To start with, this review is probably dangerously close to sounding like a Apple hater review. Truth is, it isn't one and I own an iPad (I'm typing the review on this) so I do love Apple products. nnI'm really not going to talk about specs, screen quality etc.

The iPhone 5C is a great phone. While we wouldn't advise owners of an iPhone 5 to upgrade to the plastic model, we've found ourselves using the iPhone 5C more often than Apple's last generation flagship thanks to its slight improvement in performance, the way iOS 7 compliments its colourful casing...

Casing doesn't feel cheap and is comfortable to hold; vibrant display; iOS 7 looks great on the iPhone 5C; great performance

The 4in screen feels small; not much improvement in the battery; It's likely to divide opinions

There's no doubt about it -- the iPhone 5s is a smashing phone, but it sits in a funny place in Apple's product range. It feels very much like the iPhone 5 has been rebundled here for a specific set of customers.

The iPhone 5C marked a new era in Apple's mobile onslaught, as the Cupertino-based firm finally broke rank from premium design and price by offering up a device which is slightly more affordable. Slightly being the key word there.

I found that the phone is great but not hard-wearing or long-lasting. I've had mine for almost 2 years and it isn't in the best condition despite being looked after. The fact it's a cheap alternative to the other iPhone models cannot be avoided.

"Colour choice; "Good software; "Great camera

"Cheaply made; "Scratch easily

The phone feels good to hold and use. The screen resolution and the speed of the phone is nice. The memory for 8GB is an issue, but I never use the phone for playing games or use large apps, so its good for me. I ordered the blue one and the color is soothing as well. Happy with the buy.

Last year Apple defied expectation and released the iPad mini , a dinky version of its iconic tablet which we loved thanks to its easy-to-grip-and-carry nature. This year, we expected the mobile giant to surprise us all again by unleashing a budget version of the iPhone.

Bold colours; Usual great Retina screen; App Store

Limited storage; Below average media battery life; Still quite expensive

In an alternate reality, the iPhone 5 would have followed past Apple precedent, dropping in price to $99 while a markedly more powerful iPhone 5S debuted at $199, $299, and $399 price points.

A more affordable version of 2012's iPhone 5; still packing a 4" screen; LTE cellular support; and two very good cameras; with modestly improved low-light performance on the front camera.

Plastic shells are a major downgrade from both iPhone 5's metal casing and earlier plastic enclosures developed for the iPhone 3GS; with mostly stale color options; and no trace of metallic sparkle.

We never expected Apple to build a cheap anything and the 5c is testament to that. Launching a phone to appeal to a wider demographic is a brave move, especially when you're considered a premium brand.

Colourful chassis; iOS 7 looks incredible; Improved battery life

Price-tag compared to rivals; Smaller screen than rivals

An iPhone 5 for less; iOS 7 lives up to the hype; Excellent new camera app;

Colour theming will alienate diehards; Legibility issues with some fonts and icons; Still too darn expensive;