Apple iPhone 5s, iPhone 5c reviews: 'Evolutionary, not revolutionary'

The first reviews of Apple's new iPhone 5s and the 'budget' iPhone 5c are in. While most of the reviews have been largely positive, reviewers say that the new phones miss the 'wow factor' that the initial versions of the once-revolutionary smartphone had. Here's a review roundup.

iPhone 5c reviews

Techcrunch: "The iPhone 5c is an improvement, even if slight, to the 'smartphone I'd still call the best available if Apple hadn't also released the iPhone 5s."

Engadget: "With the iPhone 5c, Apple's crafted something that's more than just the sum of its parts... iPhone 5 owners are probably better off sticking with iOS 7 or picking up an iPhone 5s instead of getting an iPhone 5c. And, if all else fails, there are always next year's iPhones."

AllThingsD: "While the 5c looks and feels very familiar, it's still a good phone and an improvement over the 5. But its improvements are evolutionary, not revolutionary."

SlashGear: "The iPhone 5c may be, for the most part, last year's flagship in this year's fashion, there's no denying that there's an appetite for that."

New York Times: "But just sheathing last year's phone in shiny plastic isn't a stunning advance."

iPhone 5s reviews

Techcrunch: "With the iPhone 5s, Apple once again wins the right to claim the title of best smartphone available."

Engadget: "In what would otherwise be considered a mundane update to the iPhone 5, Apple somehow managed to appeal to both the geek (64-bit support, M7 coprocessor, Touch ID) and the average Joe (a fresh, colourful iOS 7), all while laying the groundwork for the company's future."

AllThingsD: "Overall, however, the new iPhone 5S is a delight. Its hardware and software make it the best smartphone on the market."

SlashGear: "The iPhone 5s may be Apple's evolutionary stage, but the combination of usable technological advances and the benefits of iOS 7 add up to a supremely compelling device."

New York Times: "The iPhone is no longer the only smartphone that will keep you delighted for the length of your two-year contract - but it's still among the few that will."