Iphone 5c Vs 6s Vs 7 Which Upgrade Would Still Be Worth It

For users clinging to older iPhones, the question isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s about practicality. If you’re still using an iPhone 5c and wondering whether jumping to a 6s or 7 is worthwhile in 2024, the answer depends on your needs, budget, and expectations. While all three models are discontinued, they represent distinct generations of Apple’s mobile evolution. Understanding their differences in performance, camera quality, software support, and real-world usability reveals which upgrade path delivers meaningful value—even years after release.

Performance: From Struggles to Smooth Operation

The leap from the iPhone 5c to the 6s or 7 isn’t just incremental—it’s transformative in terms of daily usability. The 5c, released in 2013, runs on the A6 chip, which even at launch was modest. By today’s standards, it struggles with basic tasks like loading web pages, switching apps, or updating to modern iOS versions. It maxes out at iOS 10, cutting off access to security updates, app features, and compatibility with current software.

In contrast, the iPhone 6s (2015) introduced the A9 chip and 2GB of RAM—making multitasking and app responsiveness significantly smoother. It supports up to iOS 15, meaning it received nearly a decade of updates. The iPhone 7 (2016), powered by the more efficient A10 Fusion chip, offers 40% faster CPU performance than the 6s and better graphics handling. This means not only can it run modern apps more reliably, but it also handles games, photo editing, and video streaming with noticeably less lag.

Tip: If you rely on banking apps, messaging platforms, or navigation tools, upgrading from the 5c to either the 6s or 7 ensures you won’t face constant crashes or incompatibility.

Camera Quality: Night and Day Difference

Photography has evolved dramatically across these models. The iPhone 5c features a 8MP rear camera without autofocus priority, LED flash, or stabilization. Low-light photos are grainy, and detail is often lost. The front-facing camera is 1.2MP—barely adequate for FaceTime calls, let alone social media selfies.

The iPhone 6s upgraded to a 12MP rear sensor with improved color accuracy, 4K video recording, and better low-light performance thanks to larger pixels and a brighter True Tone flash. The front camera jumped to 5MP, making selfies and video calls far more usable.

The iPhone 7 pushed further: its 12MP rear camera includes optical image stabilization (OIS), a wider f/1.8 aperture, and advanced noise reduction. In real-world use, this translates to sharper night shots, reduced blur from hand movement, and more consistent colors. For anyone who values photography—even casually—the jump from 5c to 7 is one of the most rewarding upgrades in Apple’s history.

“Moving from a 5c to a 7 feels like switching from a flip phone to a smartphone in terms of photo quality.” — Jordan Lee, Mobile Photographer & Tech Reviewer

Design and Durability: Plastic to Premium

The iPhone 5c’s polycarbonate shell was marketed as colorful and fun, but it aged poorly—scratching easily and feeling less premium over time. It lacks water resistance, and its 4-inch display now feels cramped compared to modern standards.

The 6s and 7 both feature aluminum unibody designs that feel sturdier and more refined. They increased screen size to 4.7 inches, offering more real estate for reading, browsing, and media. More importantly, the iPhone 7 introduced IP67 water and dust resistance—a major durability upgrade. While not built for underwater use, it can survive spills, rain, and accidental drops in sinks—something the 5c could never handle.

However, both the 6s and 7 retain the home button and Touch ID, which some users prefer over Face ID for reliability and ease of use with gloves or in bright sunlight.

Detailed Comparison: iPhone 5c vs 6s vs 7

Feature	iPhone 5c	iPhone 6s	iPhone 7
Release Year	2013	2015	2016
Chipset	A6	A9	A10 Fusion
Ram	1GB	2GB	2GB
Rear Camera	8MP (no OIS)	12MP (no OIS)	12MP (with OIS)
Front Camera	1.2MP	5MP	7MP
Battery Life (Video)	Up to 10 hours	Up to 14 hours	Up to 14 hours
iOS Support	Up to iOS 10	Up to iOS 15	Up to iOS 16
Water Resistance	No	No	IP67 (1m for 30 min)
Storage Options	16/32GB	16/32/64/128GB	32/128/256GB

Real-World Example: Sarah’s Upgrade Journey

Sarah had been using her iPhone 5c since 2014. By 2023, she found herself unable to update WhatsApp, her banking app kept crashing, and taking photos of her kids felt frustrating due to slow focus and poor lighting performance. She considered buying a new iPhone but hesitated due to cost.

She opted for a used iPhone 7 from a certified reseller for $75. The difference was immediate: apps loaded quickly, her photos looked professional enough for Instagram, and she could finally use Apple Pay. Even though the phone was several generations old, it met her core needs—reliability, functionality, and modern app compatibility—without breaking the bank.

Her experience reflects a broader trend: for light to moderate users, upgrading from a 5c to a 7 extends smartphone usability by several years at minimal cost.

Is the 6s Still Worth Considering?

The iPhone 6s sits in an interesting middle ground. It’s notably faster than the 5c and supports more recent iOS versions, but it lacks water resistance and has a weaker camera than the 7. Battery degradation is also a widespread issue now, as most 6s units are over eight years old. Replacement batteries are available, but aging logic boards and storage limits (many models have only 16GB or 32GB) make long-term ownership risky.

If you find a 6s in excellent condition with 64GB or more storage and a replaced battery, it can serve as a functional device. But given the small price difference between used 6s and 7 models, the latter almost always offers better value.

Upgrade Checklist: What to Consider Before Buying

• Evaluate your usage: Do you need reliable apps, decent photos, and smooth performance? Then skip the 5c and 6s.
• Check storage capacity: Avoid 16GB models—they fill up fast with apps and photos.
• Inspect battery health: Anything below 80% will require replacement soon.
• Buy from trusted sources: Choose Apple-certified refurbished units or reputable sellers with return policies.
• Verify iOS version: Ensure the device can run at least iOS 15 for security and app compatibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone 5c still receive app updates?

No. Most modern apps—including Instagram, TikTok, and banking apps—require iOS 12 or higher. The 5c maxes out at iOS 10, making it incompatible with current app versions.

Is the iPhone 7 too old to use in 2024?

Not necessarily. While it no longer receives iOS updates beyond iOS 16, it remains capable for everyday tasks like calling, texting, browsing, email, and social media. Performance may slow with future app updates, but it’s still functional for non-intensive users.

Should I upgrade directly to a newer model instead?

If budget allows, yes. iPhones like the SE (2020 or 2022) or iPhone 8 offer better performance, longer software support, and modern features like faster charging and improved cameras. But if you're seeking a low-cost, immediate upgrade from the 5c, the iPhone 7 is a smart bridge.

Final Verdict: The Smartest Upgrade Path

Going from iPhone 5c to 6s is an improvement, but limited by outdated hardware and lack of durability features. The jump to iPhone 7, however, represents a meaningful leap in processing power, camera quality, water resistance, and overall longevity. For under $100 on the secondhand market, a well-maintained iPhone 7 restores access to modern digital life in a way the 5c simply can’t match.

If you're holding onto a 5c and struggling with daily usability, don’t settle for marginal gains. Invest in an iPhone 7—it’s the last truly affordable Apple device that balances performance, reliability, and relevance in today’s app ecosystem.

🚀 Ready to upgrade? Check certified refurbished listings for iPhone 7 models with good battery health and at least 64GB storage. Your digital life deserves a device that keeps up.