The iPhone 5S vs. 5C | Tech Review - 10/11/13 | The Motley Fool | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

The iPhone 5C was expected to be cheaper, but it's priced similar to the iPhone 5. The main difference between the two is the Touch ID fingerprint sensor on the 5S. The plastic case of the 5C has been reinforced to feel solid.

Key Insights

• ❓ The iPhone 5C is priced similarly to the iPhone 5, deviating from the expectation of it being cheaper.
• 🆔 The main differentiation between the iPhone 5S and 5C is the inclusion of the Touch ID fingerprint sensor on the 5S.
• 💄 Apple has reinforced the plastic case of the 5C, making it feel solid and durable.
• 🥶 Older iPhone models have continued to sell well, leading Apple to maintain a lineup of older phones alongside new releases.
• ❓ The sales performance of the iPhone 5C is uncertain, with limited reliable data available.
• 🆘 The introduction of two models and a shifted product strategy could help keep the lineup fresher and attract more customers.
• ❓ In the US, the iPhone 5C may be more appealing to price-conscious buyers or those seeking durability, while the 5S is for those willing to pay a premium price.

Transcript

hey fools I'm Eric bleer I'm joined here by Evan new who heads up our Tech coverage of fool.com we've got a lot of toys in front of us but specifically what we want to focus in on was the iPhone 5c versus iPhone 5S 5s and for a lot of consumers what was expected from storylines for the 5c was it was going to be predominantly cheaper cheaper was the... Read More

Questions & Answers

Q: What are the main differences between the iPhone 5S and 5C for consumers?

The major difference is the Touch ID fingerprint sensor present on the 5S. Other than that, the two models are quite similar in terms of specifications.

Q: Does the plastic case of the iPhone 5C affect its durability?

Despite being made of plastic, Apple has reinforced the 5C with steel and other materials to make it feel solid and durable. It does not compromise on quality.

Q: How have customers responded to Apple's older phone models in the past?

Surprisingly, even older iPhone models have been selling well, as seen with the iPhone 4. This has led Apple to continue offering older models alongside new releases.

Q: Is the iPhone 5C selling as well as expected?

There is limited reliable data available, but some anecdotal evidence suggests that the 5C may not be selling as well in high-priced markets like China. However, the introduction of two models and a shifted product strategy could help reinvigorate the lineup.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The iPhone 5C was anticipated to be a cheaper alternative but is priced similarly to the iPhone 5.

• The main differentiating feature between the 5S and 5C is the Touch ID fingerprint sensor on the 5S.

• Despite being made of plastic, the 5C feels solid due to the reinforcement with steel and other materials.