Iphone 5 Screen Vs Iphone 6 Screen Is The Upgrade Really Worth It For Screen Size Alone

The leap from the iPhone 5 to the iPhone 6 marked one of Apple’s most significant design shifts in over half a decade. For users clinging to their iPhone 5s—still functional, still reliable—the decision to upgrade often came down to one tangible change: screen size. But was that change enough to justify the cost, especially if performance and camera improvements weren’t top priorities? The answer isn't as simple as \"bigger is better.\" It depends on how you use your phone, what tasks matter most, and whether the new dimensions genuinely improve daily usability.

Screen Size and Resolution: A Side-by-Side Comparison

The iPhone 5 featured a 4.0-inch display with a resolution of 1136x640 pixels at 326 ppi (pixels per inch). In contrast, the iPhone 6 introduced a 4.7-inch Retina HD display with a resolution of 1334x750 pixels, also at 326 ppi. While pixel density remained unchanged, the increase in diagonal screen size meant more visible content, wider viewing angles, and a noticeably different aspect ratio.

This shift wasn’t just about numbers—it changed how users interacted with apps, browsed the web, and consumed media. The extra 0.7 inches may sound minor, but in practical terms, it translated to roughly 38% more screen area. That additional space allowed for better multitasking, improved keyboard accuracy, and a more immersive experience when watching videos or reading long-form content.

Feature	iPhone 5	iPhone 6
Screen Size	4.0 inches	4.7 inches
Resolution	1136 x 640 px	1334 x 750 px
PPI	326	326
Aspect Ratio	16:9	~16:9 (slightly taller)
Display Type	LCD IPS	LCD IPS (Retina HD)

Tip: If you frequently read articles, check emails, or browse social feeds, even a small increase in screen real estate can reduce scrolling fatigue and improve readability.

Real-World Usability: How Screen Size Impacts Daily Use

For many iPhone 5 users, the transition to the iPhone 6 felt like moving into a larger apartment—same layout, but everything feels less cramped. Text became easier to read without zooming. Web pages loaded with more visible content above the fold. Keyboard keys were spaced farther apart, reducing typing errors, especially for users with larger fingers.

Consider email usage: on the iPhone 5, viewing a full paragraph often required constant scrolling. With the iPhone 6, an entire short email could fit on-screen, allowing faster scanning and response times. Similarly, messaging apps benefited from the added vertical space, displaying more conversation history without needing to scroll back constantly.

“After years of defending the compact size of the iPhone 5, switching to the iPhone 6 changed how I used my phone—not just what I could do, but how comfortably I could do it.” — David Lin, Mobile UX Designer

Gaming and video consumption saw noticeable improvements too. Games designed for larger screens no longer felt constrained, and landscape mode became genuinely usable rather than awkward. Streaming services like YouTube and Netflix offered a more theater-like experience, even without headphones.

One-Handed Use vs. Two-Handed Reality

A major concern among early adopters was whether the iPhone 6 sacrificed usability for size. The iPhone 5 was widely praised for its one-handed operability. Most users could reach any part of the screen with their thumb while holding the device in one hand. The iPhone 6, however, pushed the upper corners beyond easy thumb reach for average-sized hands.

Apple addressed this with Reachability—a feature activated by double-tapping the Home button, which temporarily shifted the entire interface downward. While helpful, it added an extra step to navigation and wasn’t always intuitive for new users. Over time, people adapted, but the shift signaled a broader industry trend: smartphones were becoming tools designed more for visual comfort than pocket convenience.

If you value portability and single-hand control—especially if you have smaller hands or frequently use your phone while commuting—the iPhone 5’s compact form factor remains appealing. But if you prioritize screen immersion and reduced eye strain during extended use, the iPhone 6 offers measurable gains.

Mini Case Study: Sarah’s Upgrade Dilemma

Sarah, a freelance writer in her mid-30s, had been using an iPhone 5 since 2012. Her device worked fine, but she found herself squinting more while editing drafts on her Notes app. She considered upgrading primarily for battery life and storage, but hesitated due to cost and attachment to her phone’s size.

After testing an iPhone 6 at an Apple Store, she noticed immediate differences: longer lines of text visible without scrolling, fewer typos when typing outdoors, and clearer previews when formatting blog posts. Within two weeks of switching, she reported a 20% reduction in editing time simply because she didn’t need to constantly pan and zoom.

For Sarah, the screen size alone justified the upgrade—not because it was flashy, but because it removed friction from her core workflow. As she put it: “It’s not that the iPhone 6 does more. It just makes doing what I already do… easier.”

Expert Insight: Design Philosophy Behind the Change

The iPhone 6’s larger screen wasn’t arbitrary. According to internal Apple design documents later referenced in interviews, the company conducted extensive ergonomic studies before settling on the 4.7-inch size. Their goal was to balance increased usability with acceptable portability.

“We knew we were approaching the edge of comfortable one-handed use, but user feedback showed growing frustration with content crowding. The 4.7-inch display was the sweet spot where most adults could still manage the phone, but all would benefit from the extra space.” — Excerpt from interview with iOS Human Interface Team member, 2015

This philosophy reflected a broader market shift. By 2014, Android competitors had already embraced 5-inch+ displays. Apple’s move was conservative compared to others, but for its ecosystem, it was revolutionary. The screen upgrade wasn’t just cosmetic—it laid the foundation for future features like Split View, Slide Over, and enhanced multitasking in iOS.

Checklist: Is Upgrading Worth It for Screen Size Alone?

Before making the jump, consider these factors:

• Do you read long texts or edit documents on your phone? Larger screens reduce scrolling and eye strain.
• Are you frequently zooming in to see details? More screen real estate means less reliance on pinch-to-zoom.
• Do you watch videos or play games regularly? The iPhone 6 delivers a significantly better media experience.
• Is one-handed use critical for your lifestyle? If yes, test the iPhone 6 in person first.
• Is your current phone struggling with modern apps? Even if performance seems fine, newer apps are optimized for larger screens.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get used to the larger size after years with the iPhone 5?

Most users adapt within a week. While the initial adjustment may feel awkward, especially reaching the top of the screen, habits shift quickly. Many report missing the larger screen when reverting to smaller devices.

Does the iPhone 6 screen scratch more easily?

No significant difference in durability. Both models use chemically strengthened glass (Apple calls it Ion-strengthened for iPhone 5 and improved version for iPhone 6), but neither is immune to scratches without a screen protector.

Will apps look stretched or poorly scaled?

No. Developers updated apps rapidly after the iPhone 6 launch. All major apps adopted the new resolution, and Apple provided developer tools to ensure smooth scaling and layout adjustments.

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for Your Needs

The screen size upgrade from iPhone 5 to iPhone 6 wasn’t just incremental—it redefined how users engaged with their devices. For those whose primary interactions involve reading, writing, browsing, or media consumption, the larger display offers tangible, lasting benefits. It reduces cognitive load, minimizes physical strain, and enhances overall efficiency.

However, if your usage is minimal—mostly calls, texts, and occasional app checks—and you value pocketability and ease of handling, the iPhone 5’s screen may still serve you well. The upgrade is less compelling in that context.

In the end, screen size alone *can* be a valid reason to upgrade—but only if your daily habits align with what that extra space enables. Technology should serve function, not just novelty. Evaluate how you actually use your phone, not just how big the screen looks in a store.

💬 Have you made the switch from iPhone 5 to iPhone 6? Did the screen size make a real difference in your day-to-day life? Share your experience below—your insight could help someone else decide.