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For the first time in history, Apple announced two new phones in one day yesterday — the iPhone 5c and the iPhone 5s. These phones will be replacing last year’s iPhone 5 which will no longer be available after these new phones are released. The phones vary in color, price and specs, making your decision about which phone to get more challenging than ever.
iPhone 5c
The announcement of the iPhone 5c was the worst-kept secret since Area 51 and most of the rumors rampant all summer seem to have been true. The 5c is the lower priced of the two new iPhone models and comes in five different sherbet-like colors. For those who can’t get enough hue in their day, the background wallpaper of iOS 7 matches the colors of the iPhone 5c. Think of the iPhone 5c as an upgraded iPhone 5 at a lower price in a more colorful skin. “C” stands for “color”.
The sides and back of the phone are made from a seamless polycarbonate (a/k/a plastic) and supported by a steel frame that doubles as the phone’s antenna.
The iPhone 5c arrives with an 8 MP rear camera and an HD front-facing camera. The battery life is improved from the iPhone 5, with:
- Talk time: Up to 10 hours on 3G
- Standby time: Up to 250 hours
- Internet use: Up to 8 hours on 3G, up to 10 hours on LTE, up to 10 hours on Wi-Fi
- Video playback: Up to 10 hours
- Audio playback: Up to 40 hours
The iPhone 5c comes in 16 or 32GB models and is available for pre-order beginning on September 13 with a delivery date of September 20.
iPhone 5c Pricing:
With a two-year contract:
- 16 GB $99
- 32 GB $199
Without a contract —
- 16 GB $549
- 32 GB $649
The iPhone 5c will be available for pre-order on September 13 and will be available for purchase on September 20 in US, UK, China, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, and Singapore. By the end of 2013, Apple plans to offer the phone in over 100 countries.
5c Cases
The fun has just begun with colored iPhones. You will be able to get a colored case for $29 with cutouts on the back to display your phone’s hue. The six vibrant colors are designed to coordinate with the five different 5c colors. Apple even has a case matching page so you can play around with the different color combinations. You can match your phone to your school colors or favorite sports team.
When combined, the colors of the 5c and its case coordinate with the vivid colors of iOS 7 so your screen, phone and case will exist in color harmony. If you’re a fan of color, these palettes will be sure to please.
iPhone 5s
Apple saved most of its internal updates for the iPhone 5s, the higher priced 2013 iPhone. The 5s will come in the traditional white and black, now called silver and space gray, with a champagne gold color added to the mix. The body of the iPhone 5s is made from aluminum and glass, like the iPhone 5.
Upgraded Processors
While the iPhone 5s may look nearly identical to the iPhone 5 on the outside, the inside is significantly more advanced. The iPhone 5s has a new A7 processor that nestles more than a billion transistors into a chip that’s a mere 102mm². That processor will make the 5s twice as fast as the iPhone 5 and 40 times as fast as the original iPhone.
The 5s also has an M7 co-processor that tracks motion using the phone’s accelerometer, gyroscope and compass. The M7 processor works independently from the A7 so that your motion can be tracked and processed without waking the phone. Look for advanced fitness apps that take advantage of this computing power to track your calories expended during the day.
Improved Camera
The camera on the iPhone 5s has been improved with new hardware and software. The phone has True Tone Flash, two separate flashes with white and amber light that adjust based upon the lighting in the room, with 1000 possible lighting combinations. The result is sharper images with better colors, especially in low light.
The camera also has Burst Mode to take photos in rapid succession, 10 per second, and then automatically pick out the best one to save. The video camera has been improved and can take videos on slow motion. Panorama photos have better resolution as well. The front-facing camera has also been updated to HD.
Fingerprint Identification – It’s not just for criminals anymore
If the nuisance of typing passwords is one of your pet peeves, you’ll appreciate the Touch ID fingerprint sensor which will identify you with a touch of your finger. No longer must you bother with getting arrested to use your fingerprints for identification purposes.
Touch ID resides underneath the Home button and can work to unlock your phone and to make purchases from iTunes. No need to remember your password, your fingerprint is always with you. The sensor has 360° orientation so that you don’t have to line up your finger, you can touch the sensor from any angle.
You can also add multiple fingerprints so you can use fingers from your right and left hands to unlock your phone.
“S” stands for “security”.
Battery Life
The battery life has been improved over the iPhone 5 with stated times of:
- Talk time: Up to 10 hours on 3G
- Standby time: Up to 250 hours
- Internet use: Up to 8 hours on 3G, up to 10 hours on LTE, up to 10 hours on Wi-Fi
- Video playback: Up to 10 hours
- Audio playback: Up to 40 hours
iPhone 5s Pricing and availability:
With a two-year contract —
- 16 GB $199
- 32 GB $299
- 64 GB $399
Without a contract —
- 16 GB $649
- 32 GB $749
- 64 GB $849
The iPhone 5s will be available on September 20 in the US, UK, China, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, and Singapore. Up to 100 countries will have the phone for sale by the end of 2013.
Pre-ordering of the iPhone 5s is not being offered, perhaps to lengthen the lines at Apple stores around the world.
iPhone 5s Case
Apple will also be offering cases for the iPhone 5s. Made of leather and available in 5 different colors, the cases will cost $39. No word yet on whether the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 and the iPhone 5s case will be setting leather phone fashion trends for the future.
Other Announcements
iOS 7 will be available as a free update beginning on September 18 for:
- iPhone 4 and later
- iPad 2 and later
- iPad Mini
- iPod Touch 5th generation.
iTunes Radio will also be launched on September 18 as part of iOS 7.
Don’t miss, WWDC 2013 – What’s New at Apple, for a full explanation of what’s ahead in iOS 7.
iPhoto, iMovie, Pages, Numbers and Keynote will be free with the purchase of a new iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad.
The iPhone 4S is now available in an 8 GB model for free with a two year contract.
Also see (and hear), 9to5 Mac, Listen to iOS 7′s new ringtones and text tones .
What Wasn’t Announced
Not all rumors came true. No word on any new Mac computer, iPad, iPod Touch or Apple TV. No 128 GB iPhone was offered. OS Mavericks, the new operating system for Mac computers, was not mentioned. The iWatch, the subject of much summer speculation, was not announced.
Your Thoughts
What are your plans for the new iPhones? Are you going to get one?
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What do you think of the new iPhones? Are you excited about yesterday’s announcements? Which phone appeals to you the most? Which color would you get? Have you gotten in line yet for your new phone? What features do you wish the new iPhones had? What do you wish Apple announced yesterday? Let us know in the Comments section below!
Amazing technology, Carolyn – I’ve heard them talking about these on the news today and I have to say some of the features are astounding – the battery life in itself will, I’m sure, be a huge selling point, and I like the idea of fingerprint recognition for security purposes. I doubt whether I’ll be buying one of these because I already have a droid I hardly ever use, but you never know 😉
Hi Sue, Yes, the fingerprint ID has plenty of potential uses. Imagine using that technology to turn your phone into a virtual wallet. If it were paired with a payment app, no one could steal your phone and use your funds.
Right now the Touch ID isn’t available to other app developers, but I can see why. Apple wants to perfect the technology before making it available to others. The fingerprint image stays on the phone and isn’t transmitted to Apple or off of the phone. If this tech works well the possibilities are quite enticing!
I believe you mentioned the iphone 5 had a unique connection wire. Do you know if the the new iphone 5s & c also have that type of connection wire, or will it be the same as the ipads and older iphones?
Hi chocho, Welcome back to The Wonder of Tech! I believe you’re referring to the lightning connector, which was introduced in the iPhone 5 and iPod Touch 5th generation and is available on the iPad 4 and the iPad Mini. This lightning connector replaced the 30-pin dock connector, which had been used by Apple since it launched the first iPod back in 2003.
The iPhone 5c and 5s will have the lightning connector. I hope that answers your question.
Hi Carolyn,
This time Apple has gone far beyond its market strategy for sure. It has now bought up new exciting colors and features as well. But personally i am happy with my iPhone 4S and will remain stick to it. I cannot make a quick move just because 5s and 5c’s are out. the previous versions are also amazing. But if things work for Apple in the coming time who knows what will happen, mind changes with time. Its human nature.
Hi Jon, You and I are thinking the same way! I also have an iPhone 4S and am on the fence about upgrading to the 5s. I am happy with my 4S but I do want a larger screen. But the 5s doesn’t have as large of a screen as I’d like. Who knows what’s ahead for the iPhone? The new features of the 5s are very compelling though.
Yes, you may not want the 5s now but when it is on the market, you may feel the lure of it more. Please keep us posted on what you decide!
I will first look on the market review Carolyn. But for Apple reviews are just a satisfaction procedure. Apple has never disappointed the market of smartphone whether its features or look.
So, i am thinking to just sticking to my 4s is the best trick for the time being.
Hi Jon, Yes, if you are satisfied with your 4S, no need to upgrade it. The 4S is a fantastic phone and doesn’t seem to be showing its age even though it’s two years old. Save your funds for something else! 🙂
Hi Caroyln
Wow quite a colourful for an Apple phone, the finger print identification is the coolest feature I think in the phone
Hi Matthew, Welcome to The Wonder of Tech! Yes the 5c colors are bright and beautiful, especially with the coordinating cases. The fingerprint ID is very cool too. So far, you can’t get both though. You can either get the bright colors with the 5c or the Touch ID with the 5s. Maybe the next generation will be the best of both phones!
Guess what we are getting ready to do this month; upgrade our phones. This will be a very timely article indeed.
Hope all is well and you enjoyed your summer and now onto fall, huh?
Hey Bill, Nothing like a new iPhone to bring favorite readers back to The Wonder of Tech! Yes, It is about that time, isn’t it? I remember when you first got your iPhone, nearly two years ago. And here you are, looking to upgrade.
I hope you have an easy time deciding which one to get! 🙂
wow I was just about to buy a new phone , thanks for the update!
Hi Rene, Welcome back to The Wonder of Tech! So happy to see you here again.
Yes, it’s true. Today would not be your best day to get a new iPhone. If you can wait until September 20 you will be much better off! :-bd
Good to see that Apple has put considerable effort (And new ideas) into the new versions 😉
The only thing I am worried about is, could potential hackers hack into our phone and get our finger print? That’s a problem with current technologies. Hackers are real good at catching up. The more advanced the device, more complex the problem (But, let’s keep a optimistic attitude :D).
Prices seems to have gone up (of course, brand new features :D).
Covers? Those are cool (although a part of me is saying that Apple is just trying to make more money).
Thanks for the update, Carolyn 🙂
Hi Jeevan, Excellent question. Apple says that it doesn’t store the actual fingerprint, but “fingerprint data”. I have no idea what the difference is, but only users can judge their comfort level with Touch ID.
The price of the 5s has remained the same as last year’s iPhone 5. But the “c” in 5c certainly doesn’t stand for “cheap”.
Indeed. But the problem comes when Apple stores the data (and what if a particular government requests it? In the wake of recent events, this is an important question to consider). I hope Apple answers these questions soon.
😀
Great question, Jeevan. According to Apple, the data is stored locally on the phone and encrypted. The data isn’t uploaded to either Apple or the Cloud.
You are absolutely right, in light of recent events, this is a very important consideration. Those who are concerned about privacy issues may want to take a “wait and see” approach to Touch ID before determining whether the convenience of this innovation is worth the potential consequences.
I love that finger print identification. Another exciting feature from Apple.
Hi Jeremy, Yes, that is a unique feature for the iPhone. It will be exciting to see how the use of fingerprint identification expands in the future.
Hi Carolyn !
I like Apple’s Idea of launching multiple colored IPhones and the specifications of IPhone 5S are really impressive . I wonder what would be the reply from Apple’s competitors like HTC,Samsung,LG,Sony?
Thanks for sharing the information,
-Pramod
Hi Pramod, It’s funny because the Note 3 will have leather backed covers, similar to the colored covers of the iPhone 5s. You can also switch out the back covers of the Note 3 for different colored plastic covers. Perhaps colored phones will be in fashion now?
Hi Carolyn,
The first thing that was on my mind after reading this article is that..I want to have one!!
Hahaha..:D
Thanks for sharing this preview, I love it! :-bd
Hi Nanda, Yes these phones are very tempting! Which one appeals to you the most? Do you like the 5c or the 5s better? Which color appeals to you the most? So many choices!
Honestly, it’s very confusing if I had to choose, because I think both are good :-??
But now, it seems I am more interested in 5s. it was great 🙂
I really want it 😕
Hi Nanda, The 5s seems to be selling much better than the 5c. Most people seem to want to spend the extra money for the new features that the 5s offers.So you’re in good company, Nanda!
Hi Carolyn,
Woah… It’s all over the media and mostly the fuss is about Fingerprint identification, eh?:) Glad you came up with this well organized post indicating the necessary information. Some sites are just messing with information.
I feel this approach is far better than what Apple took when they introduced iPhone 4S 🙂 Isn’t it? Further, Apple has taken a different marketing approach this time by unveiling two devices. Hope they are expecting more revenue and new customers.
I like the 5c device, but my choice would be 5s 😉 A7 is much better and nice to read about camera improvements too. HD front camera is cool! However it’s sad to hear no 128 GB iPhone this time. May be, demand curve is yet to be reliable.
Apple says biometric templates will be stored within the device and not being uploaded elsewhere Carolyn. Yet they can access the fingerprint data? Couldn’t find any explanation on that.
BTW iPhone 5s pre-ordering is now available dear 🙂 Been there few hours ago.
You have a lovely weekend Carolyn! 🙂
Cheers…
Hi Mayura, Very interesting that Apple is permitting pre-ordering of the iPhone 5s in your country. I read today that pre-ordering of the 5s is also being allowed in China. I will definitely update this article to reflect that information.
I agree with you, the 5c is alluring, but the 5s would be my choice as well. If you’re going to spend that much money on a phone, it makes sense to spend a bit more and get a 5s to get the most advanced tech in an iPhone.
I too was surprised at the lack of an upgrade to 128 GB of storage. The iPad 4 offers that option so I expected that the iPhone would have that as well. Personally, I wouldn’t have coveted that extra storage space, though with the advanced A7 chip, updated apps may require more storage than previous versions.
Very astute of you, Mayura, to notice that Apple’s explanation of the fingerprint data was incomplete. They have said that the data is not uploaded off of the phone and that it’s not the actual fingerprint that is recorded, but “fingerprint data”. After the phone is released we will probably learn more about the workings of Touch ID. Before the 20th of September, all we can do is speculate…
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your insightful thoughts with us, Mayura! :-bd
Why am I not surprised Carolyn! This stuff makes my head spin sometimes.
Well you know I’m not big on running out and getting the next big thing. Heck, I just got my first iPhone last March and I am really enjoying it. Thanks to you I understand how to do a lot of stuff with it.
Because I went in for an upgrade I think with that, since it was free, they gave me the 4 instead of 5. Never having one before though I wouldn’t have known the difference. One thing I will say though is the camera rocks. The iPod camera comes out grainy but that’s okay. I still love them both.
Thank you for always staying on top of the latest and greatest. Also thank for your help on Friday, you’re my lifesaver.
Have a great week.
~Adrienne
Hi Adrienne, I always say there is no need to upgrade your tech if it’s working well for you. Save your money for something else. But for those who want to upgrade, it’s nice that Apple is offering two new types of phones.