iPhone 5c and iPhone 5s Pros and Cons: EveryiPhone.com

iPhone Q&A

Update Published October 3, 2019

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What are the "pros and cons" of the iPhone 5c and iPhone 5s? Should I still consider an iPhone 5c or iPhone 5s compared to newer models?

Please note that the iPhone 5c and iPhone 5s have been discontinued. However, both models are available on the used market and this Q&A has been updated with the latest iOS support details and more to help you decide if one is for you.

Only you can choose to buy one of the iPhone 5c or iPhone 5s models, or neither, but you certainly can evaluate the following objective pros and cons to see if your needs are met.

EveryiPhone.com also provides a detailed comparison of the iPhone 5c and iPhone 5s, as well as the earlier iPhone 5, that can be useful for those interested in a more in-depth evaluation. However, for those essentially interested in the "high points" rather than extensive details, this summary can be quite helpful:

iPhone 5c

Pros:

Durable, colorful, and fun polycarbonate design with little case "flex."
Better front camera than the discontinued iPhone 5.
Less expensive upfront than the iPhone 5s.

iPhone 5s

Pros:

Thin, sleek, and light weight design with a durable, mostly aluminum back panel.
High quality rear camera for a smartphone including dual LED "True Tone" flash and clever software.
At least twice as fast as any previous iPhone models and 64-bit apps likely will be faster still in the future.
Clever "Touch ID" biometric authentication option instead of a passcode.
Compatible with iPhone 5 cases and external batteries.

Pros (Both Models):

Beautiful ultra high-resolution 4-Inch "Retina Display" (1136x640, 326 ppi).
Essentially global 4G/LTE support.
Battery life is long enough to provide all day use for many.
Bundled with high-quality iLife and iWork apps for free as well as support for a vast library of third-party apps and webapps.
Originally relatively inexpensive upfront if tied to an often expensive contract.

iPhone 5c

Cons:

Polycarbonate case is well built but some still may find the color choices and "plasticy" design tacky or otherwise undesirable.
Rear camera is lower quality than the iPhone 5s.
Cases and external batteries that work with the iPhone 5 and iPhone 5s are not physically compatible.
Least expensive 8 GB models provide storage capacity that is inadequate for many users.
Slower running iOS 9 or iOS 10 than iOS 8. No support for iOS 11 or later at all.

iPhone 5s

Cons:

Aluminum back panel can be subject to scratches and dents and the upper and bottom back portions are glass that can be cracked fairly easily.
Camera lacks optical zoom.
Performance improvement often is not detectable in day-to-day use over the iPhone 5, particularly for non-gamers.
Slower than newer iPhone models.
No support for iOS 13 or later at all.

Cons (Both Models):

Battery life can be shorter than official estimates, particularly for mobile data.
Lightning connector is not backwards compatible with the earlier Dock Connector or thousands of existing third-party accessories.
Unlocked and contract-free models are considerably more expensive than contract encumbered models and the iPod touch line.

So, should I buy the iPhone 5c or the iPhone 5s?

Just compared to one another, the iPhone 5s is the clear choice because it is faster and more capable. However, note that neither support the current version of the iOS, iOS 13. However, the iPhone 5s does support iOS 12 whereas the iPhone 5 tops out at iOS 10. Apps will work for longer on the iPhone 5s than the iPhone 5.

Again, ignoring later models, if performance and a relatively high-quality camera (and/or a biometric fingerprint reader) are important to you, you like the design and color options, and the modestly higher price tag is not a problem, you should buy the iPhone 5s. Of course, if faster performance, better cameras, current iOS support, and other improvements are of interest, a newer iPhone SE would be better for you.

If a larger display is a high priority -- and physical size is less important -- a larger iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 6s or iPhone 6s Plus (or an even newer iPhone) would be worth considering. For those who do not mind a physically larger device, a newer iPhone would be a better choice at this point.

iPhone Purchase Options

There are no shortage of places to buy a new or used iPhone. However, buying your iPhone from a quality company with extensive knowledge -- and after sales support -- will provide the best experience and save you money and time, too.

In the US, site sponsor Other World Computing sells used and refurbished iPhone models with free shipping. On the other hand, if you need to sell an iPhone, A+ BBB-rated Cash for Your Mac and GoRoostr will buy your older iPhone with an instant quote and prompt payment.

In Australia, site sponsor Mac City likewise has a variety of used iPhone models sold at low prices and available with a free warranty and fast shipping across Australia.

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