Iphone 5s Vs Iphone 7 Is Upgrading Really Worth It Or Am I Just Wasting Money

If you're still using an iPhone 5s in 2024, you’re running one of Apple’s most enduring devices. Launched in 2013, the 5s was a milestone phone—fingerprint authentication, 64-bit processing, and a design language that lasted years. But now, nearly a decade later, you might be wondering whether it's time to upgrade to something like the iPhone 7. The iPhone 7 came out in 2016, so it’s not exactly new either—but compared to the 5s, it represents a significant leap. The real question isn’t just about specs; it’s about value. Is upgrading from an iPhone 5s to an iPhone 7 actually worthwhile, or are you just spending money on outdated tech?

Performance: A Night-and-Day Difference

The heart of any smartphone is its processor, and here, the gap between the iPhone 5s and iPhone 7 couldn't be wider. The 5s runs on Apple’s A7 chip—the first 64-bit processor in a smartphone at the time. It was revolutionary in 2013, but by today’s standards, it struggles with modern apps, multitasking, and even basic web browsing when multiple tabs are open.

In contrast, the iPhone 7 features the A10 Fusion chip, which is roughly four times faster in CPU performance and up to eight times faster in graphics than the A7. This means smoother animations, faster app launches, and far better handling of iOS updates. While both phones max out at iOS 12, the iPhone 7 runs it much more fluidly.

Tip: If your current iPhone 5s feels sluggish when opening apps or switching tasks, upgrading to an iPhone 7 will feel like switching from dial-up to broadband.

Camera Quality: From Decent to Impressive

The iPhone 5s has an 8MP rear camera with decent low-light performance for its era, but it lacks features we now take for granted: no autofocus priority, slow burst mode, and poor dynamic range. Video is capped at 1080p at 30fps.

The iPhone 7 improves dramatically. Its 12MP sensor captures sharper images with better color accuracy and contrast. Optical image stabilization (on the 7, not the 7 Plus) reduces blur in low light. More importantly, the front-facing camera jumps from 1.2MP to 7MP, making selfies and video calls significantly clearer.

For anyone who uses their phone to capture memories—whether it’s family moments, travel shots, or social media content—the jump in photo quality alone may justify the upgrade.

“Even if you don’t consider yourself a photographer, better camera hardware means fewer missed moments and less frustration trying to get a usable shot.” — Marcus Lin, Mobile Photography Consultant

Battery Life and Charging: Practical Daily Impact

After years of daily charging, most iPhone 5s batteries are well beyond their prime. Even with perfect care, lithium-ion batteries degrade over time. An original 5s had about 10 hours of mixed usage when new. Today, many users report lasting only 4–5 hours before needing a recharge.

The iPhone 7 offers around 13 hours of mixed usage under similar conditions—a substantial improvement. It also supports faster charging with a compatible adapter (though Apple didn’t include one in the box), and its efficiency optimizations mean less heat buildup and slower battery wear over time.

One often-overlooked factor: the iPhone 7 is water-resistant (IP67 rated), meaning it can survive brief submersion in up to 1 meter of water. The 5s has zero water resistance. This doesn’t make it invincible, but it adds peace of mind during rain, spills, or accidental drops in the sink.

Detailed Comparison: iPhone 5s vs iPhone 7

Feature	iPhone 5s	iPhone 7
Release Year	2013	2016
Processor	A7 (64-bit)	A10 Fusion (4-core)
Rear Camera	8MP, f/2.4, 1080p video	12MP, f/1.8, OIS, 4K video
Front Camera	1.2MP	7MP
Battery Life (Mixed Use)	~10 hours (new), now typically 4–6	~13 hours
Water Resistance	No	IP67 (up to 1m for 30 mins)
Storage Options	16GB, 32GB, 64GB	32GB, 128GB, 256GB
Headphone Jack	Yes	No (Lightning or wireless only)
iOS Support	Up to iOS 12	Up to iOS 16

Real-World Example: Sarah’s Upgrade Journey

Sarah had been using her iPhone 5s since 2014. By 2022, she found herself restarting the phone daily, deleting apps to free up space, and avoiding updates because they made the device unusable. Her camera couldn’t keep up with group photos at family events, and FaceTime calls frequently froze.

She hesitated to upgrade, thinking newer iPhones were too expensive and complex. Instead, she bought a used iPhone 7 for $80 online. The difference was immediate: apps opened instantly, she could keep dozens of photos without worrying about storage, and video calls became reliable. Most surprisingly, the battery lasted through her workday without needing a mid-afternoon charge.

For Sarah, the upgrade wasn’t about chasing the latest tech—it was about regaining functionality. She didn’t need an iPhone 15; she needed a phone that worked like a phone should.

Is It Worth It? A Step-by-Step Decision Guide

Before spending money—even on a relatively cheap used iPhone 7—ask yourself these questions in order:

1. Is your current phone failing daily tasks? If launching apps takes more than 3 seconds or the device crashes regularly, performance is holding you back.
2. Can you install critical app updates? Many banking, messaging, and social apps now require newer iOS versions. The iPhone 5s can’t run anything beyond iOS 12, limiting app compatibility.
3. Do you struggle with battery life? If you carry a portable charger or plug in multiple times a day, battery degradation is likely severe.
4. Have repair costs exceeded half the price of a used iPhone 7? Replacing a swollen 5s battery costs $60–$80. For that price, you could buy a functional iPhone 7 outright.
5. Are you missing out on experiences? Poor camera quality, slow internet, or inability to use video calling tools affects how you connect with others.

If three or more apply, upgrading is not wasteful—it’s practical.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my iPhone 5s in 2024?

Yes, but with limitations. It can still make calls, send texts, and use basic apps like Notes or Calendar. However, most modern apps—including newer versions of Instagram, WhatsApp, and Google services—no longer support iOS 12 or older, leaving you vulnerable to security risks and missing key features.

Isn’t the iPhone 7 also outdated?

Technically, yes—it’s no longer supported by Apple beyond iOS 16, and it won’t receive new feature updates. However, it remains capable for everyday use, supports far more current apps than the 5s, and delivers a significantly better user experience. For budget-conscious users, it strikes a sweet spot between cost and usability.

What about buying a newer used iPhone instead?

If your budget allows, consider an iPhone 8 or iPhone XR. They offer modern features like better water resistance, faster processors, and support for iOS updates through at least 2026. But if you're looking for the most affordable meaningful upgrade from the 5s, the iPhone 7 is still a strong candidate.

Final Verdict: Upgrade Smart, Not Just Because You Should

Upgrading from an iPhone 5s to an iPhone 7 isn’t about keeping up with trends—it’s about reclaiming reliability. The 5s was a pioneer, but it’s now past its functional lifespan for most users. The iPhone 7 may lack modern bells and whistles, but it delivers a responsive, secure, and enjoyable experience that the 5s simply can’t match.

You’re not wasting money if the upgrade solves real problems: slow performance, poor battery, outdated software, or a weak camera. However, if your 5s still meets your needs and you’re upgrading out of habit or social pressure, pause and reconsider.

💬 Have you upgraded from an iPhone 5s? What changed for you? Share your story in the comments—your experience could help someone else decide whether to take the leap.