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iPhone 5s vs. iPhone 6: Rumor Breakdown

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Thanks to a solid list of specifications and a slew of deals, the iPhone 5s remains a popular smartphone option as we head deeper into 2014 towards an inevitable iPhone 6 release. And while that might be the case, the iPhone 6 appears that it might have the edge on last year’s iPhone in several key areas, something that won’t make it easy on those trying to decide between the two.

Every year, Apple upgrades its iconic iPhone. And every year, that device is rated as one of the top smartphones on the market. Two years ago, it was the iPhone 5, a device that arrived with a larger 4-inch display, a new Lightning dock standard, new specs, a redesign, and 4G LTE data speeds. Last year, it was the iPhone 5s.

The iPhone 5s is considered by many to be an incremental upgrade. Others believe it’s much more than that. Whatever side you’re on, it’s hard to deny that the iPhone 5s is a solid smartphone and one of the best options on the market. It’s not for everyone but that doesn’t make it bad.

Apple’s iPhone 5s is still a fantastic smartphone option for most consumers. In fact, the iPhone 5s is as good as ever. Its price tag is in decline making it extremely affordable and in just a few short weeks it’s going to be getting an upgrade to Apple’s iOS 8 software, Apple’s new update that arrives this fall. It’s a fantastic smartphone and one that is still attracting a ton of attention from those looking to buy something new.

Consumers are already searching for the iPhone 6 more than the iPhone 5s or iPhone 5.

Consumers are already searching for the iPhone 6 more than the iPhone 5s or iPhone 5.

This year, like last year, Apple plans to release a new iPhone. The device is currently dubbed iPhone 6 and it appears that it will be a massive change from the iPhone 5s thanks to a number of massive changes rumored to be on board.

Those changes have tons of people intrigued and rightfully so. Apple has a solid track record. We’ve also seen iPhone 6 rumors start to firm up in recent weeks bringing added excitement to the table.

Apple’s iPhone 6 is still not confirmed but there are enough credible rumors out to make an early comparison and breakdown the latest regarding these two flagship devices. Here, in an effort to help prepare potential buyers, we take a look at how iPhone 6 rumors are stacking up with the current iPhone, Apple’s iPhone 5s.

Design

iPhone 6 rumors continue to converge on a redesign that features a larger, thinner frame than the iPhone 5s. Rumors have suggested that the device could be as thin as 7mm though the exact dimensions of the iPhone 6 remain unclear at this point.

Rather than write it all out, we’ll leave you with a video. This iPhone 5s vs iPhone 6 video below offers a look at what you can expect from the iPhone 6 vs the iPhone 5s in terms of design. While the device here is not the iPhone 6 itself, the video explores some of the key differences that we should see emerge on board the iPhone 6.

As for the specifics, the iPhone 6 is expected to feature a Sapphire display which should make it extremely durable and protect it against scrapes and scratches. It’s also expected to feature Touch ID, the fingerprint security system that Apple installed on the iPhone 5s.

Those that want a little more realism can take a look at the video below. This iPhone 6 concept is based on the latest iPhone 6 design rumors and it offers more detail than the alleged iPhone 6 mockup seen in the previous video.

Display

The iPhone 5s features a 4-inch Retina Display that can keep pace with top Android smartphones when it comes to quality. It is, however, much smaller than most flagships. This year’s iPhone 6 looks like it will finally deliver the large screen that many consumers have been looking for for years.

The iPhone 6 design is rumored to be punctuated by a brand new higher-resolution Retina Display that will reportedly measure 4.7-inches and 5.5-inches. The 4.7-inch model has leaked out extensively in the past few months while the 5.5-inch model has been far more reserved.

Expect a bigger screen on the iPhone 6, but not incredibly big.

Expect a bigger screen on the iPhone 6, but not incredibly big.

From everything we’ve seen, the 5.5-inch iPhone could be a lot larger than the iPhone 5s. However, as we’ve pointed out, the 4.7-inch model is going to be much closer in terms of size.

The screen size change will provide more real estate for gaming, browsing the web, reading, and watching content like movies and television shows. This is an area where Android devices have excelled and a pain point for many iPhone users. Samsung has even taken to making fun of the iPhone 5s for its puny screen size.

https://youtu.be/sCnB5azFmTs

At this point, it’s clear that Apple has at least one large screen iPhone up its sleeve. That, or the dozens of leaks that we’ve seen, many from reputable sources, are completely inaccurate. Typically, when there is a lot of smoke there is a lot of fire. Same goes for iPhone rumors. Bank on the iPhone 6 having a larger display and quite possibly, one that offers higher resolution.

Specs

While the display and design will likely be in focus on the iPhone 6, Apple’s brand new iPhone release will come equipped with a number of other specifications to help bolster its spec sheet. Here, we put the latest rumors together. Keep in mind, this is a partial spec sheet but it should give you an idea about what to expect from the device when it arrives.

iPhone 6

iPhone 5s

  • Apple A7 64-bit processor
  • iOS 8
  • 4-inch Sapphire display
  • 16GB / 32GB/ 64GB storage options
  • 1.2MP front-facing camera
  • 8MP rear-facing camera
  • 1,570 mAh battery
  • 802.11 a,b,g,n,n WiFi
  • Touch ID Fingerprint Sensor

Software

The iPhone 5s currently runs iOS 7.1.2, Apple’s latest update to its iOS 7 mobile operating system. This fall, the iPhone 5s will be getting iOS 8, the software that debuted at WWDC 2014 and the software that will almost certainly make its debut on board the iPhone 6 later this year.

The iOS 8 release is linked to the iPhone 6 release.

The iOS 8 release is linked to the iPhone 6 release.

iOS 8, currently available to developers in beta form, doesn’t look a whole lot different than iOS 7 but it will come with a number of notable changes including improved Notifications, improvements to photos, and more.

It’s not clear if the iPhone 5s will get the same feature set as the iPhone 6, Apple will often provide diluted versions of its software to older devices. The iPhone 6 on the other hand will get the full blown version of iOS 8.

Price

Rumors tell us that if Apple does release two iPhone models, the larger iPhone 6 will be more expensive than the 4.7-inch model. Analysts continue to point to a $100 price difference between the two with rumors pointing to $199.99 and $299.99 price points. This makes sense given how Samsung has structured its Galaxy S and Galaxy Note pricing.

As for the iPhone 5s, there are a few different scenarios. Apple could keep it afloat as its $99 iPhone with the 4.7-inch iPhone 6 slotted at $199.99 and the larger 5.5-inch model at $299.99. Another device, perhaps the iPhone 5c could fill the free-on-contract hole left behind by the iPhone 4s. It’s also possible that we could see it killed off like the iPhone 5 was last year after the arrival of the iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c.

Whatever the case, the iPhone 5s will be cheaper than the iPhone 6. iPhone 5s deals have already knocked the price down to record lows and we should see that pace continue before and after the arrival of the iPhone 6.

Release Date

Those trying to decide between the iPhone 5s and iPhone 6 are going to have to wait a few more weeks (at least) to make that decision.

iPhone 6 release date rumors center around the month of September. The latest iPhone 6 release rumors once again put the larger 5.5-inch model outside of the initial launch date with a launch potentially coming in 2015 rather than in 2014. This differs from most rumors which put both devices inside the current year.

While the 5.5-inch model could be delayed, sources agree that the 4.7-inch iPhone 6 will be out ahead of the holiday shopping season. September 19th has been thrown around as a possible release date as has September 25th. Apple tends to release its devices on Friday and both of those dates fall on Fridays in late September.

iPhone 6 Release Date rumors continue to point to a September release.

iPhone 6 Release Date rumors continue to point to a September release.

The latest iPhone 6 release date chatter indicates Apple plans to meet the demand for a new iPhone with a bigger screen by ordering as many as 80 million iPhone 6 units. This large number could be split between two iPhone 6 screen sizes, but it still represents a large number. If true, it means that buyers may not have to rush into buying the iPhone.

iPhone releases are typically chaotic with shipping times backed up for several weeks as Apple works to improve its supply chain. The iPhone 5s, which is now widely available, saw its shipping times increase dramatically after it went on sale in late September.

Quick Advice

At this point, these are the iPhone 6 rumors that we feel comfortable sharing in an comparison to the iPhone 5s. Here are a few of the key takeaways for those that want the Cliff Notes:

  • Larger screen all but confirmed.
  • Redesign also likely with some notable changes including a Sapphire display in the front.
  • Spec upgrades including processor and camera probable.
  • iPhone 6 release heavily rumored for September.

With just a few weeks until September, we highly suggest waiting for the iPhone 6 launch. Not only will you get another option to compare to the iPhone 5s, you’ll probably get a cheaper iPhone 5s out of the launch as well.

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