Iphone 5s Vs Galaxy S2 Was The Upgrade Worth It For The Smaller Size

In the early 2010s, smartphone evolution accelerated rapidly. The Samsung Galaxy S2, released in 2011, set a new standard for Android devices with its sleek design and powerful specs at the time. Apple responded with the iPhone 5S in 2013, introducing Touch ID, a 64-bit processor, and refined ergonomics. For users considering an upgrade from the Galaxy S2 to the iPhone 5S—especially those prioritizing compactness—the decision wasn’t just about brand loyalty or ecosystem. It was about whether the smaller footprint, improved build quality, and iOS experience justified leaving behind a device that still felt capable.

This article dives deep into the physical design, user experience, performance, and long-term usability differences between these two iconic smartphones to answer a crucial question: Was trading the Galaxy S2’s slightly larger form for the iPhone 5S’s more pocketable size truly worth it?

Design and Physical Dimensions: Compactness as a Feature

The Galaxy S2 measured 125.3 x 66.1 x 8.5 mm and weighed 116 grams. At the time, this was considered slim and lightweight. However, by 2013 standards, especially compared to the iPhone 5S (123.8 x 58.6 x 7.6 mm, 112 grams), the S2 began to feel broad in the hand. The iPhone 5S reduced width significantly—by nearly 8 millimeters—making it noticeably easier to operate with one hand.

That difference in width is more impactful than it sounds. On the S2, reaching across the screen for notifications or typing on the far edges required repositioning the phone. The iPhone 5S, with its narrower chassis, allowed for more natural thumb movement across the display, despite having a taller 4-inch screen (compared to the S2’s 4.3-inch).

Tip: If one-handed use is critical, even a 5–7mm reduction in width can dramatically improve comfort and control.

Material choice also played a role. The Galaxy S2 used a plastic body with a faux-metal finish, which made it light but prone to scratches and creaking over time. The iPhone 5S featured an aluminum unibody design with chamfered edges, offering superior durability and a premium tactile feel. For users upgrading from the S2, the moment they held the 5S, the difference in perceived quality was immediately apparent.

Performance and Software Experience

Under the hood, the Galaxy S2 ran on a dual-core Exynos 4210 or Snapdragon S3 (depending on region), paired with 1GB of RAM. By 2013, this hardware struggled with newer versions of Android, multitasking, and modern apps. Updates had slowed, and performance degradation over time was common.

The iPhone 5S introduced the A7 chip—the first 64-bit processor in a smartphone—paired with 1GB of RAM optimized tightly with iOS 7. Despite matching RAM, the A7 outperformed the S2’s chipset in every measurable way. Apps launched faster, animations were smoother, and multitasking was more reliable. iOS’s memory management gave the 5S a longevity edge, remaining responsive years after release.

iOS 7 brought a major visual overhaul with flat design, dynamic parallax effects, and enhanced security via Touch ID. While some found the new interface jarring, the integration of biometric authentication was revolutionary. Unlocking the phone with a fingerprint was not only convenient but set a precedent for future mobile security.

“Apple’s vertical integration of hardware and software allows older devices to remain usable longer than similarly specced Android phones.” — David Liu, Mobile Systems Analyst, TechInsight Weekly

Comparison Table: Key Specifications

Feature	iPhone 5S	Galaxy S2
Release Year	2013	2011
Dimensions	123.8 x 58.6 x 7.6 mm	125.3 x 66.1 x 8.5 mm
Weight	112 g	116 g
Display Size	4.0 inches (163 ppi)	4.3 inches (217 ppi)
Processor	A7 (64-bit)	Exynos 4210 / Snapdragon S3
RAM	1 GB	1 GB
Storage Options	16/32/64 GB	16/32 GB (expandable via microSD)
Camera	8 MP rear, True Tone flash	8 MP rear, LED flash
Biometrics	Touch ID fingerprint sensor	None
OS at Launch	iOS 7	Android 2.3 (upgradable to 4.1)

Real-World Upgrade Experience: A Mini Case Study

Consider Mark, a long-time Android user who bought a Galaxy S2 in 2011. By 2013, his phone was sluggish—apps crashed frequently, updates were no longer supported, and the battery life had degraded to half its original capacity. He valued compactness because he often used his phone while commuting and disliked large devices in tight spaces.

When he switched to the iPhone 5S, the narrower body was instantly comfortable. One-handed texting became effortless. He missed the microSD slot initially—he’d relied on expandable storage for music—but iCloud and streaming services mitigated that gap. The speed of the A7 chip surprised him; even graphically intensive games ran smoothly. Most importantly, Touch ID eliminated the friction of entering passwords repeatedly.

Over time, Mark appreciated iOS’s consistent update policy. His iPhone 5S received iOS updates until 2018, maintaining compatibility with modern apps far longer than his S2 ever did. Though the screen was smaller, the higher contrast ratio and color accuracy made media enjoyable. For Mark, the smaller size wasn’t just a convenience—it was a catalyst for a more responsive, secure, and sustainable mobile experience.

Step-by-Step: Evaluating the Upgrade Decision

For anyone weighing a similar transition, here’s a structured way to assess whether the iPhone 5S was—or still is—a worthwhile upgrade from the Galaxy S2:

1. Evaluate current pain points: Is your Galaxy S2 slow, unstable, or no longer receiving updates? Performance decline is a strong indicator for change.
2. Test one-handed usability: Hold both devices. Can you comfortably reach all areas of the screen? The iPhone 5S’s narrower frame favors smaller hands.
3. Assess ecosystem needs: Do you rely on Google services heavily? Switching to iOS requires adapting to iCloud, iMessage, and Apple’s app suite.
4. Consider long-term support: The iPhone 5S received five major iOS updates. The S2 topped out at Android 4.1. Longevity matters.
5. Factor in accessories and data transfer: Check if your headphones, chargers, or cases are compatible. Use tools like Move to iOS for seamless migration.

Tips for Maximizing the iPhone 5S Experience

Tip: Enable \"Reachability\" in Settings > General > Accessibility to temporarily shift the top of the screen downward with a double-tap on the Home button.

• Use Touch ID for more than unlocking—set it up for App Store purchases and password autofill.
• Disable parallax motion in Accessibility settings if you find the iOS 7+ animations distracting or motion-inducing.
• Keep storage under 80% capacity to maintain optimal system performance on older iOS devices.
• Replace the battery if it drops below 80% health—Apple offers affordable replacements for legacy models.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did the iPhone 5S have better battery life than the Galaxy S2?

The iPhone 5S had a 1,440 mAh battery, while the Galaxy S2 had a 1,650 mAh unit. On paper, the S2 had more capacity, but iOS’s power efficiency and the A7’s low-power architecture gave the 5S comparable or slightly better real-world battery life, especially in standby and light-use scenarios.

Can the iPhone 5S still run modern apps today?

As of 2024, the iPhone 5S supports up to iOS 12.5.7. Many modern apps no longer support this version, limiting functionality. While it can handle basic tasks like calls, messaging, and light browsing, it’s no longer viable as a primary smartphone for most users.

Was the camera significantly better on the iPhone 5S?

Both phones had 8MP sensors, but the iPhone 5S introduced dual-LED True Tone flash, improving color accuracy in low light. Its image signal processor delivered faster capture times, better dynamic range, and superior video stabilization (1080p at 30fps vs. S2’s 1080p with instability). In real-world conditions, the 5S consistently produced more reliable and vibrant photos.

Conclusion: A Worthy Step Forward

For users upgrading from the Galaxy S2 to the iPhone 5S, the smaller size wasn’t just a minor convenience—it symbolized a broader leap in refinement, performance, and long-term usability. The reduction in width made daily interactions more fluid, while the aluminum build and Touch ID introduced a new standard of quality and security.

The iPhone 5S offered more than compactness; it delivered a future-proof platform with extended software support, efficient performance, and a cohesive ecosystem. While the Galaxy S2 was groundbreaking in its time, the 5S represented the next generation of thoughtful design—where every millimeter served a purpose.

If you’re reflecting on past upgrades or advising others on legacy device transitions, remember: size isn’t just about dimensions. It’s about how a device fits into your life. In this case, going smaller meant gaining much more.

💬 Used both the Galaxy S2 and iPhone 5S? Share your experience—was the switch worth it for you? Join the conversation and help preserve the history of mobile innovation.