Apple has released its new iPhone 5 running on the new mobile operating system, iOS6 and featuring a slim design with longer screen and updated features such as 4G, camera improvements and ultra-fast wireless.

Plans have been released on 12 or 24-month iPhone 5 contracts on Vodafone, Orange, Three, T-Mobile and O2 with unlimited mobile Internet data options, minutes or texts depending on your usage. If you want the unlocked, SIM free iPhone 5 option prices start from £529 for the 16GB phone.

The micro-SIM card has been replaced with a new nano-SIM in the iPhone 5, which means that if you have an iPhone 4S, iPhone 4 or iPad you will not be able swap the SIM cards over. Three, O2 and T-Mobile all support the iPhone 5 on pay as you go with providers including GiffGaff, Vodafone and Orange said to release their nano-SIM cards for iPhone 5 in mid-October.

Many are comparing the iPhone 5 to the Samsung Galaxy S3 with its ability to use Google maps, a larger screen and the Android operating system. Which smartphone gets your vote?