The iPhone 5c is one of two new devices released by Apple for 2013. With is colorful polycarbonate shell, iOS 7, beautiful retina display and rock-solid build quality, it is adding a bit of life to an otherwise stale product line up. TechCrunch’s Darrel Etherington says “The 5c is probably more broadly appealing than the iPhone 5s just by virtue of its lower cost of entry, but it’s still premium hardware and is likely better thought of as an analogue to the iPhone 4s relative to the iPhone 5 back when that device launched.” While this is the cheaper of the two new models, that does not make the iPhone 5c a budget phone. In fact, it shares a few upgrades of it’s more expensive sibling, the iPhone 5s.
Overall, reviews of the new phone and the new iOS 7 are extremely positive. With the new Control Center, Apple fans finally have the ability to toggle common settings, such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, by swiping up a tray on the screen. The camera app and hardware both receive slight updates to provide better manual control and improved low-light performance.
Finally, the front-facing camera is all new in the device. Boasting 1.2 megapixels and designed specifically for low-light conditions, the camera offers an obvious boost in quality to voice and video chat. If you are worried about all the changes in iOS 7, Myriam Joire of Engadget echoes the sentiment of many other reviews when she says “Well, after using iOS 7 for a few days, it's hard to imagine going back to iOS 6.” The 5c is powered by the same chip used in the iPhone 5 and offers plenty of performance for most users.
There are a few considerations to keep in mind about the iPhone 5c, most from an upgrade standpoint. Engadget, TechCrunch and SlashGear all say that if you have an iPhone 4 or earlier, this phone will be a significant upgrade. Otherwise, it shares many similarities with the previously released 4s and 5. There are also debates about the polycarbonate casing. Although it is a plastic case, the build quality is superb. A steel reinforcing layer makes it behave more like ceramic than plastic. However, if you prefer to the aluminum build of recent releases, you might want to consider upgrading to the 5s.
The Good: Stunning retina display, great picture quality, long-lasting battery life, snappy performance, most flexible LTE support to date and a choice of case colors.
The Bad: No NFC support, mid-sized screen, high off-contract price and no support for external memory.
What the Critics Are Saying...
- Andrew Williams, TrustedReviewsThe iPhone 5C is a replacement for the iPhone 5, designed to be cheaper to produce than that older model. There are some small improvements, such as the new front-facing camera, but it’s not a worthwhile upgrade from that phone unless you fall in love with the new colourful bodies. It’s...
- Chris Martin, Tech AdvisorThe iPhone 5C is a nice smartphone. However, we just can't see the need for it in the first place, unless it was cheaper. It's too expensive for what is effectively an iPhone 5 in a plastic shell with minor changes in hardware. There are better and cheaper Android devices on the market and those wis...
- Andrew Unsworth, Expert ReviewsThere's no doubting that the iPhone 5C is a great smartphone. It's well-built, feels tough, has a great screen and a fast processor. With iOS 7 and the Apple App Store, you've also got access to the biggest and, arguably, best range of apps, too.Given how close in price the two phones are, it has to...
- Kunal Dua, NDTVWhile the iPhone 5c is a solid phone in its own right, with Apple choosing to release the 5s at the same time, comparisons between the two are inevitable, and that's where it becomes difficult to recommend the colourful iPhone over the flagship. When you spend a lot of money, you expect to buy the l...
- Michael Faro-Tusino, UnleashThePhonesThe iPhone 5C is a well built phone, with a specific target audience in mind. If you’re fine with not having the latest specs in your phone, and a smaller screen then its competitors, wrapped in a colourful polycarbonate, then the iPhone 5C should not be over looked. It has the experience of a...
Prices (Where to Buy)
Common Questions
Apple iPhone 5c prices will vary depending on retailer, age, special offers and whether or not it's purchased with a service plan. If purchased with a 2 year service contract for example, you would likely pay much less for the phone itself up front. Apple's suggested retail price is $450.00. You can compare iPhone 5c prices from around the web here on The Informr.
We've got you covered! Download a free PDF copy of the Apple iPhone 5c user manual here.
Apple backs up the iPhone 5c with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.
If your iPhone 5c has problems and is still within its warranty period, you could contact Apple support or the retailer you purchased the phone from. You'll find Apple's contact information here. If your phone is off warranty and needs repair for a physical problem such as a broken screen or bad battery, you should visit an authorized service centre or a local phone repair shop. You can also connect with others in The Informr Community Forum to find and share answers to questions.
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Resources
Manuals / User Guides
- Apple iPhone 5c Manual (PDF)
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