The 6 Ways iPhone 5S and 5C Are Different Menu Lifewire Tech for Humans Newsletter! Search Close GO Mobile Phones > iPhone & iOS 125 125 people found this article helpful

6 Key Ways the iPhone 5S and 5C Are Different

By Sam Costello Sam Costello Writer Ithaca College Sam Costello has been writing about tech since 2000. His writing has appeared in publications such as CNN.com, PC World, InfoWord, and many others. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on January 14, 2020 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email iPhone & iOS Switching from Android Understanding the exact differences between the iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C can be tricky. The color of the phones is obvious, but all the other differences are in the guts of the phone — and those are hard to see. Check out these seven key differences between the 5S and 5C to understand how the two phones differ from each other and to help you pick the right model that's right for you. Lifewire / Brianna Gilmartin Both the iPhone 5S and 5C have been discontinued by Apple. Read up on the iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR to learn about the latest models before you buy a new phone. 01 of 06

Processor Speed The 5s Is Faster

Moment Editorial / Getty Images The iPhone 5S has a faster processor than the 5C. The 5S sports an Apple A7 processor, while the heart of the 5C is an A6. The A7 is newer and more powerful than the A6, particularly because it's a 64-bit chip (the first in a smartphone). Because it's 64-bit, the A7 can process chunks of data twice as big as those handled by the 32-bit A6. Processor speed isn't as big a factor in smartphones as it is in computers (many other things affect overall performance as much as, if not more​ than, processor speed), and the A6 is fast, but the A7 in the iPhone 5S makes that model speedier than the 5C. 02 of 06

Motion Co-Processor The 5C Doesn' t Have It

John Keeble / Getty Images The iPhone 5S is the first iPhone to include a motion co-processor. This is a chip that interacts with the iPhone's physical sensors — the accelerometer, compass, and gyroscope — to provide new feedback and data to apps. This includes much more detailed fitness and exercise data in apps, and the ability to know whether the user is sitting or standing. The 5S has it, but the 5C does not. 03 of 06

Touch ID Fingerprint Scanner Only the 5S Has It

PhotoAlto / Getty Images One of the iPhone 5S's headline features is the Touch ID fingerprint scanner that's built into its Home button. This scanner lets you tie the security of your iPhone to your unique, personal fingerprint, which means that unless it's you (or someone has your finger!), your phone is very secure. Set up a passcode and then use the fingerprint scanner to unlock your phone, enter passwords, and authorize purchases. The scanner is available on the 5S, but not the 5C. 04 of 06

Camera The 5S Offers Slow-Mo and More

Jody King / Getty Images When compared based on the specs alone, the cameras in the iPhone 5S and 5C don't look very different: they both max out at 8 megapixels for still images and 1080p HD video. But the subtle details of the 5S's camera really stand out. It offers two flashes for true-to-life colors, the ability to record slow-motion video at 120 frames per second in 720p HD, and a burst mode that takes up to 10 photos per second. The 5C's camera is good, but it doesn't have any of these advanced features. 05 of 06

Colors Only the 5C Has Bright Colors

Justin Sullivan / Getty Images If you want a colorful iPhone, the 5C is your best choice. That's because it comes in many colors: yellow, green, blue, pink, and white. The iPhone 5S has more colors than previous models — in addition to the standard slate and gray, it now also has a gold option — but the 5C has the brightest colors and the biggest selection of them. 06 of 06

Storage Capacity The 5S Offers Up to 64 GB

Douglas Sach / Getty Images The iPhone 5S has the same maximum amount of storage as last year's iPhone 5: 64 GB. This is enough to store tens of thousands of songs, dozens of apps, hundreds of photos, and more. If your storage needs are big, this is the phone for you. The 5C matches the 16 GB and 32 GB models that the 5S offers, but it stops there — there's no 64 GB 5C for storage-hungry users. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire Where to Download iPhone Manuals for Every Model Samsung Galaxy A Phones: What You Need to Know iPhone 5S Hardware, Ports, and Buttons Explained How to Set Up and Use Touch ID, the iPhone Fingerprint Scanner The Differences Between the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus How Much Video Can You Record on an iPhone? What Is the iPad Air and How Does it Compare? 10 Things That Make the iPhone and iPod Touch Different iPhone SE 3: News, Price, Release Date, and Specs All About the Apple iPhone X The 27 Best iPads of 2022 by Lifewire iPhone 15: News, Rumors, and Estimated Price, Release Date, and Specs iPhone SE Plus: News and Expected Price, Release Date, Specs; and More Rumors iPhone 6S Hardware & Software Specs How to Use the iPhone Camera Which iPhone Should You Buy? Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies