Justin Davis, Campus Carrier Assistant Photojournalism Editor
The world of the iPhone became much more colorful on Tuesday as Apple introduced an entirely new member to its phone family.
The iPhone 5C marks the first time that Apple Inc. will sell a cheaper version of its trademark iPhone. The plastic-backed cell phone will be available in five colors: white, pink, yellow, blue and green.
Alongside the brand new 5C, Apple Inc. also unveiled the update to the premium version of their phone, dubbed the iPhone 5S, which also got a new option: a golden color, which joins the white and black options that have defined the iPhone line for several years now.
The 5C mostly has the same specs as the current iPhone 5, including the A6 processor, high-speed LTE cell service and an 8-megapixel camera.
“S,” however, clearly stands for “speed,” and the new A7 chip in the 5S has plenty of it. It is over twice as fast as its predecessor in terms of both processing and graphics power, making for super-fast app usage and unprecedented 3D graphics for a phone.
In a video released on Tuesday by Apple Inc., “Every single component, every process has been considered and measured to make sure that it’s truly useful and that it actually enhances the user’s experience,” Jonathan Ive, Senior Vice President of Design, said.
The 5S, which is built with an aluminum enclosure just like its predecessor, also got a brand new feature: a fingerprint scanner. The new sensor, located in the “Home” button, allows users to unlock the phone and enter passwords using their fingerprint rather than a less secure passcode.
“Your fingerprint is one of the best passwords in the world,” said Dan Riccio, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering. “It made perfect sense to create a simple, seamless way to use it as a password.”
The premium iPhone’s camera also got an upgrade, gaining a dual-LED “True Tone” flash and a much improved sensor. The camera also includes a new slow motion video mode, sure to make for a plethora of new videos on YouTube of dogs shaking off water in slow, moisture-filled rolls.
Fitness enthusiasts may want to take note of the final new feature in the 5S: a brand new chip dedicated to detecting motion, which brands such as Nike are already planning to use in fitness based apps that track physical activity.
Both phones will be available in the U.S. beginning on Sept. 20. The 5C will be available in 16GB and 32GB capacities for $99 and $199, respectively. The 5S will also be available in 16GB, 32GB and 64GB options for $199, $299 and $399, all of which require a two-year contract.