Apple iPhone 6 vs. iPhone 6 Plus vs. iPhone 5S -– Specifications, Features, Release Date And Price Comparison

The 4.7 inch and the 5.5 inch iPhone 6 models was recently unveiled at a special Apple event in Cupertino, whereas the predecessor iPhone 5S was released in Sept. 2013. Readers who are planning to upgrade their iPhone 5S to either the 5.5-inch Apple iPhone 6 Plus or the 4.7-inch iPhone 6 should check out this specification, features and price comparison.

Display, Exterior And Size

The iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus feature a 4.7 inch and 5.5 inch LED-backlit IPS LCD (Retina HD) display, whereas the iPhone 5S comes with a 4.0 inch LED-backlit IPS LCD display. Here is the tabular column explaining the screen resolutions and the pixel densities of all three handsets.

When it comes to the exterior, the look of the devices has not changed radically from its predecessor. Apple has used the same aluminium material and a little bit of plastic on the rear. However, the significant difference in the latest devices is the rounded edges, instead of the sharp corners seen in the iPhone 5S, says Phone Arena.

As far as the design goes, the next-generation handsets comes with a brilliant metallic exterior that looks more like ceramic and the rear panel feels very comfortable on the hands. Also, the curved corners and the overall design make it look sleeker, says Tech Radar. Nevertheless, the glass on the display is not the heavily rumoured sapphire crystal. Apparently, a different material named Ion Strengthened Glass is used.

Speaking of size, the thickness and weight of the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus are (0.27-inch and 129 g) and (0.28-inch and 172 g) respectively, whereas the iPhone 5S is 0.30-inch thick and weighs 112 g.

Hardware, Software And Memory

The iPhone 5S is powered by a relatively inferior dual-core (Cyclone ARM v8-based) Apple A7 processor, clocked at 1.3 GHz. The iPhone 6 models, on the other hand, are powered by a dual-core (Cyclone ARM v8-based) Apple A8 processor, clocked at 1.4 GHz. While the iPhone 5S and the iPhone 6 come with 1 GB of RAM, the iPhone 6 Plus houses a good 2 GB of RAM.

Furthermore, the iPhone 5S runs on iOS 7 that is upgradable to iOS 7.1.2. Eventually, there will be an upgrade to iOS 8, whereas the iPhone 6 models run on Apple's latest iOS 8. When it comes to memory, the iPhone 5S handset offers 16 GB, 32 GB and 64 GB of in-built storage, while the latest devices provide 16 GB, 64 GB and 128 GB of internal storage options. However, all three devices do not support expandable storage.

Camera And Battery

All three devices come with the same 8 MP primary unit with dual-LED flash and a 1.2 MP front-facing shooter. While the 4.7 inch iPhone 6 variant comes with "digital image stabilization," the 5.5-inch model supports "optical image stabilization." Also, Apple has improved the frontal FaceTime camera in the latest iPhone 6 models.

As far as the battery goes, the iPhone 5S houses a Li-Po 1560 mAh battery unit. During the Apple event, the company said the battery unit has been improved in its latest offering, however the actual specification was not revealed. Nonetheless, Apple says the 4.7-inch iPhone 6 can provide up to 14 hours of 3G talk time and 250 hours of 3G stand-by time. Whereas the 5.5-inch iPhone 6 offers 24 hours of 3G talk time and 384 hours of 3G stand-by time. The iPhone 5S, on the other hand, can provide up to 10 hours of 3G talk time and 250 hours of 3G stand-by time.

Additional Features

1. All three devices feature the much-loved fingerprint scanner for unlocking the device; however the latest devices come with improved scanner. Additionally, Apple has introduced a new program called Apple Pay in its latest offerings. Apple Pay utilises integrated hardware, software and other services to facilitate mobile-based payments. Specifically, it uses NFC antenna, Touch ID, Secure Element and Apple Passbook to support the mobile payment program.

Users of American Express, MasterCard and Visa can enjoy Apple Pay service upon release. The company is also working out plans to include other majors shortly. Nevertheless, Apple Pay will be available only to the U.S. customers starting on October. Potential buyers need not lose hope because this payment program will be introduced in other countries eventually.

2. Moreover, the iPhone 6 Plus comes with an iPad-like landscape mode that can be used on specific apps, says CNet.

3. Also, all three devices support nano-SIM.

4. Apart from the standard connectivity options, both the iPhone 6 handsets support NFC, while the iPhone 5S doesn't.

5. All three handsets come in space gray, silver and gold hues.

Price And Release Date

In the U.S., the 16 GB Apple iPhone 6 (4.7-inch) model is priced at $199 under a 2-year contract. The 64 GB and 128 GB iPhone 6 models come for $299 and $399 respectively. Meanwhile, the 5.5-inch iPhone 6 Plus (16 GB) variant is priced at $299 under contract. And the 64 GB and 128 GB models are priced at $399 and $499 respectively, according to Apple.

In Australia, the iPhone 6 16 GB variant can be purchased for AU$869 outright, whereas the 64 GB and the 128 GB models come for AU$999 and AU$1129 respectively. Furthermore, the iPhone 6 Plus 16 GB variant is priced at AU$999, while the 64 GB and the 128 GB models can be purchased for AU$1129 and AU$1249 respectively, reports The Australian. Meanwhile, the predecessor iPhone 5S can be purchased for AU$769.95. To get more information on the Australian pricing of the iPhone 6 models click here.

It is worth noting that, Apple iPhone 6 models can be pre-ordered starting Sept. 12. Also, the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus will be released on Sept. 19 in 9 countries. This includes the U.S., the U.K., Australia, France, Hong Kong, Canada, Germany, Singapore and Japan.

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