Apple has announced the iPhone 5C, it's new alternative and cheaper smartphone. So what's the difference between it and the iPhone 5? We take a look in our iPhone 5C vs iPhone 5 comparison review. See also: iPhone 5C review.
See also: iPhone 5S vs iPhone 5 comparison review
On the whole, the iPhone 5C can be thought of as the iPhone 5 but wrapped in a new plastic shell. There are some other differences though so read on to find out what they are. See also: iPhone 5C and iPhone 5S launch: as it happened.
Apple iPhone 5C vs iPhone 5: Price (UK)
Apple has discontinued the iPhone 5, leaving the 8 GB iPhone 4S on sale at £349. So if you want an iPhone 5 you'll have to get it second hand or from a mobile operator which is still selling it. See also: iPhone 4S vs iPhone 5C vs iPhone 5S: What iPhone should I buy 2013?
Nevertheless, here is how the iPhone 5C compares to the pricing system for the iPhone 5 when it was on sale. It's cheaper than usual but can hardly be described as budget.
The iPhone 5C will be available to pre-order from 13 September and will go on sale on 20 September with the iPhone 5S.
See also: iPhone 5C vs iPhone 5S comparison review: what's the difference between iPhone 5C and iPhone 5S?
|
iPhone 5 |
iPhone 5C |
16 GB |
£529 |
£469 |
32 GB |
£599 |
£549 |
64 GB |
£699 |
n/a |
Apple iPhone 5C vs iPhone 5: Design and build
As we mentioned, the iPhone 5C is essentially the iPhone 5 but in a polycarbonate plastic casing and as such is a little bigger and heavier. It's slightly more than a millimetre thicker and is 20 g heavier – nothing major here.
The bigger difference is the plastic casing which comes in five different colours – white, red (Apple calls it pink), blue, yellow and green. The iPhone 5C is steel reinforced inside.
|
Dimensions |
Thickness |
Weight |
Apple iPhone 5 |
59 x 124 mm |
7.6 mm |
112 g |
Apple iPhone 5C |
59 x 124 mm |
9 mm |
132 g |
Apple iPhone 5C vs iPhone 5: Screen
There's no when it comes to the screen. Apple has kept the same 4 in Retina display in the iPhone 5C which was used in the iPhone 5.
|
Size |
Resolution |
Pixel Density |
Apple iPhone 5 |
4 in |
640 x 1136 |
326 ppi |
Apple iPhone 5C |
4 in |
640 x 1136 |
326 ppi |
Apple iPhone 5C vs iPhone 5: Processor
Once again, there's no difference between the iPhone 5C and the iPhone 5 in the engine room. Apple's new plastic iPhone has the same A6 chip inside.
Apple iPhone 5C vs iPhone 5: Storage
Apple typically offers three different storage options for the iPhone but the iPhone 5C only comes in 16 GB and 32 GB models. There's still no microSD card slot for adding more.
|
Storage options |
microSD slot |
Apple iPhone 5 |
16/32/64 GB |
No |
Apple iPhone 5C |
16/32 GB |
No |
Apple iPhone 5C vs iPhone 5: Cameras
The iPhone 5C retains the 8 Mp iSight camera which can be found on the iPhone 5. A new camera app adds various features including square shots and Instagram style filters. The iPhone 5 will get this with an update to iOS 7, though.
The front facing FaceTime HD camera has been improved compared to the iPhone 5's. Apple says that larger pixels and an improved backside illumination sensor give it better performance in low-light situations.
Apple iPhone 5C vs iPhone 5: Connectivity and 4G support
On the connectivity front, the iPhone 5C is largely the same as the iPhone 5 with the Lightning connector, dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0 and GPS.
A key difference is support for more 4G LTE frequency bands. Apple states that the iPhone 5C is compatible with EE and Vodafone's networks in the UK but O2 confirmed that the smartphone, along with the flagship iPhone 5S will support it's network.
"And One More Thing...Yes iPhone 5S and 5C will support 4G on O2. More info coming soon." tweeted O2.
O2 uses the same 800 MHz frequency which Three will use when it launches its 4G and the latter is taking registrations for the new iPhones with advertising for 4G so it's all good on this front too.
Apple iPhone 5C vs iPhone 5: Software
Software is an area where there is no difference. The iPhone 5C will come with iOS 7 pre-installed but the iPhone 5 will be updated to the latest operating system before the 5C goes on sale. See also: iOS 7 release date, new features, which iPhones, iPods, iPads get it.
Apple iPhone 5C vs iPhone 5: Battery life
Apple has given the iPhone 5C a slightly larger battery than the iPhone 5 which is a factor for it's heavier weight. It provides a boost in battery life, according to Apple, of an extra two hours of talk time and browsing over 4G LTE plus 25 hours on standby.
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Comments
Guest said: switched to android galaxy s4 and dont regret a single bit
Jason said: I have the iPhone 5c and I love it My wife has the iPhone 5 and while yes its the same phone in different coating I love it I am coming from having a galaxy s3 to switching to the iPhone 4S I bought it from my friend and has the ability to upgrade to the 5c because the 5s is nearly impossible to get lol while I was a devout android user I decided to try apple and I love it Such smooth UI and all
Billy said: I bought the 5c as an upgrade from the 5 The 5c is loAds better
Alex Whitfield said: But android does how much moreMultitasking widgetsSmart featuresBackground running appsSo yea the android is more powerful ow and guess what more optimized toTake my gs2 as an exampleYes old but same specs as Icrap 5sDoesnt run as smoothWell try 4 widgetsMore than a dozen background running programsAnd I usually have literally 5 - 9 web pages always up just in background they are on cache and ready to isntantly start up said web pagesIs icrap doing any of thisNoWell than duh it runs betterSo yes apple runs smooth cause it doesnt essentially do anything by comparisonThis wouldnt be a problem if apple charged what it is worth but they dontIphone 5s should literally cost 300 off contract for the 62 gb version and the 5c should be 200 for the 32 gb off contract versionLook it up if you so wish but iphones are some of the LITERAL cheapest phones to produce yet cost the mostMemory upgrades on tge factory end dont even cost 5 dollars yet on your end apple magically makes it cost 100 more on you Where as competition charges 50 more for higher memory capacitiesThe gs4 costs the same as a iphone 5s to us the customer But on tge factory end the gs4 costs nearly as much as two iPhones to produce So you decide which holds more value lolSorry but icrap is crap for the price if nothing else
Waboops said: JayK I totallly agree with you Especially since Apple has moved most of its production outside of the United States to avoid paying taxes and take advantage of cheap labor in Taiwan Indonesia India and other places With the huge profits they make they should pay their workers a lot better and give them benefits they can afford to do it they just choose not to do so I would define that as GREED I wont support such greedI am convinced that Samsung phones are better products and much more reasonably priced
Waboops said: I bought an Apple Iphone for my daughter I am just NOT impressed with them at all I have a Samsung Galaxy Note 2 and I love it I have not had any of the problems you guys have mentioned on these blogs
Alex Whitfield said: Galaxy s2 4g runs fast and stong no problemsGlitchsNoSlowNoScratchs scuffs or general damageNoOwn time1 and a half yearsHow many samsung androids have I owned without problems3Apple0Only own ipod never had a iphone WhyItunes SUCKS
Alex Whitfield said: You dont get itI do it is called businessThe iphone 5s stayed the same and a new iphone was needed but it stayed so similar so the 5 had to die it was in the wayBasically the 5c is tge same price the 5 would have been but with more battery life better facetime camera and more lte compatibility But it is to similar so again tge old had to due but with its steel not weaker aluminum iner shell it is more durable if people would just realize thatYes tge colors arent tge greatest I agree but apple could release more regular colors for it and fix thatThe 5s and the 5c on a business perspective are down right ingenious There is a reason that combined they sold over 10 million in no timeSoon everyone will want improved flashs and 64 bit processors and larger pixel size cameras Why cause they are improvements in the right directionSoon everyone will be saying Ow it does well the iphone 5s did that firstAs far as 5c reselling something similar but making it sell more than its brother is amazingApple is crooked and the 5c is both better and a scam to the 5 but in the end apple laughs to the bankEnd of story
Alex Whitfield said: Fancy Cheap plastic Why does everyone say thisIt is polycarbonate not everday widow shades plastic Ow and fancy haha Aluminum is guess what weak metal and guess what else CHEAP I ratger 5c if I was to get one though my galaxy s2 is gonna still be with meBut seriously the polycarbonate covers a steel sheelSteel vs aluminum answer that will quickSo it will probaly take falls better and the polycarbonate doesnt scuff or scratch as easy and as far as the front well its the same as the iphone 5Your logic is highly incomplete But again I rather my gs2 same specs as either of this a lot cheaper bigger screen and with all the money I saved a nice screen protecter and case to make it more durable than eitger of theseWhats that it doesnt have as much sex appeap or fashion orIinsert your term hereWell it is a PHONE not a car not a house it isnt something like that Stop thinking of getting your phone to be cool Get a phone that is you and works and doesnt make the bank call you telling you are now broke199 for a phome on contract to only keep it for a year and to scruff up in three months that is retarded and you know it
SamQ said: From all that Ive read the 5C is essentially a 5 in a less protective case probably so they could go all colorful for the kiddies And iOS7 is merely the first step to adopting the Android look on Apple phones Apparently the new man at the top prefers Android Makes one wonder what the heck hes doing at Apple eh LoL
stallionleah321 said: my Aunty Emily got Volvo XC60 SUV by workingpart-time at home recommended you read Jam20om
Sirus said: And yet the iphone is faster and smoother hmmmm Poor android optimization anybody Not to mention the note 3 will be crap on 6 months
John said: You people really annoy me If you have 5 OF COURSE YOU DONT BUY A 5c But two phones with the same design and no totally convince able features to switch too everyone would keep buying iphone 5 this offered more diversity
Amanda Jane McGuire-Jones said: Decided to buy the iPhone5c - you will soon see its the same phone only in plastic You have just sold a beautiful for no reason and left with a product that does the same thing The iPhone5C is no worthy of being called an up grade At least with the iPhone5S is worthy of being called an upgrade If was to upgrade you would choose the iPhone5S not the crappy iPhone5c The the iPhone5 amp iPhone5S has more class The iPhone5c is the same phone only made in cheap plastic and there is nothing new bout the phone Its a scam If you are thinking bout the iPhone5c and you already have an iPhone5 - then dont bother Stay with youre iPhone5 or choose the iPhone5S
Amanda Jane McGuire-Jones said: Why get rid of youre iPhone5 - sorry Apple - but the iPhone5C is the iPhone5 - there is nothing new about the iPhone5c accept it come out in horrid colours People that own the IPhone5 have a better deal The build quality on the iPhone5 is more classy that the tacky iPhone5c If youre iPhone5 works dont drop it just coz apple says too I am an iPhone5 user and l more than happy I do not like the iPhone5C - it looks cheap tacky amp nasty IPhone5 users got a better deal Apple should never of stopped the iPhone5 Its Apples way of milking money out the public Dont be fooled by this move The iPhone5 is still an amazing phone Sorry but l not falling for this scam If youre happy with the iPhone5 keep it - you will find if you sold youre iPhone5 ampdecided
Kevin bray said: I disagree with you both
Amanda Jane McGuire-Jones said: I am not arsed if apple have stopped selling the iPhone5 - it does me for what l need If l was to upgrade l would choose the iPhone5s not the iPhone5C
Amanda Jane McGuire-Jones said: Totally agree with you Jam x
Amanda Jane McGuire-Jones said: I have the iPhone5 The iPhone5c is no different to the iPhone5 - I know a lot of iPhone5 users - that wont part with their iPhone5 - its just apples way of milking more money out of people If youre iPhone5 isnt broke - and youre happy with the phone then stick with it Apple did the same thing with the iPad3 which was less than 6 months old then they stopped the iPad 3 Dont be fooled by this scam Apple dont care - they just wanna make money out of us users If you happy with the iPhone5 then stick with it There is no real difference between the iPhone5 amp iPhone5c - personally l think the iPhone5c looks cheap and nasty The iPhone5 has more class xx
Amanda Jane McGuire-Jones said: I dont see the point in the iPhone5C - its the same phone only in plastic and comes in new colours I love my iPhone5 and if l was to ditch my iPhone5 l would swap for the iPhone5S not the iPhone5C I think the iPhone5C looks very cheap amp tacky If youre iPhone5 work why get rid of of it just coz apple decide they have got bored of the iPhone5 Apple did the same thing with the iPad3 - which only was less than 4 months old and they kept the iPad2 - and sold the iPad mini amp iPad4 - and now they have done the same thing with the iPhone5 Sorry Apple but the iPhone5 is better looking If its not broke then dont fix it Duhhh