iFixit

Even with several components remaining, the back case is impressively light.

Using a high tech, advanced precision scale, we conclude that the entire rear case of the iPhone 5 weighs only slightly more than just the glass rear panel of the 4S.

Pressure contacts on the vibrator motor mean that replacing it doesn't require soldering or prying up small connectors.

Unlike the iPhone 4S, which used a linear-oscillating vibrator, Apple has gone back to a rotational motor with a counterweight.

• We praised Apple in the past for going with the quieter and less annoying linear oscillating vibrator, but now we're scratching our heads as to why they went back.

The ear speaker comes out easily with two screws and connects to the display assembly with spring contacts.

The speaker in the iPhone 4S was adhered to the fragile power button ribbon cable and required a lot of work to remove. Now it pops right off the display assembly—another hooray for repairability!

Apple's newest iteration of its classic home button sports an integrated metal support bracket, which we hope will greatly strengthen the oft-used switch.

Many iPhone 4 and 4S users have experienced the woes of a faulty home button, but haven't been brave enough to attempt the repair. This new design should not only increase longevity, but also make replacing the home button a lot less of a hassle.

A side-by-side comparison of the iPhone 4S and iPhone 5 display assemblies.

What first appeared to be part of the LCD assembly is easily removed after the turn of a few screws.

This plate is likely used for shielding and heat dissipation. The spring contact near the screw suggests that the plate could also be used for grounding.

We've had some inquiries if this shield was made of Liquidmetal. Sorry to disappoint, folks, but it doesn't seem to be that alloy. The plate has the same resistance of stainless steel and is slightly magnetic, just like stainless steel.

Based on a user request, we looked into the concerns about "Scuff Gate," the fear that the black coating scuffs off too easily.

We found that the side is pretty tough, but the chamfered edge can be susceptible to scuffing, making for a shiny streak on the side.

Moral of this story: be careful, or get a case. Or be free like the wind and just don't care.

One of the iPhone 5's biggest selling points was the updated 8 megapixel iSight camera.

Although it's hard to see many differences between this camera and last year's model on the outside, Sony made some significant upgrades, including improved low light performance and 40% faster image capture. iPhone 5 camera is on the left.

Will your pictures be this good? That depends—will you take the time to snap photos of something besides your dinner?

Apple was very proud of the fact that they are using a sapphire crystal in their new-and-improved camera.

Since sapphire is such a hard material, it would be sensible that the outermost element of the camera is made of sapphire.

• We tried scratching the clear cover with a pair of steel tweezers and the lens remained scratch-free.
• While this doesn't confirm that the protective cover is made from sapphire crystal, it does mean that it is quite hard and scratch resistant.

After giving it some thought, we decided that a few passes with a pair of tweezers wasn't a sufficiently thorough scratch test for the camera lens coating.

The rear case of the iPhone 5 doesn't hold up well to a barrage of sandpaper and keys, but the lens cover remains crystal clear. Wow.