Is The Galaxy S4 Actually Better Than The Iphone 5 Still Worth It In Current Year

In 2013, the Samsung Galaxy S4 and Apple iPhone 5 represented the pinnacle of smartphone innovation. The S4 brought a massive 5-inch Full HD display, expandable storage, and a feature-packed Android experience. The iPhone 5 introduced a slimmer design, faster LTE, and iOS refinement. But nearly a decade later, asking whether the Galaxy S4 is “better” than the iPhone 5 isn’t just nostalgic—it raises practical questions about longevity, usability, and relevance in today’s digital world.

The short answer: neither device meets modern standards for daily use. However, understanding why—and where each still holds niche value—can help collectors, budget users, or retro tech enthusiasts make informed decisions.

Performance and Hardware: A Look Back at 2013

At launch, both phones were flagships with cutting-edge specs. The Galaxy S4 featured a 1.9 GHz quad-core Snapdragon 600 (or Exynos 5 Octa in some regions), 2GB of RAM, and a 5-inch 1080p Super AMOLED display. The iPhone 5 used Apple’s custom A6 chip, 1GB of RAM, and a 4-inch Retina display at 1136x640 resolution.

On paper, the S4 had superior hardware: higher resolution, more RAM, and larger screen real estate. It also supported microSD expansion and removable batteries—features Apple never offered. However, raw specs don’t tell the full story. iOS on the iPhone 5 was optimized to run smoothly despite lower memory, while early versions of TouchWiz on the S4 often felt bloated.

Tip: When comparing older smartphones, focus on software optimization and ecosystem support as much as hardware.

Software Support and Security: The Real Lifespan Factor

Both devices reached their final official OS updates years ago. The Galaxy S4 received Android 5.0 Lollipop, while the iPhone 5 topped out at iOS 10.3.1. Since then, neither has received security patches. This is critical: using either phone online today exposes users to known vulnerabilities.

Apple’s ecosystem typically provides longer software support. The iPhone 5s (released the same year) got iOS 12, but the iPhone 5 didn’t. Samsung, at the time, offered only two major Android upgrades—a policy that has since improved dramatically.

“Security isn’t optional. Devices without updates are not safe for email, banking, or browsing.” — Dr. Lena Patel, Cybersecurity Analyst at MobileTrust Labs

Today, most apps require newer OS versions. Google Play Store lists minimum requirements of Android 8.0+ for many apps. Similarly, iOS apps now demand iOS 13 or later. As a result, core services like WhatsApp, Instagram, and even mobile banking apps no longer install or function properly on these phones.

Real-World Usability in 2024: Can They Still Function?

Could you use either phone as a backup or emergency device? Technically, yes—but with severe limitations.

• Calls & SMS: Both support GSM and LTE bands still active in many regions.
• Offline Tasks: Basic note-taking, music playback, and camera use remain functional.
• Wi-Fi Browsing: Possible, but many websites fail to load due to outdated browsers and lack of TLS/SSL support.
• App Ecosystem: Virtually non-existent. Even sideloading APKs or IPA files leads to crashes or compatibility issues.

The Galaxy S4’s larger screen and SD card slot give it a slight edge for media playback. You could load MP3s or videos onto a 64GB microSD and use it as a portable player. The iPhone 5, with its proprietary Lightning port and closed file system, is less flexible.

Mini Case Study: The Retro Enthusiast

Mark, a vintage tech collector in Portland, uses his Galaxy S4 as a dedicated offline journaling device. He installed a lightweight Linux terminal app before discontinuing internet access. Now, he types notes via Bluetooth keyboard and transfers them manually. For him, the S4 isn’t a smartphone—it’s a minimalist writing tool.

He tried the same with an iPhone 5 but found the smaller screen and lack of file management too limiting. “The S4 feels clunky, but it’s customizable in ways the iPhone never was,” he says. “Even if it’s obsolete, it’s *usefully* obsolete.”

Comparison Table: Galaxy S4 vs. iPhone 5 in 2024

Feature	Galaxy S4	iPhone 5
Last OS Version	Android 5.0 Lollipop	iOS 10.3.1
Final Security Update	2015	2017
Current App Compatibility	Very Low	Very Low
Storage Expandable?	Yes (microSD up to 64GB)	No
Battery Replaceable?	Yes	No
NFC / Mobile Payments	Yes (Samsung Pay not supported)	No
Best Modern Use Case	Offline media, retro gaming, collector item	Collector item, nostalgia, parts

Are Either Phones Worth Buying Today?

If you’re considering purchasing one now, ask yourself: what do you actually need?

For under $20, you can find used Galaxy S4 or iPhone 5 units online. But even at that price, they’re hard to recommend for daily use. Instead, consider refurbished modern budget phones like the iPhone SE (2020) or Samsung Galaxy A14, which offer 4G, updated software, and app compatibility at similar prices.

However, there are valid reasons to own one:

• Educational purposes: Teaching mobile development or OS architecture.
• Retro gaming: Some classic Android games run better on older hardware.
• Collector’s market: Mint-condition models with original packaging have minor resale value.
• Emergency burner phone: If stripped of data and used only for calls.

Tip: Never log into personal accounts on unsupported devices. Assume any connected device is compromised.

Step-by-Step Guide: Repurposing an Old Galaxy S4 or iPhone 5

1. Reset the device: Perform a factory reset to remove old data.
2. Disable internet: Turn off Wi-Fi and cellular data permanently.
3. Install lightweight tools: Add offline apps like a flashlight, voice recorder, or e-book reader.
4. Use as a media player: Load music or videos via SD card (S4) or iTunes sync (iPhone).
5. Display or decorate: Frame it as a tech artifact or gift it to a hobbyist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still use WhatsApp on the Galaxy S4 or iPhone 5?

No. WhatsApp ended support for Android 5.0 and iOS 10 in 2023. The app will not install or verify your number.

Which phone has better battery life today?

Neither performs well. Original batteries degrade over time. The Galaxy S4 allows battery replacement (cheap third-party options exist), giving it a slight advantage. The iPhone 5 requires soldering or professional service.

Is the Galaxy S4 more “hackable” than the iPhone 5?

Yes, in a useful way. The S4 supports custom ROMs like LineageOS (for specific variants), allowing newer Android versions unofficially. The iPhone 5 is jailbreakable, but few modern tools exist, and functionality remains limited.

Conclusion: Nostalgia vs. Practicality

The Galaxy S4 was objectively more powerful and flexible than the iPhone 5 in 2013. Today, that advantage means little. Neither phone meets basic expectations for connectivity, security, or app support. While the S4 offers slightly more repurposing potential thanks to expandable storage and modularity, both are relics of a bygone era.

Calling one “better” now depends entirely on context. For a museum exhibit, the iPhone 5 represents Apple’s design evolution. For tinkering and customization, the Galaxy S4 wins. But for anyone needing a working smartphone, even the most basic 2023 entry-level model outperforms both in every meaningful category.

🚀 Ready to upgrade? Explore certified refurbished smartphones with modern features and warranty protection. Don’t let nostalgia compromise your digital safety—make the switch to a secure, supported device today.