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Can an iPhone 5s from 2013 still be used in 2026? Honest reviewWhat if you used an iPhone 5s, released over 10 years ago, in 2026? We've deeply analyzed the iPhone 5s's current usability, from the latest app compatibility to calling features. Surprising results await!
1. 📱 iPhone 5s: Usability and Basic Performance in 2026
· The iPhone 5s was released in 2013, featuring a design similar to the iPhone 5 but with significantly improved performance thanks to Touch ID and the A7 chip with 64-bit support.
· It currently runs iOS 12, and since iOS 12 is considered one of the most bug-free and smoothest iOS versions ever, the device's performance is relatively decent.
· However, there were difficulties with resetting due to iCloud lock issues, which is something to be cautious about when buying used.
· Loading Apple's homepage via the Safari browser took about 7 seconds, and the website appeared somewhat broken. However, simple web searches are possible.
· Due to the discontinuation of 3G network support, there may be limitations in voice calls (no VoLTE support) and some communication functions. (Varies by region)
· Although iMessage activation errors occurred, this was due to iCloud bypass issues and should work in a normal state.
· AirDrop functions normally between iOS 12 versions.
· The 4-inch display offers convenience for one-handed use.
· The 8-megapixel rear camera can shoot 1080p 30fps videos and supports HDR photos. While the photos have some noise, the video quality is decent.
· It currently runs iOS 12, and since iOS 12 is considered one of the most bug-free and smoothest iOS versions ever, the device's performance is relatively decent.
· However, there were difficulties with resetting due to iCloud lock issues, which is something to be cautious about when buying used.
· Loading Apple's homepage via the Safari browser took about 7 seconds, and the website appeared somewhat broken. However, simple web searches are possible.
· Due to the discontinuation of 3G network support, there may be limitations in voice calls (no VoLTE support) and some communication functions. (Varies by region)
· Although iMessage activation errors occurred, this was due to iCloud bypass issues and should work in a normal state.
· AirDrop functions normally between iOS 12 versions.
· The 4-inch display offers convenience for one-handed use.
· The 8-megapixel rear camera can shoot 1080p 30fps videos and supports HDR photos. While the photos have some noise, the video quality is decent.
00:00 - 01:32
1. 📱 iPhone 5s: Usability and Basic Performance in 2026
· The iPhone 5s was released in 2013, featuring a design similar to the iPhone 5 but with significantly improved performance thanks to Touch ID and the A7 chip with 64-bit support.
· It currently runs iOS 12, and since iOS 12 is considered one of the most bug-free and smoothest iOS versions ever, the device's performance is relatively decent.
· However, there were difficulties with resetting due to iCloud lock issues, which is something to be cautious about when buying used.
· Loading Apple's homepage via the Safari browser took about 7 seconds, and the website appeared somewhat broken. However, simple web searches are possible.
· Due to the discontinuation of 3G network support, there may be limitations in voice calls (no VoLTE support) and some communication functions. (Varies by region)
· Although iMessage activation errors occurred, this was due to iCloud bypass issues and should work in a normal state.
· AirDrop functions normally between iOS 12 versions.
· The 4-inch display offers convenience for one-handed use.
· The 8-megapixel rear camera can shoot 1080p 30fps videos and supports HDR photos. While the photos have some noise, the video quality is decent.
· It currently runs iOS 12, and since iOS 12 is considered one of the most bug-free and smoothest iOS versions ever, the device's performance is relatively decent.
· However, there were difficulties with resetting due to iCloud lock issues, which is something to be cautious about when buying used.
· Loading Apple's homepage via the Safari browser took about 7 seconds, and the website appeared somewhat broken. However, simple web searches are possible.
· Due to the discontinuation of 3G network support, there may be limitations in voice calls (no VoLTE support) and some communication functions. (Varies by region)
· Although iMessage activation errors occurred, this was due to iCloud bypass issues and should work in a normal state.
· AirDrop functions normally between iOS 12 versions.
· The 4-inch display offers convenience for one-handed use.
· The 8-megapixel rear camera can shoot 1080p 30fps videos and supports HDR photos. While the photos have some noise, the video quality is decent.
03:48 - 08:56
2. 💻 App Compatibility Test: Facebook, YouTube, Discord, etc.?
· Errors occurred when accessing the App Store, making it difficult to install the latest app versions. To install older versions, you need to download them on another device and then reinstall.
· Test results showed that only Facebook, Instagram, and Gmail (or the default Mail app) worked normally. (3 apps total)
· When accessing YouTube via Safari or Chrome browser, the resolution was limited to 360p, and YouTube Music did not work.
· Roblox, Discord voice calls, Twitch, Clash Royale, the PS app, Twitter, etc., were unusable due to update requirements or errors.
· TikTok crashed upon launch.
· Minecraft displayed a 'unsupported device' message when entering the menu. Gameplay was possible, but there was some stuttering in menu loading and within the game.
· While the Gmail app itself works, it's more stable to link your Gmail account through the default Mail app.
· Test results showed that only Facebook, Instagram, and Gmail (or the default Mail app) worked normally. (3 apps total)
· When accessing YouTube via Safari or Chrome browser, the resolution was limited to 360p, and YouTube Music did not work.
· Roblox, Discord voice calls, Twitch, Clash Royale, the PS app, Twitter, etc., were unusable due to update requirements or errors.
· TikTok crashed upon launch.
· Minecraft displayed a 'unsupported device' message when entering the menu. Gameplay was possible, but there was some stuttering in menu loading and within the game.
· While the Gmail app itself works, it's more stable to link your Gmail account through the default Mail app.
09:16 - 10:08
3. 🤔 Conclusion: Is the iPhone 5s Okay to Use in 2026?
· Overall, the iPhone 5s has many limitations in terms of app compatibility and communication functions for use in 2026. Very few apps work properly, and calling functions are unstable due to the discontinuation of 3G network support.
· If you want a similar form factor, the first-generation iPhone SE, which supports up to iOS 15 and offers VoLTE, NFC, etc., could be a better alternative.
· However, if apps are not forcibly blocked and can run, the performance itself is better than expected.
· If you want a similar form factor, the first-generation iPhone SE, which supports up to iOS 15 and offers VoLTE, NFC, etc., could be a better alternative.
· However, if apps are not forcibly blocked and can run, the performance itself is better than expected.