Apple got the iPhone 5's physical design right

Apple got the iPhone 5's physical design right With theiPhone 5, Apple did what does best: think of a good industrial design. But that is n't invariably the case.

Until I got my mitts the nexus 4 wallet case iPhone 5 -- I picked one high on Friday -- I wasn't sure if Apple had nailed the design and style (hands-on videos and reviews go just so far).

Well, after A couple of days I'm pretty sure it did. It really looks a lot better than the 4S (when i owned until Friday).

Thinness, in my book, will probably be the foundation for coolness. But thinness is not a pleasing bonus; it may be practical too. For example, Apple stretched out the 4S sufficient to get for only a bigger screen, while can make it lighter and easier to have.

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 works as a nice touch too. Not to mention that the metal-clad best nexus 4 case sides look better when there's about 0.7 inches shaved off.

And the top is more attractive too. The ratio of display area to non-display area (e.g., that home button is) is greater in the 5 n custom nexus 4 case comparison to the 4S.

So, my first impression may iPhone 5 looks an outstanding physical design.

Related storiesCNET's iPhone 5 full review

But please let me close that has a cautionary note. The physical model of was the last Apple product I aquired, the third-generationiPad, is a disappointment. I agree with Raymond Soneira of DisplyMate Technologies where the resulting design was plan B for Apple.

Though this wonderful Retina display, it's noticeably thicker and heavier when compared with the iPad 2 caused by display assembly compromises Apple needed to make. A more modern product -- particularly Apple's case -- really should not be thicker and heavier versus the older model.

Let's hope Apple proceeds the thinner, lighter trajectory in the iPhone 5 with future products, with expected upcoming iPad Mini.

The iPhone 5 I grasped Friday.

(Credit:Brooke Crothers)