The iPhone 5s, released in 2013, was a game-changer in the world of smartphones. With its sleek design, advanced camera, and innovative fingerprint recognition technology, it quickly became one of the most sought-after devices on the market. But have you ever wondered what the price of the iPhone 5s was when it was first released?
In this article, we’ll take a trip down memory lane and explore the pricing and features of the iPhone 5s. We’ll also examine how the device compared to its competitors and how it impacted the smartphone industry as a whole.
The Release of the iPhone 5s
The iPhone 5s was announced on September 10, 2013, at Apple’s Cupertino headquarters. The device was released to the public on September 20, 2013, in several countries, including the United States, Canada, China, and the United Kingdom.
At the time of its release, the iPhone 5s was available in three storage capacities: 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB. The device was also available in three colors: space gray, gold, and silver.
Pricing for the iPhone 5s
So, what was the price of the iPhone 5s when it was first released? The answer depends on the storage capacity and the country in which you purchased the device.
In the United States, the prices for the iPhone 5s were as follows:
- 16GB: $199 (with a two-year contract)
- 32GB: $299 (with a two-year contract)
- 64GB: $399 (with a two-year contract)
Without a contract, the prices were significantly higher:
- 16GB: $649
- 32GB: $749
- 64GB: $849
In other countries, the prices for the iPhone 5s varied. For example, in the United Kingdom, the prices were:
- 16GB: £549 (without a contract)
- 32GB: £629 (without a contract)
- 64GB: £709 (without a contract)
Comparison to Competitors
At the time of its release, the iPhone 5s was competing with several other high-end smartphones, including the Samsung Galaxy S4 and the HTC One.
The Samsung Galaxy S4, which was released in April 2013, was priced similarly to the iPhone 5s. The 16GB model started at $199 with a two-year contract, while the 32GB model started at $299.
The HTC One, which was released in March 2013, was priced slightly lower than the iPhone 5s. The 32GB model started at $199 with a two-year contract, while the 64GB model started at $299.
Features of the iPhone 5s
So, what made the iPhone 5s so special? Here are some of the device’s key features:
- Fingerprint Recognition Technology: The iPhone 5s was the first smartphone to feature fingerprint recognition technology, which allowed users to unlock their device with a simple touch of their finger.
- Advanced Camera: The iPhone 5s had a 8-megapixel camera with a larger sensor and a wider aperture, which allowed for better low-light performance and more detailed images.
- A7 Chip: The iPhone 5s was powered by Apple’s A7 chip, which provided a significant boost in performance and power efficiency.
- iOS 7: The iPhone 5s came with iOS 7, which featured a new flat design and several new features, including Control Center and AirDrop.
Impact on the Smartphone Industry
The iPhone 5s had a significant impact on the smartphone industry. Its fingerprint recognition technology set a new standard for device security, and its advanced camera raised the bar for smartphone photography.
The iPhone 5s also helped to establish Apple as a leader in the smartphone market. The device was a major commercial success, selling over 9 million units in its first weekend of sales.
Lasting Legacy
The iPhone 5s may be an older device, but its legacy lives on. The device’s fingerprint recognition technology has become a standard feature in many modern smartphones, and its advanced camera has inspired a new generation of smartphone photographers.
In conclusion, the iPhone 5s was a revolutionary device that set a new standard for smartphones. Its innovative features, sleek design, and competitive pricing made it a must-have device for many consumers. While the device may be older now, its impact on the smartphone industry can still be felt today.
| Storage Capacity | Price (with contract) | Price (without contract) |
|---|---|---|
| 16GB | $199 | $649 |
| 32GB | $299 | $749 |
| 64GB | $399 | $849 |
Note: Prices are for the United States and may vary depending on the country and region.
What were the key features of the iPhone 5s?
The iPhone 5s, released in 2013, was a revolutionary device that introduced several groundbreaking features. One of its most notable features was the Touch ID fingerprint recognition system, which allowed users to unlock their device and make purchases with just their fingerprint. Additionally, the iPhone 5s was powered by Apple’s A7 chip, a 64-bit processor that provided a significant boost in performance and efficiency.
Other key features of the iPhone 5s included an improved 8-megapixel camera with slow-motion video recording, a larger battery, and iOS 7, a major update to Apple’s mobile operating system. The device also came in three storage capacities: 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB. Overall, the iPhone 5s was a significant upgrade to its predecessor, the iPhone 5, and set the stage for future iPhone models.
How much did the iPhone 5s cost when it was first released?
The iPhone 5s was priced competitively when it was first released in 2013. The base model, which came with 16GB of storage, started at $199 with a two-year contract. The 32GB model cost $299, while the 64GB model cost $399. Without a contract, the prices were significantly higher, with the base model starting at $649, the 32GB model at $749, and the 64GB model at $849.
It’s worth noting that these prices were similar to those of the iPhone 5, which was released the previous year. However, the iPhone 5s offered several significant upgrades, including the Touch ID fingerprint recognition system and the A7 chip, which made it a more attractive option for many consumers.
What colors was the iPhone 5s available in?
The iPhone 5s was available in three colors: space gray, gold, and silver. The space gray model had a dark gray finish, while the gold model had a champagne-colored finish. The silver model had a white finish with a silver trim. These colors were a departure from the traditional black and white options that Apple had offered in the past.
The gold model was particularly popular, as it was seen as a more luxurious option. However, some critics argued that the gold finish was too flashy and didn’t fit with Apple’s traditional design aesthetic. Regardless, the three color options gave consumers more choices than ever before, and helped to make the iPhone 5s a fashion statement.
Was the iPhone 5s compatible with 4G networks?
Yes, the iPhone 5s was compatible with 4G networks. In fact, it supported a wide range of 4G frequencies, including LTE, HSPA+, and DC-HSDPA. This meant that users could enjoy fast data speeds and reliable connectivity on a variety of networks around the world.
The iPhone 5s also supported Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0, which allowed users to connect to the internet and other devices wirelessly. Additionally, the device supported dual-band Wi-Fi, which provided faster and more reliable connections. Overall, the iPhone 5s had excellent connectivity options, making it a great choice for users who needed to stay connected on the go.
How long did Apple support the iPhone 5s with software updates?
Apple supported the iPhone 5s with software updates for several years after its release. The device initially shipped with iOS 7, but it was later updated to iOS 8, iOS 9, and iOS 10. The iPhone 5s also received several minor updates, including security patches and bug fixes.
However, in 2019, Apple announced that it would no longer support the iPhone 5s with software updates. This meant that users would no longer receive security patches or new features, and would be more vulnerable to security threats. Despite this, the iPhone 5s remains a popular device among some users, who appreciate its compact size and ease of use.
Can I still buy an iPhone 5s today?
While the iPhone 5s is no longer available for purchase from Apple, it is still possible to buy one from third-party sellers. Many online marketplaces, such as Amazon and eBay, offer refurbished or used iPhone 5s devices for sale. Additionally, some carriers may still offer the iPhone 5s as a budget option for customers who don’t need the latest and greatest features.
However, it’s worth noting that the iPhone 5s is an older device, and may not be compatible with the latest software or accessories. Additionally, the device may not receive security updates or support from Apple, which could make it more vulnerable to security threats. As such, buyers should exercise caution when purchasing an iPhone 5s, and make sure they understand the potential risks and limitations.
Is the iPhone 5s still a good choice for budget-conscious buyers?
While the iPhone 5s is an older device, it can still be a good choice for budget-conscious buyers who don’t need the latest and greatest features. The device is compact, easy to use, and has a high-quality camera. Additionally, the iPhone 5s is widely available from third-party sellers, often at very low prices.
However, buyers should be aware of the potential limitations of the iPhone 5s. The device may not be compatible with the latest software or accessories, and may not receive security updates or support from Apple. Additionally, the iPhone 5s has a smaller screen and less powerful processor than newer iPhone models, which may be a drawback for some users. As such, buyers should carefully consider their needs and options before purchasing an iPhone 5s.