Plastic shell purportedly for Apple's 'iPhone 5C' shines in durability test
A plastic rear shell, alleged to be a production part destined for Apple's rumored low-cost "iPhone 5C," has appeared in a new video report out of Taiwan, where it was measured and even put through a scratch resistance test.
The shell, procured by Taiwanese blog Apple Daily (via MacRumors), is subjected to a cursory durability test by shaking it in a plastic bag alongside coins and car keys, then forcefully scratching at the surface with the tip of a key. The shell comes out of the test mostly unscathed, a good sign for the durability of the "iPhone 5C" if the part is indeed legitimate.
The report indicates that the shell sports a hardness equivalent to an "8H" grade on the pencil hardness test, the second-hardest grade given. The pencil hardness test is a standard measure of a material's scratch resistance.
While it is plausible that the shell in the report could be a legitimate Apple part, there are some inconsistencies ? such as the lack of regulatory markings below the "iPhone" name ? that could indicate it may be a well-made fake. Schematics for the "iPhone 5C" have been circulating among the Chinese accessory manufacturers since at least early June.
A purported "iPhone 5S" back plate also makes an appearance in the report, sporting a redesigned flash enclosure for the rumored dual LED flash. But that part features a blue back, suggesting it may not be authentic.
The shell, procured by Taiwanese blog Apple Daily (via MacRumors), is subjected to a cursory durability test by shaking it in a plastic bag alongside coins and car keys, then forcefully scratching at the surface with the tip of a key. The shell comes out of the test mostly unscathed, a good sign for the durability of the "iPhone 5C" if the part is indeed legitimate.
The report indicates that the shell sports a hardness equivalent to an "8H" grade on the pencil hardness test, the second-hardest grade given. The pencil hardness test is a standard measure of a material's scratch resistance.
While it is plausible that the shell in the report could be a legitimate Apple part, there are some inconsistencies ? such as the lack of regulatory markings below the "iPhone" name ? that could indicate it may be a well-made fake. Schematics for the "iPhone 5C" have been circulating among the Chinese accessory manufacturers since at least early June.
A purported "iPhone 5S" back plate also makes an appearance in the report, sporting a redesigned flash enclosure for the rumored dual LED flash. But that part features a blue back, suggesting it may not be authentic.
Comments
I am still against this idea.
Realistic nailed it.
What's next, benchmarks?
Notice again how there is not FCC labeling?
Quote:
Originally Posted by AaronJ
I am still against this idea.
What idea? Any idea? All ideas?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Richard Getz
Notice again how there is not FCC labeling?
Notice how the article specifically discusses the lack of regulatory labeling?
Quote:
Originally Posted by TeaEarleGreyHot
What idea? Any idea? All ideas?
I'm against a plastic, cheap iPhone.
Quote:
Originally Posted by AaronJ
I'm against a plastic, cheap iPhone.
I have a solution for you... dont buy it.
Quote:
Originally Posted by TeaEarleGreyHot
Notice how the article specifically discusses the lack of regulatory labeling?
Nope, did not get down that far.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Realistic
OK let me see if I got this right. The rumored case for the rumored iPhone 5C is rumored to be highly scratch resistant.
More like "The rumored case for the rumored iPhone 5C is highly scratch resistant." If its a fake then maybe Apple should consider using that fake.
Quote:
Originally Posted by herbapou
I have a solution for you... dont buy it.
I understand that, and I won't buy it.
But I think it's a bad move for Apple. It's sucking into a race to the bottom. Apple is trying to be Samsung. What's the point?
Quote:
Originally Posted by TeaEarleGreyHot
What idea? Any idea? All ideas?
Being as only two concepts were in the article, first the plastic cover, the other its durability, it should not take much to discern which he was against.
Quote:
Originally Posted by AaronJ
I'm against a plastic, cheap iPhone.
Simple. Then don't buy it.
I think it will be the best selling iPhone by a very wide margin. It will be far more affordable but not cheaply built. It will likely have the same internals as the 5 which is a fast phone and no need to buy a case which can also be a selling point for many.
And since when was aluminum consider to be a premium or expensive material?
Quote:
Originally Posted by AaronJ
I understand that, and I won't buy it.
But I think it's a bad move for Apple. It's sucking into a race to the bottom. Apple is trying to be Samsung. What's the point?
I dont think Apple is racing to the bottom with this, its the opposite. They are adapting the old models to the mid range market segment and they will probably have better margins than just selling old models.
Its not going to be a wow product, but its very clever for there revenue and profits. The 5C will do fine, its the 5S that worries me.
Quote:
Originally Posted by AaronJ
I understand that, and I won't buy it.
But I think it's a bad move for Apple. It's sucking into a race to the bottom. Apple is trying to be Samsung. What's the point?
Aaron, just stop now. I tried and tried for the longest time to share exact ideas as yourself and I have only received flames for it.
I agree that moving back into plastic products will reduce the image of Apple (as the only plastic products Apple has is the Airport), and that an alternative would be best. Such as metal, but not as highly finished as the current line thus reducing manufacturing cost more so than material cost.
But you will only get hate for such dissenting opinions.
Quote:
Originally Posted by sog35
Its not made for you. Not everyone on the planet can afford a $700 phone.
A $400 phone made out of plastic with an outstanding OS, fast CPU, retna screen is an awesome combo. Dont be a snob.
Sorry, but I don't see that way. Apple has an appreciation of accomplishment. Making a cheap, plastic phone is not filling that.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Richard Getz
Aaron, just stop now. I tried and tried for the longest time to share exact ideas as yourself and I have only received flames for it.
I agree that moving back into plastic products will reduce the image of Apple (as the only plastic products Apple has is the Airport), and that an alternative would be best. Such as metal, but not as highly finished as the current line thus reducing manufacturing cost more so than material cost.
But you will only get hate for such dissenting opinions.
Fair enough.