Is The Iphone 5c Even Worth It Compared To A Used Galaxy S5

In today’s smartphone market, budget-conscious buyers often turn to older models for reliable performance at a lower price. Two devices that still occasionally surface in secondhand listings are the Apple iPhone 5c and the Samsung Galaxy S5. Released just months apart in 2013 and 2014 respectively, both phones once represented flagship-tier technology. But nearly a decade later, how do they stack up against each other? More importantly, is the iPhone 5c actually worth choosing over a used Galaxy S5?

The answer isn’t as straightforward as brand preference. While Apple’s ecosystem offers seamless integration and long-term software support, Samsung brought hardware versatility and customization. This article breaks down key aspects—performance, camera quality, battery life, software support, and real-world usability—to determine which device delivers better value today.

Performance and Hardware Comparison

The iPhone 5c runs on Apple’s A6 chip with 1GB of RAM. At launch, this configuration delivered smooth performance for iOS 7 and early versions of iOS 8. However, as Apple updated its operating system, the 5c struggled to keep pace. By iOS 10, many users reported lag, app crashes, and extended loading times. Today, the device cannot run any modern version of iOS beyond iOS 10.3.4, meaning no access to current apps or security updates.

In contrast, the Galaxy S5 features Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 801 processor (or Exynos 5422 in some regions) paired with 2GB of RAM. Though Android 4.4 KitKat was its original OS, the S5 received official updates up to Android 6.0 Marshmallow. Some custom ROMs now allow it to run lightweight versions of Android 10 or 11, giving it far greater longevity than the iPhone 5c.

Tip: If you're considering either phone for basic tasks, prioritize one that can at least receive occasional security patches—even unofficially.

Benchmark Reality Check

While raw specs favor the S5, real-world usage tells a more nuanced story. iOS was historically more optimized for older hardware, so the iPhone 5c may feel snappier in simple navigation despite weaker processing power. However, this advantage vanishes when using modern web browsers or attempting to install current versions of WhatsApp, Gmail, or social media apps, most of which no longer support iOS 10.

Camera Quality: Clarity vs. Features

The iPhone 5c uses an 8-megapixel rear camera with an f/2.4 aperture. It captures decent photos in good lighting but struggles significantly in low light due to the small sensor and lack of image stabilization. Video recording tops out at 1080p at 30fps, which was standard at the time but feels outdated today.

The Galaxy S5 improves on this with a 16-megapixel rear camera (f/2.2), optical image stabilization, HDR, and real-time HDR preview. It also supports 4K video recording—a rare feature for its era. In side-by-side tests from 2014, the S5 consistently outperformed the 5c in dynamic range, color accuracy, and low-light detail.

“Even five years post-launch, the Galaxy S5’s camera remained usable for casual photography thanks to better hardware headroom.” — David Lin, Mobile Tech Analyst at GadgetScope

Battery Life and Charging Options

The iPhone 5c packs a 1510mAh battery, which Apple claimed offered up to 10 hours of talk time. In practice, moderate use drains it within a day. There's no option for fast charging or replaceable batteries—once capacity degrades, performance plummets.

The Galaxy S5 comes with a larger 2800mAh battery and the ability to swap it out easily. This alone gives it a major edge for long-term ownership. Additionally, the S5 includes power-saving modes, adaptive brightness, and ultra power saving mode—an emergency setting that turns the screen grayscale and limits functionality to calls, texts, and email.

Feature	iPhone 5c	Galaxy S5
Battery Capacity	1510 mAh	2800 mAh
Removable Battery	No	Yes
Water Resistance	No	IP67 Rated
Fingerprint Sensor	No	Yes (front-mounted)
Expandable Storage	No (16/32GB only)	Yes (up to 128GB microSD)

Software Support and App Compatibility

This is where the iPhone 5c falls hardest. As of 2023, most major apps—including Google Chrome, Facebook, Instagram, and banking applications—require iOS 12 or higher. Since the 5c maxes out at iOS 10, these apps either won’t install or will fail to function properly.

The Galaxy S5, while officially stuck on Android 6.0, benefits from open-source flexibility. Enthusiast developers have ported LineageOS and similar lightweight ROMs to the device, enabling partial compatibility with modern services. With careful app selection (e.g., Firefox Focus instead of Chrome), the S5 can still browse the web, send emails, and handle messaging through alternative clients like Signal or Telegram via APK installation.

Real-World Example: Maria’s Experience

Maria, a college student on a tight budget, bought an iPhone 5c from a friend for $20 hoping to use it as a backup phone. She quickly discovered she couldn’t log into her university portal because Safari didn’t support modern encryption standards. After switching to a used Galaxy S5 found online for $35, she installed a custom ROM and now uses it for notes, offline maps, and music playback without issue. “It’s not fast,” she says, “but at least it works.”

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Evaluate a Used Phone Purchase

If you’re considering either device—or any older smartphone—follow this checklist before buying:

1. Check OS Version: Verify what operating system the phone currently runs and whether critical apps are supported.
2. Test Core Functions: Make a call, take a photo, connect to Wi-Fi, and open a browser.
3. Inspect Battery Health: Look for swelling, rapid drain, or failure to charge fully.
4. Verify App Access: Try installing essential apps like Gmail, WhatsApp, or your bank’s mobile app.
5. Consider Expandability: Devices with microSD slots and removable batteries offer longer usability.
6. Research Custom ROM Support: For Android devices, check forums like XDA Developers to see if active development exists.

Final Verdict: Is the iPhone 5c Worth It?

The short answer: generally, no. While the iPhone 5c had charm in its colorful polycarbonate design and clean iOS interface, its technological limitations today make it impractical for daily use. The inability to run modern apps, absence of security updates, and non-expandable storage severely limit its utility.

The Galaxy S5, though aging, offers tangible advantages: better hardware, water resistance, fingerprint authentication, expandable storage, and potential for continued use via custom firmware. Even with degraded battery life, replacement parts are widely available and inexpensive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still get security updates on either phone?

No. Both devices stopped receiving official updates years ago. The iPhone 5c hasn't seen an update since 2019 (iOS 10.3.4), and the Galaxy S5’s last official patch was in 2017. Using either device online carries inherent security risks.

Is either phone suitable as a starter device for kids?

Possibly, but with restrictions. Neither can safely run modern apps or provide secure browsing. If used, disable internet access and configure them strictly for calls, music, or offline games. Consider newer budget Android devices instead.

What should I pay for a used Galaxy S5 or iPhone 5c?

Neither should cost more than $30–$40, assuming full functionality. Be wary of sellers asking over $50; refurbished entry-level smartphones from 2020 onward offer far better value.

Conclusion

When comparing the iPhone 5c and the used Galaxy S5, the decision ultimately hinges on practicality. The iPhone 5c might appeal to collectors or those nostalgic for early iOS designs, but it lacks the functional relevance needed for everyday tasks. The Galaxy S5, despite its age, remains more capable due to superior hardware, repairability, and modifiability.

🚀 Ready to make a smarter upgrade? Skip outdated models and explore certified pre-owned phones from 2018 or later—they offer modern features at affordable prices. Share your thoughts or experiences below; we’d love to hear what you’ve learned about keeping old tech alive.