There was nothing fresh or crisp about Apple’s Tuesday release of the newest iPhone models the 5S and 5C. Leaks about the new products took the surprise out of Apple’s unveiling.
The new 5S has a few upgrades but retains the same physical appearance as its predecessor with a 4 inch screen. Rumors have it that Apple is currently working on a new model with a larger screen to compete with models such as the Samsung Galaxy.
Perhaps the best new feature is Touch ID Fingerprint scanner. Say goodbye to your 4 digit passcode to unlock your phone! The new 5S is now personalized to your touch.
Another upgrade with the 5S model is the speedy A7, 64-bit chip. This means the iPhone 5S has a graphics performance 56 times that of the original iPhone. With high speeds like that you can bet app developers will come out with fun and exciting.
The 5S also comes out with an impressive upgrade to the camera that includes a larger sensor, bigger aperture, glare reduction and includes a burst mode.
Then there is the long-rumored iPhone 5C, a less-expensive model to the 5S, which will now be replacing the discontinued iPhone 5. Nothing really spectacular about this new model–aside from the five fun colors it comes in and a larger battery.
Unfortunately, pricewise, you are really not getting much of a deal with the “less-expensive” 5C. The phone will still run you a bill of $99 with the 16GB and $199 with the 32GB, but only if you also sign up for a two-year contract. Tricky. Without a contract to subsidize the cost you are left with prices tags of $549 and $649, for 16GB and 32GB versions. Not really the bargain it was marketed as.
Aside from a few new flares in color and design accompanied with small upgrades, the much anticipated Apple iPhone 5S and 5C fall short.
Traci Oshiro