Apple·Legacy · Released Sep 2013

iPhone 5c

Apple's 2013 polycarbonate experiment — the colourful, cheaper iPhone.

55/ 100 SpecEagle score
From
$549 (launch)
Color · Blue
Display
4.0" IPS LCD
Chipset
Apple A6
Memory
1 GB · 16 GB
Main cam
8 MP · f/2.4
Battery
1,510 mAh
Weight
132 g
Quick answer

The iPhone 5c is a legacy Apple smartphone released Sep 2013, with a launch price of $549 (launch). It pairs the Apple A6 with a 4.0" IPS LCD display, a 8 MP · f/2.4 main camera and a 1,510 mAh battery. In SpecEagle's editorial review it scores 55/100 — The colourful budget iPhone. Standout strengths: five colourful polycarbonate finishes — distinctive even today. and same a6 chip as the iphone 5. Main trade-off: discontinued — last update was ios 10.3.4 in 2019.

AI Snapshot

The colourful budget iPhone.

iPhone 5c was Apple's one attempt at a mainstream "cheaper" iPhone before the SE line — a polycarbonate-bodied iPhone 5 in five colours. Commercially it underwhelmed (buyers stretched to the 5s), but it remains a design landmark and a collector favourite.

Read the full review
Subscores · 0–100
Display58
Camera52
Performance50
Battery56
Build70
Value56
  • Five colourful polycarbonate finishes — distinctive even today.
  • Same A6 chip as the iPhone 5.
  • Reinforced unibody is durable.
  • Reached iOS 10 — long support for the era.

Full specifications

Type
IPS LCD (Retina)
Size
4.0 inches
Resolution
1,136 × 640 px (326 ppi)
Main
8 MP, f/2.4, AF, LED flash
Selfie
1.2 MP, 720p
Video
1080p @ 30 fps

Benchmarks

vs 2025 flagship class average
AnTuTu v10
Δ class avg -97.2%
This
45,000
Class avg
1,620,000
Geekbench 6 Single
Δ class avg -93.8%
This
180
Class avg
2,900
Geekbench 6 Multi
Δ class avg -95.6%
This
360
Class avg
8,100
3DMark Solar Bay
Δ class avg -99.5%
This
0.3 fps
Class avg
62.0 fps

How the iPhone 5c compares

iPhone 5cHMD Pulse ProiPhone 6s Plus
SpecEagle score555554
ChipsetApple A6UNISOC T606Apple A9
Display4.0" IPS LCD6.65" HD+ LCD 90 Hz5.5" LCD 60 Hz
Main camera8 MP · f/2.450 MP · f/1.812 MP · f/2.2
Battery1,510 mAh5,000 mAh2,750 mAh
Launch price$549 (launch)$179$749

Frequently asked questions

When was the iPhone 5c released?

The iPhone 5c was released in Sep 2013.

How much does the iPhone 5c cost?

The iPhone 5c launched at $549 (launch) (manufacturer suggested price at release; street and second-hand prices vary by region, storage tier and time since launch).

What is the iPhone 5c screen size and type?

The iPhone 5c has a 4.0" IPS LCD display.

What chipset does the iPhone 5c use?

The iPhone 5c is powered by the Apple A6 chipset.

How much RAM and storage does the iPhone 5c have?

The iPhone 5c ships with 1 GB · 16 GB (RAM · base storage); higher configurations may be available.

What is the iPhone 5c battery capacity?

The iPhone 5c has a 1,510 mAh battery.

How fast does the iPhone 5c charge?

The iPhone 5c supports 5 W (Lightning) wired charging.

What is the iPhone 5c main camera?

The iPhone 5c has a 8 MP · f/2.4 main camera.

How much does the iPhone 5c weigh?

The iPhone 5c weighs 132 g.

What colours does the iPhone 5c come in?

The iPhone 5c is available in 5 colours: Blue, Green, Pink, Yellow, White.

Is the iPhone 5c worth buying?

iPhone 5c was Apple's one attempt at a mainstream "cheaper" iPhone before the SE line — a polycarbonate-bodied iPhone 5 in five colours. Commercially it underwhelmed (buyers stretched to the 5s), but it remains a design landmark and a collector favourite. SpecEagle gives the iPhone 5c an editorial score of 55/100.

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