First of all, the taller screen. This is the biggest reason to buy the new iPhone. After seeing Samsung Galaxy S III and iPhone 5, I think adding pixels vertically is the key solution to a larger display, and the device can still be used one handed.

Anyone can make a larger smartphone display. But if you go large for large’s sake, you end up with a phone that feels oversize, awkward, and hard to use. iPhone 5 features a 4-inch display designed the right way: it’s bigger, but it’s the same width as iPhone 4S.

The new iPhone is incredibly thin and light. 18% thinner and 20% lighter than the 4S. All in a beautiful Aluminum body designed and made with an unprecedented level of precision. The problem is that Aluminum is a pretty soft metal and wouldn't last long. The edges will wear over time. The question is how badly.

Apple also replaced the 30-pin dock connector with the new "Lightning" connector. This is great only because there is no wrong way to plug the cable.

And this article would be incomplete without the EarPods. They're beautiful and are designed scientifically. They scanned hundreds of ears and looked for a common geometry between them. The shape they came up with is the EarPod. Apple acousticians re-engineered an earbud speaker diaphragm with both rigid and flexible materials to minimize sound loss and maximize sound output. Adding to the superior audio quality are strategically placed acoustic vents. They provide stronger protection from sweat and water and are remarkably stable in the ear. Which means when they're in, they stay in.

The addition of LTE, the A6 chip, improved camera are some of the improvements. The new iPhone is great, but it's not amazing. I expected more advancements in iOS6. But we didn't get that.

Passbook, iTunes, Maps, and other new features are all good, but not just fabulous. iOS could have been improved much more. The iPhone 5 leaves me with a mixed feeling. This is obviously the best iPhone to date.

It is clearly the best smartphone right now.

But it could have been even greater.

(All images from Apple.com)