Iphone Se Vs 5s Vs 6 Is The Se Still Worth It In 2024 Or Is An Upgrade Finally Necessary

The iPhone SE (2020 and 2022 models) reignited interest in compact, affordable iPhones with flagship-level internals. But how does it truly stack up against its iconic predecessors—the iPhone 5s and iPhone 6—especially now in 2024? For users clinging to older devices or considering a budget-friendly switch, this question isn't just nostalgic—it's practical. The answer depends on your needs, usage patterns, and expectations from modern iOS.

While the 5s and 6 defined a generation of smartphone design, they’ve long since fallen behind in both hardware and software. The iPhone SE, however, runs current iOS versions and packs a powerful A-series chip. Yet, with app demands rising and Apple dropping support for older architectures, the time has come to assess whether holding onto legacy devices—or even relying on the SE—is still viable.

Design and Build: Nostalgia vs. Modern Practicality

The iPhone 5s introduced the aluminum unibody design that set Apple’s aesthetic tone for years. Its compact 4-inch display made one-handed use effortless, a feature increasingly rare today. The iPhone 6 expanded to 4.7 inches, marking Apple’s shift toward larger screens. Both models featured Touch ID, physical home buttons, and curved edges that improved grip over the slab-like 5s.

The iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd gen) deliberately echoes the 5s and 6 design language—same form factor, same Touch ID home button, same headphone jack absence (starting with the 6). This makes it a spiritual successor to those who miss smaller phones. But unlike the 5s and 6, the SE uses tougher glass, IP67 water resistance, and updated internal materials.

Tip: If you value pocketability and one-handed operation, the SE remains one of the last true compact iPhones available.

Performance Comparison: A Chasm Between Eras

The performance gap between these models isn’t incremental—it’s generational. The iPhone 5s ran on the A7 chip, the first 64-bit processor in a smartphone. Revolutionary in 2013, it’s now incapable of running iOS 11 and beyond. The iPhone 6 (A8) lasted slightly longer but maxed out at iOS 12, rendering it incompatible with most modern apps.

In contrast, the iPhone SE (2020 and 2022) features the A13 and A15 Bionic chips—chips that powered the iPhone 11 and iPhone 13, respectively. These processors handle multitasking, AR apps, and high-end games with ease. In benchmarks, the SE outperforms the iPhone 6 by over 300% and the 5s by more than 500%.

“Even entry-level chips today are more capable than premium ones from a decade ago. The real bottleneck now is software optimization for aging hardware.” — David Lin, Mobile Hardware Analyst at TechPulse Insights

iOS Support and App Compatibility in 2024

This is where the rubber meets the road. As of 2024, iOS 17 is the latest operating system, and only devices with A10 Fusion chips or newer are supported. That immediately disqualifies both the iPhone 5s (A7) and iPhone 6 (A8). They cannot install iOS 11 or later, meaning no security updates, no new features, and dwindling app support.

Many developers have dropped compatibility for iOS 12 and earlier. Banking apps, ride-sharing services, messaging platforms—even Safari extensions—now require iOS 13 or higher. Users on 5s and 6 devices will find themselves locked out of essential digital services.

The iPhone SE, however, supports iOS 17 and is expected to receive updates through at least 2026. It runs the same ecosystem as current iPhones: iCloud, FaceTime, Wallet, Apple Pay, and seamless integration with AirPods and Apple Watch.

Detailed Feature Comparison

Feature	iPhone 5s	iPhone 6	iPhone SE (2022)
Release Year	2013	2014	2022
Chipset	A7	A8	A15 Bionic
Max iOS Version	iOS 10.3.4	iOS 12.5.7	iOS 17+ (supported)
Rear Camera	8MP	8MP	12MP with Night Mode
Front Camera	No FaceTime HD	1.2MP	7MP with Portrait Mode
RAM	1GB	1GB	4GB
Battery Life (Video)	Up to 10 hours	Up to 11 hours	Up to 15 hours
Water Resistance	No	No	IP67 (up to 1m for 30 mins)
Storage Options	16/32/64GB	16/64/128GB	64/128/256GB
Apple Pay Support	No	Limited (via NFC in iOS 12)	Yes (full support)

Real-World Example: Sarah’s Upgrade Dilemma

Sarah has used her iPhone 6 since 2015. She likes its size and reliability but noticed increasing issues: apps crashing, slow loading times, and inability to update her banking app. By early 2024, she could no longer log into her health portal—its minimum iOS requirement was iOS 13. She considered switching to Android but worried about losing iMessage and photo sync.

She opted for the iPhone SE (2022) at $429. The transition was smooth—her data migrated via iCloud, and all her contacts, messages, and photos transferred seamlessly. Suddenly, apps launched instantly, Apple Pay worked in stores, and her battery lasted a full day. “It felt like getting a supercharged version of my old phone,” she said. “Same size, ten times the power.”

When the SE Still Makes Sense in 2024

The iPhone SE remains relevant for specific users:

• Budget-conscious buyers: At $429 (or less refurbished), it offers flagship-tier performance without the $1,000 price tag.
• Compact phone enthusiasts: With few small phones left on the market, the SE fills a niche Apple no longer officially serves.
• Secondary device users: Ideal for kids, travelers, or as a work-only phone due to durability and simplicity.
• Long-term holdouts from 5s/6: Offers a painless migration path into the modern iOS ecosystem.

Tip: Buy the 128GB model if possible—64GB fills up quickly with photos, apps, and iOS updates.

Step-by-Step: Upgrading from 5s or 6 to SE in 2024

1. Back up your old device: Use iCloud or iTunes to create a full backup of your 5s or 6.
2. Ensure compatibility: Verify your accounts (iCloud, Apple ID) are active and your password is known.
3. Set up the SE: Power on, follow setup prompts, and choose “Restore from iCloud Backup” or “Restore from Mac/PC.”
4. Update apps: After restore, go to the App Store and update all apps to their latest versions.
5. Enable modern features: Turn on Face ID alternatives (passcode), set up Apple Pay, and migrate health data if applicable.
6. Dispose responsibly: Trade in or recycle your old device through Apple’s program to reduce e-waste.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still use an iPhone 5s or 6 in 2024?

You can, but not safely or effectively. Without iOS updates, these devices lack critical security patches. Most modern apps won’t install or function properly. They’re best used offline or retired.

Is the iPhone SE camera good enough compared to newer models?

Yes, for most users. The 12MP sensor with Night mode, Smart HDR, and Portrait mode delivers excellent results in daylight and low light. While it lacks multiple lenses, computational photography compensates well. It outperforms the 5s and 6 significantly.

Will the iPhone SE get iOS 18?

Apple typically supports iPhones for 5–6 years. The 2022 SE launched with iOS 15 and supports iOS 17. Barring unexpected changes, it should receive iOS 18 in fall 2024.

Final Verdict: Upgrade? Yes—if You’re on a 5s or 6

The iPhone SE is not just “still worth it” in 2024—it’s arguably the smartest upgrade path for anyone clinging to a 5s or 6. It bridges the gap between nostalgia and necessity, offering modern performance in a familiar form. Meanwhile, the 5s and 6 are no longer viable for daily use in a connected world. Security risks, app incompatibility, and degraded performance make continuing with them a liability.

If you’ve delayed upgrading due to cost, size concerns, or loyalty to older designs, the SE addresses all three. It’s proof that Apple still values accessibility and longevity in its product lineup.

🚀 Ready to move forward? Whether you choose the SE or another modern iPhone, taking the leap ensures you stay secure, connected, and compatible. Don’t let outdated tech limit your digital life—upgrade with confidence and reclaim what your phone can do.