If you want to upgrade your iPhone, it’s the first time you have to decide between two brand new models: the iPhone 5S or the lower-priced iPhone 5C.
We don’t have the right answer to which you should choose — it’s all about picking what’s best for your preferences, whether you’re an app power user and crave more security features (iPhone 5S specialties) or want a cheaper option (the iPhone 5C would win here). The good news is both options are pretty solid.
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Still, major differences exist between the two. The iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C are similar in size, but the casing on the budget 5C is soft silicon rubber rather than anodized aluminum. Plus, the 5C comes in brighter colors — blue, green, yellow, pink and white — while the 5S is more subtle in gray, silver and gold.
But perhaps the biggest difference is the 64-bit mobile processor on the 5S, which has twice the performance of the iPhone 5C. If you’re an avid gamer or app user, the 5S is your go-to. But then again, apps that take advantage of the full power likely won’t hit the App Store for a while.
The iPhone 5S also has a lot of incentive for mobile photographers. The camera upgrades are significant, including a five-element lens, a larger sensor and more sophisticated image processing.
Another neat feature is the fingerprint sensor on the iPhone 5S called Touch ID, which can replace the lock screen code. With the touch of a finger, you can bypass the log-in screen and even purchase items in iTunes. The sensor lives at the top of the touch home button. The iPhone 5S also touts a new CoreMotion API, which could lead to smarter health and fitness apps. If you live by those, the 5S sounds like a better option.
When it comes to price, it’s far from clear how the low-end iPhone 5C will sell, considering that it’s not exactly a 3 bargain. The 5C will list for $549 and $649, for 16GB and 32GB versions, respectively. The price falls to $99 and $199, with a two-year contract. The unsubsidized pricing offers just a $100 discount from the iPhone 5S contract-free pricing. You’ll pay $649 off contract the 16GB version of that device. Also, watch how this unfolds in China. The Tech In Asia blog noted that Apple’s online store in Chinalists the price of the 5C for the equivalent of a hefty $733.
However, the iPhone 5C is nothing to scoff at — in fact, it’s basically an iPhone 5 disguised in a fluorescent body. Sure, it comes with only a few upgrades — including improved FaceTime and support for more LTE networks — but it features virtually everything its predecessor had at a lower price.
For a full look at how the devices compare, check out the chart below. Which do you think is the better iPhone for you choosing from China Wholesale? Let us know in the comments.
iPhone 5S vs. iPhone 5C
 iPhone 5S |
 iPhone 5C |
|
|---|---|---|
| Screen Size | 4 inches | 4 inches |
| Resolution | 1,136 x 640 | 1,136 x 640 |
| Screen Type/ppi (pixels per inch) | LCD, 326 ppi | LCD, 326 ppi |
| Weight | 3.9 oz | 4.6 oz |
| Chipset | A7 64-bit chip, M7 motion co-processor | A6 32-bit chip |
| Storage | 16GB, 32GB or 64GB | 16GB or 32GB |
| Connectors | Apple Lightning | Apple Lightning |
| Operating System | iOS 7 | iOS 7 |
| Battery (in milliamperes/hour) | 1,434 mAh, LTE browsing time 10 hours | capacity unknown, LTE browsing time 10 hours |
| Camera | 8MP, True Tone dual-LED flash, burst mode 10fps, auto image stabilization, 720p HD video at 120fps slow-mo, f/2.2 aperture | 8MP, LED flash, 1.2MP photos, 720 HD video recording, backside illumination sensor, f/2.4 aperture |
| Networking | Wi-Fi 802.11n (2.4GHz and 5GHz), 2G, 3G, 4G LTE | Wi-Fi 802.11n (2.4GHz and 5GHz), 2G, 3G, 4G LTE |
| Colors | Champagne gold, silver, black | White, pink, yellow, blue, green |
| Siri | Yes | Yes |
| Touch ID | Yes | No |
| U.S. Price (with 2-year contract) | $199 for 16GB, $299 for 32GB, $399 for 64GB | $99 for 16GB, $199 for 32GB |