Differences between iPhone 5c and iPhone 5s
Contents
iPhone 5c vs. iPhone 5s[edit]
The iPhone 5c and iPhone 5s were two smartphones developed and marketed by Apple Inc. Announced on September 10, 2013, they represented a strategic shift for Apple, marking the first time the company released two distinct iPhone models simultaneously.[1] The iPhone 5s served as the flagship successor to the iPhone 5, introducing several hardware upgrades and new features. In contrast, the iPhone 5c repurposed the internal components of the discontinued iPhone 5 within a new, lower-cost polycarbonate shell, aimed at a different segment of the market.[2][3] Both devices initially shipped with the iOS 7 operating system.[4]
While sharing the same 4-inch Retina display and overall dimensions, the two phones were distinguished by their exterior design, internal processors, camera capabilities, and security features.[5] The iPhone 5c was notable for its colorful plastic casing, while the 5s retained a premium aluminum build and introduced the Touch ID fingerprint sensor.[4]
Comparison Table[edit]
| Category | iPhone 5c | iPhone 5s |
|---|---|---|
| Casing Material | Polycarbonate (plastic) over a steel frame | Anodized aluminum with diamond-cut chamfered edges[3] |
| Color Options | White, Pink, Yellow, Blue, Green | Space Gray, Silver, Gold |
| Processor | Apple A6 (32-bit) | Apple A7 (64-bit) with M7 motion coprocessor |
| Security | 4-digit passcode | Touch ID fingerprint sensor built into the Home button |
| Rear Camera | 8MP, f/2.4 aperture, single LED flash | 8MP, f/2.2 aperture, True Tone dual-LED flash, Burst mode, Slo-mo video |
| Weight | 4.65 ounces (132 grams) | 3.95 ounces (112 grams) |
| Initial Price (US) | Starting at $99 (16GB) with a two-year contract | Starting at $199 (16GB) with a two-year contract |
Body and Design[edit]
The most immediate difference between the iPhone 5c and 5s was their physical construction. The iPhone 5c featured a hard-coated polycarbonate unibody shell over a steel-reinforced frame, which made it slightly thicker and heavier than the 5s. It was available in five bright, glossy colors: blue, green, pink, yellow, and white.
The iPhone 5s continued the design language of the iPhone 5 with a high-grade aluminum body.[3] It was offered in more muted, metallic finishes: Space Gray, Silver, and Gold. The iPhone 5s was lighter and thinner than the 5c.[5] A significant design change for the 5s was the redesigned Home button, which incorporated the Touch ID sensor and was made of sapphire crystal to prevent scratching.[4]
Performance and Hardware[edit]
Internally, the iPhone 5s was a substantial upgrade. It was the first smartphone to feature a 64-bit processor, the Apple A7 chip, which offered significantly faster performance than the 32-bit A6 chip found in the iPhone 5c.[2] The 5s also included an M7 motion coprocessor, a dedicated chip designed to efficiently collect and process data from the phone's accelerometer, gyroscope, and compass, which helped to improve fitness tracking capabilities and battery life. Both models included 1GB of RAM.
Camera[edit]
Both the iPhone 5c and 5s were equipped with an 8-megapixel rear camera, but the hardware on the 5s was more advanced.[5] The 5s featured a larger sensor with a wider f/2.2 aperture, allowing it to capture more light for better performance in low-light conditions.[5] It also introduced a "True Tone" dual-LED flash that could adjust its color temperature to produce more natural-looking photos. Additional camera software features exclusive to the 5s included a burst mode for capturing multiple shots in quick succession and a slow-motion video recording mode.[5]
Touch ID[edit]
A key feature that debuted with the iPhone 5s was Touch ID, a fingerprint recognition system integrated into the Home button. This allowed users to unlock their device and authenticate purchases on the App Store and iTunes Store by placing their finger on the sensor, offering a more convenient and secure alternative to a traditional passcode.[4] The iPhone 5c did not include this feature and relied solely on a passcode for security.
References[edit]
- ↑ "financialpost.com". Retrieved January 24, 2026.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 "cnet.com". Retrieved January 24, 2026.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 "pcmag.com". Retrieved January 24, 2026.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 "wikipedia.org". Retrieved January 24, 2026.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 "informationweek.com". Retrieved January 24, 2026.
