As we all know, Apple recently launched their newest iPhone series: iPhone 5s with the classic iPhone look with three choice of colors: gold, silver and ‘space gray’ along with its sibling; the plastic, curvier iPhone 5c which will be available in four vibrant colors including pink, blue, yellow, green, while they also have the classic color selection of white and black. Since it is made of plastic materials, it will be offered in lower price.
Essentially, there won’t be a large distinction between the capabilities of the iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c. The only significant distinction are the materials and the price of these products.
On the various color selection of the iPhone 5c, Apple claims the product aims for “the colorful” since they say that color expresses a feeling, makes statement, and so on.
But the difference between the iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c can be considered as a divider of social classes, regarding to the price differeces. The NPR blog stated that the color of the phone we choose can indicate the price we are willing to afford for the phone.
However, the price for iPhone 5c won’t be that cheap. The 16GB phone will sell for US$ 99, with a two-year contract with the cellular provider. But the unlocked ones will be priced at US$ 549 for the 16GB and US$ 649 for the 32GB phones. According to Tempo.co, if the products enter Indonesia, the price will be so much more expensive. For the 16GB, the estimated price is IDR 10.5 million and for the 32GB ones is IDR 11.5 million.
I think that there will be no “social class division” between the owners of iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c, considering that the difference between the price of these two products are not so significant. Instead, I think Apple provides customers with more choices to purchase a product that represents themselves. Moreover, the capabilities of these two products are quite similar.
These new iPhones have the potential of causing another boom in the smartphone market in Indonesia, since there are so many Apple enthusiasts in this country.
Text by Vania Chandra Kirana
