In 2017, the iPhone 5s and iPhone 6 were no longer cutting-edge devices. Both had been succeeded by newer models, yet they remained in active use across millions of households. For users still clinging to the iPhone 5s, the question wasn’t just about desire—it was practicality. Was upgrading to the iPhone 6, even at that point, a meaningful improvement? Or was Apple’s marketing overshadowing real-world gains?
This analysis dives into hardware, software longevity, user experience, and cost-effectiveness to determine whether switching from the 5s to the 6 in 2017 truly delivered value—three years after both phones launched.
Design and Ergonomics: A Shift in Philosophy
The most immediate difference between the iPhone 5s and iPhone 6 was design. The 5s, released in 2013, featured a compact 4-inch display with sharp bezels and a rigid aluminum frame. It fit comfortably in one hand and became a favorite among users who prioritized pocketability over screen real estate.
The iPhone 6, released in 2014, marked Apple’s first major leap toward larger screens. With a 4.7-inch display, thinner profile, and curved edges, it embraced the trend toward phablets. The shift wasn’t subtle. Holding both side by side, the 6 felt modern; the 5s suddenly looked dated.
Ergonomically, the 6 introduced a new challenge: reachability. Users with smaller hands often struggled to tap the top of the screen without shifting their grip. Apple addressed this with the “Reachability” feature (double-tap the home button to slide the interface down), but it was a workaround for a design decision many found unavoidable in the evolving smartphone landscape.
Performance and Software Longevity in 2017
By 2017, both devices were running iOS 10, with iOS 11 on the horizon. This is where the divergence became critical. While the iPhone 5s was powered by the A7 chip—a 64-bit processor groundbreaking in 2013—it began showing its age under heavier workloads. Apps like Facebook, Instagram, and Chrome grew increasingly sluggish, and multitasking led to frequent app reloads.
The iPhone 6, equipped with the A8 chip and M8 motion coprocessor, handled iOS 10 far more smoothly. Even in 2017, it maintained responsive animations, quicker app launches, and better background task retention. When iOS 11 dropped later that year, Apple officially excluded the iPhone 5s from full compatibility—certain features like ARKit and Files app support were limited or absent.
“Hardware lifespan isn’t just about how long a phone turns on—it’s about how well it adapts to evolving software demands.” — David Lin, Mobile Systems Analyst at TechPulse Insights
For users planning to keep their device beyond 2017, the iPhone 6 offered a clearer path forward. It received iOS 12 in 2018 and partial support through iOS 15 for basic functions, whereas the 5s was effectively frozen after iOS 10.3.4 in 2019, lacking security updates and modern app compatibility.
Camera and Everyday Use: Incremental Gains
The camera upgrades from the 5s to the 6 weren’t revolutionary, but they were noticeable. The iPhone 5s featured an 8MP rear sensor with decent low-light performance for its time. The iPhone 6 bumped resolution slightly—not in megapixels, but in sensor efficiency—and introduced Focus Pixels for faster autofocus. More importantly, it added optical image stabilization (OIS) simulation through software algorithms and improved face detection.
In real-world conditions, photos from the iPhone 6 appeared sharper, especially in motion or dim lighting. Video recording improved too, moving from 1080p at 30fps to 1080p at 60fps, making clips smoother and more professional-looking. For casual users sharing moments on social media, these changes mattered.
Front-facing cameras also saw refinement. The 5s’s 1.2MP FaceTime camera struggled with noise and exposure. The 6’s 1.2MP front shooter included better tone mapping and Retina Flash (using the display as a flash), enhancing selfies significantly.
Real Example: Sarah’s Upgrade Decision
Sarah, a freelance photographer using her iPhone 5s for client previews and social media content, noticed growing frustration by early 2017. Her images required heavy editing due to inconsistent white balance and slow focusing. After testing a friend’s iPhone 6, she upgraded during a carrier trade-in event. The difference in workflow was immediate—faster captures, fewer retakes, and less post-processing. For her, the upgrade paid off not in specs, but in time saved and professionalism gained.
Cost-Benefit Analysis: Was It Worth It in 2017?
To assess whether upgrading was worthwhile, consider the financial and functional context of 2017. By then, both phones were available secondhand or through carrier discounts:
| Feature | iPhone 5s (2017) | iPhone 6 (2017) |
|---|---|---|
| Average Resale Price | $80–$120 | $150–$200 |
| iOS Support Outlook | Limited (iOS 10 only) | Full (iOS 11+ expected) |
| Battery Life (Real-World) | ~6 hours screen time | ~8 hours screen time |
| Storage Options | 16GB, 32GB, 64GB | 16GB, 64GB, 128GB |
| App Performance | Sluggish with modern apps | Smooth, reliable |
The price gap—roughly $70–$100—had to be weighed against tangible benefits: longer software support, better camera, improved battery, and a more future-proof form factor. For users relying on their phones for banking, navigation, communication, and productivity, the extra investment often justified itself within six months through reduced frustration and downtime.
Step-by-Step: How to Decide If You Should Upgrade
If you were on the fence in 2017, here’s a practical timeline to guide your decision:
- Assess current pain points: Is your iPhone 5s crashing, freezing, or failing to update apps?
- Check iOS compatibility: Verify if essential apps (e.g., WhatsApp, Gmail, banking apps) still support iOS 10.
- Test battery health: Navigate to Settings > Battery > Battery Health (if available). Below 80% capacity indicates degradation.
- Compare upgrade costs: Factor in carrier deals, trade-ins, and accessory replacements.
- Try before you buy: Visit an Apple Store or borrow a friend’s iPhone 6 to test daily tasks.
- Decide based on usage: Light users might delay; professionals, parents, or mobile workers benefit sooner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Could the iPhone 5s run iOS 11?
No. Apple officially dropped support for the iPhone 5s with iOS 11. While some developers created jailbroken versions, these lacked security updates and app compatibility, making them impractical for daily use.
Was the iPhone 6 waterproof?
No, the iPhone 6 was not waterproof. It lacked any official IP rating. While minor spills rarely caused damage, submersion or heavy rain posed serious risks—unlike later models starting with the iPhone 7.
Did the iPhone 6 fix the ‘Bendgate’ issue?
Partially. The aluminum body was more prone to bending under extreme pressure than previous models, earning the nickname “Bendgate.” Apple reinforced later builds, but the issue highlighted a trade-off between slimness and durability.
Final Verdict: Yes, But With Caveats
Upgrading from the iPhone 5s to the iPhone 6 in 2017 was worth it—for most people. The combination of better performance, extended software support, improved camera, and modern ergonomics made the 6 a meaningful step forward. However, the value depended heavily on individual needs.
If you used your phone primarily for calls, texts, and occasional browsing, the 5s likely sufficed. But if you relied on apps, photography, or needed reliability, the upgrade eliminated friction and extended usability by another two to three years.
Three years after launch, the iPhone 6 represented not just a newer model, but a bridge to the modern iOS ecosystem. The 5s, while iconic, had become a relic—one best preserved as a backup, not a primary device.
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