Hands-On Impressions of the iPhone 5s, iPhone 5c, and Touch ID

[MacRumors]

A number of news sites have been able to go hands-on with Apple's newly announced iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c, both of which introduce a number of new features. While the iPhone 5c's major selling point is its bright and colorful polycarbonate shell, the iPhone 5s boasts processor improvements and a new Touch ID fingerprint sensor.

iPhone 5s
In a hands-on post of the iPhone 5s, The Verge notes that the gold color "looks better in person" compared to leaked images, and notes that the "Space Gray" and white colors are very similar to the iPhone 5. The major difference between the iPhone 5s and the iPhone 5 is the ring around the home button and the slightly larger flash.

Starting with that home button, it's now made of sapphire so that it can act as a reliable fingerprint reader. It's not nearly as concave as previous models -- in fact, it's almost flat. Luckily, it still maintains a nice, tactile feel when you click on it and we don't foresee anybody running into any issues. We watched the fingerprint sensor unlock the phone quickly and easily (though we didn't get to try it ourselves).

Everything felt fast and fluid -- although the animations in iOS 7 are still a little slow to our tastes -- but scrolling in the new Safari was better than before, if only by a tiny amount.

TechCrunch also went hands-on with the iPhone 5s, and was able to experiment with the Touch ID fingerprint sensor, which supports up to five different fingerprints.

Essentially you spend some time letting the sensors in the Home button get used to your fingerprint, moving your finger around slightly, lifting it up just above the surface and putting it back down, with a graphic filling out how near the software is to being able to recognize your fingerprint (you can use thumb or index finger, depending on your preference).

The process took about 30 seconds to a minute overall, and then once it had successfully identified by fingerprint, it worked flawlessly to unlock the device for every subsequent trial. It also readily rejected Greg Kumparak's attempts, proving that it isn't just accepting all comers.

​

iPhone 5c
According to TechCrunch, the iPhone 5c has a "lightness" in the hand thanks to the single-piece case design and "looks fantastic" in its array of bright colors.

All of that is made more impressive by the fact that the iPhone performs terrifically, and looks fantastic. The colors really pop, and the case fits solidly in the hand and thanks to a slightly rubberized feel it should be easier to hold onto than any previous iPhone as well. The color-match wallpapers add to the charm of the overall package, and that's likely to appeal to customers who just want a device that looks great out of the box and doesn't require any laborious customization.

Engadget thought that the iPhone 5c had a very "solid" polycarbonate build that will hold up to scuffs and drops.

There is absolutely nothing about this setup that makes us believe it's not capable of handling a full share of wear and tear, and the reinforced steel frame convinces us that it's even going to survive falls without a problem.

Speaking of which, the 5c has a glossy finish, but we were quite happy to find that it's not the fingerprint magnet that we've come to expect on other devices. It sufficiently handled the greasy fingerprints of a couple hundred journalists, so we doubt there will be any reason to be concerned about this phone looking dirty. In fact, it has a subtle shine to it that serves to complement the color selection.

The Verge was also impressed with the feel of the plastic iPhone 5c, though noted that it did not compare to the high-end feel of the iPhone 5s.

The 5c is almost like a toy, a rugged, comfortable device that doesn't feel much heavier than the iPhone 5 despite being noticeably larger. According to Apple, the device has a larger battery than the iPhone 5, which along with its plastic shell goes a way to explaining its bulk.

This is how you make a plastic phone, though: from the cohesive shell to the smooth and glossy back (which did pick up a fair number of fingerprints) the device feels far better than Samsung's or LG's plastic options. Even the rubbery cases look nice, their open-circle backs fitting in nicely with the color palette.

Both the iPhone 5c and the iPhone 5s will be available for customers on September 20. Apple will begin accepting pre-orders for the iPhone 5c on September 13, but does not plan to take pre-orders for the iPhone 5s. The 16GB iPhone 5c will be priced at $99 while the 16GB iPhone 5s will be priced at $199, both with a 2-year contract.

Article Link: Hands-On Impressions of the iPhone 5s, iPhone 5c, and Touch ID

 

[Exotic-Car Man]

I like the home button. Very interesting. I was wondering how they were going to shape it with a fingerprint sensor. Neither convex nor concave, but inset a bit.

 

[Dekema2]

Ehh, yawn…looks like the last one. A couple of features are cool, but this is Apple we're talking about. Can't wait for 6.

 

[musika]

Looks good.

 

[Toltepeceno]

If the 5c is set to bridge

the gap in 3rd world countries like here in mexico, I do not see it happening. It goes for 549. on apple usa website, which means it will go for close to 700 us or more here. Since well over 80% do not go contract here it will really affect nothing here. So I guess breaking into countries like this was not the point. At that price point it will be no closer in reach to the vast majority than the over 800.00 5s. The people that can afford the 5s are the ones that can afford the 5c.

 

[Theclamshell]

I love to see more color in the product lineup. I loved the Colored iMac G3's and the iBook Clamshell's. Some of my favorite macs ever.

 

[kkat69]

The color-match wallpapers add to the charm of the overall package, and that's likely to appeal to customers who just want a device that looks great out of the box and doesn't require any laborious customization.

Changing a wallpaper is laborious?

 

[musika]

I do think that they should've gotten rid of the iconic square on the 5c home button. If they are gonna do it with the 5s, do it with the 5c.

 

[Oldschoolers]

Can't wait to see how the new A7 chip blows the doors off of Samsung!!

 

[basesloaded190]

Sounds like I am in the minority, but I am very much looking forward to getting the 5S. Coming from a 4 currently this is going to be a huge upgrade for me.

 

[Pianoblack3]

Gonna have to come clean and say that the new home button on the 5S looks weird without the little square symbol on it!

 

[Hakone]

I wonder how much more power will be consumed by the new processing power. The battery life arguably wasn't all that great to begin with.

Definitely an evolutionary step for the iPhone. I still don't get the purpose of the C being only $100 cheaper.

 

[JetBlack7]

It looks good.

 

[MacVista]

Why $100 jump from 16GB to 32GB

Dear Apple:

Please explain WHY $100 to jump from 16GB to 32GB.
And I'm not even asking where is the SD card slot.
Get on with the program! Competition is catching up.

 

[WilliamLondon]

Anyone wonder what will happen next year when they release the iPhone 6? Will they go back to the old way of offering the previous version cheaper and leaving it as is (but with limited storage options) or will the iPhone 5s become the iPhone 5sc or iPhone 5cs?

 

[Ursadorable]

Ok, good the new iPhone was announced.. can we move onto when the new iPad will be coming out? That's what I'm really waiting for.. and possibly an updated Mac Mini.

 

[Michael Scrip]

Sounds like I am in the minority, but I am very much looking forward to getting the 5S. Coming from a 4 currently this is going to be a huge upgrade for me.

Same for me... although I'm coming from a 4S

I'm ready for a better camera, faster processor, 16x9 screen.... and LTE !!!

 

[Ryth]

Sounds like I am in the minority, but I am very much looking forward to getting the 5S. Coming from a 4 currently this is going to be a huge upgrade for me.

I was going to get the 5s but after looking at the 5c, I think I'm going with that and then trading up to a 6 when it comes out.

 

[GodWhomIsMike]

All I wanted was a 64GB option in a 5C.

I just don't find anything announced today to be compelling enough to get me to upgrade from my iPhone 4S.

Meh!!!!!

 

[nsayer]

Its official. Safari is snappier.

Damn. You beat me to it!

 

[ATC]

...although the animations in iOS 7 are still a little slow to our tastes...

As I'm planning to keep my iPhone 5 and update to iOS7 ASAP, that statement about the 5S with its monster A7 running iOS7 is a little concerning.

 

[Tankmaze]

I'm really excited with the fingerprint sensors.

The process took about 30 seconds to a minute overall, and then once it had successfully identified by fingerprint, it worked flawlessly to unlock the device for every subsequent trial. It also readily rejected Greg Kumparak's attempts, proving that it isn't just accepting all comers.

Awesome.

 

[sshhoott]

Would have been better if Apple released two different screen sizes for iPhone 5S instead of releasing that plastic iPhone 5C on the side.

WHY?

Because in many online surveys, about 70% of the people indicate that they want a screen bigger than 4" on the iPhone (Personally, that's why I'm not upgrading from iPhone 4 either, I'm waiting for the 6). Now, many people are perfectly happy with the current size due to its portability benefit or their hand size. But it would be better to have screen size options (something like 4.5 inches) just like how the Macbook Pros have different screen size options. Believe me, many people move to Android just because of the screen size. Ask yourself, why do people use iPad or iPad mini? Because of the big screen size. A bigger screen means you can do more things, developers can make better use of the screen estate, etc... Why did Apple release iPad mini? For more choice.

A little bit of choice is always better. With choice, its easier to find the sweet spot for yourself. Now, iPhone 5C is giving us choice, but unfortunately, it doesn't deserve the price it is at and it's basically an iPhone 5.

Sometimes I think Apple knows they should have released an iPhone with a bigger screen size this year (along with the current 4" 5S) but it seems they're almost afraid that they won't be able to make something much better next year. So they're leaving the screen size for the iPhone 6 next year, which maybe the single most important feature of the iPhone 6 (also, a bigger screen would allow more room for battery, NFC, bigger camera sensor, thinner design, smaller bezels, etc...)

 

[Eduardo1971]

I cannot wait until September 20th-that iPhone 5s will be a big update to my current iPhone 4.

Two issues that blow-no preordering for the iPhone 5s and I wish Apple would have increased the base 16 gb on the iPhone 5s to 32 gb.

 

[Taz Mangus]

Dear Apple:

Please explain WHY $100 to jump from 16GB to 32GB.
And I'm not even asking where is the SD card slot.
Get on with the program! Competition is catching up.

Competition is always catching up.