Low-Cost iPhone '5C' May Include 8-Megapixel Camera

[MacRumors]

Apple's upcoming low-cost iPhone, perhaps called the iPhone "5C", may come equipped with the same 8-megapixel sapphire crystal-covered camera found in the iPhone 5, reports Chinese site IT168 [Google Translation]. The site has shared an image of what is claimed to be the iPhone 5C camera module, which appears similar to the existing iPhone 5 camera module.

While the low-cost iPhone will potentially incorporate the 8-megapixel camera of the iPhone 5, Apple's iPhone 5S is expected to get an upgraded 12-megapixel camera that will offer improved low light photography.

Though the 5C is labeled as the low-cost iPhone, it appears that it will share other characteristics with Apple's existing iPhone 5 and upcoming iPhone 5S, offering some of the same components in a cheaper polycarbonate shell. Using similar parts prevents Apple from having to source new materials and rumors have suggested that the iPhone 5C could even be intended to serve as a replacement for the iPhone 5.

Based on leaked specs and purported casing images, the iPhone 5C is expected to feature a plastic shell in multiple bright colors. The case design appears to be more rounded than the existing iPhone 5 and it is expected to be slightly taller and larger to accommodate the thicker plastic shell, as seen in renderings commissioned by MacRumors last month.

According to the most recent report, the iPhone 5C is expected to launch in early September, alongside Apple's upcoming iPhone 5S. Estimates have suggested that it could be priced between $450 and $550, which would likely lower the price to $99 or below with carrier subsidies.

(Thanks, Mobilespie!)

Article Link: Low-Cost iPhone '5C' May Include 8-Megapixel Camera

 

[basketballbrian]

that ought to encourage a few more buyers.

 

[AppleWarMachine]

Leftovers for the 5C

 

[ThatsMeRight]

So, basically, they are going for an iPhone 5 with higher profit margins (plastic, cheap material + cheaper to fabricate) and a Lightning connector?

$199 - iPhone 5S
$99 - 'iPhone 5C'
$0 - iPhone 4S

In otherwords: it's the iPhone 5 in a less expensive housing, reserving the 'premium aluminium design' for the $199-model.

 

[Klae17]

It is the minimum camera Apple has to put in their iPhone. Just like the minimum screen in the iPad mini needs to be retina. Apple's lead has to be their hardware.

 

[AngerDanger]

More importantly, Apple will include a small ice cube to set above the 8mp camera!

 

[ghettochris]

8 megapixel is enough for me for now, I'd rather they focus on the image quality and low light sensitivity instead. My first digital camera which was 3.2 megapixels still takes better pictures than my phone due to superior optics. I say make the lens and sensor bigger!

 

[Jalopybox]

12mp is just stupid. Better optics, sensors are needed. I don't need a bunch of larger file sized pics of the same quality. Not needed at all.

 

[Tankmaze]

wow, not that low cost now is it. good move by apple,
won't be surprise if the 5C would also use A6 chip that powered the iPhone 5.

 

[lordofthereef]

I wouldn't be surprised if this new phone is essentially just the iPhone 5 in a less expensive housing.

 

[ghettochris]

More importantly, Apple will include a small ice cube to set above the 8mp camera!

haha, made me think of this for some reason:

http://worleygig.files.wordpress.com/2011/11/ice-cube-and-ice-tea.jpg

looking for it I found this

http://dummiesoftheyear.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Ice-Tea-and-Ice-Cube.jpg

 

[iSteve-O]

I wish they wouldn't discontinue the iPhone 5 and continue selling it along with the 5S.

$99 w/ contract for the iPhone 5 would be awesome.

 

[Grimace]

If the sensor itself doesn't get larger, a 12MP image will do worse in low light situations because each pixel has be smaller (and let in less light). Stick to 8 and improve the optics!

 

[Georgij]

Waiting for iPhone to match Lumia's camera

 

[macosxuser01]

So, basically, they are going for an iPhone 5 with higher profit margins (plastic, cheap material + cheaper to fabricate) and a Lightning connector?

$199 - iPhone 5S
$99 - 'iPhone 5C'
$0 - iPhone 4S

iPhone 4S becomes discontinue by Apple. I think iPhone 5C will be $0 or $49. Knowing Apple they want to make a splash at this event and I think if there trying to get more consumers such as the teenagers in which parents buy them a cheap phone who can't afford a $199 + tax + 2yr contract this is best solution.

 

[cheesyappleuser]

So, basically, they are going for an iPhone 5 with higher profit margins (plastic, cheap material + cheaper to fabricate) and a Lightning connector?

$199 - iPhone 5S
$99 - 'iPhone 5C'
$0 - iPhone 4S

More like
$199 - iPhone 5S
$0 - 'iPhone 5C' ($99 is possible, but looks less likely IMO)

What worries me is the $450 price tag though.

 

[Chatter]

5c => 5

So, basically, they are going for an iPhone 5 with higher profit margins (plastic, cheap material + cheaper to fabricate) and a Lightning connector?

I dont know about the pricing but yes, I think its likely that the 5C is essentially the current 5. Since most people dont like buying an "old" or "outdated" phone, this makes business sense to repackage the ip5 as the "new" ip5C.

 

[iLilana]

I see this

I see this becoming higher and higher cost every time a rumour pops up

 

[Sodner]

So, basically, they are going for an iPhone 5 with higher profit margins (plastic, cheap material + cheaper to fabricate) and a Lightning connector?

$199 - iPhone 5S
$99 - 'iPhone 5C'
$0 - iPhone 4S

People here have suggested, and I for one agree, that Apple will eliminate the 4 and 4s altogether. Then there is just one screen size to worry about and no more 30 pin connectors as well.

 

[gadgettechgeek]

iPhone 5S, I don't think its coming

Is it only me? but I am getting the idea that the "C" version will take over the "S", and we will see wider disparity between updates from now on. We might not see the next update until next year for the iPhone 5. Wouldn't we see some rumors for the "S" yet?- haven't seen any, surely they would show up by now. We may see the new version as the "6" instead next year...

 

[jecowa]

8 megapixels seems kind of silly with such a tiny lens. I think 3.1 MP is plenty for a camera phone.

 

[xionxiox]

Is it only me? but I am getting the idea that the "C" version will take over the "S", and we will see wider disparity between updates from now on. We might not see the next update until next year for the iPhone 5. Wouldn't we see some rumors for the "S" yet?- haven't seen any, surely they would show up by now. We may see the new version as the "6" instead next year...

There have been tons of rumors about the 5S. Just because you're new doesn't mean the rumors don't exist. Go through the past articles.

 

[brdeveloper]

8 megapixel is enough for me for now, I'd rather they focus on the image quality and low light sensitivity instead. My first digital camera which was 3.2 megapixels still takes better pictures than my phone due to superior optics. I say make the lens and sensor bigger!

Megapixel is one of the less important feature in phone cameras. A physical shutter button is way more useful as it allows self-portraits and more stability preventing shaking. A modern 5MP sensor in a f/2.4, 35mm-like focal length lens would be pretty nice.

 

[Laco]

There's nothing "cheap" about $550. For me to consider this thing it would have to be under $400 because I could certainly buy something much better for $550.

 

[TouchMint.com]

Looks like this is just going to be an iphone 5 reskinned. Its not bad but its not going to cost less than $99.