Maya Ellison
The iPhone 5C is made of plastic, specifically polycarbonate, which is a type of plastic known for being shatter-resistant, heat-resistant, and lightweight. Apple has described the phone as beautifully, unapologetically plastic, with a high-end manufacturing process that results in a rigid structure and a solid, dense feel. The use of plastic allowed Apple to create a single-piece outer body with a continuous and seamless exterior. While the plastic is scratch-resistant due to its coating, it is not immune to scratches, and users are advised to use a case to protect their phones. The iPhone 5C was introduced as a lower-cost alternative to the iPhone 5S, with a starting price of $99, and was available in five colours: green, yellow, blue, white, and pink.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic material | Polycarbonate |
| Plastic quality | Refined, shatter-resistant, heat-resistant, scratch-resistant (lacquer-coated) |
| Colors | Green, white, blue, pink, yellow, black |
| Price | $99 |
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What You'll Learn
- The iPhone 5C's polycarbonate body is shatter-resistant and lightweight
- The plastic scratches easily, so Apple coats it to improve scratch resistance
- The iPhone 5C is available in five colours: green, yellow, blue, white and pink
- Apple's use of plastic was a strategic choice to reduce costs and reach a wider range of customers
- The plastic shell is prone to fingerprints and requires maintenance to keep it clean
The iPhone 5C's polycarbonate body is shatter-resistant and lightweight
The iPhone 5C is made of plastic, specifically polycarbonate. While some critics have claimed that the material choice is a sign of Apple compromising on product quality, polycarbonate is not a cheap material. In fact, it has been used for years in the optical industry to craft eyeglass lenses that are shatter-resistant and thinner than standard plastic lenses. Polycarbonate is also used in the windshields of motorcycles, planes, and helicopters, as well as in some computer screens and e-ink devices.
The iPhone 5C's polycarbonate body is shatter-resistant, lightweight, heat-resistant, and scratch-resistant due to its lacquer coating. It also allowed Apple to replace multiple parts with a single component, creating a continuous and seamless exterior. This not only improves the build quality but also reduces the weight of the phone.
While the iPhone 5C's polycarbonate body is scratch-resistant, it is not scratch-proof. It is still advisable to use a case to protect the phone from scratches and other types of damage.
The use of polycarbonate also allowed Apple to offer the iPhone 5C at a lower price than its predecessor, the iPhone 5. This strategy helped Apple reach a wider range of customers and boost its sales, especially among those looking for a high-quality smartphone at a more affordable price point.
In summary, the iPhone 5C's polycarbonate body is a well-engineered and thoughtful choice by Apple. It offers shatter resistance, lightweight construction, and a seamless design while also enabling a more accessible price point for consumers.
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The plastic scratches easily, so Apple coats it to improve scratch resistance
The iPhone 5C is a plastic-backed phone, made of polycarbonate. While polycarbonate is shatter-resistant, heat-resistant, and lightweight, it scratches easily. To mitigate this, Apple coated the polycarbonate back of the iPhone 5C with lacquer to improve its scratch resistance. However, the iPhone 5C can still scratch, so it is recommended to use a protective case to shield the phone from scratches.
Apple's use of plastic for the iPhone 5C's body sparked discussions about the company's focus on product quality. Some critics viewed the plastic case as a sign of compromised quality, while others defended it as a practical and widely used material. Polycarbonate, a type of plastic, is known for its durability and has been used in various industries, including optics and transportation.
The iPhone 5C's plastic shell is glossy and colourful, reminiscent of the iPhone 3G and 3GS. While it offers improved sturdiness and quality, it is prone to fingerprints and scratches. The use of plastic allowed Apple to create a seamless exterior with a continuous form, material, and colour. This design strategy targeted a specific demographic and contributed to the iPhone 5C's aesthetic appeal.
Scratch resistance is a common concern for smartphone users, and Apple has addressed this issue in newer iPhone models. For example, the iPhone 12 features Ceramic Shield technology, which improves drop protection while making the screen more susceptible to scratches. Users have reported varying experiences with scratch resistance on their iPhones, with some experiencing scratches within a week of purchase.
To enhance scratch protection, users often resort to screen protectors and cases. Screen protectors made of glass or plastic can safeguard iPhone displays from scratches and cracks. Additionally, stainless steel watches are known for their superior scratch resistance compared to aluminum alternatives. While scratch resistance is desirable, a shattered screen is often considered a more significant issue, as it can be dangerous and require a costly replacement.
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The iPhone 5C is available in five colours: green, yellow, blue, white and pink
The iPhone 5C is made of plastic, specifically polycarbonate, which is a type of plastic known for its use in shatter-resistant products like eyeglass lenses, motorcycle windshields, and computer screens. Despite being plastic, the iPhone 5C is said to have good build quality and is not cheap-looking. The phone is available in five colours: green, yellow, blue, white, and pink. The back and sides of the phone are made from a single piece of hard-coated polycarbonate, which gives it a continuous and seamless exterior. The use of polycarbonate also helps to keep the weight of the phone down.
The iPhone 5C's plastic body has been a topic of discussion, with some criticising it as a sign of Apple compromising on product quality. However, Apple has embraced the use of plastic, calling it "beautifully, unapologetically plastic" in its advertising campaigns. The company has also emphasised that the plastic material used in the iPhone 5C is different from that of other smartphones and has been refined specifically for this model.
While the polycarbonate body of the iPhone 5C offers shatter resistance, it is prone to scratches. To address this issue, Apple has lacquer-coated the polycarbonate back of the phone to enhance its scratch resistance. However, it is still recommended to use a protective case to safeguard the device from scratches and keep it looking new.
The iPhone 5C's colourful options and improved front-facing camera targeted a specific demographic, offering a unique combination of design and functionality. The phone's plastic body and lower price point, starting at $99, allowed Apple to reach a broader range of customers. The iPhone 5C provided an affordable option for those seeking a high-quality smartphone with a vibrant and modern aesthetic.
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Apple's use of plastic was a strategic choice to reduce costs and reach a wider range of customers
Apple's use of plastic for the iPhone 5C was a strategic choice with multiple benefits. Firstly, it allowed Apple to reduce production costs, as plastic is cheaper to source and manufacture than metal. This resulted in a lower retail price for the iPhone 5C compared to other iPhone models, enabling Apple to reach a wider range of customers.
The use of plastic, specifically polycarbonate, also offered functional advantages. Polycarbonate is shatter-resistant, heat-resistant, and lightweight, improving the durability and usability of the iPhone 5C. It is a material used in various industries, including optics and automotive, for its strength and shatter-resistance.
While polycarbonate scratches more easily than metal, Apple addressed this issue by applying a lacquer coating to the iPhone 5C's back, enhancing its scratch resistance.
The plastic construction of the iPhone 5C also facilitated design flexibility. Apple offered the iPhone 5C in multiple bright colours, providing a visually appealing and distinctive option for consumers.
In summary, Apple's decision to use plastic for the iPhone 5C was a strategic choice that reduced costs, improved durability and usability, and enabled design flexibility. This choice aligned with Apple's goal of creating a budget phone that could appeal to a broader customer base without compromising on functionality.
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The plastic shell is prone to fingerprints and requires maintenance to keep it clean
The iPhone 5C features a plastic shell, specifically made of polycarbonate. This material is known for being shatter-resistant, lightweight, and heat-resistant. However, one notable downside of the plastic shell is its propensity to attract fingerprints and scratches.
Due to the glossy finish of the iPhone 5C's plastic shell, fingerprints and smudges are highly visible and can be a nuisance to users who prefer a clean and pristine appearance for their device. Keeping the phone free of fingerprints requires regular maintenance and cleaning. Users may need to invest in a polishing cloth or screen cleaner to keep the phone looking its best.
Additionally, while the polycarbonate material is scratch-resistant to some extent, it is not immune to scratches. Everyday use can result in shallow scratches on the plastic shell, which can be unsightly and affect the overall aesthetic of the phone. Apple has attempted to mitigate this issue by applying a lacquer coating to the polycarbonate back, enhancing its scratch resistance.
To maintain the iPhone 5C's plastic shell in pristine condition, it is recommended to take preventive measures such as using a protective case. This adds an extra layer of protection against scratches and scuffs, keeping the original shell intact. Cases are available from both Apple and third-party manufacturers, offering a range of style and functionality options.
For users who prefer to use their iPhone 5C without a case, there are ways to remove scratches from the plastic shell. One method involves using a polishing cloth with a small amount of Brasso or a cream product designed for scratch removal. By gently rubbing the cream onto the plastic in circular motions and then buffing the residue with a clean cloth, scratches can be significantly reduced, and the shell can be restored to a shiny finish. Alternatively, users can try more intensive methods such as heating the dented area with a heat gun and pushing out the dents with a blunt object, followed by sanding and polishing to smoothen the surface.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the iPhone 5C has a plastic body. Apple has described the phone as "beautifully, unapologetically plastic".
Apple wanted the iPhone 5C to be "colorful and well-made". Using polycarbonate plastic, the company was able to replace multiple parts with a single component with a continuous and seamless exterior. The plastic also allowed Apple to reach a wider range of customers by lowering the price of the iPhone 5C.
The polycarbonate plastic used for the iPhone 5C is shatter-resistant, heat-resistant, and scratch-resistant (although it can still scratch if enough force is applied).
