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The smart choice is always get the latest phone if you can afford it. I'm pretty sure apple will release a new phone this fall and then you'll be two models behind if you buy a 5s. In 2016, the 5s will probably be on its last leg with performance. You're better off getting a 6 for longevity.
I was forced to get a 4S in 2013 when the 5 was out. 2 years later my 4S struggled with performance. That one year difference may not seem like a lot at first but as those software updates come out, your phone will show its age.
 
The smart choice is always get the latest phone if you can afford it. I'm pretty sure apple will release a new phone this fall and then you'll be two models behind if you buy a 5s. In 2016, the 5s will probably be on its last leg with performance. You're better off getting a 6 for longevity.
I was forced to get a 4S in 2013 when the 5 was out. 2 years later my 4S struggled with performance. That one year difference may not seem like a lot at first but as those software updates come out, your phone will show its age.

Not really the same because the 4s is quite a bit slower than the 5 and much slower than 5s, while the 5s and 6 are virtually on par.
 
I had the same decision to make once my 64GB iP5 got wet inside a feckin' LifeProof case in Hawaii. I only buy used unlocked Verizon iPhones so that I can move seamlessly from California to international destinations.

Shopping around on US eBay and Swedish equivalent of craigslist it came down to: a 64GB iP5s for $375 or a 64GB iP6 for $700.

I went with the 5s for several reasons.
It's cheaper!
It's smaller (to me a +) and fits my cases.
Given it is 64bit, has touch ID, has slow-mo/low-light camera, and has tons of LTE bands, I'm not missing much.

In 3 years I'll buy a used 6S.
 
Not really the same because the 4s is quite a bit slower than the 5 and much slower than 5s, while the 5s and 6 are virtually on par.

Yes right now they are but as time progresses, the age will show. Just like it did with the 4S and 5. When iOS 6 was out, they were virtually the same
 
Yes right now they are but as time progresses, the age will show. Just like it did with the 4S and 5. When iOS 6 was out, they were virtually the same

The difference is that the 5 was overpowered for iOS 6 while it was just right for the 4S. There shouldn't be a big difference between the 5s and 6 unless Apple does it on purpose. The performance score difference is smaller than between the 4S and 5.
 
I gotta say going from the 5s to the 6 was a little strange at first cause I thought the screen was too big from what I was coming from but after using it for a few months I feel like the screen on the 6 was what the size of the 5/5S should have been. I can use it one handed with no problem cause I've gotten used to the ergonomics. There was a learning curve but it just works really well now. But at the end of the day it all comes down to what fits your needs.
 
if price is important: stay a generation behind
if you like one-handedness, stay with the 5s. many people don't care about one-handedness, only to realize that they actually do care about it once they get a 6.
5s I think will last as long as the 6. In terms of features, it's like a 6 mini. there's really nothing different except the size.
 
Bought new 5s 16GB on Saturday because iPhone 4 screen went black. It's now a joy to use iPhone because iOS isn't laggy and battery lasts all day. I think I got it quite reasonable price 479€ something like 420$. The price was one factor because I didn't want to spend over 600€ for a iPhone.
 
Go with the iPhone 5 series. Its miles better than the 6/6+ and no iOS 8. They are Apple's darkest hour. Have you considered the iPhone 5? It would be cheaper and get you iOS 6 if its new? That would make it all worth it to me.
Are you serious or just joking? I am guessing the latter. The OP could always get the original iPhone to make doubly sure the phone is redundant lol.

To the OP, I would say get the latest device if you can afford it. Its a no brainer really as its the best iPhone to date and will last you longer than a 5 or 5S. I came to the 6 from an iPhone 5 and it is so much nicer having a slightly larger screen and faster responsiveness. If price is the issue then the 5S is not a bad choice and should be good for another 2 years in regard to updates. I would try and find people you know with each device and have a play and see which one you like better. You will see a clear difference I would imagine. :)
 
Bought new 5s 16GB on Saturday because iPhone 4 screen went black. It's now a joy to use iPhone because iOS isn't laggy and battery lasts all day. I think I got it quite reasonable price 479€ something like 420$. The price was one factor because I didn't want to spend over 600€ for a iPhone.

479€ is much like 540$.....

Btw, good price for a new iPhone 5S.
 
I phone 6 64 is your only choice. iPhone 5 has battery issues. the larger screen makes the iphone actually usable for consuming information.
 
They're both great honestly. But the 5s is more bang for your buck on the used market. I very recently scored a 32GB silver 5s in like new condition for $325. Unless you NEED the bigger screen the 5s is pretty comparable in almost all regards.
 
Are you serious or just joking? I am guessing the latter. The OP could always get the original iPhone to make doubly sure the phone is redundant lol.

To the OP, I would say get the latest device if you can afford it. Its a no brainer really as its the best iPhone to date and will last you longer than a 5 or 5S. I came to the 6 from an iPhone 5 and it is so much nicer having a slightly larger screen and faster responsiveness. If price is the issue then the 5S is not a bad choice and should be good for another 2 years in regard to updates. I would try and find people you know with each device and have a play and see which one you like better. You will see a clear difference I would imagine. :)

I am going from the 6 to a 5 because of the money these are still selling for and the design of the 6. Hate the feel of it in my hand with the larger screen and rounded corners.
 
Do what I did. I bought the 6, expecting to return it. I liked it so much better than the 5 and 5S I was using at the time (work and personal phones) that at my own expense I replaced the other phone with a full price, out of contract 6.

I expected the 6 to be too big to use one-handed. It's not, and the bigger screen makes reading everything from emails to web pages easier. The same is true with the keyboard - lots less missed keys now.

Buy it. Try it. You can always return it.

Oh, I forgot to mention the iOS 7/8 difference. Other than Apple Pay, Continuity and Handoff, all of which are good reasons to upgrade to iOS 8, there isn't a difference, notwithstanding what the trolls and haters like to post. In any case, the advice is still: buy it, try it, return it if it doesn't work for you. The most important opinion is yours, not ours. ;)
 
I am going from the 6 to a 5 because of the money these are still selling for and the design of the 6. Hate the feel of it in my hand with the larger screen and rounded corners.
I think the day I start to hate the new iPhone because of silly aesthetic features, will be the day I realise I should be using something else. As a person I enjoy new products and adapting the way I use them. It is progressive behaviour and something that enables me to move with the times and enjoy advances in technology and trends. I am lucky though because there is a minority of people with your mindset on here and they will never be happy unless the iPhone is designed to their unique liking.
 
There definitely seems to be a lot of different opinions here!

In the end I decided on getting a 32gb 5s on ebay. I think I'll be more than satisfied with it. I don't need the very best technology right now, and it didn't seem smart to buy a full-price 6 when a new model will probably come in September.

The price difference is also pretty big. Even if I sold my 5s and bought a used 6 as soon as the 6s comes out, I think that would still be cheaper than buying a 6 now. And since I didn't spend as much money, I'd feel less guilty about upgrading to a 6s or 7 when they come out, if they happen to have some feature that I really want.
 
5S is a great phone! Either choice you made, it's a good choice, fortunate enough...iPhones are solid devices.

I feel though that after having the 4.7" 6, it would be hard going back to anything smaller. Good luck with the 5S, still a fast excellent piece of hardware!
 
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