Consumer Reports Calls the Apple iPhone 5 a "Winner"

Consumer Reports is well known for offering unbiased opinions on a huge range of products. Anyone with concerns about Apple's latest smartphone should be happy to learn that it gets high marks from this company.

"The Apple iPhone 5 is among the best smartphones in our Ratings and the best iPhone yet," is how Consumer Reports summarizes its findings in a recent blog post.

The company praises the device's camera: "Excluding the phenomenal 41-megapixel camera we tested on the Nokia 808, the iPhone 5's 8-megapixel camera is the best we've seen on a smartphone."

Consumer Reports also weighed in on Apple Maps, the new navigation software that's part of iOS 6. According to the company, "it generally provides clear guidance, including voice and on-screen directions." However, the company also said, "it lacks the details, traffic data, and customization options offered by the free Google navigation app found on Android phones."

Clearly, millions of shoppers have not waited for Consumer Reports' imprimatur. Apple's latest model has sold well since it debuted last month. It has been on backorder since the launch, with Apple now saying that orders placed today won't ship until late October or early November.

For more about the iPhone 5, read Brighthand's in-depth review.