IPhone 5 Vs IPhone X: Looking Back, Was The Upgrade Really Worth It

In 2012, the iPhone 5 redefined Apple’s smartphone formula with its taller display, aluminum body, and Lightning connector. Five years later, in 2017, the iPhone X arrived as a radical departure—a device meant to celebrate a decade of innovation. With an edge-to-edge OLED screen, Face ID, and no home button, the iPhone X wasn’t just an upgrade—it was a statement. But for users transitioning from the iPhone 5, was this evolution truly justified? Looking back, the answer depends on what you valued in a phone: familiarity or future-proofing.

The Design Revolution: From Familiar to Futuristic

The iPhone 5 introduced a sleeker, lighter design compared to its predecessors. Measuring 123.8 x 58.6 x 7.6 mm and weighing just 112 grams, it was one of the most compact high-end smartphones of its time. Its aluminum unibody and glass front gave it a premium feel, while the shift to the Lightning port marked Apple’s move toward proprietary efficiency.

Fast forward to the iPhone X: dimensions ballooned to 143.6 x 70.9 x 7.7 mm and 174 grams. The design language shifted dramatically. Gone was the home button; in its place, a nearly bezel-less 5.8-inch Super Retina OLED display dominated the front. Stainless steel frame, glass back for wireless charging, and surgical-grade build materials signaled a new era of craftsmanship.

This wasn't just a redesign—it was a complete reimagining. For iPhone 5 users accustomed to tapping a physical button to return home or use Touch ID, the transition to swipes and facial recognition required adaptation. Yet, once mastered, the gesture-based navigation felt fluid and modern.

Tip: If upgrading from an older iPhone, spend the first few days practicing gestures like swiping up from the bottom to return home—muscle memory takes time.

Performance Leap: Speed, Efficiency, and Real-World Use

The iPhone 5 ran on the Apple A6 chip—an impressive performer for its time, capable of handling iOS 6 and early versions of popular apps smoothly. However, by today’s standards, even basic tasks would feel sluggish. Multitasking was limited, app loading times were noticeable, and background processes often required reloading.

The iPhone X, powered by the A11 Bionic chip with a six-core CPU and embedded neural engine, was a generational leap. Apps launched instantly, multitasking was seamless, and augmented reality experiences became possible. Even today, the A11 holds up surprisingly well for everyday tasks.

But was this power necessary for the average iPhone 5 user? For someone primarily using their phone for calls, texts, emails, and light web browsing, the raw speed might have seemed excessive. However, for those embracing photography, mobile gaming, or productivity apps, the performance difference was transformative.

“Between 2012 and 2017, mobile computing evolved more than in the previous decade. The iPhone X wasn’t just faster—it enabled entirely new behaviors.” — Dr. Lena Torres, Mobile Technology Analyst

Camera Comparison: From Capable to Professional

The iPhone 5 featured an 8MP rear camera with improved backside illumination and better low-light performance over the iPhone 4S. It was reliable for casual snapshots but struggled in dim lighting and lacked optical image stabilization.

The iPhone X upgraded to a dual 12MP system—wide and telephoto lenses—with OIS on both sensors, Portrait Mode, and advanced software processing. Front-facing TrueDepth camera enabled Animoji and depth-mapped selfies. More importantly, computational photography began shaping how photos were captured and enhanced after shooting.

For users serious about photography, the jump was monumental. Low-light shots were cleaner, zoom quality improved significantly, and portrait effects added creative flexibility. Social media sharing also benefited, as higher dynamic range and color accuracy made images stand out.

Camera Feature Comparison

Feature	iPhone 5	iPhone X
Rear Camera	8MP, single lens	12MP dual (wide + telephoto)
Front Camera	1.2MP	7MP TrueDepth
Video Recording	1080p @ 30fps	4K @ 60fps
Portrait Mode	Not available	Yes (rear & front)
Low-Light Performance	Moderate	Significantly improved

User Experience: The Shift in Interaction

One of the most profound changes between these models was how users interacted with their devices. The iPhone 5 relied on a consistent interface centered around the home button and Touch ID. Pressing it returned to the home screen; double-pressing opened multitasking; holding activated Siri. It was intuitive and predictable.

The iPhone X eliminated the home button entirely. Instead, gestures took over: swipe up to go home, swipe up and hold for multitasking, swipe down from the top-right for Control Center. Face ID replaced Touch ID, scanning your face in 3D for secure unlocking.

Initially, many users found this disorienting. Muscle memory built over years had to be retrained. However, within a week or two, most adapted—and many preferred the full-screen immersion. Face ID, though occasionally slower in poor lighting, offered convenience when hands were full or dirty.

Additionally, the OLED display brought deeper blacks, richer colors, and better contrast—especially noticeable when watching videos or reading in sunlight.

Was the Upgrade Worth It? A Real User Example

Consider Mark, a long-time iPhone 5 user who held onto his device until 2018. He used it mainly for communication and calendar management. When he finally upgraded to the iPhone X, he expected a faster version of the same experience. Instead, he encountered a completely different operating logic.

At first, he missed the tactile feedback of the home button and grew frustrated when Face ID failed indoors. But within three weeks, he realized how much more capable his phone had become. He started using the camera regularly, enjoyed streaming Netflix in HDR, and appreciated how quickly messages and maps loaded. Most surprisingly, he found himself using his phone more efficiently—not just reacting to notifications, but proactively managing tasks.

For Mark, the upgrade wasn’t about specs—it was about unlocking a new relationship with his device.

Checklist: Is a Major iPhone Upgrade Right for You?

Before making a leap like the one from iPhone 5 to iPhone X, consider the following:

• ✅ Do you rely on your phone for more than calls and texts?
• ✅ Are you frequently waiting for apps to load or reload?
• ✅ Does your current phone struggle with modern software updates?
• ✅ Do you value photo and video quality?
• ✅ Are you open to learning new interaction methods?
• ✅ Is battery life becoming insufficient for your day?

If you answered “yes” to three or more, then a major upgrade likely offers meaningful benefits beyond novelty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Could the iPhone 5 still function well in 2024?

No. The iPhone 5 stopped receiving iOS updates after iOS 10, meaning it lacks support for modern security patches, app compatibility, and services like iMessage encryption improvements. Most current apps either won’t install or run poorly.

Was the iPhone X expensive compared to the iPhone 5?

Yes. The iPhone 5 launched at $649 (unlocked, 16GB), while the iPhone X started at $999—making it Apple’s most expensive iPhone at the time. This price jump reflected not just hardware advances but also the shift toward premium flagship pricing.

Did the iPhone X fix all the issues of earlier iPhones?

While it addressed many limitations, some users criticized its notch, high starting price, and fragility. Additionally, early reports noted Face ID inconsistencies in certain lighting conditions. No device is perfect, but the iPhone X set a new baseline for future models.

Final Verdict: A Worthy Evolution

Looking back, the upgrade from iPhone 5 to iPhone X was far more than incremental—it was evolutionary. It represented a shift from functional utility to immersive digital experience. For users clinging to older devices for comfort or cost reasons, the change may have seemed drastic. But for those willing to adapt, the rewards were substantial: better performance, superior photography, longer software support, and access to features that defined the next decade of smartphones.

The iPhone X wasn’t merely a new phone. It was a preview of where mobile technology was headed—and for most users, making the jump ensured they weren’t left behind.

🚀 Ready to evaluate your next upgrade? Reflect on how you use your current phone. If you're still relying on outdated tech, now might be the time to embrace the future—just as iPhone 5 users did when they stepped into the era of the iPhone X.