The much anticipated iPhone 5 may feature a panel that is smaller than 4 inches, according to media reports.

DigiTimes reported that there were earlier news reports that the device would feature a 4.2-inch panel.

But “sources from upstream panel suppliers have recently revealed that the iPhone 5's panel size will still be less than 4-inch(es),” DigiTimes said.

It is also being reported that the back of the iPhone 5 will be metal rather than reinforced glass.

DigiTimes reported its unnamed sources said the iPhone 5 would feature a 3.5- to 3.7-inch panel. The phone’s bezel may be thinner, too, sources said.

Older reports said that iPhone 5 would feature a 4- to 4.2-inch HD touch panel, 8-megapixel camera, full HD video recording, A5 dual-core processor and ultra-thin industrial design, says DigiTimes. Its sources say those specs may be market expectations for iPhone 5, DigiTimes said.

DigiTimes also said its sources claim the iPhone 5 will be similar to iPhone 4 when it comes to components.

The 4-inch size, if true, would make iPhone 5 smaller than most high-end Android phones, reported MobileBeat. Its report also questioned the validity of the DigiTimes’ sources.

“In Android land, phones with screen sizes above 4-inches have become the norm. Many are now sporting 4.3-inch screens, and it looks like we’ll be seeing plenty more 4.5-inch phones throughout the next year,” MobileLand added.

In other news about iPhone 5, Sprint is telling its employees to respond “no comment” when asked by customers about the iPhone 5.

Sprint Feed reported about an internal memo to employees which advises “not to speculate about Sprint getting the iPhone and even suggests the classic ‘no comment’ response to external questioning.”

In a related matter, TechZone360 reported recently that TiPb published a rumor that the iPhone 5 would be available on Oct. 7. That was confirmed by 9to5Mac, TechZone360 adds. Apple may begin accepting pre-orders for the device on Sept. 30.

Want to learn more about the latest in communications and technology? Then be sure to attend ITEXPO West 2011, taking place Sept. 13-15, 2011, in Austin, Texas. ITEXPO offers an educational program to help corporate decision makers select the right IP-based voice, video, fax and unified communications solutions to improve their operations. It's also where service providers learn how to profitably roll out the services their subscribers are clamoring for – and where resellers can learn about new growth opportunities. To register, click here.