iPhone 5S vs. iPhone 5: What Buyers Should Expect from Apple

In just a few short weeks, Apple is expected to debut the device that will replace the iPhone 5, last year’s iPhone model. The device is not expected to be the iPhone 6 but the iPhone 5S, a device that will replace the iPhone 5 as the company’s flagship but a device that almost certainly won’t replace the iPhone 5 as an option completely.

In 2012, Apple announced a fairly big overhaul to the company’s iPhone hardware. It replaced the glass iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S design with one made out of aluminum. It bumped the iPhone up to 4-inches instead of the usual 3.5-inches that consumers had seen prior. And it also added on 4G LTE data speeds, something that buyers had been anxious about for years.

The iPhone 5S is expected to land soon.

All of those features came on board the iPhone 5, a device that also ushered in the era of iOS 6. The era of the iPhone 5 and iOS 6 will soon come to an end though as Apple is widely expected to be delivering a new iPhone, and a new iOS update in just a few short weeks.

The device that is thought to be replacing the iPhone 5 is a device called the iPhone 5S, an ‘S’ version of the iPhone that will feature some hardware upgrades but will likely step aside and give the spotlight to Apple’s new software.

iOS 7, which was first announced in June at WWDC, represents the biggest overhaul to iOS, well, ever. It features a brand new design, a host of new features, and some major tweaks to existing ones. It’s expected to debut, in full, with the iPhone 5S in just a few short weeks as Apple is rumored to be hosting an iPhone launch event on September 10th, just a few days after the debut of the Galaxy Note 3.

Of course, the arrival of the iPhone 5S doesn’t mean that the iPhone 5 will simply vanish and fade away. The device will live on, in some capacity, and will remain a viable option to those looking to buy a new smartphone.

Those weighing their options ahead of the iPhone 5S launch date likely have both the iPhone 5S and iPhone 5 on their radar, and here is what to expect from that battle once it arrives.

iPhone 5S Release Date Soon

Those looking into buying a new iPhone in the near future should know that a new iPhone model is close. Apple is heavily rumored to be launching the iPhone 5S at an event on September 10th, likely somewhere in Northern California. The event is will likely have Apple showcasing the benefits of the iPhone 5S and iOS 7. It also should see Apple announce an iPhone 5S release date.

Apple typically announces concrete release dates at its launch events so buyers should expect to hear about one in just a few weeks. Those dates are usually just a few weeks after the launch and already we’ve heard that September 20th may be the release date for Apple’s new iPhone.

That’s not set in stone but as we’ve pointed out, a release before September 28th is likely thanks to Apple’s earnings guidance for Q4 2013.

So while nothing is confirmed, buyers should expect the iPhone 5S to be released soon which means that the iPhone 5 will soon be replaced as the flagship device. For many, waiting a few weeks before buying will be the best move.

iPhone 5C

Apple is also expected to announce a cheap version of the iPhone dubbed iPhone 5C. The device is expected to be a low-cost, plastic iPhone variant that offers a bunch of color options, a 4-inch Retina Display, an 8MP or 5MP camera, and a Lightning port. This would unify Apple’s aspect ratios while also aligning its docking ports, something that is huge for accessories.

The iPhone 5C is expected to join the iPhone 5S.

Rumors have been flying around about whether the iPhone 5C will replace the iPhone 5, iPhone 4S, or the iPhone 4. While some, John Gruber of Daring Fireball included, believe that Apple will push out the iPhone 4S and iPhone 4 in favor of the iPhone 5C, Ming-Chi Kuo of KGI Securities claims the iPhone 5C will instead push out the iPhone 5 leaving Apple with a lineup that looks like this:

• iPhone 5S – $649 and up off contract
• iPhone 5C – $400 off contract
• iPhone 4S – $300 off contract

In the past, Apple has dropped its most recent iPhone down in price to $99 on-contract, something that up until recently, was thought to be happening with the iPhone 5.

At this point, it’s something that is extremely difficult to predict. History points to Apple keeping the iPhone 5 at $99 and abolishing the iPhone 4S and iPhone 4. Logic also points to Apple wanting to unify its aspect ratio for apps, ports for accessories, and possibly getting all of its devices up to LTE data speeds, something that the iPhone 4S doesn’t have.

So at this point we expect the iPhone 5C to push out the iPhone 4S and iPhone 4. However, if Kuo is right, don’t expect the iPhone 5 to just fade away. We should see retailers still carry it, for a spell, and it will be widely available for pre-paid carriers and on places like Craigslist.

Design

Leaks and history point to Apple keeping a familiar design for the iPhone 5S. Apple’s past ‘S’ models, the iPhone 3GS and iPhone 4S, both kept the overall design of their predecessor and rumors point to Apple doing the same with its latest iPhone model.

The iPhone 5S should look similar to the iPhone 5.

We will likely see some subtle differences, a dual-LED flash on the back of the iPhone 5S is one notable thing that buyers can expect to change from the iPhone 5, but the dimensions including the iPhone 5′s 7.1mm frame and 112 gram weight should be about the same. Buyers should also expect the same anodized aluminum shell for the iPhone 5S.

Cameras

Camera quality is expected to be a big difference between the iPhone 5S and the iPhone 5. The iPhone 5 featured a good camera in the form of its 8MP rear camera sensor. The camera is capable of shooting good quality photos and video and isn’t a slouch when it comes to taking footage in noisy or low-light environments.

However, Apple typically changes the iPhone camera year-after-year and with camera technology progressing rapidly, the writing on the wall suggests that the iPhone 5S will have an improved camera.

Apple should tack on a better camera in the iPhone 5S.

Rumors point to a 12MP to 13MP camera on the iPhone 5S with dual-LED flash. The camera is also expected to feature bulbs that will help capture better, natural looking photos. There is also talk about 120fps video and slow motion video being unique features for the iPhone 5S.

Whatever the case may be, expect the iPhone 5S camera to trounce the iPhone 5′s.

Performance

When it comes to performance, there are two things that buyers will be concerned about, speed and battery life, and the iPhone 5S is rumored to improve on both of those.

Whispering suggests that the iPhone 5S will come with a better processor than the Apple A6 chip that is found inside the iPhone 5. Rumors point to Apple’s new A6X chip or a new A7 being inside the iPhone 5S. Apple tends to upgrade the iPhone processor year-after-year so these rumors are very plausible.

What this means is that the iPhone 5S should be faster than the iPhone 5. It may not be noticeable at first, but over time, particularly when new updates arrive, the better processor’s prowess will become more noticeable.

It’s also possible that a new processor will help better manage battery life and rumors suggest that the iPhone 5S battery might also be larger than the iPhone 5′s. Apple doesn’t tend to drastically alter the overall battery life year-after-year but it’s possible that we could see a slight increase with the iPhone 5S.

Overall, the iPhone 5S should be equipped to deliver better all-around performance, something that buyers signing a new two year contract need to think about as older devices tend to fade much quicker as time goes on.

iOS 7

Both devices will be arriving with iOS 7, and all of the announced features at that. Apple has confirmed that iOS 7 for the iPhone 5 will bring everything that has been announced so far including AirDrop functionality. However, that doesn’t mean that the iPhone 5 will have the same software as the iPhone 5S.

No, buyers need to expect that the iPhone 5S will feature different iOS software. Last time out, Apple introduced Siri with the iPhone 4S, a unique software feature that was one of the company’s biggest selling points. With only a few hardware upgrades and no redesign, Apple will likely rely on software once again with the iPhone 5S.

Just what it has up its sleeve is unknown though it could be related to the camera or the fingerprint reader that is rumored to be on board adding extra security.

Simply put, there is no way that these will share the same iOS 7 software and it will likely be the iPhone 5 that gets the short end of the stick. It will be up to buyers to decide whether the unique feature or features is worth it.

Storage Options

The iPhone 5S will come with an assortment of storage options, no doubt about it. It’s just that we still don’t know which storage options those will be. Rumors suggest that there will be a 128GB iPhone 5S model though it’s something that has failed to materialize before.

At this point though, given increasing file sizes, the Galaxy Note 3′s all but confirmed switch to a 32GB base model, and the introduction of a 128GB iPad, there has been no better time for a 128GB iPhone to arrive. If it does arrive, it’s unclear if it will join the 16GB, 32GB and 64GB options or if it will replace one of them. If it doesn’t arrive, buyers can expect the usual from Apple. At the very least, again, there will be a bunch of options.

The iPhone 5 won’t be as lucky. Apple tends to offer its lesser iPhone models with limited storage. If it doesn’t get replaced by the iPhone 5S, Apple will likely sell it with either 16GB or 32GB with 16GB being likely given that the iPhone 4S is offered in such a way.

However this plays out, expect the iPhone 5 to be more limited, at least officially. Those going through other routes will be able to find used iPhone 5 models with more storage space.

Color Options

The iPhone 5S is all but confirmed to be adding another color to Apple’s usual black and white. A gold iPhone 5S is almost assuredly coming with the white and black colors, giving buyers a chance to get a new color without putting on a case.

Apple is expected to debut a gold iPhone 5S.

It’s not clear if this will be a unique feature of the iPhone 5S or if it will extend to the iPhone 5 as well. Expect it to be a unique feature as Apple brings a ton of tricks out of the hat to sell the iPhone 5S.

The iPhone 5C is expected to debut in a host of color options so those that want a different color may have that option available if the champagne looking iPhone 5S isn’t up to snuff.

Carriers

Expect the usual suspects plus one. AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon will likely all carry the iPhone 5S at launch and U.S. Cellular should also offer it as the carrier confirmed it would be getting the iPhone later this year.

It’s possible that U.S. Cellular could offer the iPhone 5 as well as one of its budget options though that remains unclear.

Buyers should expect the iPhone 5S to hit several smaller, regional carriers in the United States as well, following in the footsteps of Apple’s previous iPhone 5 release.

Price

As we’ve mentioned, it’s tough to gauge the price of the iPhone 5 at this point. If the iPhone 5C replaces the iPhone 4S and the iPhone 4 as a cheap unlocked or on-contract device, the iPhone 5 will almost assuredly drop to $99. If the iPhone 5C replaces the iPhone 5, it replaces the iPhone 5 and the device’s price tag is thrown into flux.

The iPhone 5S price will more than likely stay at the usual $199.99, even if Apple does bump the 16GB model in favor of the rumored 128GB model.

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Best Buy Offers Free iPhone 5 with iPhone 4S Trade-In

Best Buy is offering a minimum $200 trade-in credit for working iPhone 4S units through Sunday, offsetting the 16GB iPhone 5′s purchase price. The retailer is also offering at least a $100 trade-in for working iPhone 4 units. While it may be tempting to take advantage of these iPhone 5 offers, smart shoppers should be patient and wait for the iPhone 5S or seek out a discounted iPhone 5.

Best Buy typically guarantees a minimum of a $150 store credit for the iPhone 4S, but is adding on $50 through August 18. This brings Best Buy’s trade-in values in line with other services, such as Gazelle.com, which offers about $200 for the 16GB iPhone 4S. Of course, those who trade their old iPhones into Best Buy are stuck with store credit that can only be used at Best Buy rather than cash. Gazelle and other services allow enough a grace period between locking in a good price and when customers actually have to send in their iPhones so they don’t have to go phone-less.

The Bet Buy special trade-in deal offers customers the convenience of being able to walk in with an old iPhone and out with a new iPhone 5, but the problem with the scheme is that Best Buy is still selling the 16GB iPhone 5 for its original $199.99 MSRP. That’s the same price Apple sells the 16GB iPhone 5 for, but other retailers are offering generous discounts. For example, Walmart is selling the 16GB iPhone 5 for just $129. Target is selling the same iPhone for $149. All of these prices require a two-year contract with AT&T, Sprint or Verizon. The T-Mobile iPhone 5 isn’t included in Best Buy’s current promotions.

Apple is set to announce the new iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C on September 10, which is less than a month away. The new iPhones will likely be available just a few weeks later. Unless you absolutely must have an iPhone 5 right now, we suggest holding off on buying an iPhone 5 regardless of the price. The iPhone 5C is expected to debut below $199 with a contract and the iPhone 5S will likely to start at $199.99. As we’ve detailed before, the iPhone 5′s upfront purchase price is a small piece of its total cost of ownership.

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Should I Buy the iPhone 5 or Wait for the iPhone 5S?

The iPhone 5S release is close enough, according to rumors, that we are already hearing consumers ask, “Should I buy the iPhone 5 or wait for the iPhone 5S?”

The questions heated up last month when iPhone 4S owners started receiving notifications that is was ok to upgrade to a new iPhone, and with a collection of big iPhone 5 deals for the summer.

This may be the last time carriers offer early-upgrade options for an iPhone, as many are moving to a full two-year contract periods between upgrades, which makes waiting for the latest iPhone an even bigger deal.

Yes, T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon offer or will soon offer upgrade plans that let users pay extra to get a new phone every 6 to 12 months, but these special plans require additional fees and stipulations that some users may not want.

We cover who should wait for the iPhone 5S, and who should buy the iPhone 5 today.

No matter what iPhone or Android smartphone is currently in your pocket it is now time wait for the iPhone 5S release before buying a new iPhone.

A financial analysis points to an Apple iPhone 5S release in September which means the new iPhone is likely 40-50 days form hitting store shelves. This isn’t that long to wait considering most users will carry the iPhone 5S for at least two years.

Even if it requires borrowing a phone to get through a month, it is now time to stop looking at the iPhone 5 and wait for the iPhone 5S — even if you plan to buy the iPhone 5 in the end.

iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S Owners

Odds are most iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S owners who purchased on or near the launch date are eligible to upgrade to an iPhone 5 today at a reduced price, but most should do everything they can to hold off.

The iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S may be looking a little down compared to the iPhone 5 and to iPhone 5S rumors, but at this point unless an iPhone falls apart it is better to wait for the iPhone 5S than it is to buy an iPhone 5 at full price today.

iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S owners should wait for the iPhone 5.

While many iPhone users upgrade every year, there is also a large group of iPhone owners that use the iPhone for three years, something made easier thanks to Apple’s long support with new versions of iOS. Users that plan to keep the next iPhone they buy for three years should hold out for the iPhone 5S which will certainly get new iOS updates for longer and will likely include more features than will arrive on the iPhone 5.

If worse comes to worse, and your iPhone breaks, try to borrow an old iPhone to hold you over. More than 50% of users who bought a new phone in 2013 put their old phone in a drawer, which means someone you know should be able to help you out.

It’s Time to Compare iPhone Carriers

While there are still clear winners in the 4G LTE coverage wars, the iPhone 5S launch is a good time to step back and look at a new carrier.

Verizon and AT&T both offer stellar coverage and even where AT&T doesn’t deliver 4G LTE, the 4G HSPA+ connectivity is fast enough for many users.

With the introduction of new Mobile Share and Family Share plans, as well as early upgrade plans and other new features and prices, now is a good time to compare carriers before jumping into a two-year contract for an iPhone 5S or iPhone 5.

Verizon iPhone Customers

The Verizon iPhone 5 offers access to LTE, and the Verizon iPhone 5S will almost certainly as well. Verizon just announced the completion of it’s 4G LTE network, something other carriers still can’t touch.

With this in mind the Verizon iPhone 4S owners and users who don’t have 4G LTE on their device should consider waiting for the Verizon iPhone 5S as it could deliver some new features. Verizon is working on new LTE network technologies to roll out later this year or in 2014, and these may be limited to the latest iPhone.

It’s not clear if the iPhone 5S will let Verizon users talk and surf at the same time, which could still be a deal-breaker for some users.

AT&T iPhone Customers

The AT&T iPhone 5 connects to their growing 4G LTE network and to the 4G network that fills in the gaps with decent speeds where LTE coverage doesn’t exist.

Once again, the iPhone 5S could offer enhancements that aren’t available on the iPhone 5. It’s not a done deal, but it is worth waiting for the new iPhone before picking a new AT&T iPhone.

T-Mobile iPhone Customers

T-Mobile finally offers an iPhone 5 officially with LTE on board, and sold almost 1 million since introducing it earlier this year.

Users coming up from a T-Mobile contract may be interested in buying an iPhone 5 right now after waiting years already, but it’s worth holding out for the iPhone 5S or a cheaper iPhone.

T-Mobile’s 4G LTE network still has a lot of room to grow, so keep that in mind if you are upgrading from a phone with no LTE support.

Sprint iPhone Customers

Sprint iPhone 4S customers that bought the iPhone on launch day in 2011 may already be eyeing the iPhone 5 with LTE support, but at this point it still makes sense to wait for a Sprint iPhone 5S which will bring LTE but new iPhone features as well.

Sprint’s 4G LTE network is growing, but is still behind AT&T and Verizon.

Regional Carriers

This month Cincinnati Bell will start selling the iPhone 5, just weeks before we anticipate an iPhone 5S launch and release, which is sure to tempt users that waited a long time for the iPhone, but it is still worth waiting.

U.S. Cellular will carry the iPhone this fall, and it looks increasingly like it will be the U.S. Cellular iPhone 5S. If this launch is anything like previous launches shoppers could see the iPhone 5 and iPhone 5 as well.

U.S. Cellular will carry the iPhone this year, likely the iPhone 5S.

A plethora of other small carriers now sell the iPhone 5 on regional networks, and for many of these it could be a wait for the iPhone 5S to arrive after release. With this in mind, it may make sense to wait until the iPhone 5S launch event, where we could see timing for the iPhone 5S’ arrival on regional carriers. If the wait is measured in months, then it could be a good idea to get the iPhone 5 instead of an iPhone 5S.

Why You Should Wait for the iPhone 5S

The iPhone 5S is not official, but Apple is certainly working on a new iPhone and we think they will call it the iPhone 5S instead of the iPhone 6. While the iPhone 5S may look like the iPhone 5 on the outside we expect new features inside. The four-minute iPhone 5S video below rounds up the latest rumors and release details for the new iPhone.

After factoring in possible features like better battery life, an improved camera and a possible fingerprint reader, the iPhone 5S is a device most iPhone buyers should wait to see before deciding if they want to buy the iPhone 5S or iPhone 5.

Who Should Buy the iPhone 5 Today?

Shoppers who don’t mind spending $100 more than they would need to spend in 40 days can buy the iPhone 5 today. When Apple releases the iPhone 5S the iPhone 5 will likely drop to $99 on contract, letting users save $100 that could pay for a case or a month of service.

The iPhone 5 will likely be $100 cheaper in less than 50 days.

Even with the iPhone 5 deals this summer there are still reasons to wait as most deals ask users to switch carriers or trade in an old phone.

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iPhone 5 vs. iPhone 4: 7 Things Buyers Need to Know

Apple’s iPhone 4 might be several years old, but it’s still being sold, and bought by consumers around the United States. The company’s iPhone 5, launched last September, is set to be replaced by a new iPhone in the weeks ahead but it remains and will remain a viable contender as well. There are likely to be consumers debating between the two and here, we take a look at some things prospective iPhone 5 and iPhone 4 buyers need to know before making a purchase.

Millions of consumers likely are looking ahead to later in the year when Apple introduces a new iPhone, or as rumors suggest, new iPhones. Rumors are centered on two new iPhones for 2013 including an iPhone 5 and an iPhone 5C, the latter of which is supposed to be a plastic, cheaper compliment to the flagship model.

Despite iPhone 5S rumors, the iPhone 5 and iPhone 4 remain viable options.

The iPhone 5S is expected to deliver a number of upgrades over the iPhone 5 including an improved camera, faster processor, and quite possibly, a fingerprint reader. It’s said that both devices will be launched in September so it’s not surprising that consumers are interested in their launches.

However, there are consumers out there who are interested in an iPhone but don’t necessarily care about the iPhone 5S, iPhone 5C or any of the rumors. Those consumers may want an iPhone now or perhaps in the near future. Apple fortuantely has them covered as the company currently boasts a lineup of three iPhone models including the iPhone 5, iPhone 4S and the iPhone 4. All have their perceived advantages and disadvantages that consumers will need to wade through before buying.

We’ve already taken a look at how the iPhone 5 stacks up against the iPhone 4S and now, it’s time to take a look at the most important things buyers need to know when deciding between the iPhone 5 and the iPhone 4.

Performance is Night and Day

The first thing that prospective iPhone 5 and iPhone 4 buyers need to know before buying is that the performance between the two is night and day. What people seem to forget is that the iPhone 4 is a device that is using technology that is now three years old. It’s not new. For instance, its processor is slower than the iPhone 5′s, its camera is no where near as good either.

What this means is that the overall speed of the iPhone 4, while decent, is simply not going to match up with the iPhone 5′s. Apps will open slower, app performance won’t be a crisp, and the overall feel of the user interface is going to be more sluggish.

The iPhone 5 is snappier than the iPhone 4.

As for the camera, the iPhone 4 won’t be able to shoot as good of photos or video as the iPhone 5. In particular, low-light photos aren’t going to turn out as well as they do on the iPhone 5 and sounds in noisy environments like a concert won’t be as crisp.

Those looking for the higher performance device will want to take a close look at the iPhone 5 which employs more recent technology.

LTE

The iPhone 4, like the iPhone 4S, does not feature 4G LTE support on AT&T, Sprint or Verizon. What this means is that the device is limited to 3G or HSDPA on AT&T, neither of which are as fast as the LTE speeds that the iPhone 5 can pull down.

Apple’s iPhone 5 was the company’s first 4G LTE smartphone and what that means is that it can pull down speeds that are up to 10 times faster than those found on 3G. For a portable device like the iPhone 5, this is crucial as it allows users to experience near-Wi-FI data speeds whilst out on-the-go.

Granted, LTE drains battery quicker than a 3G or HSDPA network but the iPhone 5 is equipped with a large enough battery that average users can still get a good day of use out of the device before it needs to be recharged.

iPhone 5 Price Will Drop

Those who are thinking about buying one of these phones will want to wait a few more weeks if it’s impossible. When Apple announces a new smartphone, it tends to keep its older devices around with discounted price tags. When the iPhone 5 came out, Apple discontinued the iPhone 3GS and dropped the iPhone 4 down to free and made the iPhone 4S $99 on-contract.

The iPhone 5 currently sits at $199.99 on-contract but that price likely will only stick for a few more weeks. While we’re already seeing some iPhone 5 deals emerge this summer, Apple itself will likely drop the price down to $99 on-contract when the new iPhone 5S arrives. This price point makes the iPhone 5 even more attractive than it is right now.

Best of all, the iPhone 5S is rumored for September so we should see a price drop emerge in just a few weeks.

iPhone 4S Will Be Free Soon

The iPhone 4S will more than likely be free soon.

Apple will more than likely do the same with the iPhone 4S. While it’s currently at $99, Apple should move the device down to free on-contract, taking the place of the iPhone 4 which will likely be discontinued.

The iPhone 4S, like the iPhone 5S, keeps the same design as its predecessor while also adding some improvements to the processor, camera and software. The iPhone 4S the better processor, the better camera and it has Siri. And it should be the same price as the iPhone 4 soon.

Even if Apple does not do that, we should still see cheaper iPhone 5 and iPhone 4 prices at both retailers and carriers that sell both devices come iPhone 5S launch.

Buyers that can hold out will want to hold out.

Longevity

Speaking of being discontinued, Apple typically keeps its devices around for three software cycles before getting rid of them completely. The iPhone 4 is about to enter the twilight of its life with the release of the iPhone 5S and iOS 7.

First, the device will more than likely disappear from Apple’s shelves. Then, next year, the device will likely be truly discontinued as the iOS 7 update figures to be the last major update that it receives.

What this means is that those looking to buy the phone now, tempted by its free price tag, will be buying a phone that will likely see its software support end a year from now. That means those buying a phone will see support end one year into a contract, something that for many people won’t be ideal.

The iPhone 5 however is going to be supported for years to come with iOS 7 its first major update since its arrival last September. Buying it on a new two-year contract does not come with the same compromise as the device will likely get at least two more years of support.

These require data plans and data plans are not cheap. That’s something to think about before buying into a device that will no longer be sold in just a few weeks or supported in a year.

Designs

Something else that buyers need to think about is design. The iPhone 4 uses Apple’s older design that incorporates glass and plastic instead of the aluminum and metal found on the iPhone 5. While there have been questions about the iPhone 5′s durability, they have never reached the heights that complaints about the iPhone 4′s glass did.

The iPhone 4S features a glass back.

The iPhone 4′s glass back is susceptible to cracking. Owners are not required to use a case but bringing it out into the world always runs the risk of damage. The iPhone 5 on the other hand does not have a glass back so the worst that can happen is scratching to the device’s metal casing. (Note: I’ve had the iPhone 5 for nearly a year and while there is a bit of wear and tear around the edges, the back looks brand new.) Neither is flawless but the glass is arguably more fragile.

The iPhone 5 is both lighter and thinner than the iPhone 4, making it a much nicer phone to hold and store. The iPhone 4′s 9.3mm frame isn’t bulky but it’s definitely thick by today’s flagship smartphone standards.

Lightning Dock

Lastly, buyers need to think about the fact that the iPhone 4 uses Apple’s old 30-pin dock connector. While that was the standard for a number of years, it has since been replaced by Apple’s Lightning standard which arrived with the iPhone 5 and has spread to the iPad.

What this means is that while the iPhone 4 may work with a good handful of accessories, there is a chance that new accessories won’t work with it. And there is a very good chance that accessory options will at least be limited due to accessory makers developing for the new standard.

A small bonus is that the Lightning standard allows users to plug the charger in any way they want instead of having to use one side.

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iPhone 5 vs. Moto X vs. Galaxy S4 Size Comparison

Tomorrow, Motorola is set to debut the new Moto X, its new flagship smartphone that it hopes will compete with the likes of the iPhone 5 and Samsung Galaxy S4. And those that are debating between these devices will be happy to know that the Moto X has been compared, in size, to the iPhone 5, Galaxy S4 and the Droid RAZR ahead of launch.

Motorola announced the Moto X several weeks ago but since then, it has kept many of the official details to itself. Fortunately, the company will take the stage tomorrow and show off the Moto X, officially, for the first time. At the event, we expect to hear about its specifications, its release date, pricing and of course, we expect to see the device itself.

The Moto X stands next to the iPhone 5, Samsung Galaxy S4 and Droid RAZR.

While the device has shown up in numerous leaks, showcasing its design for the world to see, consumers haven’t been able to size up its design, particularly against some of the bigger name smartphones on the market. Fortunately, Taylor Wimbley has shared a photo that shows consumers just how the Moto X stacks up size-wise with the iPhone 5, Droid RAZR and the Samsung Galaxy S4.

The photo is a combination of press images and it shows the Moto X next to all three of these new devices. The device is larger than Apple’s iPhone 5 which sits at 4.87 x 2.31 x 0.30 inches and weighs around 3.95 ounces. Dimensions of the Moto X still aren’t known, but it’s clear that it’s bigger than Apple’s flagship.

The device is a little more on par with the Droid RAZR which stands at 5.15 x 2.71 x 0.28 inches with a weight of 4.48 ounces. The Moto X appears to be a tad shorter than the Droid RAZR.

Finally, the Moto X is smaller than the Samsung Galaxy S4, Samsung’s current flagship Galaxy S smartphone, which stands at 5.38 x 2.75 x 0.31 inches and weighs 4.59 ounces.

The Moto X arrives, in the flesh, tomorrow.

It’s clear that Motorola is aiming for a more compact experience with the Moto X though one that is bigger than Apple’s iPhone 5 which employs a 4-inch display. Flagship Android devices in 2013 have been based on massive displays with the Galaxy Note 3 expected to deliver a whopping 5.7-inch 1080p display.

The Moto X will debut tomorrow and rumors suggest that it could have a large 720p display, dual-core processor, high-quality camera, heavy user customization including a laminated aluminum casing, fast LTE speeds, and a price tag that could put it on par with the Nexus 4, Google’s current Nexus smartphone that is priced at $299 unlocked.

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