Released in September 2013, the Apple iPhone 5c departed from the traditional iPhone design ethos. With its colorful plastic casing and a more affordable price point than its flagship counterpart, the iPhone 5s, the iPhone 5c aimed to cater to a broader audience. This review will investigate its design, performance, camera capabilities, and overall user experience.
Apple iPhone 5c Specifications
- CPU: Dual-core 1.3 GHz Swift (ARM v7-based)
- RAM: 1 GB
- Storage: 8/16/32 GB
- Display: LED-backlit IPS LCD, 4.0 inches
- Camera: 8 mega pixels
- Battery: iOS 7, upgradable to iOS 7.1.2
Design and Build quality
The iPhone 5c features a distinctively playful design with its plastic construction, available in various vibrant colors, including White, Blue, Green, Yellow, and Pink. Despite its plastic build, the device maintains a solid feel in hand, and the glossy finish adds a touch of elegance. Measuring 124.4 x 59.2 x 9 mm and weighing 132 g, the iPhone 5c is compact and lightweight, making it comfortable for one-handed use. A durable and scratch-resistant glass panel on the device’s front side provides a clear view of the screen. Meanwhile, on the back of the device, you’ll find the iconic Apple logo, symbolizing quality and innovation. The back of the device also houses the camera module, which captures high-quality photos and videos…
Display
Equipped with a 4.0-inch IPS LCD boasting a resolution of 640 x 1136 pixels, the iPhone 5c offers crisp visuals with a pixel density of approximately 326 ppi. While the display may not match the resolution and vibrancy of more recent iPhone models, it still delivers sharp text and vibrant colors, making it suitable for browsing the web, watching videos, and viewing photos. The screen-to-body ratio is around 59.9%, providing a sufficient viewing area within the compact form factor.
Performance
Under the hood, the iPhone 5c is powered by Apple’s A6 chipset, coupled with a dual-core 1.3 GHz Swift CPU and PowerVR SGX 543MP3 GPU. While the A6 may not match the performance of more recent chipsets, it delivers smooth multitasking and easily handles everyday tasks. Running on iOS 7, the iPhone 5c offers a seamless user experience with access to the App Store’s vast ecosystem of apps and services. Although the device is upgradable to iOS 10.3.3, users may experience some limitations with newer software updates due to hardware constraints.
Camera
In the photography department, the iPhone 5c sports an 8 MP rear camera with an aperture of f/2.4 and an LED flash. Despite its modest specifications, the camera produces impressive results with good color accuracy and detail in well-lit conditions. The device also offers features such as panorama and HDR mode, enhancing the versatility of its camera capabilities. A 1.2 MP Selfie camera on the front enables Face Time calls and captures decent-quality self-portraits and video recordings at 720p resolution.
Connectivity and Battery Life
On the connectivity front, the iPhone 5c supports GSM, CDMA, HSPA, and LTE networks, ensuring reliable cellular connectivity across various regions. It also features Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n for fast wireless internet access and Bluetooth 4.0 for seamless pairing with compatible devices. The device comes equipped with a Lightning port for charging and data transfer, while the absence of a 3.5mm headphone jack may require users to rely on Bluetooth or Lightning-compatible headphones. The iPhone 5c is powered by a non-removable Li-Po 1510 mAh battery, offering up to 250 hours of standby time on 3G and up to 10 hours of talk time on 3G, which may suffice for moderate daily usage.
Additional Features and Decision
The iPhone 5c incorporates a range of sensors, including accelerometer, gyro, proximity, and compass, enhancing its usability for various applications and games. While the device may lack some of the advanced features found in newer iPhone models, its colorful design, reliable performance, and capable camera make it a viable option for users seeking a budget-friendly iOS device. With its discontinued status and availability at a lower price point, the iPhone 5c continues to attract users looking for an entry-level iPhone experience without compromising on quality.
Pros
– Vibrant and colorful design
– Solid build quality
– Smooth performance for everyday tasks
– Capable camera with valuable features
– Access to the iOS ecosystem
Cons
– Limited storage options
– Older chipset may struggle with newer software updates
– Modest battery life compared to newer iPhone models
– Lack of some modern features such as Touch ID and Face ID
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Apple iPhone 5c offers a compelling combination of style, performance, and affordability, making it a worthy choice for users entering the iOS ecosystem or seeking a secondary device for casual use. While it may not boast the latest innovations, its enduring appeal and timeless design ensure that the iPhone 5c remains a classic in Apple’s product lineup.