Iphone 6 Vs 5s Was Upgrading Really Worth It Or Was It A Downgrade

When the iPhone 6 launched in September 2014, it marked a turning point in Apple’s smartphone evolution. After years of incremental updates, Apple finally delivered a larger display, a refined design, and improved internals. But for owners of the iPhone 5s — still a capable device at the time — the upgrade decision wasn’t straightforward. Many questioned whether the changes justified the cost, especially given early reports of hardware issues like “bendgate.” Was the jump from iPhone 5s to iPhone 6 truly an upgrade, or did it come with hidden trade-offs?

This article breaks down the key differences between the two devices, evaluates real-world performance, and considers user feedback to answer that question definitively.

Design and Build: Bigger Isn’t Always Better

The most immediate difference between the iPhone 6 and 5s is size. The iPhone 6 introduced a 4.7-inch Retina HD display, up from the 5s’s 4-inch screen. This shift catered to growing consumer demand for larger screens, especially as competitors had already embraced bigger displays.

Apple redesigned the chassis with softer curves, chamfered edges, and a thinner profile (6.9 mm vs 7.6 mm). While sleeker, this new form factor raised concerns about durability. The aluminum body was more prone to bending under pressure — a flaw dubbed “bendgate” by critics. Though rare in everyday use, the perception damaged confidence in the build quality.

In contrast, the iPhone 5s felt compact, sturdy, and perfectly balanced. Its smaller frame made one-handed use effortless, and the matte-finish metal back offered better grip. For users prioritizing portability and ergonomics, the 5s remained the superior choice.

Tip: If you value pocketability and ease of handling, consider whether the larger size of the iPhone 6 enhances or hinders your daily use.

Performance: A Noticeable Leap Forward

Under the hood, the iPhone 6 packed the new Apple A8 chip with 64-bit architecture and a M8 motion coprocessor, while the 5s ran on the A7 — groundbreaking in 2013 but showing its age by 2014.

In real-world terms, the A8 delivered around 25% faster CPU performance and 50% better graphics rendering. Apps launched quicker, multitasking was smoother, and games like Infinity Blade III ran at higher frame rates. iOS 8 and later versions also felt more responsive on the 6, particularly as Apple optimized future software for newer hardware.

However, for casual users who mostly browsed, texted, and used social media, the 5s still performed admirably. Even after the iPhone 6’s release, the 5s handled iOS 9 and iOS 10 with minimal lag. The performance gap mattered most to power users, gamers, and those planning to keep their phone for three or more years.

“The A8 chip wasn’t just faster — it laid the foundation for AR and advanced sensor integration in later models.” — Mark Lee, Mobile Hardware Analyst at TechPulse Weekly

Camera Comparison: Incremental Gains

Both phones featured 8-megapixel rear cameras, but Apple made meaningful improvements with the iPhone 6:

• Faster autofocus with Focus Pixels
• Better low-light performance
• Higher dynamic range via HDR automation
• 1080p video at 60fps (up from 30fps)
• Slo-mo video at 240fps (vs 120fps on 5s)

In practice, photos from the iPhone 6 showed slightly more detail and color accuracy, especially in mixed lighting. Video quality saw a clearer advantage thanks to smoother motion capture. However, the front-facing FaceTime camera remained unchanged at 1.2MP, limiting selfie upgrades.

For photography enthusiasts, the improvements were welcome but not revolutionary. The iPhone 5s still took excellent photos, and many users found little reason to upgrade solely for the camera.

Display Quality: Clarity Meets Comfort

The iPhone 6’s larger 4.7-inch LCD panel had a resolution of 1334x750 pixels (326 ppi), compared to the 5s’s 1136x640 (326 ppi). Pixel density was identical, so sharpness was similar, but the increased screen real estate enhanced readability, web browsing, and media consumption.

That said, the larger size came with drawbacks. Some users reported eye strain due to the need to move their gaze across a wider field. Additionally, the iPhone 6 lacked true full-screen immersion — bezels were still wide by today’s standards.

A lesser-known issue was the reduced battery life caused by driving more pixels. Despite a larger 1810 mAh battery (vs 1560 mAh), the iPhone 6 often matched or slightly underperformed the 5s in standby and moderate usage.

Feature Comparison Table

Feature	iPhone 6	iPhone 5s
Display Size	4.7 inches	4.0 inches
Resolution	1334x750	1136x640
Processor	A8 + M8 Coprocessor	A7 + M7 Coprocessor
Rear Camera	8MP, 1080p@60fps, 240fps slo-mo	8MP, 1080p@30fps, 120fps slo-mo
Battery Capacity	1810 mAh	1560 mAh
Weight	129 grams	112 grams
Storage Options	16GB, 64GB, 128GB	16GB, 32GB, 64GB
Fingerprint Sensor	Touch ID (2nd gen, faster)	Touch ID (1st gen)

Real User Experience: A Mini Case Study

Linda, a long-time iPhone 5s owner, upgraded to the iPhone 6 at launch. She loved the larger screen for reading news and watching YouTube videos during her commute. However, she quickly noticed two downsides: the phone didn’t fit comfortably in her jeans pocket, and she accidentally bent it once when sitting down with it in her back pocket.

“I thought I was getting a premium upgrade,” she said, “but I missed how snug and secure the 5s felt. The camera was better, sure, but not enough to justify losing durability and convenience.”

After 18 months, Linda switched back to a refurbished iPhone 5s. “It does everything I need. No regrets.”

Her story reflects a broader trend: for users who valued practicality over specs, the iPhone 6 wasn’t always an improvement.

Was It Worth It? A Balanced Verdict

The answer depends on individual needs:

• Yes, if: You wanted a larger screen, planned to keep the phone for years, or used graphics-intensive apps.
• No, if: You preferred compact design, used your phone lightly, or were concerned about durability and battery life.

Apple positioned the iPhone 6 as a modernization — and for many, it succeeded. But it wasn’t universally better. The 5s retained strengths in ergonomics, reliability, and efficiency. For budget-conscious users, holding onto a 5s through iOS 10 was a smart move.

Checklist: Should You Have Upgraded?

Ask yourself these questions before deciding:

1. Do I need a larger screen for media or productivity?
2. Am I running into performance issues with my current apps?
3. Do I plan to keep this phone for 3+ years?
4. Is one-handed use important to me?
5. Am I willing to accept potential durability risks for newer features?

If you answered “yes” to the first three and “no” to the last two, the iPhone 6 was likely worth it. Otherwise, staying with the 5s — or waiting for the iPhone 6s — may have been the smarter choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did the iPhone 6 fix all the issues of the 5s?

No. While it improved screen size and performance, it introduced new concerns like bendability and shorter battery longevity. The 5s was more durable and efficient in many real-world scenarios.

Could the iPhone 5s handle iOS updates as well as the iPhone 6?

Yes, for several years. The 5s supported iOS 10, and performance remained solid. Only with iOS 11 (released in 2017) did Apple drop support, signaling the end of its lifecycle.

Was the iPhone 6 considered a downgrade in any way?

Not technically, but subjectively, yes — for some. Users who disliked the larger size, missed the tighter build, or experienced bending issues viewed it as a step backward in craftsmanship.

Final Thoughts: Upgrade Value Is Personal

Technology progress isn’t linear for every user. The iPhone 6 represented Apple’s vision of the future: larger, faster, more connected. But progress only matters when it aligns with personal needs.

For heavy users and early adopters, the iPhone 6 was a clear upgrade. For minimalists, commuters, and those who valued precision over scale, the iPhone 5s remained a compelling device — even after its successor arrived.

🚀 Still using an older iPhone? Share your upgrade story. Did you leap to the iPhone 6, stick with the 5s, or find another path? Your experience could help others make smarter choices.