iPhone 6 vs. iPhone 5S: What Buyers Need to Know for Fall
The iPhone 6 and iPhone 5S are battling it out in the headlines as consumers wait for the new iPhone for 2013, which will likely arrive within the next two months.
Over the last 9 months rumors of the iPhone 5S and iPhone 6 leaked out an a growing rate, delivering small tidbits of information about Apple’s new iPhone.
During this time, it became increasingly clear that the new iPhone (2013) is the iPhone 5S, rather than the iPhone 6. Apple has yet to announce an official name for the new iPhone, but there is enough evidence to point to an “S” release in 2013.
There are also a number of iPhone 6 rumors and leaks that claim to reveal details about the next, next iPhone which isn’t expected until 2014. These rumors often focus on a new design or a larger display, which are unlikely in the 2013 iPhone.
Despite the clear indication of two separate iPhone models, an iPhone 6 in 2014 and an iPhone 5S this year, many publications continue to mix rumors for the iPhone 5S with the iPhone 6, spreading confusion for people that plan to buy a new iPhone in September or October.
This guide to iPhone 6 and iPhone 5S rumors will help clear the clutter from rumors for two new iPhone models and help buyers better understand what they can expect from a new iPhone in September, or soon after.
iPhone 6 vs. iPhone 5S – The Name
The name of the new Apple iPhone is up in the air until Apple formally announces it at a launch event, but as the seventh iPhone release approaches we there is a pattern to the new iPhone release and rumors that point to an iPhone 5S name this year.
The name of the new iPhone is important as some would argue an Phone 5S does not stir up the same impulse to buy as an iPhone 6 name would, even with the same design and features. Former Apple ad-man Ken Segall opined that Apple should release the iPhone 6 this year to better compete with the Galaxy S4 and HTC One, both which carry names that reflect a new
While some argue that Apple’s iPhone 5S naming scheme is a problem, it actually allows Apple to keep customers happier longer than if it released a brand new phone every year.
Here’s the Apple iPhone naming scheme so far, and what we expect in 2013 and 2014.
- iPhone – 2007
- iPhone 3G – 2008
- iPhone 3GS – 2009
- iPhone 4 – 2010
- iPhone 4S – 2011
- iPhone 5 – 2012
- iPhone 5S – 2013 estimated
- iPhone 6 – 2014 estimated
Multiple analysts agree this is an “S” iPhone release and the numerous iPhone leaks point to an iPhone 5S in 2013. In Short, any article talking about the iPhone 6 in 2013, is very likely referring to the iPhone 5S release, not an actual iPhone 6.
iPhone 6 Release vs. iPhone 5S Release
It’s still too early for any hard iPhone 5S release dates, and way to early for a specific iPhone 6 release, but we are starting to hear rumors line up.
The iPhone 6 release is not expected until 2014, though some expect it to arrive earlier than others. Glen Yeung of Citi Research expects an iPhone 6 release date in the first quarter of 2014, while Peter Misek of Jeffries claims the iPhone 6 release will come in June 2014. While looking this far into the future it is possible that these dates could change, but notably they focus on a 2014 timeline.
An iPhone 5S release is much closer. In fact, it could come as early as September 20th, so it’s a good time to start saving if you plan to buy the new iPhone or a cheaper iPhone 5 this fall.
The rumored iPhone 5S event on September 6th is apparently not in the cards, but many sources point to an iPhone 5S release in September or early October. Apple’s latest guidance to investors appears to hint at an iPhone 5S release before September 28th.
iPhone 6 vs. iPhone 5S Design & Display
The biggest likely differences between the iPhone 5S and the iPhone 6 are display size and design. This information is based on leaks and on commentary form Apple CEO Tim Cook.
Cook repeatedly slams current high-resolution big screen displays as having too many trade-offs for Apple to put in an iPhone. This, combined with multiple leaks showing what is likely an iPhone 5S body, is enough to assume the iPhone 5S will look a lot like the iPhone 5 and feature a 4-inch display.
We could see a new type of display inside, namely a Sharp IGZO display inside the iPhone 5S, which has the potential to deliver a better look, better touch sensitivity and better battery life. The video below offers a look at a IGZO display that could make its way into an iPhone 5S.
Even though Tim Cook is currently slamming bigger displays on smartphones, we could see Apple introduce one on the iPhone 6 in 2014 alongside claims it is the best display since Retina.
An iPhone 6 prototype reportedly came with a 4.8-inch display with a higher than Retina Display resolution. Couple this with advances in high-resolution large screen displays like the new bright LG 5.2-inch super thin 1080P display and there is an opening for a new screen size.
While there are no definite iPhone 6 design leaks, if Apple is planning an iPhone 6 for 2014 we expect a completely new design. Here are several iPhone 6 concepts that show multiple takes on what the iPhone 6 could look like.
iPhone 6 vs. iPhone 5S Features
The iPhone 5S and iPhone 6 will likely be as different as the iPhone 4S and iPhone 5, which is exciting for buyers of the iPhone 5S and for those waiting another year for the iPhone 6.
While Apple has not confirmed details about either phone, we have a good idea of what to expect in the iPhone 5S spec and feature department this year, and some broad ideas for the iPhone 6 features.
iPhone 5S Features and Specs
The following iPhone 5S features and specs come from months of rumors and analyst notes which eventually line up enough to paint a clear picture of the new iPhone.
- 4-inch Retina Display (Possibly IGZO)
- Apple A7 processor
- 2GB RAM
- 12-13MP Rear camera
- Dual LED Flash
- Fingerprint Reader
- iOS 7
Some rumors also point to an iPhone 5S with NFC support, but this feature is one that isn’t as easy to put on the bullet list of very likely coming on the iPhone 5S. There is a possibility for a slightly larger iPhone 5S battery.
iPhone 6 Features
The iPhone 6 features and specs are harder to pin down as we hear more about small rumors and Apple patents and prototypes that paint a general picture of the iPhone 6. Based on that we expect,
- Apple A8 processor
- Larger screen
- Higher Resolution
- Fingerprint Reader
- iOS 8
Much of this comes from a 4.8-inch iPhone 6 prototype with a Retina + display that was reportedly spotted in December of last year. But other analyst commentary and leaks also help shape this idea.
In short if you are hoping for a bigger display on the iPhone 5S this year, prepare to be disappointed. It is almost certain that Apple is saving this for an iPhone 6 in 2014, or later.
The iPhone 5S and iPhone 6 will continue to leak out in parts and photos as launches approach. Smart shoppers looking to buy a new iPhone in 2013 will keep in mind that this is likely to be a faster iPhone 5S with a better camera and the same design running iOS 7 and that the wait for the iPhone 6 is months longer.