Iphone 5s Vs 6s Plus Camera Is The Upgrade Really Worth It In Current Year

In an era where flagship smartphones boast computational photography that rivals professional cameras, revisiting older models like the iPhone 5s and iPhone 6s Plus might seem nostalgic. Yet, many users still rely on these devices—especially in regions with limited access to newer tech or for secondary use. If you're still using an iPhone 5s and wondering whether upgrading to a used iPhone 6s Plus delivers a meaningful camera improvement in 2024, the answer isn’t just about megapixels. It’s about real-world performance, software support, and how much photo quality matters in your daily life.

Camera Specifications: The Technical Leap

The iPhone 5s, released in 2013, was praised for its time as a compact powerhouse. Its rear camera featured an 8-megapixel sensor with an f/2.4 aperture, no optical image stabilization (OIS), and basic autofocus. Video recording topped out at 1080p at 30fps. While adequate for social media in the early 2010s, it struggled in anything less than ideal lighting.

Fast forward to the iPhone 6s Plus (2015), and Apple made significant strides. The 6s Plus upgraded to a 12-megapixel sensor with an f/2.2 aperture, dual-tone LED flash, and crucially—optical image stabilization. It also introduced 4K video recording, improved dynamic range, and better color accuracy. Front-facing camera resolution jumped from 1.2MP to 5MP, making selfies noticeably sharper.

“Even incremental improvements in mobile sensors and stabilization can dramatically affect photo usability.” — Dr. Lena Torres, Imaging Technology Researcher at MIT Media Lab

Real-World Photo Performance: Light, Detail, and Stability

Megapixels alone don’t tell the full story. The jump from 8MP to 12MP on the 6s Plus allows for more detail and better cropping flexibility—useful when sharing images on high-resolution screens or printing small photos. But the real game-changer is OIS. In low-light environments—like indoor dinners or evening walks—the 6s Plus produces significantly clearer images because the lens compensates for hand movement during exposure.

On the iPhone 5s, any slight motion in dim conditions results in blurry shots. The lack of advanced noise reduction and slower processing compounds this issue. Meanwhile, the 6s Plus applies smarter noise suppression and faster shutter response, preserving more natural textures without over-smudging details.

Tip: To maximize camera performance on older iPhones, clean the lens regularly and avoid digital zoom—it degrades image quality instantly.

Side-by-Side Comparison: iPhone 5s vs 6s Plus Camera Features

Feature	iPhone 5s	iPhone 6s Plus
Rear Camera Resolution	8 MP	12 MP
Aperture	f/2.4	f/2.2
Optical Image Stabilization	No	Yes (on Plus model)
Video Recording	1080p @ 30fps	4K @ 30fps / 1080p @ 60fps
Front Camera	1.2 MP	5 MP
Tone Balance & HDR	Basic HDR	Improved auto-HDR and tone mapping
Software Support (as of 2024)	Max iOS 12 (no longer updated)	Max iOS 15 (security updates ceased)

A Real Example: Weekend Family Gathering Photos

Consider Maria, a user who kept her iPhone 5s for five years after purchase. At a family reunion held indoors under warm tungsten lighting, she tried capturing candid moments. Most of her 5s photos came out blurry or overly grainy, especially when kids moved quickly. Colors leaned yellow, and faces were often underexposed.

After switching to a refurbished iPhone 6s Plus, the same environment yielded vastly different results. Thanks to OIS and improved white balance algorithms, her photos were sharper, better lit, and retained accurate skin tones. She could even shoot short 4K clips of her nieces dancing—something she couldn't do before without severe lag or overheating.

This scenario illustrates that the upgrade isn't just about specs—it's about reliability. In everyday situations where lighting isn't perfect and moments are fleeting, the 6s Plus offers tangible advantages.

Software and Ecosystem Limitations in 2024

While hardware improvements are clear, software support plays a critical role in long-term usability. As of 2024, neither device receives official iOS updates. The iPhone 5s stopped at iOS 12, while the 6s Plus reached iOS 15. This means no security patches, no new features, and increasingly limited app compatibility.

Many modern apps—including messaging platforms, banking tools, and social networks—require iOS 13 or higher. Instagram, for example, dropped support for iOS 12 in 2023. Even if the 6s Plus camera performs better, its utility is capped by outdated software. You may capture better photos, but sharing or editing them becomes harder over time.

Step-by-Step: Should You Upgrade in 2024?

If you're still on an iPhone 5s and considering a move to a 6s Plus solely for the camera, follow this decision path:

1. Evaluate Your Current Needs: Are you primarily taking well-lit outdoor photos? The 5s may suffice. Do you often shoot indoors or at night? The 6s Plus will offer noticeable gains.
2. Check App Compatibility: Test essential apps on iOS 12 vs iOS 15. If key services no longer run, the upgrade loses value regardless of camera quality.
3. Assess Budget: Refurbished 6s Plus units are cheap ($30–$70), but consider investing slightly more in an iPhone 7 or later for continued iOS support.
4. Test Sample Photos: Visit a local reseller and ask to take sample shots with both devices under similar conditions. Compare sharpness, focus speed, and color reproduction.
5. Consider Longevity: The 6s Plus battery degrades faster due to age. Factor in replacement cost (~$30) for optimal performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone 6s Plus still take good photos today?

Yes, under good lighting, the 6s Plus captures surprisingly decent photos. Its 12MP sensor and OIS allow for clear, stable images that hold up on social media. However, low-light performance still lags behind modern mid-range phones with night modes.

Is the front camera upgrade significant?

Extremely. The jump from 1.2MP to 5MP on the front camera makes a visible difference in selfie clarity and group FaceTime calls. Combined with better screen resolution, video chats are noticeably smoother and brighter.

Are there better alternatives than the 6s Plus in 2024?

Absolutely. For a similar price, consider an iPhone 7, 8, or SE (2nd gen). These support newer iOS versions, have better processors, and include enhanced cameras with True Tone flash and improved low-light algorithms. Android options like the Google Pixel 3a (refurbished) offer superior computational photography at this price point.

Final Verdict: Is the Upgrade Worth It?

The camera upgrade from iPhone 5s to 6s Plus is objectively better—sharper images, stabilized video, improved low-light handling, and 4K capability. For someone deeply attached to their 5s and seeking only modest improvement, the 6s Plus delivers a genuine leap in photographic ability.

However, in 2024, “worth it” must account for more than camera specs. Outdated software, app incompatibility, and aging batteries limit the practical lifespan of both devices. If your priority is photo quality *and* usability, spending a little more on a slightly newer model makes far more sense.

The 6s Plus is a worthwhile upgrade from the 5s purely from a camera perspective—but only if you’re on a tight budget and plan to use the phone casually. For anyone relying on their phone for communication, security, or regular app usage, the marginal camera gain isn’t enough to justify staying on obsolete hardware.

💬 Still using an older iPhone? Share your experience upgrading—or sticking with legacy gear. Your insights could help others decide what’s truly worth keeping.