Forget iPhone 6, Get Instead the Cheaper, More Compact & iOS 8-Powered iPhone 5S

So the iPhone 6 finally became a reality though the actual release date will only come on September 19 and the question now begs: Should you upgrade real quick?

Sure Apple has dangled all the elements and reasons to immediately buy into the next iPhone. There is the bigger screen, which is true for both the 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch models, the more powerful 64-bit A8 processing chip plus the significantly thinner profile despite the taller and wider front panel.

There is little doubt that the new iPhone 6 is mightier and sexier than its immediate predecessor, the iPhone 5S, but the latter is no way relegated to push-over status. In fact, Apple has repackaged its 2013 flagship and there are three chief reasons for shoppers to take home the still capable device.

Bigger is not always better

The iPhone 5S is the best proof that large screen on smartphone is not a sure-fire ingredient of sales success. The handset that Apple issued in late 2013 handily beat the newer Android hero phones that debuted in first half of 2014, with that Samsung's Galaxy S5 and HTC's One M8 quickly comes to mind.

These flagships are hulking and easily overwhelm the 5S in terms of size but consumers still opted to spend good money on Apple's bet. The key to the 5S success is it basically met users' expectations, which is what really matters, plus the benefit of better portability.

A 4-inch device like the iPhone 5S offers better grip when in use thus less strain when handled. And it is undeniable that the little 5S is easier to move around with - sliding in and out of the pocket is a breeze - compared to the colossal that is the iPhone 6.

Virtually the same experience

The Gold Master (GM) version of iOS 8 is already out, which means that the final cut of the software is on course for its reported September 17 public release date. This latest Apple move merely confirmed what is pretty much known that most old iPhones will get a full taste of what iOS 8 is and foremost of these devices is the iPhone 5S.

This means that whatever killer features that the iPhone 6 will display will be mostly extended to the iPhone 5S, many thanks to iOS 8. So Apple fans that don't care too much with the screen and design upgrades packed with the 2014 refresh can more than make do with last year's edition.

Significant savings

The hardware and form-factor remain competitive plus the software (read: experience) is the same with the iPhone 6, the iPhone 5S is still a compelling buy more so with its lower sticker price. As the case when the new models are out, Apple chops off the 5S starting price from $200 to $100.

And the likelihood is, the 5S tag price will only get better once retailer promos and further telco subsidies come into play in the next few weeks or months.

As the actual iPhone 6 release date on September 19 approaches, the Apple smartphone line up just got better as the tech giant lumped the repackaged iPhone 5S and 5C with the regular device upgrade and the gigantic iPhone 6 Plus.