Consumer Reports has a history of being tough on Apple products. After dragging the iPhone 4 through the mud a few years ago, the non-profit buyer’s guide warmed up to the iPhone 4S when Apple (AAPL) resolved its famous “Antennagate” issues. When the iPhone 5 was released, Consumer Reports gushed over the device and called it “the best iPhone yet.” Apparently the best iPhone yet still isn’t as good as top Android smartphones, however, as the magazine’s new ratings place the iPhone behind several Google (GOOG)-powered handsets.
As picked up by Business Insider, Apple’s iPhone 5 has been ranked the worst top smartphone at each of the three U.S. carriers that sell the device.
At both AT&T (T) and Sprint (S), the iPhone was ranked third behind the LG Optimus G and the Samsung Galaxy S III. Even worse for the Cupertino-based company, the iPhone 5 didn’t even crack the top-three at Verizon Wireless (VZ) as the Motorola RAZR MAXX HD, the Motorola RAZR HD and the Galaxy S III claimed top honors at the nation’s leading carrier.
Android’s market share lead continues to pull away from the iPhone as Samsung (005930) gains momentum and as low-cost handsets continue to flood emerging markets. Beyond market share, however, Apple’s often heralded lead where quality and user experience are concerned is taking a hit as well according to Consumer Reports.
Apple’s next-generation iPhone could launch as soon as this summer and the company has some ground to make up if it hopes to regain Consumer Reports’ smartphone crown.
