The iPhone 5s in 2023
The iPhone 5s was released in September 2013 and was one of the most popular iPhones ever made. Now in 2023, over 10 years later, many iPhone 5s owners are wondering if the phone is still usable and worth keeping around.
Quick Answers
Here are some quick answers to common questions about using an iPhone 5s in 2023:
- The iPhone 5s can still make phone calls, send texts, browse the web, and use most apps. However, performance will be slower compared to newer iPhones.
- The latest iOS supported is iOS 12, released in 2018. The iPhone 5s cannot be updated to newer iOS versions.
- The camera is mediocre by 2023 standards at 8MP, but can still take decent photos in good lighting conditions.
- Battery life degrades over time. An old iPhone 5s likely needs a battery replacement to maintain decent usage per charge.
Hardware Specifications
Here are the key hardware specifications for the iPhone 5s:
- Processor: Apple A7 chip
- RAM: 1GB
- Storage: 16GB, 32GB, or 64GB
- Display: 4-inch 640 x 1136 LCD (326 ppi pixel density)
- Front Camera: 1.2MP
- Rear Camera: 8MP
- Battery: 1,560 mAh
- Dimensions: 123.8 x 58.6 x 7.6 mm
- Weight: 112 grams
While these specs were respectable in 2013, they are quite dated by 2023 standards. The iPhone 5s uses a small 4-inch screen compared to the 6+ inch screens found on most modern smartphones. The camera, storage, RAM, and battery life also lag behind what is typically available today.
Everyday Performance and Usability
How does the iPhone 5s hardware translate to real world usage in 2023? Here is an overview of how the iPhone 5s performs for common tasks:
Phone Calls and Texting
Making phone calls and sending/receiving text messages are basic functionalities that any smartphone should handle well. The iPhone 5s can deliver on these fronts just fine. Phone call quality is decent and texting through iMessage or SMS works as expected. The iPhone 5s is still perfectly usable as a basic communications device.
Web Browsing and Email
Browsing the web and checking emails is possible on the iPhone 5s, but will feel quite slow compared to newer iPhones. Complex websites with lots of images or media tend to load slowly. Scrolling and pinch-to-zoom is also laggy. For quick searches and simple email, the iPhone 5s gets the job done, but users will need to be patient.
Camera Quality
The 8MP rear camera on the iPhone 5s was good for its time, but image quality does not hold up to 2023 standards. Photos in outdoor lighting can turn out decent, but low light performance is very poor. The 1.2MP front facing camera also produces very grainy selfies. For occasional snapshots, the iPhone 5s camera is usable, but it cannot compete with what modern smartphone cameras offer.
Gaming Performance
Gaming is where the iPhone 5s shows its age the most. Newer 3D games will not run well, if at all. Simpler 2D games may be playable, but load times are slow and gameplay is often laggy. Serious mobile gamers will want to avoid using an iPhone 5s today.
Battery Life
When new, the iPhone 5s had moderate battery life of 10-12 hours mixed usage. After years of use, most iPhone 5s batteries are worn out, resulting in very poor battery life. Users may get only a few hours of use before needing to recharge. Replacing the battery can help, but the small 1,560 mAh capacity still limits usage compared to modern iPhone batteries over 3,000 mAh.
Software and App Support
In addition to hardware capabilities, software factors like OS version and app support determine how usable an old smartphone is:
Operating System
The iPhone 5s originally shipped with iOS 7 and can run up to iOS 12. iOS 12 was released in 2018 and was the last update provided for the iPhone 5s. Using a phone from 2013 means you are missing out on 5 years of Apple iOS updates.
App Support
Many apps no longer support older operating systems like iOS 12. You may find many of your favorite apps are incompatible with the iPhone 5s after updating. Basic apps like social media and messaging may still work, but support could be dropped at any time.
Security
Running an outdated operating system also raises security concerns. Apple no longer provides security updates for iOS 12. The iPhone 5s is more vulnerable to hackers and malware compared to phones running modern iOS versions.
Pros of Using an iPhone 5s in 2023
Using an iPhone 5s in 2023 does come with some benefits:
- Lower cost than newer iPhones
- Smaller screen is easy to use one-handed
- Headphone jack for wired headphones
- Nostalgia or familiarity for long-time users
- Adequate for simple calls, texts, music
For users with basic needs or budget constraints, the iPhone 5s gets the fundamentals done. It can serve as a starter phone for kids or a backup device as well. The one-handed usability and headphone jack are also appreciated by many users today.
Cons of Using an iPhone 5s in 2023
There are also several drawbacks to using an iPhone 5s in 2023:
- Very slow compared to modern iPhones
- Outdated camera and video quality
- Can’t run latest apps or games
- No security updates
- Poor battery life
- Tiny screen by today’s standards
- Lacks features like Face ID or wireless charging
For most users accustomed to modern phones, the iPhone 5s will feel frustratingly slow and limited. Average consumers will be better served upgrading to a newer iPhone or Android device.
Should You Still Use an iPhone 5s in 2023?
Here is an overview of who should and shouldn’t consider using an iPhone 5s in 2023:
Good for
- Kids or elderly family members who just need basic functionality
- Users with extremely limited budgets
- Having as a spare/backup phone
Not recommended for
- Anyone used to modern smartphone capabilities and features
- As a primary smartphone for everyday use
- People who rely on strong app support and new iOS features
- Gamers or photography enthusiasts
The Verdict
While the iPhone 5s is technically still usable in 2023 for basic functions like calls and texts, its extremely dated hardware and software make for a subpar experience compared to affordable modern smartphones. Most consumers would be better off upgrading to a newer device, especially if they require strong app support, mobile gaming/graphics performance, decent cameras or long battery life. Users on a very tight budget or who need an extra basic device may still benefit from using an iPhone 5s in 2023. But for general everyday use by most people, the iPhone 5s has reached the end of its viable lifespan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the iPhone 5s still worth using in 2023?
For basic functions the iPhone 5s remains usable in 2023, but its extremely outdated hardware and software severely limit its value for most consumers today. Only those on very tight budgets or in need of a spare device will find the iPhone 5s still worth using.
What apps work on iPhone 5s?
Many newer apps no longer support iOS 12 and older devices like the iPhone 5s. Basic apps like phone, messages, music, maps, notes and calendars still work. Simple games and social media apps may work as well, but support is limited. More complex apps crash frequently on iPhone 5s.
Can you still use iPhone 5s in 2023?
Yes, the iPhone 5s can technically still make calls, send texts, browse the web and run apps in 2023. But functionality is extremely limited compared to newer iPhones. Most users will have a poor and frustrating experience using an iPhone 5s for everyday tasks today.
Is iPhone 5s too old in 2022?
Yes, the iPhone 5s is considered extremely old and outdated by 2022 standards. Most users will find it too slow for enjoyable use, with a tiny screen, dated cameras, and poor app support. While it can be usable in a pinch, the iPhone 5s is simply too old for most consumers today.
Should I upgrade from iPhone 5s?
Yes, upgrading from an iPhone 5s to a newer iPhone model (or modern Android phone) is recommended for most users. You will benefit from much faster performance, better cameras, longer battery life, larger screens, and robust app support. Unless on a very tight budget, holding onto an iPhone 5s is not recommended.
Comparable Smartphone Alternatives
Here are some examples of affordable smartphone alternatives that offer significantly better performance and features compared to using an old iPhone 5s today:
| Phone | Year Released | OS | Screen Size | Cameras | CPU | Memory | Battery Life (Hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone SE (2nd Gen) | 2020 | iOS 14 | 4.7-inch | 12MP rear, 7MP front | A13 Bionic | 3GB RAM | 13 |
| iPhone XR | 2018 | iOS 15 | 6.1-inch | 12MP rear, 7MP front | A12 Bionic | 3GB RAM | 15 |
| Google Pixel 4a | 2020 | Android 12 | 5.81-inch | 12.2MP rear, 8MP front | Snapdragon 730G | 6GB RAM | 24 |
Any of these affordable options deliver faster performance, better cameras and battery life, more secure software and robust app support compared to an iPhone 5s in 2023.
Conclusion
While the iPhone 5s holds a special place as one of the most popular iPhones ever released, its hardware and software are now extremely outdated by 2023 standards. While technically still usable for basic functions, most consumers will have a poor, frustrating experience trying to use an iPhone 5s as a daily driver today. Frequent crashes, slow performance, short battery life, and missing app support make the iPhone 5s best left in the past. Users focused on core phone capabilities like calls and texts may still add a few more years of life out of the iPhone 5s. But for anyone who cares about mobile experience and capabilities, even budget modern smartphones deliver a significantly better experience in 2023 compared to Apple’s iPhone 5s.