We all have moments when we wish we could turn back time. For some, it might be to witness historical events, but for me, it simply means longing to use my iPhone 5s again.
In 2013, Apple introduced a split in its iPhone lineup, launching both the budget-friendly iPhone 5c and the more powerful iPhone 5s. The latter retained the premium design of the iPhone 5 while incorporating significant upgrades.
While I could technically revive my iPhone 5s today with a new battery, it wouldn’t be wise. As I’ve noted in a recent piece, the iPhone 5s is no longer within its security update window. By 2025, the oldest iOS version receiving updates was iOS 15, leaving my iPhone 5s stuck on iOS 12. This means connecting to mobile networks could expose me to security risks.
So, using my all-time favorite Apple device remains a dream. But what makes the iPhone 5s so special to me after all these years?
The design of the iPhone 5s is what I miss the most. It was released at the end of the first wave of square-edged phone designs, and I have always found it to be a beautifully ergonomic piece of technology.
Just look at it: the rear panel elegantly houses the camera system within a glass wedge, creating a symmetry that many modern phones overlook. Apple has always excelled in crafting stunning gold finishes, and I still admire the rear panel and the reflective trim on the front. The iPhone 5s often felt more like a piece of jewelry than a phone.
Its curved edges and compact frame made it easy to hold, weighing just 112g—about half the weight of today’s flagship models like the iPhone 17 Pro Max. I fondly remember unlocking it with the Touch ID home button before even pulling it from my pocket.
Speaking of unlocking, I’ve never found Face ID to be as quick or reliable as Touch ID. To this day, I prefer the in-display fingerprint scanners found on many top Android devices over Apple’s facial recognition.
Regarding displays, the iPhone 5s features a 4-inch 640p screen with a pixel density of 326ppi. While I appreciate the large displays of modern phones, I believe the iPhone 5s was the perfect size for a phone. Its display never felt limiting, unlike the phablets I carry today.
As phone design has evolved, we’ve moved beyond the notion of 'necessary' upgrades. The iPhone 5s stands out because it was the first premium model in Apple’s annual lineup, offering a luxurious design and features like Touch ID.
Admittedly, I would miss the impressive battery life and advanced cameras of today’s smartphones if I switched back. The iPhone 5s has an 8MP rear camera, a 5MP front camera, and a 1,560mAh battery—far less impressive compared to the iPhone 17 Pro’s three 48MP rear cameras and 5,000mAh battery.
My fondness for the iPhone 5s may also stem from how we used our phones in the 2010s. If I had used it in today’s world of constant notifications and social media, my memories might not be so idealized.
Still, I secretly hope for a revival of iPhone 5s-style devices, perhaps driven by nostalgia among future generations. Until then, I’ll have to settle for the large screens of modern smartphones.
For a nostalgic trip, check out our classic iPhone 5s review. If you’re interested in newer models, our guide to the best iPhones has you covered. We’d love to hear which classic phone you’d want to return to in the comments below.