Iphone 6s Or Iphone 5 Is Upgrading Really Worth It

For users still clinging to the iPhone 5, the idea of upgrading—even to a model as modestly advanced as the iPhone 6s—can feel both exciting and unnecessary. The iPhone 5 was a milestone in Apple’s design language, introducing a taller display and lighter build. But technology moves fast. Released just four years later, the iPhone 6s brought meaningful improvements that go beyond aesthetics. Whether you're holding onto your iPhone 5 out of loyalty, frugality, or simple inertia, it's time to assess whether making the jump to the iPhone 6s delivers real-world value.

Performance: A Night-and-Day Difference

The most immediate difference between the iPhone 5 and iPhone 6s lies under the hood. The iPhone 5 runs on Apple’s A6 chip with 1GB of RAM. In 2012, this was powerful. By 2015 standards—and certainly today—it struggles with modern app demands. Multitasking is sluggish, app launches take longer, and background processes frequently reload.

In contrast, the iPhone 6s features the A9 chip and 2GB of RAM. This isn’t just a minor upgrade; it’s a foundational leap. Apps open faster, multitasking is smoother, and iOS updates are supported far longer. Even now, the iPhone 6s can run iOS 15 (though not iOS 16), while the iPhone 5 caps out at iOS 10. That means access to newer security patches, app features, and ecosystem integrations like iCloud Keychain syncing and enhanced Siri functionality.

Tip: If your current phone takes more than three seconds to open commonly used apps, you’re already losing productivity—upgrading could save you hours per year.

Camera Quality: From Acceptable to Impressive

The iPhone 5’s 8MP rear camera was solid for its time but lacks modern enhancements like focus pixels, optical stabilization, or high dynamic range (HDR) processing. Low-light photos are grainy, and video is limited to 1080p at 30fps.

The iPhone 6s improves on every front. It keeps the 12MP rear sensor, which captures significantly more detail and color depth. More importantly, it introduces Live Photos—a feature that records 1.5 seconds of motion before and after a shot. While controversial at launch, many users now appreciate the subtle animation as a storytelling tool.

The front-facing camera also sees a major leap—from 1.2MP on the iPhone 5 to 5MP on the 6s. Selfies are sharper, and FaceTime calls are noticeably clearer. For anyone who regularly uses video chat or shares photos socially, this is a tangible quality-of-life improvement.

Battery Life and Charging Realities

Battery degradation is inevitable, especially in devices several years old. Even if your iPhone 5’s battery hasn’t been replaced, it likely holds less than 70% of its original capacity. Apple’s official support documents suggest replacing batteries below 80% health for optimal performance.

The iPhone 6s offers a slightly larger battery (1715 mAh vs. 1440 mAh), but the real advantage comes from power efficiency. The A9 chip is built on a more advanced architecture, meaning it does more with less energy. In practice, users report up to 25% longer usage time under similar conditions—especially when running newer apps optimized for iOS 9 and beyond.

However, don’t expect all-day endurance with heavy use. Both phones fall short by today’s standards, but the 6s manages screen-on time more efficiently. With moderate use—email, messaging, light browsing—you can expect six to seven hours of active use, compared to four to five on a worn iPhone 5.

“Upgrading from iPhone 5 to 6s isn’t about chasing specs—it’s about reclaiming responsiveness. Users often don’t realize how much time they lose waiting for laggy interfaces.” — David Lin, Mobile Usability Analyst

Durability and Design: Subtle but Meaningful Changes

Aesthetically, the iPhone 6s looks similar to the 5, but the differences matter. The 6s uses aerospace-grade aluminum (7000 series), making it stronger and more resistant to bending—addressing the “bendgate” concerns of the iPhone 6. It’s also slightly heavier, which some users interpret as a sign of better build quality.

The display is larger—4.7 inches vs. 4.0 inches—which may seem minor but significantly improves readability and touch accuracy. Typing is easier, web pages show more content, and media consumption feels less cramped. Plus, the 6s supports 3D Touch, allowing pressure-sensitive interactions. While not essential, it adds a layer of interactivity: press harder on icons to access quick actions, or preview links without opening them.

Feature	iPhone 5	iPhone 6s
Processor	A6	A9
RAM	1GB	2GB
Rear Camera	8MP, 1080p video	12MP, 4K video
Front Camera	1.2MP	5MP (with Retina Flash)
Battery Capacity	1440 mAh	1715 mAh
Max iOS Support	iOS 10	iOS 15
Special Features	None	3D Touch, Live Photos, Faster Wi-Fi

Real-World Example: Maria’s Upgrade Journey

Maria had been using her iPhone 5 since 2013. She replaced the battery twice and avoided updating iOS after 9.3 caused slowdowns. By 2021, her phone struggled to load Gmail, crashed during Zoom calls, and couldn’t scan QR codes reliably. After buying a used iPhone 6s for $85, she noticed changes immediately: apps launched instantly, FaceTime worked without freezing, and her morning routine became smoother.

She didn’t care about 4K video or 3D Touch—but being able to use modern banking apps without crashes made the upgrade worthwhile. “I didn’t realize how stressful my phone had become until it wasn’t,” she said. “It’s not flashy, but it works like a phone should.”

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

1. Assess your current pain points: Does your iPhone 5 freeze often? Fail to install app updates? Die before noon?
2. Check battery health: If you’ve never replaced the battery, assume it’s degraded. Consider a replacement first—it might extend usability.
3. Test app compatibility: Try downloading a newer app (like TikTok or Google Maps updates). If it won’t install or runs poorly, your hardware is limiting you.
4. Compare upgrade cost: Used iPhone 6s units sell for $75–$120. Weigh this against repair costs or productivity loss.
5. Consider future needs: Will you want to use Apple Wallet, AirDrop, or newer iMessage features? These work better—or only exist—on newer models.

Tip: Before upgrading, back up your iPhone 5 to iCloud or iTunes. This ensures a smooth transition and protects your data.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone 5 still be used in 2024?

Yes, but with limitations. Basic calling, texting, and offline tasks work fine. However, most modern apps either won’t install or will perform poorly. Security updates ended years ago, making it vulnerable to exploits.

Is the iPhone 6s secure enough today?

The iPhone 6s no longer receives iOS updates from Apple (last version: iOS 15.8), so new vulnerabilities won’t be patched. However, its sandboxed app architecture and lack of malware in the App Store ecosystem still offer strong baseline protection—especially if you avoid risky websites and downloads.

Should I skip to a newer model instead?

If budget allows, yes. iPhones from the XR onward support iOS 17 and beyond, offer better cameras, longer battery life, and Face ID. But if you’re looking for the most affordable functional upgrade from the iPhone 5, the 6s remains a smart middle ground.

Final Verdict: Is the Upgrade Worth It?

For most iPhone 5 users still relying on their device daily, upgrading to the iPhone 6s is absolutely worth it—not because the 6s is cutting-edge, but because the iPhone 5 is functionally obsolete. The combination of faster performance, better camera, improved battery efficiency, and extended software support translates into real gains in usability, reliability, and peace of mind.

You won’t get the latest features like MagSafe or computational photography, but you’ll regain responsiveness and compatibility with the digital world as it exists today. At typical resale prices under $100, the iPhone 6s represents one of the most cost-effective ways to escape the frustrations of a decade-old smartphone.

If you've held onto your iPhone 5 out of habit or hesitation, consider this: upgrading isn't about luxury—it's about removing friction from your daily life. A faster app launch, a clearer photo, a stable video call—these small wins add up.

💬 Have you upgraded from iPhone 5 to 6s? What changed for you? Share your experience and help others decide whether it’s time to let go.