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This is the first review of an actual iPhone 6

Published Sep 8th, 2014 11:39AM EDT
4.7-inch iPhone 6 Video Review

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After leaked pictures and short videos showing what appears to be a working 4.7-inch iPhone 6 model popped up over the weekend, complete with what appears to be a new Passbook app hinting at mobile payments, a longer hands-on video showing the same model has been published on YouTube, highlighting the main features of the upcoming device.

FROM EARLIER: Apple’s announcement ruined: Is this the first video of a real iPhone 6?

While there’s a possibility the video published on YouTube might star a fake iPhone 6, the kind of highly faithful Android-based clone that we’ve seen in the past (closely matching existing iPhone 6 and iOS 8 rumors), this one appears to be the real thing, featuring several elements that set it apart from iPhone 6 clones.

In terms of design, the iPhone 6 has all the elements we expect from Apple’s upcoming handset. The phone is longer and wider than the iPhone 5s, although it appears it still can be easily controlled with one hand, and has a slim profile.

Also, the handset appears to have curved glass at the edges – referred to as “2.5D,” which is what Samsung recently called its similar glass for the Galaxy Note 4 – as well as slimmer bezels and redesigned volume buttons. The power button has been relocated on the right side, and the rear camera has a circular True Tone flash and it’s slightly protruding. The antenna inserts on the back of the phone are just as unappealing as previously suggested.

Unlike clone models, whose Touch ID Home button did not actually have a fingerprint sensor, this iPhone 6 unit does have a functional Touch ID button.

The reviewer says the iPhone 6 is faster than the iPhone 5s, and that it feels a lot lighter than anticipated for a metal phone that’s actually bigger in size than its predecessor – the original video is in Chinese, but has been translated in English (both videos are available below).

Software-wise, the phone appears to be running iOS 8 complete with the new Health app, as well as the new Passbook app that could include NFC functionality. Strangely though, the reviewer does not demo the Passbook app – maybe he didn’t realize what’s under the hood in the new app – but does look at the Health app, which developer Steve Troughton Smith suggests is genuine.

Also strange is the fact that the user doesn’t reveal any of the information that should be available in the phone’s settings app and the video doesn’t actually show the OS version of the handset. But the reviewer does focus on the camera of the phone, suggesting it’s ready to offer an even better performance than the iPhone 5s’ camera.

The video’s English translation, and the original clip follow below.

Chris Smith Senior Writer

Chris Smith has been covering consumer electronics ever since the iPhone revolutionized the industry in 2008. When he’s not writing about the most recent tech news for BGR, he brings his entertainment expertise to Marvel’s Cinematic Universe and other blockbuster franchises.

Outside of work, you’ll catch him streaming almost every new movie and TV show release as soon as it's available.