Iphone 5s Vs 5c Was Upgrading Really Worth It

When Apple launched the iPhone 5s and 5c in September 2013, it marked a pivotal moment in the company’s product strategy. For the first time, Apple released two distinct models simultaneously—positioning one as a premium upgrade (the 5s) and the other as a colorful, more affordable alternative (the 5c). But for existing iPhone 5 owners wondering whether to upgrade, the decision wasn’t straightforward. Was the jump from an iPhone 5 to either the 5s or 5c truly worth it? And if so, which model offered better value? This analysis dives deep into real-world performance, hardware differences, software longevity, and user experience to answer that question with clarity.

The Strategic Shift Behind Apple's Dual Launch

Prior to 2013, Apple typically released a single flagship iPhone each year. The introduction of both the 5s and 5c signaled a new direction: segmentation. The iPhone 5c was marketed as a “budget-friendly” option with a polycarbonate shell and vibrant colors, while the 5s retained the aluminum build and introduced cutting-edge features like the A7 chip and Touch ID.

However, despite its playful appearance, the 5c wasn’t significantly cheaper than the 5s at launch. Both started at $199 on contract, making the price difference negligible for most buyers. This blurred the lines between value and premium, leaving consumers questioning where the real upgrade benefits lay.

“Apple tried to democratize design without compromising ecosystem integrity—but the 5c’s internals told a different story.” — David Liu, Mobile Industry Analyst, TechInsight Weekly

Hardware Comparison: Under the Hood Matters

To determine whether upgrading was worthwhile, a direct look at internal specs is essential. While both phones shared the same 4-inch Retina display and 8MP rear camera, their processors and biometric capabilities diverged sharply.

Feature	iPhone 5s	iPhone 5c
Processor	A7 chip with 64-bit architecture	A6 chip (same as iPhone 5)
RAM	1GB	1GB
Fingerprint Sensor	Touch ID (first on iPhone)	None
Graphics Performance	Motion co-processor (M7)	No M7 chip
Build Material	Aluminum unibody	Polycarbonate (plastic)
Battery Life (talk time)	Up to 10 hours	Up to 10 hours

The iPhone 5s clearly outperformed the 5c in processing power and future-proofing. The A7 chip wasn’t just faster—it enabled smoother multitasking, better gaming performance, and longer software support. Meanwhile, the 5c used the same A6 processor as the iPhone 5, meaning users upgrading from the 5 to the 5c saw no meaningful speed improvement.

Tip: If you were already using an iPhone 5, upgrading to the 5c offered little beyond cosmetic changes. The real leap was reserved for the 5s.

User Experience: Daily Use Over Time

In practical terms, the difference between these devices became more apparent over months of use. The iPhone 5s handled iOS updates more efficiently, staying compatible with newer versions of iOS longer. It supported iOS 12, receiving updates for five years after release. In contrast, the 5c stopped at iOS 10, losing access to major features like iMessage apps, ARKit, and enhanced security protocols by 2016.

Touch ID was another game-changer. Beyond unlocking the phone, it enabled secure app logins and iTunes purchases with a fingerprint—a convenience that quickly became standard. Users who upgraded to the 5s reported feeling more confident about mobile banking and password-heavy apps, thanks to this integration.

A Real-World Scenario: Sarah’s Upgrade Dilemma

Sarah had been using an iPhone 5 since 2012. By late 2013, her battery life was fading, and some newer apps ran sluggishly. She considered both the 5c and 5s. The 5c’s bright green case appealed to her sense of style, but she ultimately chose the 5s after testing both in-store. Within six months, she noticed how much faster her email loaded, how smoothly her fitness apps tracked workouts via the M7 motion coprocessor, and how convenient Touch ID made online shopping. Three years later, when she finally upgraded again, her 5s still ran daily tasks reliably—something her friend’s 5c couldn’t claim by 2015.

Long-Term Value and Resale Considerations

From a financial perspective, the iPhone 5s held its value far better. One year after release, used 5s models retained approximately 60% of their original value, compared to just 40% for the 5c. This disparity stemmed from demand: developers optimized apps for the A7 chip, and consumers recognized the 5s as the true flagship.

Moreover, carriers and trade-in programs consistently valued the 5s higher. Even today, working 5s units can be found in secondary markets for niche uses, whereas the 5c has largely faded into obscurity.

• The 5s supported modern encryption standards longer due to Secure Enclave integration.
• iCloud Keychain and two-factor authentication worked more seamlessly on the 5s.
• App developers dropped support for 32-bit processors (like the A6) by 2018, rendering many 5c apps obsolete.

Was Upgrading Worth It?

The answer depends on your starting point and expectations.

If you owned an iPhone 4S or earlier, upgrading to either model brought significant improvements in screen quality, camera performance, and overall speed. In that context, even the 5c was a worthy step up.

But if you were coming from an iPhone 5, the calculus changed. The 5c offered only aesthetic novelty—not performance gains. For those users, choosing the 5c meant paying nearly the same price for identical internals. That wasn’t an upgrade; it was a lateral move.

The iPhone 5s, however, delivered tangible advancements: a faster processor, improved graphics, motion tracking, and biometric security. These weren’t gimmicks—they laid the foundation for how iPhones functioned in the following decade.

Tip: Always evaluate upgrades based on internal specs, not just design. Longevity often hinges on chipset and software support, not color options.

Checklist: Should You Have Upgraded in 2013?

1. Are you using an iPhone 4S or older? → Yes → Either 5s or 5c could be worth it.
2. Are you on an iPhone 5? → Then prioritize the 5s for real performance gains.
3. Do you want Touch ID or better app compatibility? → Choose 5s only.
4. Is budget a concern? → The 5c saved little upfront and depreciated faster.
5. Do you care about long-term iOS updates? → The 5s received 4 major OS updates vs. 2 for the 5c.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Initially, yes. But as developers optimized for 64-bit architecture, many newer apps either ran poorly or didn’t support the 5c at all after 2016. The 5s remained compatible with modern apps much longer.

Did the iPhone 5c have a worse camera?

Not technically. Both models featured an 8MP sensor with similar optics. However, the 5s included True Tone flash and better image signal processing, resulting in more balanced low-light photos.

Why did Apple discontinue the 5c so quickly?

Market response showed consumers didn’t perceive the 5c as a compelling value. It was too expensive for a plastic phone yet underpowered compared to the 5s. Apple discontinued it by 2015 and shifted toward premium-only designs until the SE line revived the concept.

Final Verdict: Upgrade Wisely, Not Just Frequently

For iPhone 5 users in 2013, upgrading to the 5c was hard to justify. It looked fun, but beneath the surface, nothing had changed. The real innovation resided in the 5s—its 64-bit processor, Touch ID, and motion coprocessor set new standards for mobile computing.

Looking back, the 5s wasn't just an incremental update; it was a generational leap. It extended the usable lifespan of Apple’s ecosystem for millions and influenced smartphone design for years. If you upgraded directly from the 5 to the 5s, you gained not just a new device, but a more secure, capable, and future-ready tool.

So was upgrading worth it? Only if you chose the right model. The iPhone 5s said yes. The 5c merely smiled in color.

🚀 Still clinging to an old device? Evaluate your next upgrade based on performance, not packaging. A smarter phone isn’t always the shiniest one—make your move count.