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If you’re looking to get an iPhone while saving a bit of money in the process, you should check out the iPhone 5c. The iPhone 5c may not be the latest and greatest iPhone but has plenty of features to make it worthy of consideration.
The iPhone 5c was launched at the same time as the iPhone 5s last fall as a less expensive alternative to that phone. The iPhone 5c is nearly identical to the iPhone 5, the previous year’s model, but with a colored plastic covering and a more robust battery life.
iPhone 5c Design
The most noticeable feature of the iPhone 5c is its colorful plastic skin, making the phone appear as if it’s candy-coated. The plastic feels silky and solid, not cheap and flimsy. The curved edges nestle in your hand gently, no sharp edges to interrupt the flow.
The colors of the iPhone 5c have drawn fans and repelled foes. Some love the pastel and bright colors of the 5c while others aren’t feeling the love.
The iPhone 5c comes in:
- White
- Pink
- Yellow
- Blue
- Green
and can be combined with colorful cases from Apple for dozens of color combinations. The Apple Store website has a fun interactive tool that lets you try the different color combinations.
The iPhone 5c comes with a 4 inch Retina display screen and weighs 4.65 ounces (132 grams).
Camera
The rear iSight camera has 8 megapixels, a sapphire crystal lens cover and an LED flash. The camera can take panoramic pictures and still pictures while recording video.
The front camera is 1.2 megapixels and can take video as well as still pictures.
Check out Flickr to see unedited photos taken with the iPhone 5c.
Battery
The iPhone 5c comes with a battery that has stated times of:
Talk time: Up to 10 hours on 3G
Standby time: Up to 250 hours
Internet use: Up to 8 hours on 3G, up to 10 hours on LTE, up to 10 hours on Wi-Fi
Video playback: Up to 10 hours
Audio playback: Up to 40 hours
Availability
The iPhone 5c comes in two sizes for:
With 2-year contract —
16GB $99
32GB $199
Without a contract —
16GB $549
32GB $649
iPhone 5c on Sale
Shop around before you buy the iPhone 5c as some stores and carriers may be offering the phone at a discount. Be sure to calculate the cost of the plan as well as the service to make sure you’re truly getting the best deal.
[tip]Be sure to check coverage for the areas where you’ll be using your phone. Getting a good price for a phone doesn’t matter if you can’t get coverage where you are! [/tip]
Sprint is offering the 16 GB iPhone 5c for free via the Sprint website until March 13, 2014.
BestBuy is also offering sale prices on the iPhone 5c. Check the BestBuy website for pricing.
Currently, the iPhone 5c is available for 20% off the purchase price through the Virgin Mobile website:
16 GB $359.99
32 GB $439.99
See, The iPhone Comes to Virgin Mobile! What You Need to Know, for more information about Virgin Mobile.
iPhone 5c vs. iPhone 5s
In deciding whether to get an iPhone 5c, you will probably consider the phone against the more advanced iPhone 5s which is $100 more expensive at the regular prices. Getting the iPhone 5c will save you money, but what are you giving up to get the savings?
See, iPhone 5s Review: Is It for You?
Some people may prefer the 5c with its colorful look and won’t care about the features. Others want to save money and aren’t concerned with getting the latest tech.
Here are the similarities and differences between the iPhone 5c and 5s:
Identical Features
Both the iPhone 5c and 5s will get you the same features:
- Siri
- Screen/Retina display
- Front-facing camera
- Video and audio calling using FaceTime
- Battery life
- Bluetooth
- GPS
Both phones charge via a Lightning connector.
Different Features
What are you missing out on if you get the iPhone 5c? Only the iPhone 5s has:
- Touch ID fingerprint scanner
- A7 chip with 64-bit architecture
- M7 Motion co-processor
- Tru-tone flash
- Advanced Burst mode
- Slow motion video
While these features are different, do they make a difference?
Touch ID Fingerprint Scanner
If you don’t lock your phone with a passcode or you don’t want to use the Touch ID fingerprint scanner, this feature won’t make a difference to you. If you do use a passcode and want to use your fingerprints to unlock your phone, then the iPhone 5s is your best bet.
A7 Chip with 64-bit architecture
This cutting edge technology will make for a faster phone, especially with demanding apps such as graphic-intensive games. Opening web pages and apps such as Facebook are nearly identical on the 5c and 5s.
M7 Motion co-processor
The M7 Motion co-processor works with apps to detect your motion. If you always have your phone on your body (as opposed to in your handbag or backpack) and want to use your iPhone as a fitness tracker, then choose the iPhone 5s.
See, TUAW, Seven apps that take advantage of the M7 motion coprocessor in the iPhone 5s
Camera Differences
Many of the different features between the iPhone 5c and 5s are contained in the camera. I have taken photos with the iPhone 5c and 5s to illustrate the differences.
Tru-Tone Flash
The iPhone 5s has a Tru-Tone flash that is designed to give better lighting in dark rooms. Compare these images to see which looks better to you:
The image on the left is without Tru-Tone flash, the image on the right is with Tru-Tone flash. If you don’t take flash photos, this feature won’t be of much use to you.
Burst Mode
If you take a lot of action or group shots, Burst mode can help you get the right one. The 5s camera also analyzes the images taken with Burst mode and gives you a composite picture with the best shot. You can then go in to your Camera Roll to see the images taken in Burst mode and delete or choose individual photos. With the 5c all of the Burst mode shots end up in your camera roll and aren’t combined for the best shot.
Slow Motion Video
Here’s a video showing what the iPhone 5s slow motion video feature can do:
Summary
If you’re looking for a colorful iPhone, want to save some money and don’t mind missing out on the unique features of the iPhone 5s, you should consider the iPhone 5c. Check out the phone in person, look at the colors, feel the phone in your hands. Consider the features you’ll actually use and see whether spending the extra money on the 5s is worth the investment.
Shop around to make sure you’re getting the best deal on the 5c, comparing cost of the plan and the phone, and carrier coverage.
Having used the iPhone 5s for five months, I have found that my favorite features, that the iPhone 5s has and that the iPhone 5c doesn’t have, are the Touch ID fingerprint scanner and the Burst mode photography. I don’t carry my phone with me all the time so I don’t use the Motion co-processor. My daughter bought a 5c with her own money and is delighted with the phone and with saving $100 over the cost of the 5s.
Your Thoughts
What do you think of the iPhone 5c? Do you like the colors? Do you think the extra features of the 5s are worth the extra money? Let us know in the Comments section below!
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iPhone 5 on Ting!
Ting, the mobile phone carrier, announced yesterday that you can now bring an unlocked Sprint iPhone 5 to Ting. No, you can’t bring an iPhone 5s or 5c to Ting or an iPhone from a carrier other than Sprint.
Check the Ting website for more details.
See, Ten Reasons Why Ting May Be Your Next Cell Phone Provider for more information about Ting.
Hi Carolyn,
I have been with iPhone 5S for over a year (I suppose) now. I mean I got it as soon as it came out and you know what, I love this thing! I think 5C was about to come at the time. So, obviously I don’t have any experience with it.
But, being able to unlock my phone with the scanner is simply so pleasing! That’s the best thing I like among all other things about 5S!
Thank you for this review, especially the pictures you shared are really very helpful in comparing the features.
Regards,
Kumar
Hi Kumar, Yes, you’ve probably had the iPhone 5s for nearly six months as it was first sold in September of 2013. Thanks for letting us know about how much you like the Touch ID fingerprint reader. That will help people decide between the 5c and 5s.
Hi Carolyn,
I think, for me, the most useful feature on the iPhone 5c would be the fingerprint recognition technology and the advanced burst mode. We have a 4s and are happy with it for now. Probably they’ll have version 6 out next year with even greater features. Technology just keeps betting better and better.
Kind Regards,
Bill
Hi Bill, Yes, the Touch ID fingerprint scanner is very handy. I didn’t use a passcode on my phone before the iPhone 5s because I didn’t want to be bothered entering a passcode every time I used my phone. But the Touch ID is so easy that I don’t usually even realize I’m using it.
Burst mode has truly improved my photographic skills. I take group and action shots quite a bit, between my kids and dog. Getting a decent shot is much easier with Burst mode.
So it sounds as if you would prefer the iPhone 5s that has the Touch ID fingerprint sensor and Burst mode on the camera, instead of the 5c that doesn’t have those. Spending the extra money on the 5s may well be worth the investment.
You’re right, another alternative is to wait and see what the iPhone 6 offers. Rumors are rampant that the iPhone 6 will have a larger screen but time will tell!
Hey Carolyn,
So many phones, so many features, so many updates, my goodness.
Mom and I were talking just yesterday about how much technology has evolved and she read about something that can help the elderly be able to stay in their homes longer. I told her just look at all the things you can do with your phone now and here you are sharing about finger recognition. My gosh.
Whenever we need to know about any updates though I’m coming to you. For now, I’m sticking with what I have. Pretty cool though I must admit.
~Adrienne
Hi Adrienne, Yes, I remember when I saw you in December that you had just updated your phone so you are good for a while now. You’re right, it’s important to hang on to tech if it’s still working for you.
But when it is time for you to upgrade you know I will be happy to guide you if you’d like!
Hey Carolyn
Just about to finally get a new phone. My 3S is killing me :> although still running ok and trusty!
I think I need to go for the 5S, as I find you can then keep them longer and enjoy their power and features. Even for a little more investment now, you benefit a lot in the long run. Like my new iMac! woo hoo, 27 inches was the right choice. Glad my friend convinced me. And I keep them for 5 years or so, so in the end it is cheap.
Thanks for the comparison. I was wondering about the “c” and now won’t get it :>
cheers
ashles
Hi Ashley, Wow, you’ve kept your iPhone 3GS for nearly five years. Well done! You’re right, investing in the latest and the greatest will mean that you can keep your phone much longer. The 5s would be a better choice for you than the 5c would be then and the investment of the extra money would probably pay off in the long run.
Awesome features, indeed 😀
As you know, I am not a fan of smartphones (although, I doubt whether I can say that anymore..I do use one now).
I do love the resolution of the pictures..it’s amazing how much they have improved.
I can’t wait to see what the future holds for us (hopefully, in the future, we become less addicted to technology….of course, smart phone companies may not want that :D).
Thank you for sharing this, Carolyn 🙂 Appreciate it! Have a great weekend.
Hi Jeevan, Yes, in the US now, smartphones represent the majority of new phones being purchased so even those, like you, who aren’t fans may be getting them for the convenience of their features.
If you are going to get a smartphone, it’s a very good idea to shop around for the one that’s the best fit for you with both cost and features. Many people will be weighing the iPhone 5c against the 5s so I wanted to review both of them and then compare the two.
I hope you like your smartphone, Jeevan, but not so much that you’re addicted to it! Which one did you end up getting?
I ended up getting Nokia Lumia 525….not many features, but it does suit my taste (I didn’t like the Windows OS at first…it also limits the numbers of apps I have access to, but, I ended up liking it. It reminds my of my laptop :D).
I’m a fan of Windows phone. I like how they organize information so you see updates according to people instead of having to check each network. I also like the Live Tiles. I just wish the app store were more abundant.
I purchased the 5S and really like it. I’ve played around w/ the slo-mo camera on the trails which I’m back on AND I bought my new bike yesterday (which I told my wife was the best present ever, but she didn’t get it).
If you buy the C and put a cover on it, you defeat that selling point, right?
Hope you are well and your weather is finally turning to Spring.
Hi Bill, I’m glad you’re enjoying your 5s and that you’re making good use of the slow motion video feature! I can see how that would be a good companion to your new bike. Be careful though, you don’t want to have (another) accident. Don’t shoot video while riding your new bike!
If you put a cover on the 5c that totally covers the colored part of the phone then yes, you’re defeating that selling point. That may be why Apple created colored covers with holes to compliment and show off the colors of the 5c.
We’re expecting another snow storm tonight. @-)
Hi Carolyn,
So, another update from iPhone?
Honestly, all these updates make me confused. Lol 😀
I wonder where you get all this info? Moreover, with the complete information. It was great, I thought. 🙂
I believe, this review will be really useful for those who want to buy an iPhone with the best features.
Thank for sharing this review with us, Carolyn.
Hoping you have a wonderful weekend.
Regards,
Nanda
Hi Nanda, Don’t worry, no need to be confused. Apple launched the 5c last fall when it launched the 5s. The 5c is a less expensive phone than the 5s with fewer features to give those who don’t need the latest and greatest phone the benefits of a new iPhone at a lower price.
The prediction of many was that the 5c would be considered by many later after its launch because its target audience is people who don’t need the latest and greatest phone.
While I could have requested an iPhone 5c for review, I used my daughter’s phone for testing to research this article. While she is a big fan of the phone, I wanted to test it as a user of the 5s to see the differences.
I’m so glad you enjoyed this article, Nanda!