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Detailed buyer’s guide to iPhone 5C vs 5S

It’s that time again; decisions, decisions!  Do you stay with your current iPhone or upgrade to a new one?  Do you go with iPhone or jump ship to another platform?  Well, in about a week (Midnight Sept. 20, 2013) the choices will become even more difficult as you will have more options with the introduction of the iPhone 5S into the mix!  So what’s all the big hype with the 5C all about – COLORS!  Consumers get to personalize their iPhone with a choice of color; Apple will also be selling first party silicon rubber cases that are just as colorful as the phone itself, which will cost $29.

Apple is not just launching two new models, it’s also introducing a totally new iOS – iOS 7.  This new Operating System(OS) is going to be Apple’s answer to rivals like Samsung’s 4G and new Android OS features.  So, let’s break down the choices:

Apple is not just launching two new models, it’s also introducing a totally new iOS – iOS 7.  This new Operating System(OS) is going to be Apple’s answer to rivals like Samsung’s 4G and new Android OS features.  So, let’s break down the choices:

iPhone 5C Pricing

The iPhone 5C doesn’t just offer five different hues/colors; it’s also a more economical option for those trying to get their hands on an iPhone.  The Online Apple Store, is currently taking pre-orders; and for those in the US, you can go to one of the Carriers: AT&T, Sprint or Verizon.  No matter where you go, you’ll get the same pricing: $99 for a 5C 16GB and $199 for a 32GB model; you just pick your storage option and color.  These are the lowest prices based on signing a new contract – yes, you’ll still have to sign a new 2-years contract.  It should be noted that Walmart is offering a $20 discount on a first-come, first-served basis!

Without the subsidized 2-years contract pricing, you’re looking at, depending on storage options,  $549 or $649 respectively,  for an unlocked device; which you can use on the T-Mobile network!

iPhone 5S Pricing

So now let’s cover the iPhone 5S’ pricing model.  As you would expect, the prices are a bit higher, but, you still have similar routes to take.  However, you do get three different storage options with the 5S:

 Not quite as attractive as the in-contract prices I must say!

Major Feature Differences 

For a complete full set of feature differences, please visit Apple’s site.

In summary

If you’re an avid Apple fan, no doubt, you’ll want to get your hands on the newest Firmware – the iOS 7!  For the US consumers, the 2-years contract option makes it rather attractive to upgrade to a newer iPhone 5x version; specially if you have a rather older version of the iPhone.  However, if you’re going to purchase the device, at full price, then one may pause to consider if the price worth the upgrade; after all, you’re not getting a significant boost in hardware/features compared to the existing 4S or 5 models.  Plus, you can still download the newest iOS 7 on your 4, 4S and 5 versions of the iPhone.  Take a look at our iOS 7 articles in order to decide if the upgrade is worth it.