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Apple iPhone 5 (GSM/LTE/AWS/North America) 16, 32, 64 GB Specs

Identifiers: iPhone 5 (AWS**) - ME486LL/A* - iPhone5,1 - A1428 - N/A

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Apple iPhone 5Please note that this "GSM" A1428 iPhone 5 model was unveiled by T-Mobile and offers AWS (1700/2100 MHz) support on the T-Mobile network in the United States. As a result, it is not uncommon to see it referred to as the "T-Mobile" iPhone 5.

However, as first reported by Engadget, starting April 12, 2013, this model also was offered by AT&T in the US, which does not support AWS, as well as other carriers in North America (some of which do and some of which do not support the AWS standard). It supports LTE bands 4 and 17. Apart from AWS support on compatible carriers, though, it is identical to the earlier "GSM" A1428 iPhone 5, which EveryiPhone.com documents as its own model for clarity.


The iPhone 5 models, regardless of network compatibility, have a 4" (diagonal) widescreen multi-touch IPS LED-backlit 1136x640 native resolution (326 ppi) "retina display," dual cameras -- a rear 8 megapixel, 1080p "iSight" camera and a front 1.2 megapixel, 720p "FaceTime HD" camera, and 4G/LTE support, all packed in an aluminum "unibody" case with a glass front that is a mere 0.30 of an inch thick (color options include either a dark gray "slate" matte back and a glossy black front or a silver matte back and a glossy white front).

All iPhone 5 devices powered by a 1.3 GHz dual core "Apple A6" processor, has 1 GB of RAM, and 16 GB, 32 GB, or 64 GB of flash storage. It also supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz 802.11n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0 as well as packs three noise canceling microphones, a bottom-mounted headphone jack, and a new USB 2.0-based Lightning port for connectivity.

Apple estimates that the iPhone 5 models provide "up to" 40 hours of audio playback, 8 hours of talk time on 3G, 8 hours of Internet use on 3G, 8 hours of Internet use on 4G/LTE, 10 hours of Internet use on Wi-Fi, 10 hours of video playback and 225 hours of standby time.

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

Also see:

  • What are all the differences between the iPhone 5 models?
  • What are all the differences between the iPhone 5, the iPhone 4S, and the iPhone 4?

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  • Tech Specs
  • Global Original Prices
  • Popular Q&As

Click on a category for related details. The most commonly needed info is "open" by default, but all info is important. Asterisks (*) reference data in details fields.


March 26, 2013* September 10, 2013
Details: The "Introduction Date" refers to the date a model was introduced via press release. The "Discontinued Date" refers to the date a model either was replaced by a subsequent system or production otherwise ended.

*This model was first announced by T-Mobile on March 26, 2013 and first shipped direct from Apple in addition to T-Mobile on April 12, 2013.

Also see: All iPhone models introduced in 2013.
1 (2 Cores) 1577
Details: Geekbench 2 provides 32-bit benchmarks for iOS models. This number is an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.

You also might be interested in reviewing all Geekbench 2 user submissions for devices with the iPhone5,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.

To dynamically compare Geekbench 2 results from different iPod touch, iPhone and iPad models side-by-side, please see Everyi.com's Ultimate iComparison.
712 1279
Details: These Geekbench 3 benchmarks are in 32-bit mode and are for a single processor core and all processor cores, respectively. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.

You also might be interested in reviewing all 32-bit single core and multicore Geekbench 3 user submissions for devices with the iPhone5,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.

To dynamically compare 32-bit Geekbench 3 results from different iPod touch, iPhone and iPad models side-by-side, see Everyi.com's Ultimate iComparison.
N/A N/A
Details: The Geekbench 3 benchmark does not support 64-bit mode for this model. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.

You also might be interested in reviewing all 64-bit single core and multicore Geekbench 3 user submissions for devices with the iPhone5,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.

To dynamically compare Geekbench 3 results from different iPod touch, iPhone and iPad models side-by-side, see Everyi.com's Ultimate iComparison.
754 1208
Details: These Geekbench 4 benchmarks are are for a single processor core and all processor cores, respectively. All Geekbench 4 benchmarks are 64-bit. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.

You also might be interested in reviewing all single core and multicore Geekbench 4 user submissions for devices with the iPhone5,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.

To dynamically compare Geekbench 4 results from different iPod touch, iPhone and iPad models side-by-side, see Everyi.com's Ultimate iComparison.
N/A N/A
Details: The Geekbench 5 benchmark does not support this iPhone model. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.

You also might be interested in reviewing all single core and multicore Geekbench 5 user submissions for devices with the iPhone5,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.

To dynamically compare Geekbench 5 results from different iPod touch, iPhone and iPad models side-by-side, see Everyi.com's Ultimate iComparison.
1.3 GHz* Apple A6*
Details: *Apple reports that the iPhone 5 uses an "Apple A6" processor, but little else. Third-party analysis from AnandTech, however, determined that it has a custom dual core processor and a three core graphics processor, most likely a 266 MHz PowerVR SGX 543MP3. Early Geekbench software analysis indicated that it had a 1 GHz processor, but a subsequent version of the software more accurately determined that it has a variable speed processor that commonly runs around 1 GHz with a top speed of 1.3 GHz.

Also see: How much faster is the iPhone 5 than the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S?
1 GB* 16, 32, 64 GB
Details: *Apple provides no official details regarding RAM used by the iPhone 5. However, as first determined by AnandTech, it has 1 GB of onboard RAM as two 512 MB dies.

Also see: Is it possible to add external storage to the iPhone? How?
Sync & Charge None
Details: The iPhone 5 models are capable of charging and syncing by USB via its Lightning connector. It does not offer a "disk mode" for file transfer.
USB Lightning, Headphone
Details: N/A
Handheld iPhone 5
Details: N/A
Black & White Multi-touch
Details: The iPhone 5 models are available with either a black glass front and an aluminum dark gray "slate" back or a white glass front and an aluminum silver back.
4" Color 1136x640 (326 ppi)
Details: The iPhone 5 models have a 4" (diagonal) widescreen multi-touch IPS "Retina" display with a 1136x640 native resolution at 326 ppi. Apple also reports a 800:1 typical contrast ratio and a 500 cd/m2 typical brightness.

Also see: How do I replace the glass cover, digitizer, and display (LCD screen) on the iPhone 5?

In the UK, site sponsor ALB Repair offers component-level logic board repair, display repair, and other repair services for this iPhone. No fix, no fee!

In Spain, site sponsor iRepairs provides affordable repair and data recovery services. In-person and by mail repair services include the display, motherboard, charging port, and more for this iPhone.
802.11a/b/g/n* 4.0
Details: *Apple notes that the iPhone 5 models support both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies of 802.11n Wi-Fi.

This specific iPhone 5 -- the second revision of the A1428 model -- intended for the North American Market (T-Mobile and AT&T in the US and Bell, Rogers, and Telus, as well as affiliated brands in Canada) -- supports UMTS/HSPA+/DC-HSDPA (850, 900, 1700/2100, 1900, 2100 MHz); GSM/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz); and LTE (Bands 4 and 17).
GSM/LTE/AWS* 8.0 Megapixels**
Details: *This specific iPhone 5 -- the second revision of the A1428 model -- intended for the North American Market (T-Mobile and AT&T in the US and Bell, Rogers, and Telus, as well as affiliated brands in Canada) -- supports UMTS/HSPA+/DC-HSDPA (850, 900, 1700/2100, 1900, 2100 MHz); GSM/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz); and LTE (Bands 4 and 17).

**The iPhone 5 models have dual cameras. The rear 8 megapixel "iSight" camera supports HD video recording (1080p up to 30 FPS with audio), and also has autofocus, a backside illumination sensor, a hybrid IR filter, and an LED flash as well as support for tap to focus, face detection, improved video stabilization and panorama shots. The front "FaceTime HD" camera takes 1.2 megapixel photos and HD video (720p up to 30 FPS).
Lithium Ion 40 Hours
Details: In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells replacement batteries for this iPhone.

Also see: How do I replace the battery in the iPhone 5?
8 Hours* 225 Hours
Details: *Apple reports that the iPhone 5 models provide "up to" 40 hours of audio playback, 8 hours of talk time on 3G, 8 hours of Internet use on 3G, 8 hours of Internet use on 4G/LTE, 10 hours of Internet use on Wi-Fi, 10 hours of video playback and 225 hours of standby time.

Also see: Why does my iPhone run out of power so quickly? How can I conserve battery life?
ME486LL/A* iPhone 5 (AWS**)
Details: *ME486LL/A is the order number for the 16 GB configuration in black "unlocked and contract free" but shipped with a T-Mobile nano-SIM. With 32 GB or 64 GB of storage, in black, and the same setup, the order numbers are ME488LL/A and ME490LL/A. With 16 GB, 32 GB, or 64 GB of storage, in white "unlocked and contract free" but shipped with a T-Mobile nano-SIM, the order numbers are ME487LL/A, ME489LL/A, and ME491LL/A, respectively.

Starting April 12, 2013, Apple also shipped this model locked to AT&T and unlocked without a nano-SIM pre-installed, and these configurations share the same order numbers as the original "A1428" iPhone 5 released on September 12, 2012.

As before, with 16 GB, 32 GB, or 64 GB of storage, in black, locked to AT&T, the order numbers are MD634LL/A, MD636LL/A and MD644LL/A, respectively. With 16 GB, 32 GB, or 64 GB of storage, in "white and silver," still locked to AT&T, the order numbers are MD635LL/A, MD637LL/A, and MD645LL/A, respectively. Unlocked without a nano-SIM in black, 16 GB, 32 GB and 64 GB of storage, respectively, are order numbers MD293LL/A, MD295LL/A, and MD642LL/A. Unlocked in white, 16 GB, 32 GB, and 64 GB of storage, respectively, are order numbers MD294LL/A, MD296LL/A, and MD643LL/A.

**Officially, even internally, Apple makes no formal distinction between this "A1428" iPhone 5 and its predecessor with the same model number. EveryiPhone.com has noted it as the "AWS" model for clarification, however.
A1428 (EMC N/A) iPhone5,1
Details: Please note that this model number refers to more than one device. The EMC number is not externally listed on the device, but it is listed in software.

Also see: All iPhones with the A1428 Model Number, the N/A EMC Number, and the iPhone5,1 Model Identifier.
iOS 6.1.2 (10B146) iOS 10.3.4
Details: This model is fully supported by the last version of iOS 9 with the exception of "Facedown detection" capability. It is supported by the final version of iOS 10 with the exception of the Raise to Wake and Rich Notifications features. It is not supported by iOS 11 or subsequent versions of the iOS.

Also see: Which iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad models support iOS 10? Do some models "partially" support iOS 10? Which ones?
4.87 x 2.31 x 0.30* 3.95 oz. (112 g)
Details: In inches - height by width by depth (123.8 x 58.6 x 7.6 mm).
Mac OS X 10.6.8* Windows XP SP3/Vista/7
Details: Apple reports that the iPhone 5 models, if syncing with iTunes is desired, are compatible with a Mac running "OS X 10.6.8 or later, and iTunes 10.7 or later."

It is likewise compatible with a "PC with USB 2.0, Windows 7, Vista or Windows XP Home or Professional (SP3) or later, and iTunes 10.7 or later."
Apple reports that the iPhone 5 supports "AAC (8 to 320 Kbps), Protected AAC (from iTunes Store), HE-AAC, MP3 (8 to 320 Kbps), MP3 VBR, Audible (formats 2, 3, 4, Audible Enhanced Audio, AAX, and AAX+), Apple Lossless, AIFF, and WAV."
Apple does not formally specify photo formats for the iPhone 5. However, it can sync photos in JPEG, BMP, GIF, TIFF, PSD (Mac only), and PNG formats, from iTunes and iCloud.
Apple reports that the iPhone 5 supports "H.264 video up to 1080p, 30 frames per second, High Profile level 4.1 with AAC-LC audio up to 160 Kbps, 48kHz, stereo audio in .m4v, .mp4, and .mov file formats; MPEG-4 video up to 2.5 Mbps, 640 by 480 pixels, 30 frames per second, Simple Profile with AAC-LC audio up to 160 Kbps per channel, 48kHz, stereo audio in .m4v, .mp4, and .mov file formats; [and] Motion JPEG (M-JPEG) up to 35 Mbps, 1280 by 720 pixels, 30 frames per second, audio in ulaw, PCM stereo audio in .avi file format."

It also supports AirPlay Mirroring to Apple TV at 720p as well as AirPlay video streaming to the Apple TV (3rd Gen) at up 1080p and the Apple TV (2nd Gen) at up to 720p.
Shipped with "Apple EarPods [headphones] with Remote and Mic, Lightning to USB cable, [and] a USB power adapter."

In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells inexpensive headphones, cases and other accessories for this iPhone.

Also see: What is the best external keyboard for the iPhone?
US$99, US$199, US$299* US$50-US$75
Details: *In the US, this iPhone 5 model is available on T-Mobile for US$99, US$199, or US$299 -- with 16 GB, 32 GB, or 64 GB of storage, respectively -- unlocked, but with a two year contract. Locked to AT&T and with a two year contract, it is US$199, US$299, or US$399 with the same respective storage. Unlocked and contract free, this model is available for US$649, US$749, and US$849.

Photo Credit: Apple, Inc.



Global original prices for the iPhone 5 (GSM/LTE/AWS/North America) in 24 different countries and territories follow; organized alphabetically by region. Please note that prices with an asterisk (*) are bound by carrier contractual obligations.

For global original prices for all iPod, iPhone, and iPad models in one particular country on a single page, please refer to Everyi.com's Global Original Prices section.

If you have additional original prices for this iPhone, please share. Thank you.


Original Prices - North & South America

C$699, C$799, C$899 N/A
N/A US$99, US$199, US$299*

Original Prices - Europe

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Original Prices - Asia

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Original Prices - Australia & New Zealand

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If you have additional original prices for this model, please get in touch. Thank you.


Ten of the most popular Q&As about the iPhone line follow.




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