Apple Confirms iPhone 5C with 4-inch Retina Display and A6 SoC

News
By Jane McEntegart
published

Prices start at just $99.

We've been hearing rumors about a cheaper, lower-end iPhone for years. Finally, five years after the original iPhone was launched, Apple is giving the people what they want: A budget-friendly iPhone that doesn't break the bank and doesn't skimp on specs.

 

The iPhone 5C is wrapped in a single piece of hard-coated polycarbonate plastic as opposed to the sleek brushed metal of the iPhone 5S (and previous generations of iPhone) and it is available in white, green, blue, pink, and yellow. There's also a bunch of specially crafted colorful cases, so protecting your phone doesn't mean hiding away that lovely bright color.

As far as specs are concerned, the iPhone 5C is more than decent for its category. The iPhone 5C will run on Apple's A6 SoC and features a 4-inch retina display, integrated touch, full sRGB, an 8-megapixel iSight camera, a new Facetime HD camera with improved low-light functionality, dual-band WiFi a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, and more LTE bands than any other phone.

The iPhone 5C is priced at $99 and $199 for the 16 GB and 32 GB models respectively. Those prices come with a two-year contract. It's not clear if Apple plans to sell the iPhone 5C off-contract. We'll keep you posted on that one.

Check out LAPTOP's hands-on of the iPhone 5C.

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Jane McEntegart
19 Comments Comment from the forums
  • x2ruff4u
    People still do contracts?
    Reply
  • bustapr
    "The iPhone 5C is priced at $99 and $199 for the 16 GB and 32 GB models respectively. Those prices come with a two-year contract. It's not clear if Apple plans to sell the iPHone 5C off-contract. We'll keep you posted on that one."

    I believe out definitions of "not breaking the bank" may differ greatly. If I'm not mistaken this is what most new phones cost in exchange for your soul for 2 years these days.
    Reply
  • halcyon
    Most folks in the US are fine with a 2-year contract. If not, there's retail price and I'm sure Apple and the carriers would be glad to to give it to you from behind or in front. ...gotta pay to play.
    Reply
  • deftonian
    $100 for an extra 16gb... man, companies like this make me sick. No functionality to add your own SD card so that you'll have to opt for the 32gb model and pay the extra $100. Mind you a 16gb micro SD card can be had for $10 - $15 on sale usually... yet Apple says, NOPE, $100 BIATCH!
    Reply
  • chuckydb
    So basically, it's last years iphone 5 with new colors, but still priced like a high end phone to compete with lower priced phone. Nice job Apple.
    Nexus 5 please?
    Reply
  • p05esto
    Who buys Apple phones anymore when Win8 phones like Lumia 928 or that new 1050 something is out there? I'll take the amazing camera with actual zoom over lame Apple colors everyday of the week. I buy a case the color I want. Why even bother with colors?
    Reply
  • halcyon
    11514198 said:
    Who buys Apple phones anymore when Win8 phones like Lumia 928 or that new 1050 something is out there? I'll take the amazing camera with actual zoom over lame Apple colors everyday of the week. I buy a case the color I want. Why even bother with colors?

    The % of folks that actually desire a Windows phone is so small that it may as well not even be mentioned when you compare it to Android and iOS devices.
    Reply
  • doogansquest
    @halcyon: That used to be the case, but Windows phones are gaining traction because of their all-in-one integration to other Windows devices (XBox, tablets, etc). In Europe, specifically, the market is huge for Windows phones because the Nokia hub is there.

    The point isn't about the market share for Windows, just that there are other (and far better options) than an Apple product nowadays. Not only are these products smarter, and coming with more beef under the hood, they are often less expensive because they don't have a stenciled piece of fruit on the back.
    Reply
  • iam2thecrowe
    so you pay $100 more for 16gb?.......wtf.
    Reply
  • whyso
    That hand's on video only reinforces how much this thing looks like it was made by fischer-price.
    Reply