Apple sought to develop a more affordable iPhone for customers on a budget and the company came up with the iPhone 5C. A review on The Independent described the iPhone 5C as "glamorous and classy" even if it does come on the mid-priced end.

Aside from a smooth plastic casing that makes for comfortable handling, the iPhone 5C also has a battery that lasts longer and is considered more powerful than last year's iPhone 5. FaceTime audio phone calls feature sharp and crisp sound. The front camera has also been vastly improved.

The retail price for the iPhone 5C starts at USD 99. The price difference is tremendous In China. Fortune reported that the unlocked sticker price for the unit is CNY 4,488 or USD 730, taxes and import fees included. However, subscribers could get the phone for free for as long as they would be willing to bind themselves to a contract with a Chinese mobile operator.  According to Fortune, the contract was "long and relatively expensive."