In 2024, holding onto an iPhone 4S, 5, or 5S isn’t just nostalgic—it’s increasingly impractical. These devices once defined mobile excellence, but over a decade later, their relevance has shifted from daily drivers to collectibles or emergency backups. Yet, some users still ask: if you're currently on a 4S, is jumping to a 5 worth it? Or does the 5S offer enough of a leap to justify the effort? The answer depends less on raw specs and more on how you intend to use the device today.
Modern iOS no longer supports these models—iOS 10 was the last for the 4S, iOS 12 for the 5, and iOS 16 for the 5S. That means no security updates, limited app compatibility, and no access to current versions of Safari, Messages, or even basic banking apps. Still, curiosity persists. Let’s dissect the differences between these three iconic iPhones through the lens of 2024 practicality.
Performance and Hardware: What Changed Between Models?
The jump from iPhone 4S to iPhone 5 and then to the 5S brought meaningful hardware improvements. Understanding them helps clarify whether any upgrade path still makes sense.
- iPhone 4S (2011): Dual-core Apple A5 chip, 512MB RAM, 8MP camera, 3.5-inch display at 960×640. Capable in its day, but by 2024 standards, extremely underpowered.
- iPhone 5 (2012): Slightly faster A6 chip, 1GB RAM, 4-inch display at 1136×640. Introduced Lightning port and a taller form factor. Performance gains were noticeable at launch but still bottlenecked by aging architecture.
- iPhone 5S (2013): First 64-bit smartphone with the A7 chip, M7 motion coprocessor, Touch ID, and improved camera sensor. This was a generational leap—not just incrementally better, but architecturally ahead of its time.
The 5S remains the most capable of the three. Its 64-bit processor allowed it to run newer iOS versions longer and handle multitasking more efficiently. Even now, some lightweight web browsing and offline apps function better on a 5S than on the others.
Software and App Compatibility in 2024
This is where all three models fail—but not equally. The death of software support is the true end-of-life moment for any smartphone.
iOS 10 stopped receiving updates in 2017. The 4S never got features like iCloud Keychain syncing, proactive Siri, or significant security patches after that. Many apps dropped support years ago. Facebook, Instagram, Gmail, and most banking apps either won’t install or crash instantly.
The iPhone 5 fared slightly better, supporting up to iOS 12. But even iOS 12 lacks critical privacy controls introduced in iOS 13 and later. App developers began dropping 32-bit support in 2017; since the A6 and earlier chips are 32-bit, nearly all modern apps are incompatible.
The 5S, thanks to its 64-bit A7 chip, ran iOS 16—the final version it could support—until late 2023. While it no longer receives updates, it can still open older cached versions of some apps if already installed. However, logging into services often fails due to TLS/SSL protocol mismatches or outdated authentication frameworks.
“Devices stuck on iOS 12 or earlier aren’t just slow—they’re vulnerable. Without patching, known exploits remain unaddressed.” — Sarah Lin, Mobile Security Analyst at OpenFirmware Group
Comparison Table: iPhone 4S vs 5 vs 5S (2024 Perspective)
| Feature | iPhone 4S | iPhone 5 | iPhone 5S |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last iOS Version | iOS 10.3.4 (2017) | iOS 12.5.7 (2023) | iOS 16.7.8 (2023) |
| Processor | A5 (32-bit) | A6 (32-bit) | A7 (64-bit) |
| RAM | 512MB | 1GB | 1GB |
| Display Size & Resolution | 3.5\", 960×640 | 4.0\", 1136×640 | 4.0\", 1136×640 |
| Security Features | None | None | Touch ID, Secure Enclave |
| App Usability Today | Nearly none | Limited offline use | Basic functions possible |
| Battery Replacement Availability | Rare | Available | Widely available |
| Current Use Case | Museum piece | Backup / nostalgia | Light duty / retro testing |
Real-World Example: Can You Use One Daily in 2024?
Consider Mark, a minimalist who attempted using his old iPhone 5S as his primary phone for a week. He reset it, reinstalled apps, and tried to go about his routine. By day two, he hit roadblocks: his bank app wouldn’t log in, Google Maps failed to load directions, and WhatsApp wouldn’t verify his number. He could send SMS and make calls, check offline notes, and play locally stored music. But anything requiring internet authentication or modern encryption failed.
He switched to using it as a dedicated podcast player and camera—tasks where connectivity demands are low. With Wi-Fi sync via iTunes, he pre-loaded episodes and photos. In this role, the 5S worked reliably. It wasn’t a phone replacement, but it found purpose.
This illustrates a key truth: these devices aren’t dead, but they’ve been repurposed by necessity. Their value now lies in simplicity, not capability.
Upgrade Worthiness: Is Any Step Forward Meaningful?
Let’s address the core question: Is upgrading from a 4S to a 5, or 5 to 5S, worth it in 2024?
If your goal is to regain full smartphone functionality—secure browsing, messaging, navigation, mobile payments—the answer is no. None of these phones can deliver that experience safely or reliably. The gap between them is minor compared to the chasm separating all three from even entry-level modern smartphones like an iPhone SE (3rd gen) or Android equivalents.
However, if you’re trying to squeeze extra life out of legacy hardware—for a child’s first phone, a car dash unit, or a digital photo frame—the 5S offers tangible benefits:
- Better battery life and replaceability
- Touch ID allows easier app switching without constant passcode entry
- Slightly better camera for scanning documents or taking simple shots
- Support for AirPlay and HomeKit (limited) in smart home setups
Even so, spending more than $30–$50 on any of these models is hard to justify unless you're a collector or hobbyist.
Step-by-Step: How to Evaluate a Legacy iPhone in 2024
- Check iOS version: Go to Settings > General > About. If it’s below iOS 12, assume severe limitations.
- Test app logins: Try opening Gmail, Google, or a banking app. If it crashes or refuses login, assume incompatibility.
- Inspect battery health: Look for swelling, short lifespan, or failure to charge. Replace if needed.
- Verify connectivity: Test Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular signal strength. Older modems struggle with modern networks.
- Determine use case: Will it be online daily? Used offline? Stored long-term? Match the device to the task.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still get security updates for the iPhone 5S?
No. Apple ended all support for the iPhone 5S with iOS 16.7.8 in early 2023. No further security patches will be released, making it vulnerable to known exploits.
Is the iPhone 5S good for kids?
Only in very controlled environments. Without modern parental controls (Screen Time requires iOS 12+, but many features need iOS 13+), supervision must be manual. Better options exist in refurbished modern devices.
What’s the best alternative to upgrading within these models?
Jump to a used iPhone SE (2020 or later) or iPhone 8. These start around $100–$150, support current iOS versions, have decent performance, and receive updates through at least 2027.
Conclusion: Honor the Past, But Move Forward
The iPhone 4S, 5, and 5S were milestones. They introduced millions to touch computing, app ecosystems, and mobile photography. But technology moves forward—and so should we. Holding onto these devices out of sentiment is understandable, but relying on them in 2024 is risky and limiting.
The 5S was the last truly functional model of the trio, but even it has crossed the threshold into obsolescence. Upgrading from a 4S to a 5S might have made sense in 2014. Today, it’s like swapping one typewriter for another when laptops are on sale.
If you’re clinging to one of these phones out of necessity, consider community programs, trade-in options, or budget smartphones that offer real security, longevity, and usability. The digital world shouldn’t be inaccessible because of outdated hardware.
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