Iphone 5 Vs 5s Is The Upgrade Really Worth It

The iPhone 5 was a turning point in Apple’s smartphone evolution—thinner, lighter, and faster than its predecessors. When the iPhone 5s arrived just one year later, it promised more than just incremental improvements. But for users already on the iPhone 5, the question arose: is upgrading to the 5s truly worthwhile? With minimal changes in design and similar pricing at launch, many hesitated. This article breaks down the key differences between the two models, evaluates their real-world impact, and helps you determine whether the upgrade makes sense based on your usage, budget, and expectations.

Design and Build: Almost Identical, But Not Quite

At first glance, the iPhone 5 and 5s appear nearly identical. Both feature the same aluminum unibody design, 4-inch Retina display (1136x640 resolution), and Lightning connector. They weigh the same (112 grams) and share dimensions. However, subtle refinements set them apart.

The most noticeable visual change is the addition of the gold finish option on the 5s—a move that sparked both admiration and controversy. More importantly, Apple improved internal structural rigidity, making the 5s slightly more durable despite using the same materials.

Tip: If you're upgrading solely for aesthetics, consider whether the space gray or gold finish adds meaningful value to your experience.

Performance: A Leap Forward with the A7 Chip

Beneath the surface, the iPhone 5s made a significant technological leap. It introduced the Apple A7 chip—the first 64-bit processor in any smartphone at the time. Compared to the iPhone 5’s dual-core A6, this wasn’t just an improvement; it was a generational shift.

The A7 delivered roughly 40% better CPU performance and doubled GPU capabilities. Apps launched faster, multitasking was smoother, and graphics-intensive games ran with noticeably less lag. For everyday tasks like browsing, messaging, and email, the difference may seem minor. But over time, especially as apps evolved to take advantage of 64-bit architecture, the 5s maintained relevance much longer.

“The A7 chip wasn’t just about speed—it laid the foundation for future iOS features that required greater processing power.” — David Ng, Mobile Hardware Analyst, TechPulse Weekly

Fingerprint Security and the Birth of Touch ID

One of the standout innovations of the iPhone 5s was Touch ID, Apple’s fingerprint recognition system embedded in the home button. This wasn’t merely a gimmick—it redefined mobile security and convenience.

With Touch ID, users could unlock their phones with a touch instead of entering a passcode. More importantly, it enabled secure app authentication and, later, Apple Pay integration. While the iPhone 5 lacked biometric security entirely, the 5s offered a seamless way to protect personal data without sacrificing usability.

For individuals concerned about privacy or those who frequently used banking or password manager apps, Touch ID was a game-changer. Even today, many users cite fingerprint access as one of the most practical daily-use features introduced during that era.

Camera Improvements: Subtle but Meaningful

Both phones feature an 8-megapixel rear camera, but the 5s brought meaningful enhancements under the hood. The sensor was redesigned with larger pixels (1.5µm vs. 1.4µm), improving low-light performance. Combined with a dual-LED flash (introducing “True Tone” lighting), photos appeared more balanced and natural in challenging conditions.

The 5s also added burst mode, allowing users to capture rapid sequences of images and select the best shot—a boon for action photography or candid moments. Video recording remained at 1080p, but stabilization and audio quality saw slight refinements.

While casual photographers might not have noticed dramatic differences, enthusiasts appreciated the improved dynamic range and reduced noise in indoor shots.

Feature Comparison Table

Feature	iPhone 5	iPhone 5s
Processor	A6 (32-bit)	A7 (64-bit)
RAM	1GB	1GB
Touch ID	No	Yes
Rear Camera	8MP, single LED flash	8MP, True Tone flash, larger pixels
Burst Mode	No	Yes
Motion Co-processor	No	M7 (tracks motion efficiently)
Available Colors	Black/Slate, White/Silver	Space Gray, Silver, Gold
iOS Support Lifespan	Up to iOS 10	Up to iOS 12

Real-World Example: Sarah’s Upgrade Dilemma

Sarah had been using her iPhone 5 since its release in 2012. By late 2013, she noticed apps were slower to load, and some newer titles either didn’t support her device or ran poorly. Her battery life had degraded significantly after two years of heavy use.

When the iPhone 5s launched, she debated the upgrade. The price was steep for what looked like the same phone. But after testing the 5s in-store, she was impressed by how quickly apps opened and how effortlessly Touch ID worked. She upgraded and immediately noticed smoother performance in Safari and social media apps. Over the next two years, while friends with iPhone 5s struggled to run updates, Sarah’s 5s continued receiving iOS upgrades until 2017—nearly four years of software support post-purchase.

In hindsight, the upgrade paid off—not because of flashy new features, but because it extended her usable smartphone lifespan by over a year compared to staying on the 5.

Is the Upgrade Worth It? A Step-by-Step Decision Guide

If you’re still weighing the decision—even years later, perhaps for collecting, repairing, or buying secondhand—follow this timeline-based evaluation:

1. Assess Your Current Usage: Are you experiencing slowdowns, app crashes, or inability to install updates? If yes, the 5s offers tangible relief.
2. Evaluate Security Needs: Do you store sensitive data or use financial apps? Touch ID provides a critical layer of protection absent in the 5.
3. Check Software Compatibility: The iPhone 5 supports up to iOS 10; the 5s goes to iOS 12. That extra support means access to newer features like enhanced Siri, iCloud Drive, and improved Photos search.
4. Consider Longevity: Even if both devices are outdated by modern standards, the 5s will perform better with legacy apps and basic web browsing due to superior hardware efficiency.
5. Factor in Cost: On the secondhand market, the price difference today is negligible. Given equal condition, choosing the 5s is almost always the smarter investment.

Common Misconceptions About the Upgrade

• “It looks the same, so it must be the same.” – False. Internal components, especially the A7 and M7 chips, make the 5s functionally superior.
• “Touch ID isn’t useful.” – Early skepticism faded as biometrics became standard. It saves time and enhances security.
• “The camera is identical.” – Megapixels don’t tell the full story. Sensor improvements and True Tone flash give the 5s a clear edge in photo quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone 5 still be used in 2024?

Possibly, but with major limitations. It cannot run modern versions of iOS, lacks support for current app updates, and has known security vulnerabilities. Basic functions like calls and texts work, but web browsing and app usage are severely restricted.

Does the iPhone 5s support Apple Pay?

Yes, the iPhone 5s was the first device to support Apple Pay when it launched in 2014. However, only certain banks and regions were initially supported. You need a linked credit/debit card and an updated iOS version (iOS 8.1 or later).

What’s the biggest practical benefit of upgrading from 5 to 5s?

The combination of faster performance, longer software support, and Touch ID. Together, these extend the phone’s functional life by 1–2 years compared to the iPhone 5.

Final Verdict: Yes, the Upgrade Was Worth It

While the iPhone 5s didn’t reinvent the design language, its internal advancements were substantial. The introduction of the 64-bit A7 chip, Touch ID, improved camera hardware, and the M7 motion coprocessor collectively transformed the user experience in ways that lasted well beyond its release.

For iPhone 5 owners at the time, upgrading meant gaining not just a faster phone, but a more secure, future-proof device. Even today, when evaluating these models retrospectively, the 5s stands out as one of Apple’s most impactful mid-cycle upgrades.

💬 Have you made the jump from iPhone 5 to 5s? Share your experience—was it smooth, underwhelming, or life-changing? Join the conversation below.