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Cracking Open the Apple iPhone 5C

By , October 2, 2013, 6:19 PM

  • iPhone 5C teardown

    The iPhone 5C has the same processor, rear camera, and Retina display as the iPhone 5. But Apple didn't just slap a series of colorful plastic cases on last year's phone. On the inside, the 5C is a unique device, with hardware upgrades and design elements from both the 5 and new 5S.

    In this Cracking Open gallery, I walk you through the process of disassembling the iPhone 5C and give you a tour of the internal hardware. For a detailed analysis of the teardown, check out my article and video, iPhone 5C teardown reveals upgrades and design changes.

  • Cracking Open iPhone 5C: Hardware specs and pricing

    Like the iPhone 5, the new 5C has an A6 processor, 8-megapixel iSight camera, and Retina display. The 5C does however, have a higher-capacity battery and improved FaceTime camera. There are also several subtle design changes inside the case. The iPhone 5C is available with 16GB ($99) or 32GB ($199) of storage--prices include carrier subsidy usually based on a activating a new 2-year plan.

  • Cracking Open iPhone 5C: Box contents

    Along with the handset, the iPhone 5C package include a power adapter, USB to Lightning cable, earbuds, and product documentation.

  • Cracking Open iPhone 5C: Dimensions and weight

    At 2.33 inches wide, 4.90 inches tall, 0.35 inches thick, and weighing 4.65 ounces, the iPhone 5C is larger and heavier than the iPhone 5 or 5S.

  • Cracking Open iPhone 5C: Colorful cases

    Our test unit had a white polycarbonate case, but the  iPhone 5C is also available in pink, yellow, blue and green.

  • Cracking Open iPhone 5C: Right

  • Cracking Open iPhone 5C: Left

  • Cracking Open iPhone 5C: Headphone jack, Lightning connector, and speaker

  • Cracking Open iPhone 5C: iSight camera, flash, and rear mic

  • Cracking Open iPhone 5C: FaceTime camera, earpiece speaker, and front sensors

  • Cracking Open iPhone 5C: Home button

    Unlike the iPhone 5S, the 5C's Home button is NOT a fingerprint scanner.

  • Cracking Open iPhone 5C: SIM card removed

  • Cracking Open iPhone 5C: Removing the external case screws

  • Cracking Open iPhone 5C: Popping loose the front panel

  • Cracking Open iPhone 5C: No Home button ribbon cable

    Unlike the iPhone 5S, there is no ribbon cable attached to the Home button assembly.

  • Cracking Open iPhone 5C: Lifting up the front panel

  • Cracking Open iPhone 5C: Preparing to disconnect the front panel connectors

  • Cracking Open iPhone 5C: Front panel connectors

  • Cracking Open iPhone 5C: Removing the battery connector cover screws

  • Cracking Open iPhone 5C: Removing the battery connector cover

  • Cracking Open iPhone 5C: Disconnecting the battery

  • Cracking Open iPhone 5C: Removing the main board's upper connector cover screws

  • Cracking Open iPhone 5C: Removing the main board's upper connector cover

  • Cracking Open iPhone 5C: Detaching the front panel connectors

  • Cracking Open iPhone 5C: Internal hardware

  • Cracking Open iPhone 5C: Front panel and display assembly

  • Cracking Open iPhone 5C: FaceTime camera, earpiece speaker, and front-facing sensor assembly

  • Cracking Open iPhone 5C: Home button assembly

  • Cracking Open iPhone 5C: Case with attached hardware

  • Cracking Open iPhone 5C: Detaching the main system board connectors

  • Cracking Open iPhone 5C: Removing the main system board screws and standoffs

  • Cracking Open iPhone 5C: Removing the main system board

  • Cracking Open iPhone 5C: Main system board removed

  • Cracking Open iPhone 5C: Removing the iSight camera cover screws

  • Cracking Open iPhone 5C: Removing the iSight camera cover

  • Cracking Open iPhone 5C: Removing the iSight camera

  • Cracking Open iPhone 5C: 8-megapixel iSight camera

  • Cracking Open iPhone 5C: Camera markings

  • Cracking Open iPhone 5C: Vibration motor

  • Cracking Open iPhone 5C: Volume buttons and ring/vibrate switch

  • Cracking Open iPhone 5C: 3.8V, 5.73Whr 1510mAh battery (APN: 616-0667)

  • Cracking Open iPhone 5C: Headphone jack, Lightning connector, and speaker assembly

  • Cracking Open iPhone 5C: Vibration motor, LED flash, Sleep/wake button, and misc contacts/cables

  • Cracking Open iPhone 5C: Front panel clips

  • Cracking Open iPhone 5C: Main system board - Front

  • Cracking Open iPhone 5C: Main system board - back

  • Cracking Open iPhone 5C: Completely disassembled

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iPhone 5C teardown

The iPhone 5C has the same processor, rear camera, and Retina display as the iPhone 5. But Apple didn't just slap a series of colorful plastic cases on last year's phone. On the inside, the 5C is a unique device, with hardware upgrades and design elements from both the 5 and new 5S.

In this Cracking Open gallery, I walk you through the process of disassembling the iPhone 5C and give you a tour of the internal hardware. For a detailed analysis of the teardown, check out my article and video, iPhone 5C teardown reveals upgrades and design changes.

About Bill Detwiler

Bill Detwiler is Managing Editor Tech Pro Research and the host of Cracking Open, CNET and TechRepublic's popular online show. He was most recently Managing Editor for TechRepublic Pro. Prior to joining TechRepublic in 2000, Bill was an IT manager, d...

3 comments
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jcuvdb
jcuvdb

It's not "completely disassembled"... You just take apart 6 parts... I think it should be a pain in the a$$ to keep removing screws and adhesive...

Akais1
Akais1

It only works if you are using Safari on a Mac.

dogknees
dogknees

Ummm... How do I scroll the thumbnails so I can see the rest? The arrow just moves to the next image.

Is this another feature of the new site design?

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