Over the last few weeks, there have been all sorts of rumours about Apple’s budget iPhone 5C model and we have covered most of them here on geeksquad.co.uk. Last night, Apple finally announced all the details we’ve been waiting for. Take a look at Apple’s 'unapologetically plastic' new handset.
plastic body
The most obvious change with the iPhone 5C is the plastic body shell that is available in a range of iOS7-matching colours. The body is made from a single piece of polycarbonate with a hard lacquer that gives it a deep shine and should help protect against scratches.
The handset is available in blue, green, yellow, white and pink, and Apple have even designed wallpapers to match each model.
The plastic body is steel-reinforced inside and the reports from people who have had their hands on the device are saying that it still feels sturdy and like an Apple product should. No paper-thin, flimsy plastic here.
custom cases
To match the coloured theme, Apple has also designed a range of silicon protective cases for the iPhone 5C. They are made in the same colours as the 5C itself , but Apple are encouraging you to buy a contrasting colour from the main handset. The case itself has a series of round holes in the back to show the original colour underneath and there are loads of different combinations for you to play around with.
The cases are made from silicon rubber with a microfiber lining so they should give could protection if you drop the handset and should keep it looking shiny and scratch free.
internals
To me this was the biggest surprise about the iPhone 5C announcement. Considering that most people have been referring to this as a budget model, the 5C is actually a higher specification than the outgoing iPhone 5.
The 5C is powered by the same A6 chip as the iPhone 5 so it will be just as quick as the current model. However, Apple have improved the antenna in the 5C so it is compatible with more LTE bands. This should make it compatible with O2’s 4G network in the UK whereas the current iPhone 5 is not.
They have also upgraded the FaceTime camera by increasing the pixel size to make it better in low light conditions. As an added bonus, they have found extra space in the new plastic case to increase the battery size slightly which will improve battery life.
PRICE
This is where some people may be disappointed. The iPhone 5C is not really a budget model at all. While it is still a lot cheaper than the current iPhone 5, you are looking at about £469 for the 16 GB model and £549 for the 32 GB handset. Obviously, we’ll have to wait and see what sorts of deals are available on contract, but this is long way from the cheap end of the Android range. However, the 5C is a significantly higher spec handset than the budget range of Android models, but those of you that were hoping for a cheap way of entering the iPhone family are out of luck.
agent verdict
So, all in all, the iPhone 5C seems to be a bit of mixed bag: a 'budget handset' that really isn't that cheap, but actually has a better spec than its predecessor. It remains to be seen whether the introduction of the new plastic body in a range of colours - along with the custom cases - will really take off, or whether people will decide that the cost actually outweighs Apple's attempts to breathe new, stylish life into the 'budget' end of the smartphone market.
Be sure to check back with Geek Squad in the coming weeks, as we bring you our expert review!