Is It Worth Upgrading From Iphone 5 To Iphone 6 Now Whats The Price Difference Even

For many long-time Apple users, the iPhone 5 holds nostalgic value—a device that once represented peak smartphone design and iOS elegance. But as technology marches forward, the question arises: Is it still practical to use an iPhone 5 in 2024? And if you're considering a modest upgrade to the iPhone 6, is that step worthwhile today?

The answer isn’t just about speed or camera quality—it’s about usability, software support, security, and cost-effectiveness. While both devices are discontinued, they occasionally surface in secondhand markets, estate sales, or forgotten drawers. Let’s examine whether moving from the iPhone 5 to the iPhone 6 makes sense in the current digital landscape—and what you might actually pay for each.

Performance & Hardware Comparison

The iPhone 5, released in 2012, was powered by the Apple A6 chip and came with 1GB of RAM. At launch, it delivered smooth multitasking and excellent responsiveness. Fast-forward to today, and its hardware struggles to run even basic modern apps. Most newer versions of iOS no longer support the iPhone 5—its last compatible version was iOS 10.3.4, released in 2019. That means no security updates, no app updates, and limited compatibility with essential services like banking apps, messaging platforms, and web browsers.

In contrast, the iPhone 6 (2014) shipped with the A8 chip and 1GB of RAM—slightly better optimized for future software demands. It supports up to iOS 12.5.7, which received critical security patches as recently as 2023. This extended support gives the iPhone 6 a functional edge, especially when accessing secure websites or using two-factor authentication tools.

Tip: If you're still using an iPhone 5, avoid connecting to public Wi-Fi networks—lack of security updates makes it vulnerable to data theft.

Price Difference in Today’s Market

Neither phone is sold new through official channels, but both appear on resale sites like eBay, Swappa, or Craigslist. Pricing depends heavily on condition, storage capacity, and whether the device powers on.

Device	Avg. Price (Used, Functional)	Storage Options	Current Usability
iPhone 5	$20–$40	16GB, 32GB, 64GB	Limited – mostly offline use
iPhone 6	$40–$80	16GB, 64GB, 128GB	Moderate – light browsing, calls, SMS

The $20–$40 price gap reflects more than just age. The iPhone 6 offers tangible improvements: better battery life, slightly larger 4.7-inch display, improved LTE bands, and a more durable antenna design. For someone on a tight budget, spending an extra $30 for these benefits could be justified—if only for another year of reliable service.

Real-World Usability in 2024

Let’s consider a realistic scenario. Maria, a retiree living on a fixed income, has been using her iPhone 5 since 2013. She uses it primarily for calls, texts, and checking weather and news. Recently, she noticed her banking app stopped working after an update. Her email client crashes frequently, and Safari can’t load modern websites properly.

She considers upgrading to an iPhone 6 found online for $60. After the switch, she regains access to her bank’s mobile app, experiences fewer crashes, and enjoys a brighter screen that’s easier to read. While not a powerhouse, the iPhone 6 runs iOS 12 well enough for her needs. The upgrade costs less than a single month of a budget smartphone plan—and extends her ability to stay connected.

“Even small hardware improvements can significantly impact accessibility for older adults or budget-conscious users.” — Dr. Lena Torres, Digital Inclusion Researcher at Civic Tech Institute

Software & App Support: The Hidden Obstacle

Apple typically provides five years of OS support for its devices. The iPhone 5 fell out of this window nearly five years ago. As of 2024, most major developers have dropped support for iOS 10 and earlier. This includes:

• Google apps (Gmail, Maps, YouTube)
• Facebook and Instagram
• Banking and financial apps
• Zoom and other video conferencing tools
• Modern versions of Safari extensions and password managers

The iPhone 6, while also outdated, can run iOS 12—supporting a wider range of legacy-compatible apps. Some third-party developers still offer lightweight versions of their tools for older systems. For example, DuckDuckGo’s privacy browser maintains partial functionality on iOS 12, allowing safer web navigation than the default Safari on iOS 10.

Step-by-Step Guide to Evaluating Your Upgrade

If you're deciding between holding onto your iPhone 5 or upgrading to an iPhone 6, follow this practical timeline:

1. Assess Current Functionality: Can your iPhone 5 make calls, send texts, and connect to Wi-Fi reliably?
2. Test Critical Apps: Try opening your email, bank, and messaging apps. Do they load? Do they prompt for unsupported OS errors?
3. Check Battery Health: Even if the phone turns on, degraded batteries may not hold charge beyond 30 minutes.
4. Research Local Listings: Look up recent sold prices for iPhone 6 units in your area to gauge fair market value.
5. Verify Before Buying: If purchasing used, confirm the device isn’t iCloud locked and boots to the home screen.
6. Set Up & Test: Restore from backup or set up as new. Check app downloads and web browsing stability.
7. Monitor Over One Week: Track crashes, battery drain, and connectivity issues before considering it a permanent solution.

Checklist: Is the iPhone 6 a Viable Upgrade?

• ✅ Need basic calling, texting, and emergency access
• ✅ Limited internet use (light browsing, email)
• ✅ Budget under $100 for a temporary phone
• ✅ No need for advanced camera features or gaming
• ✅ Accept that this is a short-term bridge to a newer device

If all these apply, the iPhone 6 remains a reasonable stopgap. If you rely on ride-sharing, social media, or work-related apps, however, even the iPhone 6 will fall short.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone 6 still get security updates?

Apple issued its final security patch for the iPhone 6 in February 2023 (iOS 12.5.7), addressing critical WebKit vulnerabilities. No further updates are expected. While not receiving regular patches, it’s still more secure than the iPhone 5, which hasn’t had any updates since 2019.

Will WhatsApp work on an iPhone 6 in 2024?

As of early 2024, WhatsApp requires iOS 12.4 or later. The iPhone 6 can run iOS 12.5.7, so yes—WhatsApp currently works. However, future updates may raise minimum requirements, potentially phasing it out by late 2024 or 2025.

Is the camera noticeably better on the iPhone 6?

Slightly. The iPhone 6 features an 8MP rear camera with Focus Pixels for faster autofocus and improved low-light performance. Video recording jumps from 1080p at 30fps on the iPhone 5 to 1080p at 60fps on the 6. For casual snapshots, the difference is marginal—but for action shots or videos, the upgrade matters.

Conclusion: A Modest Step Forward

Upgrading from the iPhone 5 to the iPhone 6 today isn’t about excitement or cutting-edge tech—it’s about necessity and minimal functionality. The $40–$80 price tag for a working iPhone 6 represents a modest investment for someone needing a reliable communication tool without committing to a high-end smartphone.

The performance gains, extra year of software support, and broader app compatibility make the iPhone 6 a meaningful improvement over its predecessor. It won’t replace a modern iPhone, but it can serve as a dependable lifeline for seniors, secondary users, or those rebuilding after loss or hardship.

Technology should empower, not exclude. Sometimes, progress isn’t measured in gigahertz or megapixels—but in the ability to send a photo to a grandchild, check a balance, or make a call when it matters most.

🚀 Still clinging to an old device? Evaluate your needs honestly. Whether you upgrade to an iPhone 6 or look toward newer budget options, taking action today ensures you stay connected tomorrow. Share your experience—have you made this leap? What did you learn?