Updated: Consumer Reports Doesn't Think Much Of The iPhone 5
January 7, 2013
Consumer Reports is out with their annual survey of smartphones and cell phone providers in the U.S. Unfortunately, Apple’s iPhone 5 isn’t getting much love from the publication, nor is AT&T.
In the January 2013 issue of Consumer Reports, the AT&T iPhone 5 is given a score of 77. By comparison, the LG Optimus G received a 79 rating, while the Samsung Galaxy S III received a 78. At Sprint, the iPhone 5 is ranked second behind the Samsung Galaxy S III, 75 to 76, respectively.
At Verizon, which is considered the most “satisfying major carrier” in the survey, the iPhone 5 is ranked No. 5.
Consumer Reports has often ranked the iPhone poorly. In 2010, for example, the publication was highly critical of the iPhone 4 due to the device’s early antenna issues. However, they have been less critical of the iPad.
Surprisingly, Consumer Reports says that Apple provides the “best buying experience,” among cell phone stores. This includes both Apple.com and Apple retail stores. AT&T is said to be the "less satisfying" of carriers. Among "walk-in" stores, Sprint, AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile are ranked the lowest.
In total, Consumer Reports tested 74 smartphones and determined rankings based on ease of use, voice quality, messaging, and more.
For the full report, you can download the free Consumer Reports app for iPad and then make an in-app purchase.
Note: This post has been updated to remove an error. Previously, we stated that Consumer Reports rated the Verizon iPhone 5 No. 14. That is not correct. Rather, the iPhone 4S received this ranking. We regret the error.
