When a new iPhone is introduced – or this year when two new iPhones are introduced – one of the toughest decisions to make is whether or not to upgrade to the latest and the greatest. If money is no object, it won’t matter. If you’re due an upgrade on contract, it comes down to whether or not the new features in the iPhone 5c or iPhone 5s are compelling enough to be worth $100 or $200 or more to you. If you’re not due an upgrade, or if you don’t buy on contract, then that decision escalates to $550, $650, or more. So what are the pros and cons of upgrading to the iPhone 5c or iPhone 5s, and when does the cost get overwhelmed by the value? Let’s take a look…
iPhone evolution
Since its introduction in 2007 the iPhone has improved steadily over the years, adding higher density, bigger displays, faster Wi-Fi and cellular networking, better cameras, and new features like Siri and Touch ID. The above chart shows the evolution of the iPhone from the original to the latest iPhone 5c and iPhone 5s, including pricing and capacity at launch. While what you paid for it when you got it might vary, you can check your current model and see how it compares to the ones available now.
iOS 7 compatibility
The ability to run iOS 7, and to be compatible with iOS 7 apps, is a major consideration. The iPhone 3GS won’t be able to do either. The iPhone 4 will be, but in limited form. The iPhone 4S will be serviceable. That means you’ll be end-of-lifed with the iPhone 3GS and hobbled with the iPhone 4.
Screen size
The iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, and iPhone 4s all have smaller, 3.5-inch screens. So even if the latter two can run iOS 7 and iOS 7 apps, it’ll be in stunted, 960×640 pixel form instead of full, 1136×640 form. That means you won’t be getting the full experience from new apps going forward.
LTE
The iPhone 3GS and iPhone 4 tops out HSPA 7.2mbps. The iPhone 4s at HSPA 14.4mbps. None of them can access the much faster DC-HSPA+ 40mbps or LTE 100+mbps networks. That means you’ll be stuck on dial up in an increasingly broadband world.
Also, the iPhone 5c and iPhone 5s support an even greater range of LTE bands than the iPhone 5.
Camera
The iPhone 3GS has a poor 3mp/480p camera and no front-facing camera. The iPhone 4 has a marginally better 5mp/720p camera and a poor front-facing camera. The iPhone 4S has a fairly decent 8mp/1080p camera but still a poor front-facing camera. That means, with the exception of the iPhone 4S, any upgrade will enormously improve photographic quality.
Lightning connector
The iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, and iPhone 4S have the old 30-pin Dock connector. While there remain an enormous amount of accessories for that connector, all new iOS devices will be using the all-new Lightning connector going forward. That means those models won’t have access to the latest and greatest.
Siri
The iPhone 3GS and iPhone 4 can’t run Apple’s virtual digital assistant, Siri. All though it’s a second, natural language-based interface layer, it does provide all sorts of benefits, including hands-free features and will be integral to upcoming features like iOS in the Car
Colors
The iPhone 5c comes in 5 bright, polycarbonate colors including blue, green, pink, yellow, green, and white. The iPhone 5s comes in 5 metallic finished, including the same silver as the iPhone 5, and the new gold and space gray. That means with both new phones you get a variety of new color options.
Touch ID
Only the iPhone 5s will be able to use Apple’s new Touch ID fingerprint authentication system. That means if you want to be able to unlock your iPhone or authorize iTunes purchases at the touch of the finger, you’ll have to go to the iPhone 5s.
Should you upgrade from the iPhone 3GS?
The iPhone 3GS was released in June of 2009 but was still available for $0 on contract until September of 2012. If you got one anytime shortly before then, you’re probably still on contract. Early termination fees (ETFs) could make it financial unattractive to upgrade.
If you’re not on contract, or are eligible for an upgrade for any reason, you absolutely should. If price is the most important factor, the $0 on-contract position has been taken over by the iPhone 4s, which not only has a Retina display, but Siri, a much better camera, and more importantly, the ability to run iOS 7 apps.
If you can afford it, however, the iPhone 5c is a much better option. Starting at $100 on contract, it gives you not only the new, bigger, 4-inch screen but the much more powerful Apple A6 processor, the new Lightning connector, and fast LTE cellular networking. It comes in bright plastic colors, but more importantly it’s going to get iOS 8 next year, and likely iOS 9 beyond that, making it a far better long term investment.
Starting at $200 on contract, the iPhone 5s will give you an even better Apple A7 processor with M7 motion coprocessor, a better iSight camera, and the Touch ID fingerprint authentication system.
The iPhone 3GS is end of life. Upgrade as soon as you can to whatever newer iPhone you can.
Should you upgrade from the iPhone 4?
The iPhone 4 was released in June of 2010 but was still available at $0 on contract until September of 2013 (and is still available even now in China). If you got one anytime in the last year, you’re still on contract. Early termination fees (ETFs) could make it financial unattractive to upgrade.
If you’re not on contract, or are eligible for an upgrade for any reason, you should definitely consider it. If price is the most important factor, the $0 on-contract position has been taken over by the iPhone 4s. You’ll be stuck on the same, 3.5-inch screen, but you’ll get a much better camera and Siri, Apple’s virtual personal assistant.
If you can afford it, however, the iPhone 5c is a much better option. Starting at $100 on contract, it gives you not only the new, bigger, 4-inch screen but the much more powerful Apple A6 processor, the new Lightning connector, and fast LTE cellular networking. It comes in bright plastic colors, but more importantly it’s going to get iOS 8 next year, and likely iOS 9 beyond that, making it a far better long term investment.
Starting at $200 on contract, the iPhone 5s will give you an even better Apple A7 processor with M7 motion coprocessor, a better iSight camera, and the Touch ID fingerprint authentication system.
The iPhone 4 won’t be a great experience on iOS 7. If you can, upgrade to whichever newer iPhone you can.
Should you upgrade from the iPhone 4S?
The iPhone 4S was introduced in October of 2011 and is still available for $0 on contract. If you got one anytime in the last year, you’re still on contract. Early termination fees (ETFs) could make it financial unattractive to upgrade.
If you’re not on contract, or are eligible for an upgrade for any reason, you should consider it. The iPhone 5c starts at $100 on contract, gives you not only the new, bigger, 4-inch screen, and also the all-new Lightning connector, the much more powerful Apple A6 processor, and fast LTE cellular networking. It comes in bright plastic colors, but more importantly it’s going to get iOS 8 next year, and likely iOS 9 beyond that, making it a far better long term investment.
Starting at $200 on contract, the iPhone 5s will give you an even better Apple A7 processor with M7 motion coprocessor, a better iSight camera, and the Touch ID fingerprint authentication system.
The iPhone 4s is still serviceable but is showing its age. If you can upgrade, great. If not, next year is fine.
Should you upgrade from the iPhone 5?
The iPhone 5 was introduced in September of 2012 but was discontinued in September of 2013. If you got one, you’re likely still on contract. Early termination fees (ETFs) could make it financial unattractive to upgrade.
If you’re not on contract, or are eligible for an upgrade for any reason, there are only a few reasons to consider upgrading, and even then, only to the iPhone 5s.
The iPhone 5c is a repackaged iPhone 5 with a better LTE radio and FaceTime camera, and with new, colorful, polycarbonate casings. But they’re otherwise identical. Unless you broke your iPhone 5 and need a replacement, there’s no reason to make a lateral move.
The iPhone 5s will give you a better Apple A7 processor with M7 motion coprocessor, a better iSight camera, and the Touch ID fingerprint authentication system.
The iPhone 5 is still an excellent iPhone. The only reason to upgrade is if you need the new LTE bands, or you simply have to have the latest and the greatest today.
Still undecided?
If you’re still not sure about about upgrading to an iPhone 5c or iPhone 5s, jump into our iPhone discussion forums and the best community in mobile will happily help you out.
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