After three generations of iPhone models (iPhone 4/4S/5),
Apple went back to where it all started by using polycarbonate on the 5C. It
would be a grave mistake for anyone to think that the 5C has a similar build quality
as some Android flagship models just because it uses plastic.
In fact, the 5C feels surprisingly solid and well-built, and
it's not far-fetched to say that build quality is comparable to that of Nokia
devices such as the Lumia 920.
Apple iPhone 5C
While the finish on the 5C is glossy, the bright colors of
the 5C should be able to mask the fingerprints and smudges which it easily
picks up. Due to the use of polycarbonate and a slightly increased battery
capacity, the 5C is heavier and bigger than the iPhone 5/5S, but is no means
bulky. For those who are into the minor details, the 5C is 0.6mm longer, 0.6mm
wider, 1.37 mm thicker and 20g heavier than the 5/5S.
Like the 5S, the 5C comes with iOS 7 out of the box. Apple
states that "iOS 7 is designed to match the iPhone 5C” and it isn't
kidding - the color of the wallpaper and dial pad reflect the color of the
specific 5C purchased.
Imaging-wise, the 5C is equipped with the same suite of
camera hardware as the original iPhone 5 - the 8-megapixel rear camera, BSI,
F2.4 aperture, five- element lens and a LED flash. The 5C still runs on the
same A6 dual-core processor and 1GB RAM used in the iPhone 5. Despite its
relatively dated hardware, the 5C can hold its own against newer mobile
devices.
With a 1,510mAh battery, the 5C is able to last a little
longer than the iPhone 5 in our standard battery test. We were able to use the
5C throughout a typical day on a single charge.
iOS 7 is designed
to match the iPhone 5C
Now that the 5C supports both LTE bands (1800 and 2600 MHz)
in Singapore, it is likely that the battery life will be shorter compared to
the iPhone 5 as you are more likely to be on a 4G LTE connection.
Apple's philosophy has never been about specs and the 5C is
a shining example. It is still able to deliver an excellent user experience
without the unnecessary clutter of gimmicky features found in other phones that
you may not even use. What you get is a smooth experience, and in that aspect,
the 5C certainly delivers.
It's hard to swallow the retail prices of the 5C especially
when you are getting yesteryear's hardware, but be assured that you are not
sacrificing on the build quality and user experience. For now, the 5C is an
excellent device for first time smartphone buyers or even iPhone 3GS/4/4S upgraders
if they do not need the latest and greatest from Apple.
It's hard to
swallow the retail prices of the 5C
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Specs and price
·
Price: $848 (16GB), $988 (32GB)
·
Network GSM: 1900 /1800 / 900 / 850, HSPA 850 / 900 / 2100, LTE
1800 / 2600
·
Operating System: Apple iOS7
·
Processor: Apple A6 32-bit dual-core 1.3GHz processor
·
Built-in memory: 1GB RAM
·
Display: 4-inch IPS, 1,136 x 640 pixels
·
Camera: 8MP iSight rear camera with LED flash
·
Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.0 / WLAN 802.11 a/b/g/n / GPS and
GLONASS
·
Storage Type: 16/32GB
·
Weight: 132g
Verdict
·
Physique: 8.0
·
Features: 8.0
·
Performance: 8.5
·
User-friendliness: 9.0
·
Value: 7.5
·
Overall: 8.0
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