Full review: the Apple iPhone 5c

 
Colour burst: The iPhone 5C is one of two models launched in September
20 September 2013

The iPhone 5c is something of a stealth handset for Apple. On the face of it, it’s just an iPhone 5 in a new case. Technically, the handset is virtually identical, with none of the fingerprint recognising, updated camera trickery of the 5s.

However, what’s new is the design, and the price.

The 5c definitely isn’t the cheap iPhone many predicted, but that really doesn’t matter - this is a high spec, quality product.

Terming the 5c a plastic iPhone seems harsh after you’ve picked it up - this really doesn’t feel cheap in any way. Unlike the 5 and 5s’s straighter edges, the 5c is about curves and colour - and both are executed brilliantly. It feels incredibly solid, and unlike any ‘plastic’ phone on the market. In many ways, it feels more natural in the hand than the 5s.

However, it’s the colours, and options for customisation that will lead to the 5c becoming Apple’s biggest seller - and make no mistake, this will be the biggest seller of the two.

There are five available - white, red, yellow, blue and green, and they really do, to use a terrible American phrase, pop. Coated with lacquer, they also seem extremely resilient, coping with the odd drop without leaving a mark.

Combined with the plethora of dotted covers, this is a phone designed for customisation, and one that is set to spark a massive market in third party accessories - and will appeal hugely to the younger demographic. Apple believes people may even buy more than one in different colours, and for the more affluent consumers, that’s probably true.

Technically, the 5c has a 4-inch Retina display which is sharp and clear, and Apple’s older, A6 chip (which is found in the 5) alongside an 8 megapixel camera and an updated front facing camera for FaceTime and taking irritating selfies.

It’ll also work on all of the UK 4G networks.

After a week with the 5c, it’s clear this is destined to be the bigger seller of the two - while the 5s is a technical powerhouse with an eye wateringly good technical spec, the 5c is just unashamedly fun - and in an age most smartphones look pretty much the same, it seems Apple has found a way to create a distinct, fun product yet retain the quality.

The price is the only issue for some, who were expecting a ‘cheap’ iPhone - but after picking up the 5c, in instantly becomes apparent this isn’t your average plastic phone. Despite what many of the critics said when it was launched (almost all who hadn’t seen or used a handset), Apple has created a product that will dramatically extend the reach of the iPhone, and will without doubt become the biggest selling iPhone Apple has ever made.

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