Comparison: Apple iPhone 6 vs iPhone 6 Plus vs iPhone 5S vs iPhone 5C and everything else

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The Apple iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus have already arrived in the US and other select markets. While there are no Malaysia release dates or pricing details yet, many are expecting the new iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus to reach us in November 2014, so we still have time to decide which Apple iPhone to get. Following the iPhone lineup in the US, we estimate that for Malaysia there will be the Apple iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C. For this comparison we'll see which Apple iPhone you should get as we compare the Apple iPhone 6 vs the Apple iPhone 6 Plus vs the Apple iPhone 5S vs the Apple iPhone 5C. Check out our detailed analysis below:

Apple iPhone 6

The Apple iPhone 6 offers a slightly larger 4.7-inch display and new Apple A8 processor with M8 motion co processor. Amongst the three iPhones listed here, it is the thinnest at 6.9mm. It also provides the middle ground in terms of size as it isn't too small like the iPhone 5S (yes, it feels small now) and isn't too big for your pants pocket. While the 4.7-inch display is larger by about 0.7 inches, it maintains the same 326 pixel density by raising the Retina HD pixel resolution up to 750 x 1334 pixels.

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It also packs in the latest 8MP iSight camera with phase detection autofocus and dual tone flash so it still provides the best you can get from an Apple iPhone camera. Unfortunately, one of the few downsides is that Apple have decided to use a new still unbranded shatter proof glass rather than Corning Gorilla Glass or sapphire crystal. Drop tests have shown that it may not be as strong as the other two materials. However, this is still the iPhone to get if you want to get the most out of your iOS 8 experience and the easiest to get used to compared to the much larger iPhone 6 Plus.

Apple iPhone 6 Plus

The Apple iPhone 6 Plus uses almost exactly the same hardware and tech specs as the iPhone 6. The major difference is that the display is 5.5-inches in size with a full HD 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution. While it is still thin at 7.1mm this also means that it probably won't fit in your pants pocket, unless you like wearing baggy pants or cargo pants. The other major difference is that the iPhone 6 Plus packs in optical image stabilisation, making this perfect for those of you who can't stay still when taking pictures or have shaky hands.

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If you've always wanted an Apple iPhone phablet, then this is the iPhone for you but bear in mind that it is also the most expensive of the bunch so come prepared with the deep pockets. Recent drop tests also prove that it is the least tough iPhone in the bunch as the heavier body makes drops harder. While the new frame is tougher than before, the seemingly weaker glass makes the screen on the iPhone 6 Plus less likely to survive a drop compared to other iPhones.

Apple iPhone 5S

Sure, this may be last year's Apple iPhone, but the iPhone 5S still has a lot going for it. The Apple A7 processor inside it is still very fast and offers future proofing for 64-bit Apple apps while supporting practically every other feature iOS 8 might have to offer on the newer iPhone 6 smartphones. It is the thicker than the newer iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus at 7.6mm but this is still very thin compared to other smartphones out there.

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The Apple iPhone 5S is priced from RM1999 without any plan

At 112g and measuring in at 123.8 x 58.6mm with a 4-inch display, it is also the smallest iPhone in this comparison and should be perfect for those who like to travel light. As it is, telcos are likely to start  bundling it for free when the iPhone 6 smartphones arrive, so this is a very good value iPhone if you don't mind the older, thicker look and smaller display. That being said, it is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass which in previous drop tests did much better than the supposedly shatter proof glass covering the two newer iPhones, making it the better protected iPhone of the bunch.

Apple iPhone 5C

In terms of hardware, the Apple iPhone 5C is basically an Apple iPhone 5 with a plastic backside. The A6 processor is two generations older than the current A8 processor and is not 64-bit. At 9mm thin it is the thickest iPhone available while bearing the same 4-inch display as the iPhone 5S. While it may not lag as much as the iPhone 4S with the current iOS 8, we expect it to have serious performance issues next year when iOS 9 comes out.

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The Apple iPhone 5C looks to be priced at RM1499 on it's own

In addition, the iPhone 5C is priced at RM1499 with every indication that this price will not drop once the Apple iPhone 6 smartphones arrive (the current US price is at $450 or RM1455). All of these factors make the iPhone 5C hard to recommend unless you really like colourful plastic Apple iPhones. The Apple iPhone 5C is already being offered for free on some local telco post paid plans.

Compare the Apple iPhone Tech Specs!

Here at TechNave.com you can always use our phone comparison tool to do a full comparison of all the tech specs and features available between any smartphone you'd like to compare against. As such, feel free to check out some samples below:

Apple iPhone 6 Specs & Price >