iPhone 5c vs. iPhone 5s: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Published on November 4, 2024
The iPhone 5c features a plastic body and comes in multiple colors, while the iPhone 5s has a metal body, Touch ID, and is available in fewer colors.
Key Differences
The iPhone 5c was introduced as the more affordable version of the iPhone 5s, featuring a durable plastic casing available in various bright colors. It was designed to attract a different market segment, emphasizing style and fun over the premium feel and advanced technology of the iPhone 5s. The iPhone 5s, on the other hand, was marketed as the more advanced option, featuring a fingerprint sensor for enhanced security (Touch ID), a faster processor, and a metal housing that underscored its premium positioning. Both models were launched in 2013 but catered to different user preferences and budgets.
The iPhone 5c operates on Apple's A6 chip, the same processor used in the iPhone 5, providing reliable performance for everyday tasks and some gaming. However, the iPhone 5s is powered by the more advanced A7 chip, which includes a 64-bit architecture, making it significantly faster and more efficient in handling more demanding applications and multitasking. This difference in processing power illustrates the positioning of the iPhone 5s as the more powerful device suitable for tech-savvy users or those requiring more from their smartphones.
Regarding camera capabilities, the iPhone 5c inherits the 8MP iSight camera from its predecessor, offering good photo quality and decent performance in various lighting conditions. The iPhone 5s enhances this with a dual-LED flash for better low-light performance, a larger aperture, and additional features like slow-motion video and burst mode, targeting users who are more serious about photography and video recording.
The iPhone 5c's colorful plastic design stands out for its durability and the choice it offers to users looking for a smartphone that reflects their personal style. Meanwhile, the iPhone 5s introduces Touch ID, a revolutionary feature at the time, allowing users to unlock their phone and make purchases securely with their fingerprint. This feature signified a shift towards more secure and convenient user experiences in smartphones.
In terms of connectivity and future-proofing, the iPhone 5s supports more LTE bands than the iPhone 5c, making it a better choice for international travelers and ensuring faster data speeds in more regions. Additionally, the iPhone 5s was the first to introduce support for future iOS updates longer than the iPhone 5c, highlighting its role as the more forward-looking device with longer expected support from Apple.
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Comparison Chart
Body Material
Plastic
Metal
Processor
Apple A6
Apple A7 with 64-bit architecture
Camera
8MP with single LED flash
8MP with dual LED (True Tone) flash and slow-motion video
Security
Passcode
Touch ID fingerprint sensor
Colors
Multiple bright colors
Gold, Silver, Space Gray
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iPhone 5c and iPhone 5s Definitions
iPhone 5c
Offers an 8MP iSight camera for capturing memorable moments.
Capturing the sunset on my iPhone 5c, the colors looked almost as vivid as in real life.
iPhone 5s
Enhanced camera with dual-LED flash for better low-light photos.
The photos I take with my iPhone 5s in low light are clear and detailed, thanks to the True Tone flash.
iPhone 5c
Supports up to iOS 10, providing access to numerous apps and features.
After updating my iPhone 5c to iOS 10, I discovered new features that made my phone feel brand new.
iPhone 5s
The first iPhone with Touch ID for enhanced security.
Setting up Touch ID on my iPhone 5s made unlocking it both quick and secure.
iPhone 5c
Apple's approach to making technology accessible and fun.
Choosing a blue iPhone 5c brightens up my day and matches my style.
iPhone 5s
Features a premium metal design and introduces gold color.
My gold iPhone 5s not only looks luxurious but also feels solid in my hand.
iPhone 5c
A budget-friendly iPhone with a colorful plastic design.
I dropped my iPhone 5c, but thanks to its durable plastic body, it didn't get a scratch.
iPhone 5s
Supports more LTE bands, making it ideal for international travel.
Traveling with my iPhone 5s, I enjoy fast internet speeds almost anywhere in the world.
iPhone 5c
Features the same A6 chip as the iPhone 5, ensuring decent performance.
My iPhone 5c handles all my apps smoothly, making multitasking a breeze.
iPhone 5s
Powered by the A7 chip, offering superior performance and efficiency.
Gaming on my iPhone 5s is seamless, with no lag or stutter, thanks to the powerful A7 chip.
FAQs
When were the iPhone 5c and iPhone 5s released?
Both the iPhone 5c and iPhone 5s were released in September 2013.
What are the iPhone 5c and iPhone 5s?
The iPhone 5c is a colorful, plastic-bodied smartphone, while the iPhone 5s is a premium device with a metal body and Touch ID.
How do the processors of the iPhone 5c and iPhone 5s compare?
The iPhone 5c uses the A6 chip, while the iPhone 5s uses the faster A7 chip with 64-bit architecture.
What makes the iPhone 5c different from the iPhone 5s in terms of design?
The iPhone 5c features a plastic body available in multiple colors, whereas the iPhone 5s has a metal body and is available in gold, silver, and space gray.
Do both the iPhone 5c and iPhone 5s support Touch ID?
Only the iPhone 5s supports Touch ID for fingerprint authentication.
Can the iPhone 5c and iPhone 5s run the latest version of iOS?
The iPhone 5c and iPhone 5s support up to iOS 10 and iOS 12, respectively, not the latest iOS versions.
What is the significance of the iPhone 5s's 64-bit architecture?
The 64-bit architecture in the iPhone 5s offers improved performance and the ability to run more complex apps compared to the iPhone 5c's 32-bit processor.
What are the camera capabilities of the iPhone 5c compared to the iPhone 5s?
Both have 8MP rear cameras, but the iPhone 5s includes a dual-LED (True Tone) flash and slow-motion video features.
How do the storage options for the iPhone 5c and iPhone 5s compare?
Both models were initially available with 16GB and 32GB options, with the iPhone 5s also offering a 64GB variant.
What color options are available for the iPhone 5c and iPhone 5s?
The iPhone 5c is available in bright colors like blue, green, pink, yellow, and white, while the iPhone 5s comes in gold, silver, and space gray.
Are the iPhone 5c and iPhone 5s compatible with all current apps?
Due to their older processors and software limitations, not all current apps may run smoothly on these models.
Are the iPhone 5c and iPhone 5s still good choices for users today?
Due to their age and software limitations, they might not meet the needs of users requiring up-to-date features and performance.
How does the performance of the iPhone 5c compare to newer iPhones?
The iPhone 5c's performance is significantly lower compared to newer iPhones due to its older A6 chip.
What are the main reasons to consider purchasing an iPhone 5c or iPhone 5s today?
They may be considered for their affordability, compact size, or specific features like Touch ID on the iPhone 5s, but newer models offer significantly better performance and support.
Is the iPhone 5c considered a premium device?
No, the iPhone 5c was positioned as a more affordable and colorful alternative to the premium iPhone 5s.
What are the connectivity differences between the iPhone 5c and iPhone 5s?
The iPhone 5s supports more LTE bands, offering better connectivity, especially for international travel.
What was the target audience for the iPhone 5c and iPhone 5s?
The iPhone 5c targeted a more budget-conscious and style-oriented audience, while the iPhone 5s targeted users seeking premium features and performance.
Which model is more suitable for users who prioritize device security?
The iPhone 5s, with its Touch ID feature, is more suitable for those prioritizing security.
Can the iPhone 5c and iPhone 5s capture high-quality photos in low light?
The iPhone 5s is better equipped for low-light photography due to its dual-LED flash.
Which iPhone model introduced the Touch ID feature?
The iPhone 5s was the first iPhone to introduce Touch ID.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
