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iPhone 5s alternatives round-up: what else can you get for $199?

posted by Nick T. / Sep 19, 2013, 5:23 PM

iPhone 5s alternatives round-up: what else can you get for $199?

The iPhone 5S is peeking at us from right around the corner. In just a few hours, the smartphone will be released in the US, Canada, France, Germany, the UK, Japan, and other key markets, carrying a premium price tag attached to it, as usual. In the US, to be more specific, the 16GB iPhone 5S price will be nailed at $199 on a 2-year contract, or $649 for those who prefer theirs unlocked and contract-free.

Now, we're pretty sure that the iPhone 5S will be an outstanding smartphone, just like the previous iPhone models. But at the same time, we can think of more than a few alternatives one should consider before reaching for their credit card – alternatives that should be just as good as Apple's new handset and happen to fall in the same price category. And if you aren't a die-hard Apple fan who must own an iPhone 5S at any cost, perhaps you should take a look at them, presented in our slideshow below. Have we made you change your mind at the very last moment? Let us know down in the comments!

The iPhone 5S alternatives

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Related phones

View Full specs

PhoneArena Rating:

9.3

Read Full Review

User Rating:

8.6

Based on 47 Reviews

Display 4.0" 640 x 1136 pixels

Camera 8 MP / 1.2 MP front

Processor Apple A7, Dual-core, 1300 MHz

Storage 64 GB

Battery 1570 mAh(10h 3G talk time)

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43 Comments

1. kozza3

Posts: 778; Member since: Oct 17, 2012

no contract?

posted on Sep 19, 2013, 5:32 PM 0

35. hons9424

Posts: 7; Member since: Aug 07, 2013

For 199, you got stucked with your carrier for 2 more years. For 199, you got something people lauch at you when you hold it in you hand. For 199, you finally understand what the "c" means -- "Crap". For 199, you finally understand what the "s" means -- "Sh*t".

posted on Sep 19, 2013, 10:16 PM 4

41. rihel_95

Posts: 305; Member since: Mar 21, 2012

Or simply buy Nexus 4 for 199$ off contract if u get some buyers

posted on Sep 20, 2013, 2:20 AM 2

2. darkkjedii

Posts: 30974; Member since: Feb 05, 2011

In 8 hrs, I'll be headed up to At&t to line up for this puppy. Won't be able to spend any real time with it till Tuesday though :(.

posted on Sep 19, 2013, 5:40 PM 1

4. kozza3

Posts: 778; Member since: Oct 17, 2012

good luck getting one, where i live people are looking at a couple days before regular availability

posted on Sep 19, 2013, 5:50 PM 0

6. darkkjedii

Posts: 30974; Member since: Feb 05, 2011

Well if I don't, it certainly won't be because I didn't get in line. We have 3 apple store here in Vegas to take the strain off of AT&T, how about where you live?

posted on Sep 19, 2013, 5:56 PM 0

13. PapaSmurf

Posts: 10457; Member since: May 14, 2012

There's several in Chicago, and the one in downtown is always packed. There's already a line forming there I bet.

posted on Sep 19, 2013, 7:09 PM 0

27. darkkjedii

Posts: 30974; Member since: Feb 05, 2011

I'm actually going to At&t, just left there and no ones lined up yet. I'm just gonna camp out in my ride with the little lady.

posted on Sep 19, 2013, 8:33 PM 0

7. bigsimpd

Posts: 163; Member since: Jan 13, 2012

Let me know how it is bro because i'm seriously wanting one.That gold looking one looks sweet i've never owned an Iphone always android

posted on Sep 19, 2013, 6:12 PM 0

9. darkkjedii

Posts: 30974; Member since: Feb 05, 2011

iOS is my fav, but I love android too. I used to try to pit them against each other, but settled on both. I'm getting that gold 64 gig bro. I'll do a full no punches pulled review in the comment section too lol. Try it out, remember you got 14 days buyers remorse period.

posted on Sep 19, 2013, 6:32 PM 0

18. Mxyzptlk unregistered

The wait will be worth it.

posted on Sep 19, 2013, 7:34 PM 0

22. -box-

Posts: 3991; Member since: Jan 04, 2012

Seriously, why? You have a 5, the s is just window dressing. Wait for the next one.

posted on Sep 19, 2013, 8:18 PM 5

36. darkkjedii

Posts: 30974; Member since: Feb 05, 2011

Sold it, I upgrade every year.

posted on Sep 19, 2013, 10:30 PM 0

3. jan25

Posts: 470; Member since: Feb 26, 2012

I would wait for the Nexus 5. Superior hardware and likely much cheaper.

posted on Sep 19, 2013, 5:44 PM 17

5. kozza3

Posts: 778; Member since: Oct 17, 2012

i've been so sad without my Nexus 4, but AT&T wouldn't let me use proper data speeds with it :*( maybe Nexus 5 will be better?

posted on Sep 19, 2013, 5:51 PM 0

28. Napalm_3nema

Posts: 2236; Member since: Jun 14, 2013

Higher resolution screen, and that is all that is superior about it. The 5s toasts the G2 in benchmarks, it is built better, and it isn't gutted of all the functionality that made it good in the first place, like the N5 will be compared to the G2. AOSP is nice enough, but the extra functionality of skins like TouchWiz, the Moto X skin, the LG skin, and Sense 5+ trump the lightness of AOSP Android.

posted on Sep 19, 2013, 8:36 PM 0

8. Doakie

Posts: 2478; Member since: May 06, 2009

:-/ I thought the proper question should be "At $199 why would you settle with an iPhone 5s?" At this point I'm very bored with what Apple has been doing. Tiny screens, similar designs year after year, still no swype style functionality. At $199 I think my pick would be LG G2. But in reality the contest is down to Galaxy Note 2 or One Max...iPhone never entered the comparison.

posted on Sep 19, 2013, 6:22 PM 12

10. E.N.

Posts: 2610; Member since: Jan 25, 2009

I'd take the 5S over all these alternatives.

posted on Sep 19, 2013, 6:36 PM 0

12. dorianb

Posts: 617; Member since: Oct 24, 2012

I could troll on the 5S $199 price point all day too. A better question would of been, because I'm sure there will still be a few iPhone5 left in circulation, "pay $199 for the 5S or find a 5 for significantly less & rock iOS7 on it?"

posted on Sep 19, 2013, 6:53 PM 0

32. Napalm_3nema

Posts: 2236; Member since: Jun 14, 2013

The 5s is the fastest smartphone in the world, which is a pretty good start.

posted on Sep 19, 2013, 9:14 PM 0

38. jaxson983

Posts: 43; Member since: Aug 11, 2013

You can't be serious no one can say that until you hold it. Cant say its fast just because it has a V8.All of the other parts have to line up to make that happen. So until later today, no one knows, except apple. I think they would have said it if it were true though

posted on Sep 19, 2013, 11:14 PM 1

31. Napalm_3nema

Posts: 2236; Member since: Jun 14, 2013

Honestly, the G2 is a heat nightmare that lags in places it shouldn't. Lots of great features, gorgeous screen, fast, and awesome ergonomics (I one hand it easier than an S4), but I took mine back today.

posted on Sep 19, 2013, 9:13 PM 0

34. SilverSurfer85

Posts: 28; Member since: Apr 12, 2013

Why swype when you can text just as fast on a iPhone? unless your fingers are to big? Ive used both so im familiar with both of them.. just curious.

posted on Sep 19, 2013, 9:42 PM 0

11. Googler

Posts: 813; Member since: Jun 10, 2013

All great phones but if I was an iUser looking for something to change to, I'd go with the Moto X. Specs don't mean a lot in daily use and a wealth of people really don't care about it. Useful features, ergonomics, and cohesiveness is what the X is all about.

posted on Sep 19, 2013, 6:50 PM 3

14. scsa852k

Posts: 331; Member since: Oct 16, 2012

That can't be an excuse for the pricing.

posted on Sep 19, 2013, 7:11 PM 1

16. Googler

Posts: 813; Member since: Jun 10, 2013

Pricing is screwed up, only reason I haven't pulled the trigger yet. When it comes down, which it likely will soon, I'm strongly considering picking one up.