While much of the hype surrounding Apple's new iPhone 5 is well-deserved, we're beginning to see some chinks in the tech giant's armor. Specifically: Apple Maps.

There are so many slick new features on the iPhone 5 you may have glossed over Apple's re-branding/ imagining of its Maps application. For its new device, Apple has decided not to renew a contract with Google. That means Google Maps and YouTube will no longer come pre-loaded on the smartphone. Instead, the iPhone 5 features a totally new navigation app called Apple Maps.

We'll have to wait until Friday Sept. 21 to try it out firsthand, but so far, the outlook isn't so sunny for Apple Maps. To say the reviews have been mixed would be kind. It seems as though Apple Maps could be the deciding factor for some consumers, especially those wondering whether or not to upgrade from previous iPhone models.

The Good

Apple Maps' 3D mapping, map rotation, and Flyover features are all great, according to T3. They also liked the extra screen length because while it only gives turn-by-turn navigation in portrait, it's still an advantage over the iPhone 4S. The bigger screen also means you can fit more map on screen, with the direction tab sitting at the top, leaving a decent amount of space for the road you're on and your surroundings.

Walking and bicycle routes can also reportedly be plotted. Voice directions are basic but clear, though it doesn't seem to utilize its traffic feature to route you around black spots to your destination.

Engadget was impressed in general with Apple Maps' beauty and fast handling, saying that using the app was a "very aesthetically pleasing way to get from place to place."

Allthingsd liked that the app offers free, voice-prompted, turn-by-turn navigation, one huge advantage over the iPhone version of Google Maps. The site said Apple's navigation worked very well, with clear directions displayed as large green highway signs.

The Bad

According to T3, Apple Maps will be one of the iPhone's most polarizing talking points. Even with some nice features the functionality of the app's search was reportedly "hit and miss in terms of finding London locations."

Apparently, Apple's new app displays more road names than place names, and does away with color-coded roads, so, navigating to a specific point using pinch and zoom is much trickier.

Engadget thought the app wasn't nearly as comprehensive as Google's offerings on Android. The site said the app's biggest drawback was its lack of public transportation directions, so if you haven't mastered the subway yet, you won't be getting any help from the iPhone 5.

And while asking for subway directions doesn't work particularly well, according to Engadget, the app actually does offer public transportation directions. However, if you choose that option it shoots you straight into the App Store with a search for "Routing Apps," a search that currently has zero results.

Engadget also notes Apple Maps' lack of a detailed layering that you can apply in Google Maps and Google Navigation, and shows you whatever you want to see. Maps will list some important places of interest -- mostly gas stations and convenience shops -- but if you want to see all Italian restaurants on your route you'll have to dig deeper.

While Maps does show traffic, Engadget says it never saw it give a warning about traffic along a route currently being navigated.

Allthingsd says the app is a step backward from Google Maps. Apparently, while Apple's maps feature a 3-D "Flyover" view of some central cities, they lack Google's very useful ground-level photographic street views. And while the site thought Apple's maps were accurate, they reportedly tend to default to a more zoomed-in view than Google's, making them look emptier until you zoom out.

Final Verdict

T3: "It's not bad for a free service. Maybe we'll get used to it. But, as it stands, we prefer the old Google Maps"

Engadget: Love the look and feel of using Apple Maps, but many, many drawbacks to the app's functionality.

Allthingsd: Says Apple Maps is the drawback to the iPhone 5. Likes the turn-by-turn voice-prompted navigation and not much else.