Moto G5 Plus Vs Galaxy S5 Is It Worth Upgrading From An Old S5 In 2024

For many users, the Samsung Galaxy S5 was a flagship device that defined mobile excellence in 2014. A decade later, some are still holding on to their trusty S5s—whether out of habit, reliability, or reluctance to spend on new tech. But with devices like the Moto G5 Plus entering the market as affordable mid-range options, the question arises: Is it finally time to upgrade? In 2024, does moving from a Galaxy S5 to a Moto G5 Plus offer meaningful improvements, or is it just swapping one aging device for another?

The answer isn’t as simple as checking specs. It depends on your usage, expectations, and how much modern smartphone features matter to you. Let’s break down the comparison across key areas to determine whether this upgrade path makes sense today.

Performance and Hardware: A Decade of Progress

The Galaxy S5 launched with a 2.5GHz quad-core Snapdragon 801 processor, 2GB of RAM, and 16GB/32GB storage options. At the time, it delivered smooth performance for apps, web browsing, and gaming. Fast forward to 2024, and even budget phones outpace it significantly.

The Moto G5 Plus, released in 2017, came with a Snapdragon 625—a more power-efficient octa-core chip—and options for 3GB or 4GB of RAM. While not a powerhouse by today’s standards, it handles everyday tasks like messaging, social media, and streaming far better than the S5 ever could.

Tip: If your current S5 struggles to open apps or frequently freezes, any modern Android device—even a basic one—will feel like a major leap.

In practical terms, the G5 Plus supports smoother multitasking, faster app launches, and better background processing. It also includes USB-C charging (a notable upgrade from micro-USB), a fingerprint sensor, and improved thermal management. For someone still using an S5 in 2024, these aren't minor conveniences—they're fundamental usability upgrades.

Software and Security: The Hidden Upgrade Factor

One of the most overlooked aspects of upgrading is software support. The Galaxy S5 received updates up to Android 6.0 Marshmallow, with security patches ending years ago. That means no protection against modern malware, phishing attempts, or OS-level vulnerabilities.

The Moto G5 Plus originally shipped with Android 7.0 Nougat and was updated to Android 8.1 Oreo. Motorola offered longer support cycles than most at the time, but official updates ended around 2019. However, its cleaner Android experience and compatibility with lightweight custom ROMs (like LineageOS) mean it can still run a relatively secure, modern version of Android in 2024—with community support.

“Even modest hardware running up-to-date software is safer and more functional than a powerful old phone stuck on outdated firmware.” — David Lin, Mobile Security Analyst

If you rely on online banking, shopping, or messaging apps, running an unsupported OS poses real risks. Upgrading to the G5 Plus—even without official patches—opens the door to better app compatibility and optional security enhancements through third-party ROMs.

Camera Comparison: From Functional to Capable

The Galaxy S5 featured a 16MP rear camera with LED flash and 1080p video recording. For its time, it was competitive, but image processing was average, especially in low light.

The Moto G5 Plus stepped up with a 12MP rear sensor using larger pixels (1.4µm vs 1.12µm), improving low-light performance. Its f/1.7 aperture and dual-LED flash produced noticeably sharper, brighter photos. Motorola also included laser autofocus and optical image stabilization—features absent on the S5.

Feature	Galaxy S5	Moto G5 Plus
Rear Camera	16MP, f/2.2	12MP, f/1.7
Front Camera	2MP	5MP
Video Recording	1080p @ 30fps	1080p @ 30fps
Autofocus	Contrast-detect	Laser + Phase detection
Flash	LED	Dual-tone LED

In real-world use, the G5 Plus captures more natural colors, better dynamic range, and significantly better selfies. For someone used to the S5’s dim front camera or slow shutter response, this is a tangible improvement—especially for social media sharing or video calls.

Real-World Example: Maria’s Upgrade Journey

Maria had been using her Galaxy S5 since 2015. She avoided upgrading due to cost and satisfaction with the phone’s durability. By 2023, however, she noticed problems: WhatsApp became sluggish, Google Maps took over a minute to load, and her bank app stopped supporting her OS version.

She purchased a used Moto G5 Plus for $60. The change was immediate. Apps opened instantly, her video calls on Zoom were stable, and she could finally use mobile banking again. “It felt like I’d been driving a bicycle and suddenly got a scooter,” she said. “Not a sports car, but fast enough to keep up with life.”

While the G5 Plus doesn’t have facial recognition or a high-refresh screen, for Maria, the basics—speed, reliability, and security—were enough to justify the switch.

Should You Upgrade in 2024? A Practical Checklist

Before making the move, consider the following checklist to determine if this upgrade suits your needs:

• Are you still using your S5 daily? If yes, even a modest upgrade improves usability.
• Do apps crash or fail to install? Modern apps often require Android 7.0+, which the S5 doesn’t support.
• Is battery life under two hours? The S5’s battery degrades significantly after 10 years.
• Do you need reliable camera quality? The G5 Plus offers better photos and selfie capabilities.
• Is security a concern? Unpatched devices are vulnerable—upgrading reduces risk.
• Are you on a tight budget? Used G5 Plus units are available for under $70.

Tip: When buying a used G5 Plus, verify the battery health and ensure it boots properly. Avoid devices with swollen batteries or cracked screens.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Moto G5 Plus run modern apps smoothly in 2024?

Yes, for basic apps like WhatsApp, Gmail, YouTube, and Facebook, the G5 Plus performs adequately. Heavy games or multitasking with multiple tabs may cause slowdowns, but day-to-day use remains functional.

Is the Galaxy S5 still usable in 2024?

Barely. While it can make calls and send texts, most modern apps either won’t install or will run extremely slowly. Security risks and lack of updates make it unsuitable for sensitive tasks like online banking.

Are there better alternatives than the Moto G5 Plus for S5 users?

Absolutely. If you can spend $100–$150, newer models like the Moto G Power (2023) or Samsung Galaxy A14 offer better processors, larger batteries, and Android 13 support. These provide longer-term value over a 2017 device.

Final Verdict: Yes, But With Caveats

Upgrading from a Galaxy S5 to a Moto G5 Plus in 2024 is absolutely worth it—if your goal is to regain basic smartphone functionality. The G5 Plus delivers faster performance, better cameras, modern connectivity, and access to current apps. It bridges the gap between legacy hardware and acceptable modern usability.

However, it’s crucial to recognize the G5 Plus is itself outdated. It won’t receive further updates, and its 32GB max storage may fill quickly. Think of it as a transitional device: a practical stopgap, not a long-term solution.

If your budget allows, consider investing slightly more in a current entry-level phone. But if you’re clinging to an S5 and need something affordable *now*, the Moto G5 Plus remains a sensible, functional upgrade path.

🚀 Ready to move on from your Galaxy S5? Explore refurbished Moto G5 Plus units or newer budget phones that offer better longevity. Your digital life deserves speed, security, and simplicity—don’t let outdated tech hold you back.