Iphone 4 Vs 5s Is Upgrading Really Worth It In Current Year

The iPhone 4 and iPhone 5s represent two pivotal moments in Apple’s smartphone evolution. The iPhone 4 introduced the iconic flat-edge design and Retina display, while the iPhone 5s brought Touch ID, a 64-bit processor, and significant internal upgrades. But in 2024 and beyond, are these devices still viable? And if you’re holding onto an iPhone 4, is upgrading to a 5s—even secondhand—worth your time and money? The answer depends on your expectations, usage habits, and what you plan to do with the device.

While neither phone supports modern iOS versions or most current apps, they still hold nostalgic and functional value for collectors, emergency backup users, or those exploring retro tech. Let’s break down whether stepping from the 4 to the 5s makes practical sense today.

Design and Build: Subtle Evolution, Not Revolution

The iPhone 4 featured a stainless steel frame with glass front and back, giving it a premium feel but making it fragile. Its 3.5-inch Retina display was groundbreaking at launch, offering sharp text and vibrant colors for its time. However, by modern standards, the screen is tiny, and the bezels are massive.

The iPhone 5s kept the same 4-inch display size but stretched vertically, allowing for an extra row of icons. It used an aluminum unibody design with glass up front, improving durability slightly. While both phones feel compact and pocketable, the 5s is marginally lighter and more ergonomic due to its tapered edges.

Tip: If you value one-handed use and minimal size, both phones excel—but the 5s offers better grip and drop resistance.

Performance and Software: Where the Gap Widens

This is where the 5s pulls decisively ahead. The iPhone 4 runs on the single-core Apple A4 chip with 512MB RAM, limiting multitasking and app responsiveness. It topped out at iOS 7.1.2, meaning no support for modern security updates, App Store downloads, or mainstream apps like WhatsApp, Instagram, or Google Maps.

In contrast, the iPhone 5s launched with the Apple A7 chip—the first 64-bit processor in a smartphone—and 1GB of RAM. It officially supports up to iOS 12.5.7 (released in 2023 for security patches), which means limited access to newer apps and improved browser performance via Safari.

“Even though both devices are obsolete by today’s standards, the 5s can still handle basic web browsing and email far more reliably than the 4.” — David Lin, Mobile Tech Historian

If your goal is light internet use, checking emails, or using offline apps, the 5s remains functional. The iPhone 4 struggles even with simple tasks in 2024 due to lack of TLS 1.2+ support in older iOS versions, blocking access to many secure websites.

Camera and Multimedia Capabilities

The iPhone 4 has a 5MP rear camera without LED flash or face detection. Video recording tops out at 720p. By today’s standards, photos appear soft, low in dynamic range, and heavily compressed. The front-facing VGA camera is only suitable for basic FaceTime calls—if servers still supported them.

The iPhone 5s improves significantly: 8MP iSight camera with dual-LED flash (white and amber for color balance), improved sensor, and autofocus. It supports 1080p video at 30fps and features burst mode and slo-mo (120fps at 720p). The front camera also received minor upgrades for better selfies and video calls.

For anyone interested in capturing usable photos or short clips, the 5s is clearly superior. While image quality doesn’t compare to modern smartphones, it’s still capable of decent daylight shots and social media-friendly content—if shared via direct transfer.

Detailed Comparison Table: iPhone 4 vs iPhone 5s (2024 Perspective)

Feature	iPhone 4	iPhone 5s
Release Year	2010	2013
Display Size	3.5 inches	4.0 inches
Processor	A4 (Single-core)	A7 (Dual-core, 64-bit)
Ram	512MB	1GB
Max iOS Version	iOS 7.1.2	iOS 12.5.7
App Compatibility	Nearly none (pre-2015 apps only)	Limited (some lightweight apps work)
Camera (Rear)	5MP, 720p video	8MP, 1080p video, slo-mo
Fingerprint Sensor	No	Yes (Touch ID)
Battery Life (Current Use)	1–2 hours active	3–4 hours active
Modern Usability Score (Out of 10)	2	5

Real-World Example: Can the 5s Still Serve as a Backup Phone?

Consider Mark, a photographer who keeps an old iPhone as a portable notes and voice memo device during shoots. He upgraded from his original iPhone 4 to a refurbished 5s found online for $25. After replacing the battery, he installed iOS 12 and added apps like Bear (notes), Overcast (podcasts), and Camera+ (for quick reference shots).

While he couldn’t use Instagram or cloud sync effectively, the 5s handled voice memos, GPS tagging, and offline music playback reliably. The Touch ID made locking and unlocking effortless, and Safari could load simplified web pages. In contrast, his iPhone 4 failed to connect to most HTTPS sites and froze constantly.

This case shows that while neither phone is suitable as a primary device, the 5s can fulfill niche roles when maintained properly—something the 4 simply cannot match.

Step-by-Step: How to Maximize Value from an iPhone 5s Today

1. Replace the Battery: Original batteries are over a decade old. A new one costs $20–$40 and dramatically improves usability.
2. Update to Latest iOS: Restore in iTunes and upgrade to iOS 12.5.7 for critical security fixes.
3. Install Lightweight Apps: Stick to offline tools: Notes, Calendar, Voice Memos, Compass, and FM radio apps (via headphone jack).
4. Use Airplane Mode: Enable it when not needing connectivity to extend battery life and reduce background strain.
5. Limit Background Activity: Disable location services and push notifications for unused apps.
6. Sync via Cable: Transfer photos and files directly through iTunes or third-party tools like iMazing.

Tip: Reset all settings after restoration to clear outdated configurations that may slow performance.

FAQ: Common Questions About Upgrading from iPhone 4 to 5s

Can I still use WhatsApp or Facebook on either phone?

No. WhatsApp dropped support for iOS 10 and earlier in 2020. Facebook and Instagram require iOS 13+, so neither app will install or function on the 4 or 5s.

Is the iPhone 5s secure to use in 2024?

Partially. Apple issued a final security update for the 5s (iOS 12.5.7) in January 2023, patching critical WebKit vulnerabilities. While safer than running older versions, it lacks ongoing protection against new threats. Avoid entering passwords or financial data.

Should I buy a 5s just to upgrade from my 4?

Only if you need a functional backup device, enjoy retro tech, or want a reliable MP3 player/camera. For everyday communication or internet use, even budget Android phones offer vastly superior experiences.

Final Verdict: Is the Upgrade Worth It?

From a pure functionality standpoint, yes—the iPhone 5s is objectively better than the 4. It offers faster performance, better cameras, Touch ID, longer software support, and greater compatibility with tools available today. If you already own both, switching makes sense. If you’re considering spending money to acquire a 5s solely to replace a 4, think carefully.

You’re not upgrading to a “modern” experience. You’re moving from near-total obsolescence to limited usability. The 5s can act as a secondary device for specific purposes—music, notes, camera, or emergency calls—but it won’t replace a smartphone in any conventional sense.

For collectors, tinkerers, or those attached to Apple’s design legacy, the 5s holds sentimental and technical appeal. But for practical daily use, even entry-level smartphones from 2018 onward outperform it in every category.

Conclusion: Know Your Purpose

Upgrading from an iPhone 4 to a 5s isn’t about staying current—it’s about squeezing a little more life out of aging technology. If your goal is nostalgia, education, or minimal digital living, the 5s delivers a noticeable improvement. But if you expect messaging, browsing, or app access, you’ll be disappointed.

💬 Have you used either of these iPhones recently? Share your experience—how do they hold up in 2024? Your insights could help others decide whether to preserve, upgrade, or retire these classics.