When it comes to the iPhone 5S vs. 5C price it may be easy choosing from most parent’s perspectives, but for teenagers there will be mixed reactions to these two smartphones. Schools are buzzing about the two new handsets, and while both can be colored to your liking thanks to cases, it is the iPhone 5C that starts off with better color options without a case.

Choosing between the two might be easier if there was a larger price difference between them. We previously noted what the extra cost for the iPhone 5S over the iPhone 5C would get you, and many may feel it’s worth paying the relatively small amount extra to get the premium version.

We have seen a few comments from teens in regard to the iPhone 5S vs. 5C. “The iPhone 5C looks cheap and tacky although the price is almost the same”, said one teenager.

Another added, “I prefer the iPhone 5S to 5C thanks to the specs, and the iPhone 5S has a lot more on offer for only £80 more in the UK. The fingerprint reader would be great for passwords, not to mention how classy the iPhone 5S looks”.

We’ve now heard of the preferences for one design over the other many times. Although the iPhone 5C looks to be a fun colorful alternative that you might imagine would have more appeal to younger people, this doesn’t always appear to be the case as many prefer the styling of the iPhone 5S.

However, whereas teenagers themselves may be more concerned with the design of the handset and how their choice of phones looks in front of their peers, many parents may feel the extra durability of the iPhone 5C is an important factor to consider.

I myself have a son who has just become a teenager, and he has always had a more resilient plastic smartphone. I have watched in horror as he has dropped it from great heights, casually thrown it to friends, and generally given it some rough treatment.

Up until now the thought of him having his own iPhone has been something that filled me with dread. The more recent iPhones have undoubtedly been full of style, but the expanse of glass and incidents like ‘Scuffgate’ have made an iPhone for my teenager look an unrealistic choice.

However, the cheaper polycarbonate iPhone 5C could solve this dilemma, as it should be more resilient to the bumps and scrapes of everyday life. This is something that needs to be taken into account when considering the options.

It remains to be seen how teens will feel about this though. Looking after their devices is often not their major priority, although of course there are exceptions to this.

The colorful and more sturdy iPhone 5C may appeal to some, but there will be others who are still more concerned about having the premium version. Either because they prefer the design or specs, or because they feel it’s the cooler of the two to be seen with. You can compare the specs of the iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C at this Apple page.

We’d be really interested to hear your opinions on this so please do send your comments. Are you a parent who would feel more inclined to opt for the plastic iPhone 5C? If you’re a teenager and intending to buy one of the new iPhones, do you prefer the iPhone 5S or 5C? Is your choice more concerned with the specs or the appearance?