Iphone 5 Vs 5s Was Upgrading Really Worth It 19

In 2019, many users still relied on older iPhones for daily tasks, particularly the iPhone 5 and iPhone 5s. While both devices were once flagship models, by 2019 they represented different generations of Apple’s mobile evolution. The decision to upgrade from the iPhone 5 to the 5s — or to choose between them secondhand — raised a critical question: Was the upgrade truly worth it nearly six years after the 5s launched? This article breaks down the key differences, evaluates real-world performance in 2019, and helps you determine whether the leap mattered when iOS updates, app compatibility, and hardware longevity were becoming increasingly important.

Hardware Evolution: What Changed Between iPhone 5 and 5s?

The iPhone 5, released in September 2012, marked a major design shift with its taller 4-inch display, aluminum body, and Lightning connector. It ran on the Apple A6 chip and featured a 1.3GHz dual-core processor. While powerful at launch, by 2019, this chip struggled with newer versions of iOS and modern apps.

The iPhone 5s followed just one year later in September 2013. Externally, it looked nearly identical to the 5 — same size, weight, and screen — but internally, it was a significant upgrade. The most notable addition was the Apple A7 chip, the first 64-bit processor in any smartphone. Paired with the M7 motion coprocessor, the 5s offered improved efficiency in handling fitness tracking, gaming, and multitasking.

Another major change was the introduction of Touch ID, Apple’s fingerprint recognition system embedded in the home button. This wasn’t just a convenience feature; it laid the foundation for secure authentication across Apple’s ecosystem, including iTunes, App Store, and later, Apple Pay.

Tip: If you're using an iPhone 5 in 2019, updating past iOS 10 can severely degrade performance. Consider staying on iOS 10.3.4 for stability.

Performance Comparison in 2019: Real-World Usability

By 2019, both phones supported up to iOS 12, though the iPhone 5 topped out at iOS 10.3.4 (released October 2019). This meant the iPhone 5 could no longer receive security updates or run apps requiring iOS 11 or higher. Many developers had already dropped support for iOS 10, making app availability a serious limitation.

The iPhone 5s, however, received updates all the way to iOS 12.5.5, which included critical security patches as late as 2021. This extended support gave the 5s a clear advantage in terms of longevity and safety in everyday use.

In practical terms, launching Safari, switching between apps, or opening photos felt noticeably smoother on the 5s. The A7 chip handled background processes more efficiently, reducing lag during multitasking. Games like *Monument Valley* or *Infinity Blade III*, which became sluggish or unplayable on the iPhone 5 under iOS 10, remained functional on the 5s under iOS 12.

“Even small hardware improvements can dramatically extend a device’s usable lifespan when paired with long-term software support.” — David Lin, Mobile Technology Analyst

Detailed Feature Comparison

Feature	iPhone 5	iPhone 5s
Release Date	September 2012	September 2013
Processor	A6 chip	A7 chip (64-bit) + M7 coprocessor
RAM	1GB	1GB
Rear Camera	8MP, f/2.4 aperture	8MP, f/2.2 aperture, True Tone flash
Front Camera	1.2MP	1.2MP
Touch ID	No	Yes (first-generation)
Max Supported iOS	iOS 10.3.4	iOS 12.5.5
Security Updates (2019)	None after Oct 2019	Available through 2021
App Compatibility (2019)	Limited (no iOS 11+ apps)	Broad (supports most iOS 12 apps)

User Experience: A Real-Life Scenario

Sarah, a college student in 2019, inherited her brother’s iPhone 5. She used it for texting, light web browsing, and listening to music. By early 2019, she noticed that Instagram wouldn’t install, Google Maps crashed frequently, and her banking app refused to open. After visiting an Apple technician, she learned her device couldn’t update beyond iOS 10, rendering many essential services unusable.

She traded it for a used iPhone 5s at a local repair shop for $40. Immediately, she could install iOS 12, access the latest versions of WhatsApp, Gmail, and even use Apple’s Find My iPhone feature securely. The Touch ID made logging into apps faster, and the improved camera let her scan documents clearly for class assignments. For Sarah, the upgrade wasn’t just about speed — it restored functionality and peace of mind.

Was Upgrading Worth It in 2019?

The answer depends on your needs. For casual users who only needed calls, texts, and basic browsing, the iPhone 5 might have sufficed — provided they accepted limited app access and no future updates. However, for anyone relying on email, social media, mobile banking, or navigation, the iPhone 5s was a necessary step forward.

Consider these factors:

• Security: Without ongoing updates, the iPhone 5 became vulnerable to exploits after 2019.
• App Support: Major services like banking apps, Uber, and productivity tools required iOS 11 or higher.
• Resale & Trade-In Value: In 2019, iPhone 5s units retained slightly better resale value due to broader compatibility.
• Future-Proofing: Even if both phones were aging, the 5s offered another 1–2 years of usable life compared to the 5’s abrupt end-of-life.

Tip: Always back up your iPhone via iCloud or iTunes before upgrading. Even old devices benefit from encrypted backups for data recovery.

Checklist: Should You Upgrade from iPhone 5 to 5s in 2019?

1. Can your iPhone 5 update beyond iOS 10? → If not, upgrade is strongly recommended.
2. Are essential apps failing to install or crashing? → Indicates outdated OS limitations.
3. Do you use mobile banking or two-factor authentication? → Security risks increase on unsupported devices.
4. Is Touch ID or faster performance important for daily use? → 5s provides tangible quality-of-life improvements.
5. Is the cost of a used 5s within budget? → Often available for under $50, making it a low-risk investment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Could the iPhone 5 run iOS 12?

No. The iPhone 5 was limited to iOS 10.3.4, the final update released in October 2019. iOS 11 and iOS 12 were only compatible with iPhone 5s and later models.

Was the iPhone 5s still supported in 2019?

Yes. Apple continued to provide security updates for the iPhone 5s through iOS 12.5.5, with the last patch released in 2021. This made it one of the longest-supported iPhones in history.

Did the camera improve significantly on the 5s?

While both had 8MP sensors, the 5s featured a wider f/2.2 aperture and True Tone flash, balancing skin tones and improving low-light performance. Image processing was also faster thanks to the A7 chip.

Final Verdict

In 2019, upgrading from the iPhone 5 to the 5s wasn’t just worth it — for most users, it was essential. The combination of 64-bit processing, Touch ID, extended iOS support, and better app compatibility transformed the 5s from a minor revision into a meaningful upgrade. While the physical design barely changed, the internal advancements ensured the 5s remained functional, secure, and relevant years longer than its predecessor.

If you were still using an iPhone 5 in 2019, moving to a 5s represented one of the most cost-effective ways to regain access to modern mobile experiences without stepping into the premium price range. It bridged the gap between obsolescence and usability — a rare feat in fast-moving tech cycles.

💬 Still using an older iPhone? Share your experience upgrading from the 5 to 5s — what surprised you most? Join the conversation below.