Chloe Zhang
Apple's iPhone 5C, introduced in 2013, was marketed as unapologetically plastic. The polycarbonate plastic shell, available in various colours, was positioned as a cheaper alternative to the iPhone 5S. While some criticised the choice of material as feeling cheap, others defended it, noting that polycarbonate is used in many other applications and offers advantages such as shatter resistance. The plastic iPhone 5C sparked discussions about durability and build quality, with some users appreciating the entry-level option and others expressing a preference for more premium materials.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Build Quality | High |
| Back Material | Polycarbonate Plastic |
| Durability | Scratch-resistant, Shatter-resistant |
| Cost | Low |
| Release Date | 20th September 2013 |
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What You'll Learn
The iPhone 5C is made of polycarbonate plastic
The use of polycarbonate plastic in the iPhone 5C's design sparked discussions about Apple's focus on product quality. While some criticised the choice of plastic, others defended it, noting that polycarbonate is different from standard plastic. Polycarbonate has been used in various industries, including optics, to create shatter-resistant products.
The iPhone 5C features a steel-reinforced frame that doubles as an antenna and a high-gloss coating, resulting in a rigid structure with a dense feel. It retailed for $99 with a contract from service providers and was available in five colours: green, yellow, blue, white, and pink.
The 5C's plastic construction offered advantages over its predecessor, the iPhone 4 and 5, which had glass backs that were prone to shattering. The plastic material of the 5C could absorb damage and was less likely to shatter. However, the glossy finish of the iPhone 5C made it more susceptible to scratches compared to a matte finish.
Despite the criticisms and debates surrounding the use of plastic, the iPhone 5C was well-received by some users who appreciated its build quality and considered it a good entry-level iPhone option.
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Apple's use of plastic was likely to reduce costs
Apple's use of plastic in the iPhone 5C was likely to reduce costs for both the company and the consumer. In a video introducing the 5C, design chief Jony Ive stressed the high-end manufacturing that went into the one-piece polycarbonate outer body. He described it as having an "extraordinarily rigid structure" and a "solid, dense feel", despite being a plastic product. The iPhone 5C was available for $99 with a contract from service providers, significantly cheaper than Apple's other offerings.
Apple's use of plastic in the iPhone 5C was likely a strategic decision to reduce costs and offer a more affordable option to consumers. The plastic material allowed for a lower price point without compromising on build quality and durability. The 5C's plastic construction also offered advantages over the glass-backed iPhone 4 and 5, which were notorious for shattering easily. The plastic iPhone 5C could absorb more damage and was less likely to shatter upon impact.
Apple's choice of plastic for the iPhone 5C was also in line with industry trends at the time. In 2013, many phone manufacturers used plastic in their flagship products, such as Samsung's Galaxy S5, which featured a plastic frame and back plate. Apple's decision to embrace the material without attempting to disguise it as something more 'premium' set it apart from competitors.
While some users may have initially associated plastic with lower quality or cheaper devices, Apple's execution of the iPhone 5C challenged these perceptions. The device featured a steel-reinforced frame, a high-gloss coating, and a secondary protective lacquer coating to enhance its durability and scratch resistance.
Overall, Apple's use of plastic in the iPhone 5C was likely a strategic choice to reduce costs and offer a more affordable option without compromising on build quality and durability. By utilising plastic, Apple created a robust and competitively priced device that appealed to a broader range of consumers.
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The plastic shell has a protective lacquer coating
Apple's iPhone 5C is made of plastic. More specifically, it is made of polycarbonate, a type of plastic known for its durability and used in a variety of applications, from eyeglass lenses to motorcycle windshields. In fact, Apple has described the phone as "unapologetically plastic," embracing the material rather than trying to hide it.
The plastic shell of the iPhone 5C has a protective lacquer coating, which is intended to increase scratch resistance. This is a feature that many other plastic devices do not have. While it is difficult to say how well the lacquer coating will hold up over time, it is presumably designed to help protect the phone from scratches and scuffs.
The use of plastic in the iPhone 5C has been a topic of discussion and debate. Some people have questioned whether it is a sign of Apple compromising on product quality or trying to create a cheaper model. However, others have defended the choice of material, noting that not all plastics are created equal and that polycarbonate, in particular, is known for its strength and shatter resistance.
Despite the use of polycarbonate, some users have still found that the iPhone 5C scratches and chips relatively easily, especially compared to devices with a matte finish. This has led some people to use a case to protect their phone, which some feel defeats the purpose of having a plastic phone in the first place.
Overall, while the iPhone 5C's plastic shell with a protective lacquer coating may offer some advantages in terms of durability and cost, it may still require a case to protect it from scratches and scuffs over time.
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The iPhone 5C is available in multiple colours
The iPhone 5C is indeed available in multiple colours. The "c" in the iPhone 5C's name stands for "colour". The iPhone 5C was available in several colour options, including blue, white, pink, yellow, and green. The iPhone 5C was also available in black. The iPhone 5C's plastic case was described by Apple as "beautifully, unapologetically plastic".
The iPhone 5C's polycarbonate shell was strengthened by a steel band. The iPhone 5C was also 20 grams heavier than both the iPhone 5 and 5S due to its material and design changes. The iPhone 5C was also thicker but similar in design to the iPod Touch (5th generation), which was also available in a variety of colours.
The iPhone 5C's colourful design was marketed towards children, with many commenting that their kids wanted the iPhone 5C. The iPhone 5C's colours were also described as "washed out" and "pastel", appealing to Chinese consumers. The iPhone 5C's colours were also said to be "cheap".
The iPhone 5C's plastic case was also a topic of discussion, with some criticising Apple's decision to use polycarbonate for the iPhone's case. Some argued that polycarbonate is a sign of cheap build quality, while others defended Apple's choice, noting that polycarbonate has been used in various industries for its durability.
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Plastic is more durable than glass
Apple's iPhone 5C features a polycarbonate plastic back. While some criticised Apple's choice of material, others defended it, noting that polycarbonate is not the same as other plastics. Indeed, polycarbonate has been used in various industries, including optics, aviation, and computing, to craft shatter-resistant products.
Polycarbonate plastic is also extremely durable and can withstand harsh conditions, making it ideal for construction, transportation, and educational settings. It is practically unbreakable, with a significant resistance to impact—250 times more so than safety glass. It can also endure extreme temperatures, which makes it a safer alternative to glass.
In addition to durability, plastic has other advantages over glass. Acrylic plastic, for instance, has better optical clarity, with a 92% rate compared to 90% for glass. It is also easier to clean, requiring only soap and water, whereas glass demands special anti-streaking cleaning solutions. Plastic is also more lightweight, reducing the need for heavy wall fittings, which may not be supported by weaker walls.
While some may associate plastic with being cheap, this is not always the case. The iPhone 5C, for example, demonstrates that plastic can be used in high-quality products. However, it is worth noting that different types of plastic vary in quality, with some being more prone to scratches and cracks.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the iPhone 5C is made of plastic. Apple has described it as "beautifully, unapologetically plastic".
Apple wanted to create an entry-level iPhone to target consumers likely to switch to more expensive models in the future. The plastic body of the iPhone 5C allowed Apple to position it at a lower cost than its iPhone 5S.
The iPhone 5C has a secondary protective lacquer coating, which presumably increases scratch resistance. While some users have reported that the glossy finish of the iPhone 5C scratches easily, others have argued that plastic is less likely to shatter compared to glass.
