Iphone 4s Vs 5s Screen Does The Resolution Difference Even Matter Anymore

The iPhone 4S and iPhone 5S represent two pivotal moments in Apple’s smartphone evolution. Released just two years apart—2011 and 2013 respectively—they both offered refined designs, improved performance, and incremental upgrades that defined their eras. One of the most discussed differences between them is the screen: while both feature Retina displays, the iPhone 5S introduced a taller screen with slightly different pixel density and resolution. But nearly a decade later, does that resolution gap still matter in everyday use?

For collectors, retro tech enthusiasts, or users holding onto older devices for simplicity or sentimental reasons, understanding the practical implications of these screen differences is essential. This article breaks down the technical specs, examines real-world usability, and evaluates whether the display upgrade from the 4S to 5S holds any meaningful advantage today.

Display Specifications Compared

The iPhone 4S and 5S both use LED-backlit IPS LCD panels marketed as “Retina displays,” a term Apple coined to describe screens where individual pixels are indiscernible to the human eye at normal viewing distances. However, the physical dimensions and resolutions differ in ways that affect content visibility and interface layout.

Feature	iPhone 4S	iPhone 5S
Screen Size	3.5 inches	4.0 inches
Resolution	960 × 640 pixels	1136 × 640 pixels
Aspect Ratio	3:2	71:40 (~16:9)
PPI (Pixels Per Inch)	326 PPI	326 PPI
Display Type	IPS LCD, Retina	IPS LCD, Retina

While pixel density remains identical—meaning text sharpness and icon clarity are virtually indistinguishable—the key change lies in screen height. The iPhone 5S adds 176 extra vertical pixels, enabling more content on-screen without increasing font size. This allowed Apple to introduce new UI behaviors, such as an additional row of icons on the home screen and better web page visibility.

Tip: If you're using either device today, disable Zoom Mode in Display Settings to maximize screen real estate.

Real-World Impact of Screen Resolution

In 2013, the shift from 3.5” to 4.0” felt significant. Apps could now show more lines of text in emails, longer lists in social feeds, and improved gameplay visibility. For example, Safari rendered approximately 20% more webpage content vertically, reducing the need to scroll. Messaging apps displayed more conversation history, and calendar views became more usable.

Today, however, the relevance of this improvement depends heavily on usage patterns. Most modern web experiences assume larger screens, touch targets, and responsive layouts designed for 5”+ displays. On both the 4S and 5S, navigating current websites can be cumbersome due to zooming, narrow columns, and misaligned buttons. Streaming video is possible but often requires pinching to adjust aspect ratios, especially since neither phone supports modern HDR or high refresh rates.

“Even a perfect pixel density can’t overcome fundamental limitations in screen size when consuming modern digital content.” — David Lin, Mobile UX Analyst

From a visual fidelity standpoint, both phones deliver crisp text and vibrant colors by legacy standards. But the added vertical space on the 5S provides a tangible benefit when browsing, reading, or typing—especially if used as a daily driver in limited connectivity environments or for basic communication.

Software Support and App Compatibility

A critical factor undermining the value of either screen is software obsolescence. The iPhone 4S maxes out at iOS 9.3.5 (released in 2016), meaning it cannot run any app requiring iOS 10 or later. That includes updated versions of Instagram, WhatsApp, Google Maps, and most banking apps. The iPhone 5S supports up to iOS 12.5.7 (last update in 2023), granting access to a broader—but still shrinking—range of compatible applications.

This has direct implications for screen utility. Even if the 5S offers more pixels, many modern apps either don’t install or function poorly due to outdated APIs, lack of security updates, and unsupported features like Touch ID integration beyond basic authentication.

Checklist: Is Your Older iPhone Still Usable in 2024?

• Can it run your essential apps (messaging, email, maps)?
• Does it support Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards used by your accessories?
• Is the battery health sufficient for daily use?
• Are security updates still being issued?
• Can you comfortably view content without constant zooming?

Case Study: Using an iPhone 5S as a Secondary Device

Mark, a photographer based in Portland, uses his old iPhone 5S as a dedicated music player and offline navigation tool during hikes. He removed all non-essential apps, enabled Low Power Mode, and relies on cached Apple Maps routes and locally stored playlists. The taller screen proves useful when glancing at turn-by-turn directions, offering slightly more context than the 4S could provide. However, he notes that entering addresses is tedious due to keyboard size and auto-complete limitations in older OS versions.

“I keep the 5S because it fits in my running shorts and lasts all day,” Mark explains. “But if I had to choose between this and a 4S for the same purpose, I’d pick the 5S just for the extra map visibility. It’s not about resolution—it’s about usable space.”

This scenario illustrates that while raw resolution numbers may seem close, the practical advantage of the 5S screen becomes apparent in specific contexts where every line of information counts.

Step-by-Step: Optimizing Display Usability on Legacy iPhones

If you’re committed to using an iPhone 4S or 5S in 2024, follow these steps to make the most of its screen:

1. Disable Zoom Mode: Go to Settings > Display & Brightness > View and select \"Standard\" to avoid cropped content.
2. Increase Text Size: Under Settings > Accessibility > Display & Text Size, adjust Larger Text to improve readability.
3. Use Reader Mode in Safari: When available, enable Reader View to strip clutter and reflow text for easier reading.
4. Install Lightweight Alternatives: Use proxy apps like Mercury Browser (for older iOS) or offline-capable tools that don’t require constant updates.
5. Reduce Motion and Transparency: Disable animations under Accessibility settings to speed up interface response and reduce visual clutter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone 4S and 5S display HD video?

Technically, both phones can play 720p video files through compatible apps or iTunes syncing. However, due to their native resolution being below 720p (which starts at 1280×720), they upscale the content. While motion appears smooth, fine details are lost. Neither supports 1080p playback efficiently, and streaming services like YouTube cap quality on these devices.

Is there a noticeable difference in brightness or color accuracy?

Lab tests from the era showed the iPhone 5S display had marginally better contrast and white balance due to manufacturing improvements. In everyday conditions, the difference is negligible unless viewed side-by-side under controlled lighting. Both lack true tone or wide color gamut, so colors appear consistent but not as vivid as modern OLED screens.

Should I upgrade from an iPhone 4S to a 5S today?

Only if you already own both and are choosing which to use. As secondhand purchases, neither represents good value compared to entry-level Android phones or refurbished newer iPhones. The 5S offers better app compatibility and a more future-proof form factor, but the cost-to-benefit ratio is low unless you’re collecting or repurposing the device.

Conclusion: Does Resolution Still Matter?

The resolution difference between the iPhone 4S and 5S mattered significantly in 2013. It marked Apple’s first step toward larger displays, setting the stage for the eventual shift to 4.7” and beyond. Today, though, both screens fall short of modern expectations for multitasking, media consumption, and app functionality.

Pixel-for-pixel, they remain sharp. But resolution alone doesn’t determine usability—screen size, software support, and ecosystem compatibility do. The 5S holds a slight edge thanks to its taller display and extended iOS support, making it marginally more viable in niche roles. Yet for anyone relying on current services, even that advantage fades quickly.

💬 Still using an iPhone 4S or 5S? Share your experience—what keeps you loyal to these classics? Whether it's nostalgia, minimalism, or pure curiosity, your story might inspire others to rethink what \"outdated\" really means.