhone 5 was offered with 16 GB, 32 GB, or 64 GB of storage for US$99, US$199, or US$299, respectively, unlocked but requiring a two-year contract on T-Mobile. Other pricing options were available from different carriers. Unlocked and contract-free, this model was initially priced at US$649, US$749, and US$849.

The iPhone 5 delivered a remarkable leap forward in smartphone technology, earning widespread acclaim for its aluminum unibody construction and increased screen size that transformed the user experience. Critics praised its lightweight design that defied expectations, with many noting how the device felt impossibly thin yet remained structurally robust throughout extended use. The handset established new benchmarks for mobile performance and display quality, setting standards that influenced the entire smartphone industry. Its introduction of the Lightning connector, while initially controversial, ultimately demonstrated Apple's willingness to embrace technological progress even when it meant disrupting established ecosystems.