Iphone 5s Vs 5c Was Upgrading Really Worth It Or Is The 5c Still Good In 2024 2

When Apple introduced the iPhone 5s and 5c in September 2013, they marked a pivotal shift in strategy. For the first time, Apple offered two distinct models at different price points, both replacing the aging iPhone 5. The 5s represented the premium end with cutting-edge features like Touch ID and the A7 chip, while the 5c was marketed as a colorful, more affordable alternative. Over a decade later, the question remains: Was upgrading from the 5 to the 5s truly worth it? And more curiously—can the iPhone 5c still function meaningfully in 2024?

The answer isn’t just about nostalgia. It’s about understanding hardware longevity, software support lifecycles, and how even outdated devices can serve niche roles in today’s hyper-connected world.

Hardware Comparison: Inside the 5s and 5c

At first glance, the iPhone 5c and 5s look similar. Both feature a 4-inch Retina display with a resolution of 640x1136 pixels. However, their internal architectures diverge significantly, shaping their long-term usability.

Feature	iPhone 5s	iPhone 5c
Processor	A7 chip with M7 motion coprocessor	A6 chip
Fingerprint Sensor	Touch ID (first on iPhone)	None
Rear Camera	8MP with True Tone flash	8MP with dual-LED flash
RAM	1GB	1GB
Design Material	Aluminum frame with glass back	Polycarbonate (plastic) unibody
Available Colors	Space Gray, Silver, Gold	White, Pink, Yellow, Blue, Green

The A7 chip in the 5s wasn’t just faster—it was the first 64-bit processor in any smartphone, giving it a future-proof edge. Combined with the M7 coprocessor for motion tracking, it enabled smoother multitasking and better app responsiveness. The 5c, despite its vibrant shell, ran the same A6 chip found in the iPhone 5, limiting its ability to handle newer iOS updates efficiently.

Tip: If you're using an old device for basic tasks, disable animations and background app refresh to improve perceived performance.

Software Support and App Compatibility in 2024

iOS updates are crucial for security, functionality, and app compatibility. The iPhone 5s supported iOS updates up to iOS 12.5.7, with the final patch released in January 2023—over nine years after its debut. In contrast, the 5c topped out at iOS 10.3.4, cut off in 2019.

This four-year gap in software support has massive implications. As of 2024, most modern apps—including banking, social media, and messaging platforms—require iOS 12 or higher. That means the 5c cannot install updated versions of WhatsApp, Instagram, or even Apple’s own Find My app.

“Devices that miss critical security updates become vulnerable not just to malware but to data harvesting through outdated encryption protocols.” — Dr. Lena Torres, Mobile Security Researcher at Stanford Cyber Initiative

The 5s, while also obsolete by modern standards, can at least run a version of iOS that supports some current apps. Safari on iOS 12 still loads most websites, though many will warn about insecure connections due to deprecated TLS versions.

Real-World Usability Today: A Mini Case Study

Consider Mark, a retired teacher who kept his iPhone 5s as a secondary device for emergencies and music playback. In early 2024, he attempted to use it during a hiking trip. He could make calls, play downloaded music via Spotify (using an older cached version), and navigate with offline Google Maps—but only because he had preloaded everything months earlier.

When he tried to access his bank account, the site redirected him to “update your device.” His email client failed to sync new messages due to IMAP deprecation. Even iMessage worked inconsistently, failing to deliver group messages.

In contrast, his daughter’s iPhone 5c—given to her younger brother as a toy phone—only functions as a camera and music player. No app store access, no web browsing beyond static pages, and no GPS navigation without Wi-Fi.

This illustrates a key point: The 5s offers marginal utility in 2024; the 5c does not.

Was Upgrading from 5 to 5s Worth It?

At launch, the iPhone 5s started at $649, while the 5c launched at $549—just $100 less, yet with notably inferior internals. For users upgrading from the iPhone 5, the 5s delivered tangible benefits:

• Touch ID: Revolutionized mobile security and paved the way for passwordless logins.
• 64-bit Architecture: Enabled developers to build more powerful apps, extending the device’s relevance.
• Better Low-Light Camera Performance: Thanks to the True Tone flash and improved sensor processing.
• Longer Software Support: Nearly four extra years of updates compared to the 5c.

For anyone serious about staying current in the iOS ecosystem between 2013 and 2017, the 5s was clearly the smarter investment. The 5c, despite its playful design, felt like a missed opportunity—a plastic-shell iPhone 5 rebranded without meaningful upgrades.

Can the iPhone 5c Still Be Useful in 2024?

Purely as a smartphone? No. But repurposing extends its life. Here’s a checklist for squeezing value from a forgotten 5c:

1. Turn it into a dedicated music player: Load it with playlists via iTunes and use it in the car or gym.
2. Use as a digital photo frame: Set it to slideshow mode with family pictures.
3. Create a kids’ learning device: Install offline educational games before disabling internet access.
4. Repurpose as a home controller: Use with older smart home accessories that still support iOS 10.
5. Dismantle for parts: Speakers, battery, and camera modules can be useful for DIY repairs.

Tip: Reset your old iPhone before repurposing. Go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings to protect personal data.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still get apps on the iPhone 5c in 2024?

No. The App Store requires iOS 11 or higher for most downloads. Since the 5c maxes out at iOS 10.3.4, you cannot install updated versions of major apps. Some legacy apps may still work if previously downloaded, but updates are blocked.

Is the iPhone 5s secure to use in 2024?

Not fully. While it received security patches until 2023, it lacks support for modern encryption standards and two-factor authentication in many services. Avoid entering passwords, credit card details, or sensitive information on it.

Why did Apple discontinue the 5c so quickly?

The 5c failed to resonate with consumers expecting a true budget iPhone. Its pricing was too high for its plastic build, and it lacked the innovation of the 5s. By 2015, Apple shifted focus to the SE line, which offered flagship specs in smaller form factors.

Final Verdict: Legacy and Lessons

The iPhone 5s was a milestone device—introducing biometric security, 64-bit computing, and setting a precedent for performance longevity. It remained functional far longer than expected, a testament to Apple’s optimization.

The 5c, meanwhile, serves as a cautionary tale: Design flair without technical advancement rarely wins in the long run. In 2024, neither phone meets modern expectations, but the 5s still crosses the threshold of limited usability, whereas the 5c belongs in a drawer or recycling bin.

If you’re holding onto either device, consider its role honestly. As a primary phone? Absolutely not. As a nostalgic piece, backup music player, or educational tool for children? There’s still a sliver of purpose—if managed safely.

💬 Still using an old iPhone? Share your experience—how do you keep vintage tech alive in a modern world? We’d love to hear your story.