Iphone 5s Vs Iphone Se Is Upgrading Really Worth It In Current Year

For long-time Apple users clinging to older devices, the question isn't just about hardware—it's about relevance. The iPhone 5s, once a flagship marvel, now sits firmly in legacy territory. Meanwhile, the iPhone SE (first generation), released in 2016, promised modern power in a familiar body. But in 2024, does moving from an iPhone 5s to an iPhone SE still make sense? Or has time rendered both obsolete? This analysis cuts through nostalgia to deliver a practical verdict on whether this upgrade path remains viable today.

Performance: A Quantum Leap in Processing Power

The iPhone 5s introduced the world to the 64-bit A7 chip—a groundbreaking advancement in 2013. At the time, it delivered smooth multitasking, responsive apps, and even some light gaming. However, by today’s standards, the A7 struggles with basic operations. Safari tabs crash frequently, app launches take seconds instead of milliseconds, and iOS updates ceased after iOS 12.5.7—the final security patch rolled out in January 2023.

In contrast, the iPhone SE (2016) features the A9 chip, two generations newer. While not designed for AR or machine learning tasks, the A9 handles iOS 15—Apple’s last officially supported version for the device—with relative ease. Apps like WhatsApp, Gmail, and even Instagram run without constant freezing. More importantly, the A9 supports background refresh, push notifications, and modern encryption protocols that the A7 simply can’t manage efficiently.

Tip: If your current iPhone 5s takes more than five seconds to open a messaging app, you're already losing productivity. The SE reduces that lag significantly.

Software Support and Security: Staying Safe Online

This is where the iPhone 5s falls off a cliff. No iOS version beyond 12.5.7 means no support for modern privacy features like App Tracking Transparency, Mail Privacy Protection, or updated iCloud security. Worse, many developers have dropped compatibility with iOS 12. Major banking apps, ride-sharing services, and even airline check-in tools now require iOS 13 or higher.

The iPhone SE, while also discontinued, received updates up to iOS 15, which was supported until late 2023. Some third-party apps still function on iOS 15, though major platforms are phasing it out. As of 2024, neither device receives official security patches—but the SE had nearly a decade of updates compared to the 5s’ six years.

“Security isn’t just about new features—it’s about ongoing protection. Devices stuck on outdated OS versions become easy targets.” — David Lin, Mobile Security Analyst at CyberShield Labs

Detailed Comparison: iPhone 5s vs iPhone SE (First Gen)

Feature	iPhone 5s	iPhone SE
Release Year	2013	2016
Chipset	A7 (64-bit)	A9 (64-bit)
RAM	1GB	2GB
Max iOS Version	iOS 12.5.7	iOS 15.7
Rear Camera	8MP, f/2.4	12MP, f/2.2, 4K video
Battery Life (Real-World Use)	~4 hours screen-on time	~8–9 hours screen-on time
Storage Options	16GB, 32GB, 64GB	16GB, 32GB, 64GB, 128GB
Touch ID Generation	First-gen (slower)	Second-gen (faster, more reliable)
Current Market Value (Used)	$20–$40	$60–$100

Real-World Example: Maria’s Upgrade Journey

Maria, a retiree from Portland, used her iPhone 5s for seven years. She relied on it for calls, texts, and checking email. By 2022, she noticed her bank app stopped working. Her grandson helped install a workaround, but login failures became frequent. In early 2023, she bought a used iPhone SE for $80.

“It felt like getting a new computer,” she said. “I can finally use FaceTime with my grandkids without it freezing. My medication reminder app works again, and I don’t have to restart the phone every day.”

While she still avoids heavy apps like TikTok or Google Maps navigation, Maria regained access to essential digital services—something the 5s could no longer provide reliably.

Is the Upgrade Worth It in 2024?

The answer depends on your needs. If you're using an iPhone 5s today, you're likely experiencing:

• Apps crashing or refusing to install
• Inability to log into modern web services
• Slow camera performance and poor low-light photos
• No access to iMessage features like message editing or recovery
• Increasing vulnerability to phishing and data theft due to outdated software

Upgrading to the iPhone SE resolves most of these issues—at least temporarily. You gain faster performance, better battery life, improved cameras, and access to a wider range of functional apps. However, it’s critical to understand: the iPhone SE is also obsolete. It won’t receive further iOS updates, and app support will continue to dwindle.

Tip: When buying a used iPhone SE, prioritize models with 64GB or 128GB storage. 16GB units struggle with iOS bloat and leave little room for apps or photos.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Decide If You Should Upgrade

1. Assess Your Current Pain Points: Does your iPhone 5s fail to open key apps? Does it overheat or die within a few hours?
2. Check App Compatibility: Try installing your three most-used apps (e.g., banking, messaging, maps). If they don’t install or crash, upgrade.
3. Research Used Pricing: Compare prices for iPhone SE units on trusted resale sites like Swappa or Apple-certified refurbished stores.
4. Consider Long-Term Needs: Will you need this phone for more than a year? If so, consider spending slightly more on an iPhone 6s (supports iOS 15) or iPhone 7 (supports iOS 16).
5. Back Up & Transfer Data: Use iTunes or iCloud to back up your 5s before switching. Note that some data may not transfer cleanly if app versions differ drastically.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone SE run WhatsApp in 2024?

Yes, but with limitations. WhatsApp officially dropped support for iOS 12 and earlier in 2023. However, users on iOS 15 (iPhone SE) can still run recent versions. Expect potential instability as future updates may drop compatibility entirely.

Is repairing my iPhone 5s a better option than upgrading?

Only if the issue is hardware-related (e.g., cracked screen, dead battery). Software obsolescence cannot be fixed with repairs. Even a brand-new battery won’t restore app compatibility or security.

What should I do with my old iPhone 5s?

You can repurpose it as a dedicated music player, baby monitor, or smart home controller. Alternatively, recycle it through Apple’s Trade-In program—even non-functional units qualify for recycling.

Final Verdict: A Bridge, Not a Destination

Upgrading from the iPhone 5s to the iPhone SE in 2024 isn’t about getting a “great” phone—it’s about escaping a broken one. The SE acts as a bridge to minimal functionality in today’s app-driven world. It offers real improvements: faster processing, better cameras, stronger security, and access to essential services.

However, it’s not a long-term solution. If you rely on your phone for banking, healthcare apps, or communication, consider stretching your budget toward a newer model like the iPhone 8 or iPhone XR, which support iOS 16 or later and will remain functional into 2025 and beyond.

For those on tight budgets, the iPhone SE remains the most cost-effective escape route from the 5s. Just recognize it for what it is: a temporary lifeline in an increasingly incompatible digital landscape.

🚀 Ready to move on from your aging iPhone 5s? Assess your needs, set a realistic budget, and take the next step toward staying connected safely. Share your upgrade story in the comments below.