Iphone 5s Vs Iphone X Is The Upgrade To The X Really Worth It In 2025

The iPhone 5s, released in 2013, was a landmark device—introducing Touch ID and marking Apple’s shift toward more secure, user-friendly smartphones. The iPhone X, launched five years later in 2017, redefined design with its edge-to-edge OLED display and Face ID. Fast forward to 2025, and both devices are well beyond their prime support windows. Yet, some users still rely on the 5s as a backup or secondary phone. So, if you're still clinging to a 5s, is upgrading to an iPhone X—even a used one—still a meaningful leap today?

The answer isn’t just about specs. It’s about usability, security, app compatibility, and whether the experience justifies the cost, even years after release.

Design and Build: A Leap in Modernity

The physical differences between the two phones couldn’t be starker. The iPhone 5s features a compact 4-inch display with thick bezels and a home button equipped with Touch ID. Its aluminum body feels sturdy but dated. In contrast, the iPhone X introduced a 5.8-inch Super Retina OLED display that dominates the front, eliminating the home button entirely in favor of Face ID.

This design shift means the iPhone X offers significantly more screen real estate in a form factor that’s only slightly larger overall. For everyday tasks like browsing, video streaming, and multitasking, the X provides a far more immersive and functional experience.

Tip: If you’re coming from a 5s, prepare for a learning curve with gesture navigation and Face ID—practice swiping up and glancing at your phone to unlock.

Performance and Software: Where the Gap Widens

The iPhone 5s runs on the A7 chip—the first 64-bit processor in a smartphone. At launch, it was revolutionary. But by 2025 standards, it struggles with basic operations. iOS updates stopped at iOS 12, meaning no access to modern features, security patches, or app optimizations. Many current apps either won’t install or run extremely slowly.

The iPhone X, powered by the A11 Bionic chip with Neural Engine, supported iOS updates up to iOS 16. While it doesn’t receive new OS versions anymore, it remains compatible with most mainstream apps in 2025, including banking, social media, and productivity tools. Safari loads modern websites smoothly, and multitasking feels responsive.

“Even outdated by Apple’s standards, the A11 Bionic outperforms many mid-tier Android chips from 2020. The longevity baked into Apple’s silicon is unmatched.” — David Lin, Mobile Hardware Analyst at TechPulse

Camera Comparison: Night and Day Difference

Photography has evolved dramatically between these two models. The iPhone 5s has an 8MP rear camera with basic autofocus and no image stabilization. Low-light performance is poor, and there’s no front-facing flash. Video tops out at 1080p.

The iPhone X boasts a 12MP dual-camera system (wide and telephoto) with optical image stabilization, Portrait Mode, and advanced computational photography. The front-facing TrueDepth camera enables 7MP selfies, Animoji, and high-quality FaceTime HD video calls. It records 4K video at 60fps and supports Smart HDR in photos.

In practical terms, the iPhone X delivers sharper images, better dynamic range, and usable low-light shots. For anyone who shares photos online, scans documents, or uses visual search tools, this is a transformative upgrade.

Detailed Feature Comparison

Feature	iPhone 5s	iPhone X
Release Year	2013	2017
Display	4\" LCD, 1136x640	5.8\" OLED, 2436x1125
Processor	A7 (64-bit)	A11 Bionic
RAM	1GB	3GB
Rear Camera	8MP, f/2.4	12MP + 12MP dual, f/1.8 & f/2.4
Front Camera	1.2MP	7MP TrueDepth
Biometric Security	Touch ID	Face ID
Max iOS Version	iOS 12	iOS 16
Battery Life (Video Playback)	Up to 10 hours	Up to 13 hours
Water Resistance	No	IP67 (up to 1m for 30 mins)

Real-World Example: Sarah’s Upgrade Journey

Sarah, a freelance bookkeeper in Portland, used her iPhone 5s for seven years. By 2024, she found herself unable to log into her bank’s app, which required iOS 13 or later. Her email client crashed frequently, and scanning receipts with her camera often failed due to poor focus and processing lag.

She purchased a refurbished iPhone X for $120. Within days, she could access all her financial apps, scan documents clearly using Notes, and join Zoom calls without freezing. “It felt like I finally entered the decade,” she said. “I didn’t realize how much stress the old phone caused until it was gone.”

For users in similar situations—especially those relying on mobile banking, healthcare portals, or remote work tools—the iPhone X isn’t just an upgrade. It’s a necessity for digital inclusion.

Is the Upgrade Worth It in 2025?

Yes—but with caveats.

If you’re currently using an iPhone 5s and depend on your phone for more than calls and texts, moving to an iPhone X will dramatically improve reliability, speed, and security. You’ll gain access to modern web standards, app functionality, and camera capabilities essential for daily life.

However, consider this: the iPhone X is now over seven years old. Battery degradation is common, and replacements may be hard to source. OLED screens can suffer from burn-in, and glass backs are prone to cracking. Buying used carries risks unless you verify battery health (ideally above 80%) and ensure the device isn’t iCloud locked.

Tip: When buying a used iPhone X, always check IMEI status via Apple’s Check Coverage page to confirm it's not reported lost or locked.

Step-by-Step: How to Decide If the X Is Right for You

1. Assess your current pain points: Does your 5s crash, fail to update apps, or struggle with basic tasks?
2. Test app compatibility: Try installing key apps (e.g., banking, Uber, Google Docs). If they don’t install, upgrade.
3. Set a budget: Refurbished iPhone X units range from $90–$150. Consider if investing in a newer model (like iPhone XR or 11) might offer better long-term value.
4. Check battery health: If purchasing used, request a screenshot of Settings > Battery > Battery Health.
5. Backup and migrate: Use iCloud or iTunes to transfer data before switching.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone X still receive security updates?

No. Apple ended major iOS updates for the iPhone X with iOS 16. While occasional emergency patches may occur, regular security updates are no longer guaranteed. However, iOS 16 remains robust against most threats as of 2025.

Is the iPhone X waterproof?

It has an IP67 rating, meaning it can survive submersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. This is a significant advantage over the non-water-resistant iPhone 5s, especially for accidental spills or rainy commutes.

Will apps stop working on the iPhone X soon?

Eventually, yes. As developers require newer iOS versions (iOS 17+), the iPhone X will lose compatibility. However, widespread abandonment is likely 1–2 years away. Most essential apps remain functional through 2025.

Final Verdict: A Meaningful, Time-Limited Upgrade

For an iPhone 5s user in 2025, upgrading to an iPhone X is absolutely worthwhile—if your goal is to regain reliable access to modern mobile experiences. The jump in performance, display quality, camera ability, and software support is transformative.

That said, think of the iPhone X as a bridge, not a destination. It buys you another 1–2 years of smooth functionality. Beyond that, you’ll face similar limitations as today’s 5s users.

💬 Have you upgraded from an iPhone 5s? What changed for you? Share your story in the comments and help others decide their next move.