Photos of 'Plastic Low-Cost iPhone' Likely an iPhone 5 in a Case

Yesterday, Apple.pro shared a pair of photos that had appeared on Chinese microblogging site Sina Weibo, purportedly showing the rear of Apple's rumored plastic low-cost iPhone with a Lightning cable plugged into the bottom. The two pictures show a glossy curved shell and have been picked up by numerous sites today.

plastic_iphone_5_case
Our first thought upon seeing the photos was that it is likely simply an iPhone 5 in a plastic case. A lack of an Apple logo or discernible text on the back of the device is unlike many Apple prototypes, and the Lightning cable looked to us to be plugging into a recessed case rather than a flush port on a device.

plastic_iphone_5_case_2
French site NowhereElse.fr apparently had similar thoughts [Google translation] and performed some analysis of one of the images. Adjusting exposure and contrast on the photo better reveals the bottom of the device, and it certainly does appear that the Lightning cable is plugged into a hole in a case rather directly into a device. Other features along the bottom of the device are also consistent with the iPhone 5: speaker, microphone, and headphone jack.

plastic_iphone_5_case_1
As a result, we believe these photos are almost certainly an iPhone 5 in a nondescript plastic case rather than an actual low-cost plastic iPhone or a rear shell from such a device.

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Top Rated Comments

JaySoul Avatar
154 months ago
If you look closely, it's actually a fake hand too.
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Kissaragi Avatar
154 months ago
People making fakes don't even try anymore....
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
MRU Avatar
154 months ago
So with one breath... MR "Here is news!"

and in the next... "oh wait!! Nothing to see here folks"....

...

Great front page article :D
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
iSayuSay Avatar
154 months ago
Blurry = 99% legit ;)
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
WildCowboy Avatar
154 months ago
So with one breath... MR "Here is news!"

and in the next... "oh wait!! Nothing to see here folks"....

...

Great front page article :D

Sometimes debunking rumors already spreading like wildfire is important. :)
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
phillipduran Avatar
154 months ago
Did you read the write up? That is the conclusion. If you want to skip reading all of that then the headline tells you the same.

Yes I did, and that was my comment. A summary of the "smoking gun" from the article.

You most certainly live up to your avatar. :rolleyes: Hopefully the rest of your week goes better for you and your mood improves. :(
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)