Now that Apple has announced two new iPhones, its time for the big question on our minds. Should I upgrade my iPhone. While the decision will be much easier for users whose contracts are coming to an end, those who currently own the Apple iPhone 5 or Apple iPhone 4S will have to think a little harder when its time for them to upgrade to the newest iPhone.
Lets work on trying to make the decision easier for you as we try and answer if users should upgrade to the iPhone 5S, iPhone 5C or even the recently discounted iPhone 4S.
Before you continue, its important to understand which features of the iOS 7 upgrade will be available for your existing iOS device. Keep in mind that not all devices will receive all the features of iOS 7. While the newest iPhones will offer the full iOS 7.0 experience. If your device is not compatible with iOS 7, the new version of the software itself offers enough reasons to make the jump to a new iPhone.
Should I upgrade to an iPhone 5S?
The Apple iPhone 5S is nearly visually identical to the iPhone 5. However Apple has cleverly made improvements to try and coax users into upgrading to the newest iPhone.
Here's why you should upgrade to the iPhone 5S
The improvements on the iPhone 5S include an updated to an A7 system-on-chip, which is touted as the first SoC to bring 64-bit processor architecture to a smartphone. As a result, up to twice the CPU and GPU performance should be expected, so apps will be executed faster while games will be loaded with more eye-candy. And speaking of games, Apple has brought OpenGL ES 3.0 support to the iPhone 5S. The tech will allow top-of-the-line games, such as Infinity Blade III, to look amazing.
The iPhone 5S has an updated camera which has a sensor with 15% larger pixels and wider aperture, which should result in improved low-light photos. Additionally the new dual-LED flash should now deliver better color tones when used. On top of all that, you get slow-motion video at 720p and intelligent software that takes multiple shots each time you press the shutter, then leaves only the best pic in the bunch.
Apple is offering free iWork and iLife apps with the purchase of your new iPhone. Since each app costs $9.99 to purchase, it maybe worth upgrading to an iPhone 5C for that added value
The device also offers improved battery life and a fingerprint scanner for an added layer of security. The gold variant also adds to the appeal of the newest iPhone.
Here's why you should not upgrade to the iPhone 5S
Unless you are stuck using an Apple iPhone 4S or lower, you probably won't notice the speed bump offered by the newest iPhone. The Apple A6 processor on the iPhone 5 is quite capable of handling most games in the market.
Additionally the iPhone 5S comes with the same 4 inch Retina Display on the iPhone 5. Unless you are upgrading from a smaller display size, you won't notice any difference on the screen size. Users may prefer looking it some of the large displayed Android devices or wait for the Nokia Lumia 1520 phablet if they want a proper display size upgrade.
The camera on the iPhone 5S offers the same 8 megapixel as the previous model with subtle improvements. If you want a good camera phone, the Nokia Lumia 1020 is undoubtedly the best in the market. It would likely be better waiting for the iPhone 6 which would come with a camera worth boasting about.
Having a fingerprint scanner is a neat gimmick, but the novelty will quickly fade away as it makes its way to other iOS devices. The new gold color is attractive but it will likely be hidden away under your casing. Having a device identical to the iPhone 5 under casing won't really stand out as a new iPhone.
Conclusion
We think the iPhone 5S is a good upgrade for users still on the iPhone 4 or the iPhone 4S. If you own an iPhone 5 you may still like to try out some of the novel changes and improvements. However we only recommend upgrading if you still carry a 3.5 inch device.
Should I upgrade to an iPhone 5C?
The Apple iPhone 5C is last year's iPhone repackaged in colorful plastic covers. Even though Apple has made subtle improvements to the device, Apple has cleverly managed produce last year's hardware at a cheaper price and market it to users as they would have marketed the iPhone 5.
Here's why you should upgrade to the iPhone 5C
Its colorful. Thats about the only reason we could fully stand behind an iPhone 5 user upgrading to the iPhone 5C. Keep in mind that your iPhone 5 is already likely protected by a colorful case. So other than for the subtle improvements battery life and the front facing camera, you get the same 4 inch Retina Display, an identical 8MP camera and the same A6 processor.
Apple is offering free iWork and iLife apps with the purchase of your new iPhone. Since each app costs $9.99 to purchase, it maybe worth upgrading to an iPhone 5C for that added value
Here's why you should not upgrade to the iPhone 5C
The iPhone 5C is thicker and heavier that the iPhone 5, yet Apple has cleverly replaced the obviously better model with the colorful iPhone 5C. The premium materials have been replaced with plastic shells, which you would think would result in a cheaper phone. Unfortunately Apple seems to have priced the iPhone 5C at the same price the iPhone 5 was expected to take this year. So a cheaper phone at a premium price? No thank you.
Strangely we found many news sites claiming the iPhone 5C was a mid-range offering from Apple. We disagree. The iPhone 5C carries a premium price despite its cheaper materials, and despite being offered at $99 on contract, it costs $550 off contract.
Conclusion
The iPhone 5C has a dual-core processor with 1GB of RAM and costs $550 contract free. We still think users will have a near identical experience with a much cheaper device. The Nokia Lumia 520 which is priced at just $135 off contract comes to mind.
While the iPhone 5C is still a worthy upgrade for user with an iPhone 4 or lower, we would even think twice before exchanging our iPhone 4 for one of these new devices.
Apple's new strategy of offering low end hardware at premium prices is quite disappointing. Why would anyone want to replace their premium iPhone 5 for a plastic polycarbonate device when a $10 casing will offer the same experience.
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Keep in mind that the iPhone 4S is being offered for free on contract. Considering that the iPhone 4S will be receiving most of the iOS 7.0 features other than Air Drop and the new camera filters, it maybe worth considering it as the upgrade over the iPhone 5C.