BeastCompare

iPhone 5 vs iPhone 5s: Which One Should You Buy?

These two are too close to call on BeastScore — the right choice depends on what matters to you.

Head-to-head
Comparing 2 devicesSwipe ⇄
Apple · 2012

iPhone 5

iPhone 5
61/ 100
Launch price$649
Apple · 2013

iPhone 5s

iPhone 5s
61/ 100
Launch price$649
Head-to-head

Too close to call: 0 of 7 categories each

Here's exactly where each phone is stronger.

iPhone 5
iPhone 5
0 wins
iPhone 5s
iPhone 5s
0 wins
At a glance

Bigger shape = better phone.

SpeedCameraSelfieBatteryDisplayConnectivityValue
iPhone 5iPhone 5s
Category winners

Scores out of 100. How we score

  • SpeedTie
    60
    60
  • CameraTie
    60
    60
  • VideoNot enough data
  • SelfieTie
    40
    40
  • BatteryTie
    58
    58
  • DisplayTie
    62
    62
  • ConnectivityTie
    32
    32
  • SecurityNot enough data
  • ValueTie
    68
    68
Key differences
  • iPhone 5s has the bigger battery1,560 mAh vs 1,440 mAh
See all specs ↓

Why buy each phone

Swipe ⇄
Reasons to buy iPhone 5
  • ✓8 MP main camera
  • ✓4" display at 60 Hz
Reasons to buy iPhone 5s
  • ✓Bigger 1,560 mAh battery (+120 mAh)
  • ✓8 MP main camera
  • ✓4" display at 60 Hz

Full specifications

Swipe ⇄
SpecificationiPhone 5iPhone 5s
1. Display & Screen
Screen typeLED-backlit IPS LCD RetinaLED-backlit IPS LCD Retina
Screen Size4"4"
Resolution & Density1136x640 (326 ppi)1136x640 (326 ppi)
Refresh Rate60 Hz60 Hz
Brightness500 nits peak500 nits peak
Screen ProtectionNot listedNot listed
2. Platform & Performance
Chipset / ProcessorNot listed Not listed
CPU CoresNot listedNot listed
GPU GraphicsNot listedNot listed
Operating SystemiOS 6iOS 7
3. Memory & Storage
RAM Memory1 GB LPDDR1 GB LPDDR
Internal Storage16GB / 32GB / 64GB16GB / 32GB / 64GB
Storage SpeedNot listedNot listed
Card SlotNoNo
4. Main Camera Optics
Primary Camera8 MP, f/2.48 MP, f/2.2
Telephoto ZoomNone (digital zoom only)None (digital zoom only)
Ultrawide CameraN/AN/A
LiDAR / DepthNoneNone
5. Video
Main Camera Video
Not listed
Not listed
Front Video
Not listed
Not listed
6. Selfie Camera
Selfie Lens1.2 MP, f/2.41.2 MP, f/2.4
7. Body & Dimensions
Dimensions123.8 x 58.6 x 7.6 mm123.8 x 58.6 x 7.6 mm
Weight112 g112 g
Build MaterialsNot listedNot listed
SIM TypeNot listedNot listed
Water ResistanceNot listedNot listed
8. Battery & Charging
Battery Capacity1,440 mAh1,560 mAh
Wired Fast Charging5W wired fast charging5W wired fast charging
Wireless ChargingNot listedNot listed
Reverse ChargingNot listedNot listed
9. Sound & Audio
LoudspeakerNot listedNot listed
3.5mm Headphone JackNoNo
10. Connectivity
Wi-Fi StandardWi-Fi 4Wi-Fi 4
Bluetooth4.04.0
USB Port & SpeedLightningLightning
NFCYesYes
11. Sensors & Security
SensorsNot listedNot listed
Satellite FeaturesNot listedNot listed
12. Colors & Overview
ColorsNot listedNot listed
Launch Price$649$649
Our verdict

iPhone 5 and iPhone 5s are evenly matched

It's a close call: both phones score almost the same, so pick the one whose design and price suit you.

Buy iPhone 5 if you want

Reliable all-round performance.

Buy iPhone 5s if you want

Reliable all-round performance.

Common questions

Which is better: iPhone 5 or iPhone 5s?

It's a close call: both phones score almost the same, so pick the one whose design and price suit you. BeastScore: iPhone 5 60.8/100, iPhone 5s 60.8/100.

What are the main battery and display differences between iPhone 5 and iPhone 5s?

iPhone 5 has a 4-inch display and 1440 mAh battery. iPhone 5s has a 4-inch display and 1560 mAh battery.

How do iPhone 5 and iPhone 5s compare for speed?

iPhone 5 scores 60/100 for performance; iPhone 5s scores 60/100.

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OnePlus One
Oneplus

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Xiaomi Mi4 4G TD-LTE 16GB 2014216 (Xiaomi Leo)
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