Rear Shell of Apple's Low-Cost iPhone Compared to Other iPhones and iPod Touch in New Video

We've been hearing a lot of rumors about a new plastic iPhone due to arrive later this year, dubbed the "low-cost iPhone" by some, and a video posted by DetroitBORG on YouTube (via AmongTech) shows the new rear shell of the plastic iPhone, which is expected to replace the existing iPhone 4 and 4S models already on sale.


In the video, Mike from DetroitBORG walks through the various features of the new rear shell and speculates on what features the new "low-cost iPhone" will have. While the shell appears to be essentially identical to one that leaked earlier this month, the video offers a good comparison between the shell and several of Apple's other iOS devices, including the iPhone 3GS, the iPhone 5, and the fifth-generation iPod touch. The shell for the lower-cost iPhone is about the same dimensions as the current iPhone 5, though a little thicker.

Previously leaked design drawings from case makers have shown the rear shell measuring 8.5 mm thick, 124.4 mm tall, and 59.2 mm wide, all slightly larger than the iPhone 5 with the thickness difference being the most noticeable. The rear shell shown in the video is white, although it is also rumored that Apple will release the low-cost iPhone in a range of different colors, similar to the fifth-generation iPod touch.

techdy plastic iphone back

Apple has been reported to be releasing a cheaper iPhone to target the lower end of the market and to expand its market presence in developing countries such as India, where iOS accounted for a mere 1% market share in mobile operating systems in June 2013, according to StatCounter (by contrast, the figure for the United States in June 2013 was 54.9%), as well as to compete with lower-priced Android smartphones, which have exploded in popularity recently.

The "low-cost" iPhone has been rumored to be priced anywhere from $300-$500 unsubsidized, with carrier subsidies likely to bring the cost down to $99 in markets where those subsidies are offered.

Related Forum: iPhone

Top Rated Comments

zeromeus Avatar
133 months ago
That prototype has to be smaller than the iPhone 5 :eek:

that man has enormous hands or that phone is smaller than the current

You two must have only watched the first 5 seconds of the video. He compared it with the 3GS, the 4S, and the 5 and it is a tiny bit larger than the 5 due to the thickness of the material. It just so happens he has big hands.
Score: 18 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Codyak Avatar
133 months ago
Where are the volume buttons?

They cost extra.
Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)
k1121j Avatar
133 months ago
Its Small

that man has enormous hands or that phone is smaller than the current
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Intarweb Avatar
133 months ago
Plastic shell means no need for a case.
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Ventilatedbrain Avatar
133 months ago
Looks like garbage. I'll gladly buy a Lumia, which will be infinitely better than this, AND cheaper.

I continually am surprised by commenters like you .. If you want the lumia over this .. I'm guessing you don't care for either .. What's baffling is your immediate ruling that the lumia will be better just by watching a 2 min video
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Technarchy Avatar
133 months ago
I like the clean simple looks.

If Anthing the design makes a hell of a lot more sense than the iPhone 5.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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