When a new model of any product is launched, it is only natural to compare the new one with its predecessor: Can this one do something that the other one couldn’t? It’s a measuring stick, and a way to place the new gadget in context.
But simply comparing the iPhone 5C with its closest predecessor is a mistake. As for the specifications, it is deceptively similar to the iPhone 5, and those who have one should instead look at the new iPhone 5S for upgrading. If, on the other hand, you have an iPhone 4 or 4S – or a phone from another manufacturer – then the matter is put in a completely different light. In that case, the slightly lower price for what is still a really good phone could be tempting.
The iPhone 5C is available in a bunch of different pastel-colored designs.
Design
You see the biggest difference to the iPhone 5 immediately. Apple has injected a healthy dose of color into the new phone, which you can get in blue, green, pink, yellow or white. We have held several of the models in our hands and find that the colors are stylish and stylish. Instead of metal and glass, it has a polycarbonate plastic casing.
It is stiff and feels durable, perhaps in part due to the metal reinforcements. In addition, it has a much better grip than the other iPhone models. It also feels heavier than the iPhone 5, and it is. But it’s still far from heavy, and for the many users who thought the iPhone 5 felt too light without a case or shell, the slightly increased weight is probably welcome.
It’s a bit thicker and heavier than the iPhone 5 due to the new case but has the same hardware under the shell.
The camera
There are also a couple of technical improvements here. The iPhone 5C supports more lte frequency bands than the iPhone 5. The only other major news on the hardware front is that the camera on the front of the phone has improved. It has higher resolution and performs better in low light situations. In conversations with the iPhone’s Facetime app, it doesn’t seem to make any visible difference – we’re guessing it’s because the video is so heavily compressed. The camera on the back is exactly the same as in the iPhone 5. As I said, no improvement there, but a striking difference compared to older iPhones.
Performance
For those who have continued to use one of the older iPhone models, two or three years of development of IOS and various apps have meant that the phone no longer feels as cool as when it arrived. With new and cooler apps that can feel a little slow on these models, the iPhone 5C becomes a breath of fresh air in performance. Apple has squeezed a little less clean performance out of the processor in the iPhone 5C than in the iPhone 5 predecessor, but on the other hand gets a slightly longer battery life.
Our test showed that the iPhone 5C could play a video on repeat for a full 10 hours and 19 minutes before giving up, while the iPhone 5 managed 9 hours and 37 minutes. The iPhone 4S only got 8 hours and 31 minutes.
Apple also releases new protective shells for the 5C, but a peculiar design to say the least.
Conclusion
The iPhone 5C is sold unbound in Swedish stores for as little as SEK 4,700. That’s significantly cheaper than the equivalent iPhone 5 cost for just a few. The iPhone 5C will inevitably be a parenthesis compared to the iPhone 5S in Apple history, but for those who pounce on the colorful phone today, that doesn’t matter. The new-age phone is powerful, capable and cheaper than its predecessor.
iPhone 5C
Manufacturer: Apple, www.apple.se
Processor: Swift, 1.3 GHz dual core.
System circuit: Apple A6.
Graphics: PowerVR SGX543MP3.
Memory: 1 GB.
Storage: 16-32 GB.
Screen: 4 inch ips, 640 x 1136 pixels.
Connection: 2g, 3g, 4g, 802.11a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 4, agps.
Cameras: 8 megapixel + LED rear, 2 megapixel front.
Operating system: IOS 7.
Battery life: 10 hours, 19 minutes of video playback.
Size: 5.9 × 12.5 × 0.9 cm.
Weight: 132 g.
Award: SEK 4,700 (for 16 GB).
Plus: Better Facetime camera. Substantial improvement from iPhone 4. Good battery life.
Minus: Colorful plastic casing is not to everyone’s taste. No major difference compared to iPhone 5.
Grade: 
(8 out of 10)