Is It Worth Upgrading From An Iphone 5s To An Iphone 7 In Year

For many long-time Apple users, the iPhone 5s represents a golden era—compact, reliable, and iconic. But as technology evolves, so do expectations. If you're still holding onto your iPhone 5s, you may be wondering whether jumping to the iPhone 7 is a worthwhile move in today’s mobile landscape. While both devices are now considered legacy models by Apple, the upgrade path from the 5s to the 7 offers tangible improvements that could breathe new life into your daily smartphone experience.

The iPhone 7 was released in 2016, five years after the 5s launched in 2013. That seven-year gap in release dates translates into significant leaps in processing power, camera quality, battery life, and software support. But does that matter in 2024 and beyond? The answer depends on your needs, usage patterns, and how much you value modern functionality over nostalgia.

Performance: A Quantum Leap in Speed and Efficiency

The most immediate difference between the iPhone 5s and iPhone 7 lies in their processors. The 5s runs on the Apple A7 chip—a groundbreaking 64-bit processor for its time. However, by today’s standards, it struggles with multitasking, app loading times, and even basic web browsing on complex sites.

In contrast, the iPhone 7 features the A10 Fusion chip, which delivers roughly four times the CPU performance and up to eight times the graphics power of the A7. This means apps launch faster, games run smoother, and background processes handle more efficiently. iOS updates post-iOS 12 began to strain the 5s, while the iPhone 7 officially supports up to iOS 16, giving it access to modern security patches, features like Focus modes, and improved privacy tools.

Tip: If your current phone takes more than 10 seconds to open frequently used apps, upgrading to a faster device will significantly improve daily usability.

Camera Quality: From Basic to Brilliant

Photography has evolved dramatically since the iPhone 5s era. The 5s features an 8-megapixel rear camera with no image stabilization, poor low-light performance, and limited video capabilities (max 1080p at 30fps). It lacks features we now take for granted—like Portrait mode, HDR automation, or optical zoom.

The iPhone 7 improves on every front. Its 12-megapixel sensor introduces optical image stabilization (on the 7 Plus) and larger pixels for better light capture. It records 4K video at 30fps and supports advanced editing directly in Photos. Even in 2024, photos taken on an iPhone 7 hold up reasonably well on social media and messaging platforms, especially compared to the often grainy, washed-out results from the 5s.

Feature	iPhone 5s	iPhone 7
Processor	A7 (64-bit)	A10 Fusion
Rear Camera	8MP, no OIS	12MP, OIS (Plus model)
Video Recording	1080p @ 30fps	4K @ 30fps
Battery Life (talk time)	Up to 10 hours	Up to 14 hours
iOS Support	Up to iOS 12	Up to iOS 16
Water Resistance	No	IP67 rated

Battery and Longevity: Real-World Usage Differences

Battery degradation is a critical factor when evaluating older iPhones. After nearly a decade, most iPhone 5s units have batteries with less than 70% capacity, leading to frequent charging, unexpected shutdowns, and sluggish performance under load. Replacing the battery can help, but Apple no longer officially supports replacements for the 5s through standard channels, making third-party repairs your only option.

The iPhone 7 offers not only better battery life out of the box but also greater longevity. With proper care, a replacement battery in an iPhone 7 can last two to three years of moderate use. Additionally, features like Low Power Mode are more effective due to smarter power management in the A10 chip.

“Even modest hardware upgrades can dramatically extend digital independence for users who rely on smartphones for communication, banking, and navigation.” — Dr. Alan Reyes, Mobile Technology Researcher at Stanford University

Real-World Example: Maria’s Upgrade Journey

Maria, a 68-year-old retiree from Portland, had been using her iPhone 5s since 2014. She resisted upgrading because she liked the small size and didn’t want to learn a new interface. By 2023, however, her phone struggled to load emails, couldn’t update key apps like WhatsApp or her bank’s mobile service, and died halfway through grocery shopping trips.

After switching to a refurbished iPhone 7, she noticed immediate improvements. Her messages loaded instantly, FaceTime calls were clearer, and she could finally use her library’s digital book app without crashes. Most importantly, her daughter could share family photos via iCloud without worrying about compatibility. For Maria, the upgrade wasn’t about chasing trends—it restored reliability and connection.

Step-by-Step: How to Decide If the Upgrade Makes Sense

If you're on the fence, follow this practical decision framework:

1. Assess current pain points: Does your 5s freeze often, fail to install app updates, or die before noon?
2. Check app compatibility: Try opening essential apps (banking, messaging, health trackers). If they don’t work or crash, you’re overdue for an upgrade.
3. Evaluate repair costs: A third-party 5s battery replacement costs $30–$50, but won’t fix underlying performance issues.
4. Research iPhone 7 availability: Refurbished units sell for $80–$130 online. Look for ones with new batteries and clean iCloud activation history.
5. Test usability: Borrow or demo an iPhone 7. Notice the responsiveness, screen brightness, and speaker quality—subtle but meaningful gains.

What You’ll Gain—and What You Won’t

Upgrading from the 5s to the 7 brings clear benefits: faster performance, better cameras, longer battery life, water resistance, and continued software support. However, it’s important to set realistic expectations. The iPhone 7 is not a modern flagship. It lacks Face ID, OLED displays, dual SIM, 5G, and Night mode photography. If you expect it to perform like an iPhone 13 or newer, you’ll be disappointed.

But if your goal is simply to escape the limitations of a 10-year-old device—to reliably send texts, browse the web, use GPS, and take decent photos—the iPhone 7 remains a capable tool. It strikes a sweet spot between affordability and functionality, especially for budget-conscious users, seniors, or as a backup phone.

Tip: When buying a used iPhone 7, always verify the IMEI number and ensure it’s not reported lost or locked to a carrier.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone 7 still receive security updates?

As of 2024, the iPhone 7 no longer receives major iOS updates—its final supported version is iOS 16. However, Apple occasionally releases emergency security patches for older devices during critical vulnerabilities. While not guaranteed, some protection remains.

Is the iPhone 7 too outdated for everyday use?

It depends on your definition of “everyday use.” For calling, texting, email, social media, and light browsing, yes—it’s still functional. For gaming, AR apps, or heavy multitasking, performance will feel dated. Most mainstream apps still support iOS 15+, so core functionality holds up.

Will apps stop working on the iPhone 7 soon?

Eventually, yes. Developers are increasingly requiring iOS 16 or later, which the iPhone 7 supports. However, future versions (iOS 18+) will likely drop support, meaning app developers may phase out compatibility within the next 1–2 years. Now is the optimal window to benefit from the 7 before broader obsolescence.

Final Verdict: Yes, But With Conditions

Yes, it is worth upgrading from an iPhone 5s to an iPhone 7 in this day and age—if you approach it with realistic expectations. You’re not buying cutting-edge technology; you’re investing in a stable, responsive device that eliminates the frustrations of a severely outdated phone. The improvement in speed, camera, battery, and app compatibility is substantial enough to justify the cost, especially when purchasing a refurbished model.

The iPhone 7 won’t future-proof your mobile life, but it can serve as a reliable bridge for another two to three years, particularly for light to moderate users. For anyone clinging to a failing 5s out of habit or hesitation, taking this step can restore confidence in their device and reconnect them with the digital world in meaningful ways.

🚀 Ready to make the leap? Check reputable refurbishers, verify battery health, and give yourself permission to enjoy a smoother, safer, and more connected experience. Your future self will thank you.