Iphone 5s Vs 4s On Youtube Was The Upgrade Really Worth It

When the iPhone 5s launched in 2013, it arrived as a significant evolution over the iPhone 4s, which had been Apple’s flagship just two years earlier. By that time, many 4s owners were approaching their contract renewals and wondering whether to upgrade. Countless YouTube videos compared the two devices, highlighting differences in speed, camera quality, and design. But beyond the hype and side-by-side tests, was the upgrade from the iPhone 4s to the 5s truly worth it for everyday users? The answer depends on usage patterns, expectations, and how much value one places on modern mobile performance.

Performance Leap: A6 vs A7 Chip

The most dramatic difference between the iPhone 4s and 5s lies under the hood. The 4s runs on Apple’s dual-core A5 chip, while the 5s introduced the first 64-bit processor in a smartphone — the A7. This wasn’t just a marketing gimmick; it delivered real-world improvements in app loading times, multitasking, and overall responsiveness.

Users upgrading from the 4s often reported that the 5s felt “snappier” from the moment they unlocked it. Animations were smoother, Safari loaded pages faster, and games like Infinity Blade III ran at higher frame rates. The A7 chip also brought better energy efficiency, meaning improved battery life despite increased performance.

Tip: If you're still using an iPhone 4s today, avoid background-heavy apps and close unused tabs to maintain acceptable performance.

Camera Improvements You Can Actually See

The camera is where many YouTube reviewers focused their comparisons. The iPhone 4s featured an 8-megapixel sensor with decent low-light performance for its time, but the 5s made tangible upgrades. It retained the same megapixel count but introduced larger pixels, a dual-LED True Tone flash, and improved image signal processing.

In side-by-side video tests, the 5s consistently produced brighter, more balanced photos — especially in mixed lighting. The True Tone flash reduced harsh color casts, making skin tones appear more natural. Video recording also improved, with better stabilization and enhanced audio capture.

For content creators or casual photographers sharing moments on social media, these changes mattered. On platforms like YouTube, where visual clarity impacts viewer engagement, the 5s gave users a noticeable edge.

“Even without increasing megapixels, Apple managed to make the 5s camera feel like a generational leap through smarter software and hardware tuning.” — David Kim, Mobile Photography Analyst

Detailed Comparison: iPhone 5s vs 4s

Feature	iPhone 4s	iPhone 5s
Processor	A5 (dual-core)	A7 (64-bit dual-core)
RAM	512MB	1GB
Rear Camera	8MP, single LED flash	8MP, True Tone flash
Front Camera	VGA (0.3MP)	1.2MP FaceTime HD
Touch ID	No	Yes (first on iPhone)
Battery Life (Video Playback)	Up to 8 hours	Up to 10 hours
Design Material	Glass front/back, stainless steel band	Aluminum unibody, glass front

Security and Usability: The Touch ID Advantage

One of the standout features of the iPhone 5s was the introduction of Touch ID — Apple’s fingerprint recognition system embedded in the home button. For users tired of typing passwords repeatedly, this was a game-changer.

Touch ID allowed instant unlocking, secure iTunes and App Store purchases, and later, third-party app integration. While the 4s required manual passcode entry or no lock at all, the 5s made security both convenient and effective. This feature alone justified the upgrade for many privacy-conscious users.

Additionally, the 5s included the M7 motion coprocessor, which continuously gathered data from the accelerometer, gyroscope, and compass without draining the main CPU. This benefited fitness apps and navigation tools, making background tracking more efficient.

Real-World Example: Sarah’s Upgrade Journey

Sarah had used her iPhone 4s since 2011. By 2013, she noticed apps took longer to open, Safari crashed frequently, and taking photos in dim lighting resulted in grainy images. After watching several comparison videos on YouTube, she decided to upgrade to the 5s.

Within days, she noticed the difference. Her Facebook and Instagram apps launched instantly. She could shoot videos of her kids’ soccer games without lag. Most importantly, Touch ID simplified her daily routine — no more fumbling with passwords at coffee shops or grocery stores.

She later commented on a popular tech review video: “I thought my 4s was ‘good enough,’ but the 5s reminded me why I loved iPhones in the first place — smooth, reliable, and intuitive.”

Step-by-Step: Is Upgrading Right for You?

If you’re evaluating whether the 5s-to-4s upgrade was worthwhile — perhaps because you’re considering buying a used model or helping someone decide — follow this decision timeline:

1. Assess your current device’s condition: Is your 4s still functional, or does it crash daily?
2. List your usage needs: Do you use GPS, take photos, or rely on fast internet browsing?
3. Check iOS compatibility: The 4s maxed out at iOS 9, while the 5s supports up to iOS 12, offering better app support and security updates.
4. Compare prices (if buying used): In 2013–2015, the price gap was justified. Today, both are outdated, but the 5s holds slightly better resale value.
5. Consider future-proofing: Even then, the 5s offered a longer usable lifespan due to better hardware support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Could the iPhone 4s run the same apps as the 5s?

Initially, yes — most apps were backward-compatible. However, as developers optimized for 64-bit architecture, newer versions began dropping support for the A5 chip. By 2016, many major apps like Snapchat and Uber stopped functioning properly on the 4s.

Did the design change significantly?

The 5s kept the same screen size (4 inches) but adopted a sleeker aluminum body compared to the 4s’s heavier glass-and-metal build. The 5s also introduced gold, silver, and space gray color options, moving away from the 4s’s black or white finishes.

Is either phone usable today?

As of 2024, neither phone meets modern app requirements. Basic functions like calling and texting work, but web browsing is slow, app selection is extremely limited, and security updates have ceased. They’re best suited for collectors or emergency backup devices.

Final Verdict: Was the Upgrade Worth It?

In 2013, upgrading from the iPhone 4s to the 5s was not just worth it — for most users, it was necessary to stay current. The combination of a faster processor, better camera, Touch ID, and extended software support made the 5s a meaningful step forward. YouTube reviewers weren’t exaggerating when they showed near-instant app launches or crisper night shots; those improvements translated directly into daily usability.

The 4s, while revolutionary in its time, began showing its age by 2012. Multitasking was sluggish, camera performance lagged behind Android competitors, and iOS updates became increasingly taxing. The 5s addressed nearly all of these pain points, offering a more future-ready device.

Tip: When upgrading smartphones, prioritize processors and RAM over cosmetic changes — they impact longevity more than design tweaks.

Conclusion: Learn From the Past, Plan for the Future

The iPhone 5s vs 4s debate captured a turning point in smartphone evolution — when raw power and biometric security started becoming standard. Watching those early YouTube comparisons today serves as a reminder: incremental upgrades can add up to transformative experiences.

If you're facing a similar decision now — whether to stick with an aging device or move to a newer model — consider not just today’s performance, but how long the new device will remain functional. Technology moves fast, and sometimes, waiting too long only makes the jump harder.

🚀 Have you upgraded from an older iPhone? Share your experience in the comments — your story might help someone else decide.