The Apple iPhone 5c, released in September 2013, introduced a more colorful and affordable option to the iPhone lineup. With its distinctive plastic body and range of bright colors, the iPhone 5c was designed to appeal to a younger audience. Despite its playful design, the iPhone 5c was a powerful device, supporting a wide range of LTE networks, making it a versatile choice for users around the world. This article dives into the supported LTE networks, full specifications, and a detailed review of the iPhone 5c.
Apple iPhone 5c Supported LTE Networks and Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Network Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE |
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 – all versions CDMA 800 / 1700 / 1900 / 2100 – A1532 (CDMA), A1456 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700 / 1900 / 2100 – A1532 (GSM), A1532 (CDMA), A1456 HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 – A1507, A1529 CDMA2000 1xEV-DO – A1533 (CDMA), A1453 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 13, 17, 19, 20, 25 – A1532 GSM, A1532 CDMA 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26 – A1456 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20 – A1507 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 39, 40 – A1529 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat3 100/50 Mbps, EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps |
| Announced | September 2013 |
| Released | September 2013 |
| Status | Discontinued |
| Dimensions | 124.4 x 59.2 x 9 mm (4.90 x 2.33 x 0.35 in) |
| Weight | 132 g (4.66 oz) |
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Display Type | IPS LCD |
| Display Size | 4.0 inches, 44.1 cm2 (~59.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Resolution | 640 x 1136 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~326 ppi density) |
| OS | iOS 7, upgradable to iOS 10.3.3 |
| Chipset | Apple A6 (32 nm) |
| CPU | Dual-core 1.3 GHz Swift (ARM v7-based) |
| GPU | PowerVR SGX 543MP3 (triple-core graphics) |
| Internal Storage | 8GB 1GB RAM, 16GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 1GB RAM, no expandable storage |
| Main Camera | Single: 8 MP, f/2.4, 33mm (standard), 1/3.2″, 1.4µm, AF |
| Camera Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Video | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie Camera | Single: 1.2 MP |
| Selfie Camera Features | Face detection, FaceTime over Wi-Fi or Cellular |
| Selfie Video | 720p@30fps |
| Loudspeaker | Yes |
| 3.5mm Jack | Yes, 16-bit/44.1kHz audio |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band |
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP, LE |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS |
| NFC | No |
| Radio | No |
| USB | Lightning, USB 2.0 |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery | Li-Po 1510 mAh, non-removable (5.73 Wh) |
| Stand-by Time | Up to 250 h (3G) |
| Talk Time | Up to 10 h (3G) |
| Colors | White, Blue, Green, Yellow, Pink |
| Models | A1456, A1507, A1516, A1529, A1532, iPhone5,3, iPhone5,4 |
| Price | About 300 EUR |
| Tests | Performance: Basemark X: 2225 Display: Contrast ratio: 1233:1 (nominal) / 3.512:1 (sunlight) Camera: Photo / Video Loudspeaker: Voice 66dB / Noise 65dB / Ring 66dB Audio quality: Noise -93.9dB / Crosstalk -80.3dB |
Review of the Apple iPhone 5c
Design and Build Quality
The Apple iPhone 5c stood out in the smartphone market with its vibrant and playful design. Unlike the more premium aluminum finish of its sibling, the iPhone 5s, the iPhone 5c sported a colorful plastic back and frame, making it a more budget-friendly option without compromising on build quality. The plastic body, however, did not feel cheap; Apple ensured it was solid and durable, with a glossy finish that felt great in hand. Available in a variety of colors including White, Blue, Green, Yellow, and Pink, the iPhone 5c was a refreshing change in a market dominated by black and white phones.
Display
The iPhone 5c featured a 4.0-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 640 x 1136 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of 326 ppi. This Retina display was sharp and clear, with excellent color reproduction and wide viewing angles. Although the screen size was smaller compared to modern standards, it was well-suited for one-handed use and still delivered a high-quality viewing experience for media consumption, browsing, and gaming.
Performance
Under the hood, the iPhone 5c was powered by the Apple A6 chipset with a dual-core 1.3 GHz Swift CPU and PowerVR SGX 543MP3 GPU. Despite being a more affordable model, the iPhone 5c did not compromise on performance. It handled everyday tasks with ease, from web browsing to running apps and games. The device shipped with iOS 7 but was upgradable to iOS 10.3.3, ensuring that users had access to the latest features and security updates during its lifespan.
With 1GB of RAM and storage options ranging from 8GB to 32GB, the iPhone 5c provided adequate space for apps, media, and documents, though the lack of expandable storage meant users had to be mindful of their available space.
Camera
The iPhone 5c featured an 8 MP rear camera with autofocus and LED flash. The camera was capable of capturing high-quality images with good detail and color accuracy, particularly in well-lit conditions. The panorama and HDR modes added versatility to the camera, while the video recording capability at 1080p@30fps ensured smooth and clear videos.
The front-facing 1.2 MP camera was primarily designed for FaceTime calls but was also capable of taking decent selfies and recording 720p video.
Battery Life
The iPhone 5c was equipped with a 1510 mAh Li-Po battery, which was non-removable. Despite the relatively small battery capacity by today’s standards, the iPhone 5c provided up to 10 hours of talk time on 3G and up to 250 hours of standby time. The efficient iOS and hardware optimization ensured that the device could last a full day of moderate use, covering activities like browsing, calling, and media playback.
Verdict
The Apple iPhone 5c was a well-rounded device that offered excellent value for money at the time of its release. Its combination of colorful design, reliable performance, and solid camera capabilities made it a popular choice for users who wanted an iPhone experience at a more affordable price. While it may not have had the cutting-edge features of the iPhone 5s, the iPhone 5c held its own as a capable and stylish smartphone.
For those looking for a nostalgic yet functional iPhone, the iPhone 5c remains a notable option, particularly in its vibrant colors.
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