Iphone 5s Vs 5c Was Upgrading Really Worth It 9

When Apple unveiled the iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c in September 2013, it marked a turning point in the company’s product strategy. For the first time, Apple released two new iPhones simultaneously—one positioned as a premium flagship and the other as a more affordable, colorful alternative. The iPhone 5s brought cutting-edge features like Touch ID and a 64-bit A7 chip, while the 5c offered a polycarbonate shell and a lower price point. But for users already on older models like the iPhone 4 or 5, the real question was: was upgrading to either model—especially the 5c—really worth it?

This article dives deep into the hardware, software, user experience, and long-term value of both devices to help answer that question with clarity and context from both 2013 and today’s retrospective view.

Design and Build Quality: Plastic vs Precision

The most immediate difference between the iPhone 5s and 5c lies in their construction. The 5c featured a brightly colored, glossy polycarbonate (plastic) body encased in a single-piece unibody shell. While Apple marketed it as durable and lightweight, many consumers perceived it as less premium compared to previous metal-backed iPhones.

In contrast, the iPhone 5s retained the sleek aluminum design of the iPhone 5 but added refined details like chamfered edges and a more balanced weight distribution. It came in three sophisticated finishes: silver, space gray, and the newly introduced gold—an instant cultural phenomenon.

Tip: If build quality and resale value matter, the 5s’ aluminum chassis held up better over time than the 5c’s plastic, which was prone to scratches and yellowing.

The 5c’s design was playful and accessible, appealing to younger users or those wanting a pop of color. However, its larger bezels and slightly bulkier frame made it feel outdated quickly, especially as competitors moved toward slimmer profiles.

Performance and Hardware: A Tale of Two Chips

Under the hood, the gap between the two phones was stark. The iPhone 5s introduced the A7 chip—the industry’s first 64-bit processor in a smartphone—paired with an M7 motion coprocessor. This combination delivered significantly faster app launches, smoother multitasking, and improved graphics performance, laying the foundation for future iOS advancements.

The iPhone 5c, despite running the same iOS version, used the A6 chip from the iPhone 5. While still capable for everyday tasks in 2013, it struggled sooner with newer apps and iOS updates. By iOS 10, performance on the 5c had noticeably declined, whereas the 5s supported updates up to iOS 12, offering nearly five years of software support.

“Apple didn’t just upgrade the 5s—it redefined what a smartphone could do. The A7 chip was a generational leap.” — David Pierce, The Verge, 2013

Processor Comparison Table

Feature	iPhone 5s	iPhone 5c
Chipset	A7 (64-bit)	A6 (32-bit)
Motion Coprocessor	M7 included	None
RAM	1GB	1GB
Graphics	PowerVR G6430	PowerVR SGX543
Final Supported iOS	iOS 12.5.7	iOS 10.3.4

The inclusion of the M7 coprocessor in the 5s allowed continuous tracking of motion data for fitness apps without draining the battery—a subtle but impactful innovation that benefited health and navigation apps long after launch.

Camera and User Experience

Both phones shared the same 8-megapixel rear sensor, but the 5s included critical upgrades: a larger f/2.2 aperture, dual-LED True Tone flash, and improved backside illumination. These changes resulted in better low-light photos and more accurate skin tones.

The 5s also introduced burst mode, slo-mo video recording at 120fps, and enhanced image signal processing—all powered by the A7. In practical use, this meant quicker shot-to-shot times and fewer missed moments.

On the front, both devices had identical 1.2MP FaceTime cameras, limiting selfie quality by modern standards. However, the 5s’s superior processing made video calls smoother and face detection faster.

Tip: If photography matters, even incrementally, the 5s’s True Tone flash and burst mode made a visible difference in real-world conditions.

Security and Innovation: The Touch ID Revolution

The iPhone 5s introduced Touch ID, Apple’s fingerprint recognition system embedded in the home button. This wasn’t just a convenience feature—it laid the groundwork for secure authentication across iOS, including iTunes purchases, App Store downloads, and later, third-party apps and Apple Pay.

The 5c lacked Touch ID entirely, relying on traditional passcode entry. In a world increasingly concerned with digital privacy, this omission made the 5c feel outdated almost immediately, especially as developers began optimizing apps for biometric login.

Touch ID on the 5s wasn’t perfect at launch—early adoption required multiple finger enrollments—but it improved rapidly with software updates. Its introduction signaled Apple’s commitment to integrating security seamlessly into daily use.

Real-World Example: Sarah’s Upgrade Dilemma

Sarah, a college student in 2013, owned an iPhone 4S and was considering an upgrade. She loved the vibrant colors of the 5c and found it $50 cheaper on contract. She bought the green model, excited about its fresh look.

Within a year, however, she noticed her phone lagging when using Instagram and Snapchat. By 2015, iOS 9 slowed her device further, and she couldn’t install apps requiring iOS 10. Meanwhile, her friend who chose the 5s was still smoothly using iOS 11 in 2017.

Looking back, Sarah realized the 5c’s short lifespan and lack of Touch ID diminished its value. “I thought I was saving money,” she said, “but I ended up replacing it a year earlier than expected.”

Was Upgrading Really Worth It?

For users coming from the iPhone 4 or 4S, both phones represented a meaningful upgrade in screen quality, speed, and iOS capabilities. But the long-term answer depends on which model you chose.

• Upgrading to the iPhone 5c: Worth it only if budget was the primary concern and usage was light (calls, texts, basic apps). However, its shorter software support and slower performance curve made it a short-term solution.
• Upgrading to the iPhone 5s: A definitive yes. With Touch ID, the A7 chip, better camera tech, and longer iOS support, it offered a future-proof experience that remained usable well into the late 2010s.

Even among users upgrading from the iPhone 5, the 5s provided tangible benefits. The addition of Touch ID alone justified the cost for many, not to mention the performance gains and extended compatibility with emerging apps and services.

Checklist: Was the Upgrade Right for You?

1. Did you prioritize long-term software updates? → Choose 5s
2. Was biometric security important? → Only 5s had Touch ID
3. Did you want better camera performance in low light? → 5s had True Tone flash
4. Were you on a tight budget and needed a phone for basic tasks? → 5c acceptable short-term
5. Did you care about resale value? → 5s retained value significantly better

Frequently Asked Questions

Could the iPhone 5c run the latest apps in 2016?

No. By 2016, many apps required iOS 10 or higher, but the 5c only supported up to iOS 10.3.4. Even within that version, performance was sluggish, and some apps refused installation due to hardware limitations.

Why did Apple discontinue the 5c so quickly?

The iPhone 5c was discontinued in 2015 because it failed to meet sales expectations. Consumers saw it as a \"cheap iPhone,\" but its price wasn’t low enough to compete with Android mid-range devices, nor was its design compelling enough to stand out. Internally, Apple shifted focus to the SE line as a true budget-friendly option.

Is the iPhone 5s still usable today?

As of 2024, the iPhone 5s can still power on and perform basic functions like calling, texting, and using offline apps. However, it cannot update beyond iOS 12, meaning no support for modern versions of Safari, banking apps, or social media platforms. It’s best suited as a backup or collector’s item.

Final Verdict and Call to Action

In retrospect, upgrading to the iPhone 5c was only marginally worth it—mainly for users who prioritized aesthetics and affordability over longevity. The iPhone 5s, however, was a landmark device that introduced technologies still relevant today. Its blend of innovation, performance, and durability made it one of Apple’s most enduring smartphones.

If you’re reflecting on past tech choices or advising someone on legacy devices, remember: short-term savings often come at the cost of long-term usability. The 5s proved that investing in core innovations—like security, processing power, and software support—pays off over time.

💬 Do you still have an iPhone 5s or 5c? Share your experience—was your upgrade worth it? Join the conversation and let others learn from your journey.