Filip Novotny The latest generation "iPhone without a phone", or iPod touch, has finally received an update that puts the device back on top - a better display, a faster processor and a decent camera. Apple defends the price of over 8000 CZK for the lowest model with favorable specifications and color variations. We will answer these questions in our big review.
Package contents
The latest iPod touch is packed in a classic box made of transparent plastic, in which several novelties are hidden. First of all, it is a new, larger player in itself, but even the included accessories are different from previous generations. The presence of EarPods, which replace the original Apple Earphones, will probably be the most pleasing. The new headphones play noticeably better and don't even seem so bad to us individuals with abnormal ears. Anyone who likes pure listening will surely reach for a higher quality solution, but it is still a big step forward.
The box also includes a Lightning cable that replaced the old docking connector, as well as a special Loop strap. This is meant to be attached to the player so that we can comfortably carry it by hand. The rest of the package consists of mandatory instructions, safety warnings and two stickers with the Apple logo.
Processing
When you unbox the player, you immediately notice how incredibly thin the new iPod touch is. If we look at the specifications table, we find that the difference in thickness compared to the previous generation is exactly one millimeter. It may not seem like it, but one millimeter is really a lot. Especially if you know how thin the touch was in the mentioned fourth generation. With the new device, we have the feeling that Apple has reached the very limits of what is possible, which is ultimately noticeable in a few places. But more on that in a moment.
The body of the iPod touch is subordinate to the touch screen, which has been enlarged by half an inch for the latest generation, just like the iPhone 5. Therefore, the device is about 1,5 cm taller. Despite this change, it is clear at first touch that we are holding a device from Apple. Of course, the Home Button cannot be missing under the dominant feature in the form of a multi-touch display. Retailers may notice that the symbol on the button is newly rendered in a shiny silver color instead of the previous gray. It's these little things that make the new touch such a nice device.
Above the display remains a large empty area with a small FaceTime camera in its center. On the left side we find the buttons for volume control, the shape is significantly different from those on the iPhone 5. Due to the thinness of the device, Apple used elongated buttons similar to those on the iPad mini. The Power Button remained on the top side and the headphone jack also retained its position. We can find it in the lower left corner of the player. Next to it is the Lightning connector and the speaker even further.
The back of the iPod touch underwent an interesting transformation, replacing the shiny chrome (and slightly scratchable) finish with matte aluminum. We know this surface well from MacBook computers, but in the case of touch, the material is modified into several interesting shades. Therefore, for the very first time, we can choose from six colors. They are Black, Silver, Pink, Yellow, Blue and Product Red. The black version has a black front, all others in white.
Whatever color we choose, we always find a large iPod inscription and the Apple logo on the back. The new feature is a larger camera in the upper left corner, which is finally accompanied by a microphone and an LED flash. It is with the rear camera that we find out that Apple has reached the very limits with the thinness of the device. The camera protrudes from the otherwise smooth aluminum and can thus appear as a disturbing element. A piece of black plastic in the upper right corner, behind which the antennas for wireless connections are hidden, can look similarly unaesthetic.
Finally, on the bottom near the speaker we find a special one knob for attaching the Loop. The round piece of metal, when pressed, extends just the right distance so that we can attach a strap around it and carry the player by hand. The button doesn't slide out a bit for our taste (it's best to push it in with your fingernail), but otherwise the Loop is a nice idea that highlights what Apple intends with the new iPod touch.
Display
In this category, the top line of iPods has seen a big improvement. In earlier models, the display was always a weaker version of the standard set by the iPhone's older sibling. Although the penultimate generation had the same resolution as the iPhone 4 (960x640 at 326 dpi), it did not use an IPS panel. As a result, the screen was therefore darker and did not have such vivid colors. However, the latest touch broke this infamous tradition and got within a hair of the same display as the iPhone 5. So we have a four-inch LCD display with an IPS panel with a resolution of 1136×640 pixels, which brings us to the traditional density of 326 pixels per inch.
If you've ever held an iPhone 5 in your hand, you already know how amazing that display is. Brightness and contrast are at a first-class level, color rendering is simple eyecandy. Probably the only drawback is the absence of an ambient light sensor, which ensures automatic brightness adjustment. So if you want to, say, finish reading a book from iBooks before going to bed, you will have to dim the display yourself in the settings.
By the way, placing the display on the back of the device is the second place where we find that Apple really didn't have any room to spare. The front panel protrudes slightly above the aluminum, but as a result, it is not distracting and we are rather glad that we noticed this little thing.
Performance and hardware
Apple usually doesn't reveal what hardware is hidden in its products in the specifications. The only component listed directly by the manufacturer is the A5 processor. It was first introduced together with the iPad 2 and we also know it from the iPhone 4S. It runs at 800 MHz and uses dual-core PowerVR graphics. In practice, the new touch is sufficiently fast and nimble, although of course it does not reach the lightning reactions of the iPhone 5. For all common and more demanding operations, the player with an overview is sufficient, although there may be a slightly longer delay compared to the latest phone. However, it is still a big leap forward compared to the previous touch.
Wireless networks also received pleasant updates. iPod touch currently supports the fastest Wi-Fi type 802.11n, and now also in the 5GHz band. Thanks to Bluetooth 4 technology, connecting to wireless headphones, speakers or keyboards should consume significantly less energy. At the moment, there are not many devices that use this innovation, so only time will tell how practical the fourth revision of Bluetooth will be.
A feature noticeably missing from the iPod touch is GPS support. We don't know if this absence is due to a lack of space or perhaps a financial aspect, but a GPS module could make the touch a much more versatile device. It is easy to imagine how a large four-inch screen would be used as a navigation system in a car.
Camera
What catches the most attention at first glance is the new camera. Compared to previous generations, it has a significantly larger diameter, so better image quality can be expected. On paper, the iPod touch's five-megapixel camera may appear to be on par with the two-year-old iPhone 4, but the number of points on the sensor still means nothing. Compared to the mentioned phone, the touch has a much better lens, processor and software, so the quality of the photos can be compared more with the eight-megapixel iPhone 4S.
Colors look true and there are no problems with sharpness either, i.e. under good lighting conditions. In low light, colors can look a little washed out, even an f/2,4 lens won't help in low light, and a high amount of noise quickly sets in. In addition to the camera and microphone, an iPhone-style LED flash was incorporated, which, although it does not add plasticity and fidelity to the images, will come in handy in emergency situations. The software also allows the player to take panoramic or HDR images.
Gallery
The rear camera also records video quite decently, in HD quality with 1080 lines. What falters a little is image stabilization, especially compared to the iPhone 5, which can successfully even out shaky videos recorded while walking. Also missing is the ability to take photos while filming. On the other hand, what is new is the possibility to attach the Loop strap, thanks to which we can always have the touch close at hand.
The camera on the front of the device is understandably not at the same level as the one on the back, it is intended primarily for FaceTime, Skype video calls and as a replacement for a hand mirror. Its 1,2 megapixels are more than enough for these purposes, so there is no reason to use it for photography. And even for self-portraits, even duckface profile photos on Facebook are taken in front of a mirror, and therefore with the rear camera.
But back to the point. In its marketing, Apple presents the iPod touch as a replacement for compact cameras. So can it really be used like this? First of all, it depends on what you expect from your camera. If you're looking for a lightweight device to capture family events or vacation memories, in the past you'd probably reach for a cheap point-and-shoot device. Nowadays, these devices can basically offer nothing beyond the capabilities of the iPod touch, so the player from Apple becomes its ideal replacement. The image quality is completely sufficient for the mentioned use, other arguments for it are HD video recording and the Loop strap. Of course, we recommend more serious photographers to choose something from the "mirrorless" cameras, but ranges such as Fujifilm X, Sony NEX or Olympus PEN are priced a bit elsewhere.
Software
All new iPod touches are pre-installed with the iOS version 6 operating system, which brought, among other things, integration with Facebook, new maps or various improvements to the Safari and Mail applications. And there are no surprises here, just look at the iPhone 5, forget the cellular connection and we have the iPod touch. This even applies to the voice assistant Siri, which we are seeing for the very first time on Apple players. In practice, however, we probably rarely use it due to the absence of mobile internet. In the same way, the limited functionality of the calendar, iMessage, FaceTime or the Passbook application is connected with this lack and the missing GPS module. It is this difference that can help you decide between the iPod touch and the significantly more expensive iPhone.
Summary
There can be no doubt that the latest iPod touch will easily surpass all its predecessors. Better camera, higher performance, dazzling display, latest software. However, all these improvements had a significant impact on the price tag. We will pay CZK 32 for the 8GB version in Czech stores, and CZK 190 for double the capacity. Some might prefer to go for the lower and cheaper 10GB variant, but this only exists in the older fourth generation.
We still believe that for Apple these days, despite its illustrious history, the iPod is merely an entry point for new customers. They can be owners of classic "dumb" phones, existing Android users or anyone who wants to buy a good multimedia player. The question is how these potential customers will react to the high set price. The sales figures will show whether the new touch will become a hit, or whether its fifth generation will not be the very last.
[one_half last="no"]
advantages:
[Checklist]
- Dazzling display
- Weight and dimensions
- A better camera
[/checklist][/one_half]
[one_half last="yes"]
Disadvantages:
[bad list]
- Price
- Absence of GPS
[/badlist][/one_half]
And because of the price of the components, Apple couldn't make a 16GB version, or why didn't they actually make it?
Otherwise… nice review. ;)
EDIT REPORT: instead of "favorable specifications and color variations." at the end of the first paragraph, I would recommend "favorable specifications and color variations?" Thank you, delete the post.. otherwise, excellent review :)
I think they should have scrapped selling the 4th generation and offered a 16 GB version, but it would probably cannibalize iPad mini sales….
I would be interested in the LOOP strap :) do you think they will also put it in the iPhone or iPad? yes, I can't imagine it on a large ipad :D but as an idea I think it's great, so I'd put it on devices that fit in my hand, such as an iPhone or an ipad mini :) I, for example, walk a lot and I'd hate it he wanted to use the ipad mini but I'm afraid that it will fall when I trip a little... and LOOP would actually leave it on my hand :) so I would like it :)
I had an ipod touch 4… so the predecessor of this one… one thing literally pissed me off.. aa that if I left the wifi on and left it lying around I could be sure it would still be dead during the day… I might not even remember not being the experience that lately, before I go to sleep, I put my iPhone on airplane mode and turn on Wi-Fi, and then I play something in the broadcast application or on YouTube.... I do this because I only have 150 mb of data and for some unknown reason it sometimes switches from wifi to 3G and the data immediately sucks... I close the app and wake up in the morning and the phone is dead... so the ideal state is turned on again after I finish watching 3g... I don't understand why is that, but now that I'm thinking about an iPad mini, I'll be using 3g because of that
Don't you happen to have things like Skype etc. on there? I have an iPhone 4S and an iPad 2 and I have never had Wi-Fi drain so much battery. I always have an iPad at home with Wi-Fi turned on and I charge it a maximum of 3 times a month, with the fact that I use it every day. I charge my iPhone every night, but when I turn on the wifi, it only takes a few percent (0-5) when I'm at home all day and I don't use it.
I know the iPod is no longer just about music, but it's still an iPod. How is the sound quality? Previous generations are said to have lagged far behind the iPod Classic.
I would dare to say that the price is OK, the appearance is great, but the absence of GPS is probably the biggest minus. Because I can imagine whether with new maps or some application, this device might be chosen by someone who wants a GPS for the car and at the same time a device (music storage) for use in the car. With the prices of GPS devices and music players, someone would choose this device as the one for the car. Otherwise, I really like the new iPods, only for someone who has an iPhone that is already a bit unusable.
I find it funny that in a review of a music player I find out everything except how it plays :-)
I think the word iPod used to mean MP3 player (at least in the US it did), but I can't see or hear about the music in this review... Shame. Otherwise a pretty nice review. I guess I will have to wait until the device is tested by some audiophile who is not interested in the toys (display, software, design), but the sound the box makes... :-((
I'm looking to see how you think about the 16GB version and there was something in the review, but the truth is that the 4th generation was produced in the 8,32,64 configuration, and now they just left out the 8GB... so there were no 16GB :-) (if I remember correctly)
Only now, the 4th generation iPod Touch has started to be made in a 16Gb version. The seller at iStyle pointed it out to me... :-)
the price should start at 6500 CZK...it's excessive....iPod is terrible
well one is 6500 CZK, the VAT is 2000 CZK.
The iPod touch 5th gen is much better when I saw an ad for it in America, I immediately had to go here and buy it, and I don't regret it because I also have an iPod touch 4th gen. and I would definitely recommend the iPod touch 5 gen. is much better !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D
Yes,
nice review, I have this iPod at home, only that it's blue.
Blue is simply the prettiest, I can't help myself :)
Hello,
my initial excitement about the iPhone 5 soon gave way to disappointment and now… after 14 days of dealing with T-Mobile's call center, still trying to figure out why I'm not getting MMS at all, I'm already pissed off. Nobody knows anything and nobody can tell me why it doesn't work? The latest version from T-Mobile is that it must be a device defect, so we'll see. I'll put it in for a claim the day after tomorrow, but maybe only Grandpa Vsevéd knows how it will turn out.
Has anyone had a similar experience, and most importantly...can you tell me how you solved them???
Paul
Hello,
my initial excitement about the iPhone 5 soon gave way to disappointment and now… after 14 days of dealing with T-Mobile's call center, still trying to figure out why I'm not getting MMS at all, I'm already pissed off. Nobody knows anything and nobody can tell me why it doesn't work? The latest version from T-Mobile is that it must be a device defect, so we'll see. I'll put it in for a claim the day after tomorrow, but maybe only Grandpa Vsevéd knows how it will turn out.
Has anyone had a similar experience, and most importantly...can you tell me how you solved them???
Paul
Hello,
my initial excitement about the iPhone 5 soon gave way to disappointment and now… after 14 days of dealing with T-Mobile's call center, still trying to figure out why I'm not getting MMS at all, I'm already pissed off. Nobody knows anything and nobody can tell me why it doesn't work? The latest version from T-Mobile is that it must be a device defect, so we'll see. I'll put it in for a claim the day after tomorrow, but maybe only Grandpa Vsevéd knows how it will turn out.
Has anyone had a similar experience, and most importantly...can you tell me how you solved them???
Paul