Differences Between iPhone 5, iPhone 5s, iPhone SE: EveryiPhone.com

Update Published October 12, 2022

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What are all the differences between the original iPhone SE and the older iPhone 5 and iPhone 5s models? Which one is best for me?

Please note that the iPhone 5, iPhone 5s, and original iPhone SE all have been discontinued. However, this Q&A has been updated with current iOS support and more. It can be quite helpful to anyone buying or selling one of these models on the used market.

There are sixteen different iPhone 5, iPhone 5s, and original iPhone SE devices and EveryiPhone.com has thoroughly documented all of them as always. This Q&A primarily addresses collective differences for the sake of simplicity.

With even detailed inspection of the front of an iPhone 5, iPhone 5s, and iPhone SE (Special Edition) side-by-side, it would be easy to mistake them for one another as they are almost visually identical, but there are important differences that are not obvious.

Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (iPhone 5 – Left, iPhone 5s – Middle, iPhone SE – Right)

External Differences

Perhaps the most immediately noticeable difference is that the iPhone 5 has a rounded square icon on the concave home button and the other two devices do not. Instead, the iPhone 5s and iPhone SE have an icon-less and flatter home button that both contain a first generation “Touch ID” fingerprint sensor. Consequently, the iPhone 5s and iPhone SE can be configured with biometric identification and the earlier iPhone 5 only can be configured with a passcode for security.

Although the iPhone 5 uses a different display part, the iPhone 5s and iPhone SE even share interchangeable displays, and all three have a 4″ multi-touch IPS LED-backlit 1136×640 (326 ppi) “Retina” display of essentially identical quality. From a usage standpoint, each display effectively is the same.

Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (iPhone 5 – Left, iPhone 5s – Center, iPhone SE – Right)

All three models have a largely aluminum 0.30 of an inch thick case of the exact same dimensions and all three can use identical external cases.

All three share a “chamfered cut” band around the edge of the sides, but this edge is reflective on the iPhone 5 and iPhone 5s and matte on the iPhone SE.

On the backside, the iPhone SE is readily differentiated by the “SE” icon (and the lack of FCC iconography), but the iPhone 5 and iPhone 5s are much more difficult to differentiate.

The color options between the three lines are a bit different, too.

Specifically, the color options for the iPhone 5, iPhone 5s, and iPhone SE include:

iPhone 5

iPhone 5s

iPhone SE

Black Front/
Black Back
Black Front/
Gray Back
Black Front/
Gray Back

White Front/
Silver Back
White Front/
Silver Back
White Front/
Silver Back

 
White Front/
Gold Back
White Front/
Gold Back

 
 
White Front/
Rose Gold Back

Camera Differences

The iPhone 5, iPhone 5s, and iPhone SE all have dual cameras, but there are notable quality differences between them.

FaceTime Cameras

The front-facing “FaceTime” or “FaceTime HD” cameras have quite a bit in common, and none are particularly high-quality regardless:

 

iPhone 5

iPhone 5s

iPhone SE
Megapixels:
1.2 MP
1.2 MP
1.2 MP

Aperture:
f/2.4
f/2.4
f/2.4

Pixel Size:
1.75µm
1.9µm
1.9µm

720p Video:
30 fps
30 fps
30 fps

Auto HDR:
No
Photo
Photo

Burst Mode:
No
Yes
Yes

Retina Flash:
No
No
Yes

Most notably, the front-facing camera in the iPhone 5s and iPhone SE, provide slightly better low light performance because of the 1.9µm pixels, and the “Retina Flash” option on the iPhone SE is designed to provide better selfies.

iSight Cameras

The rear-mounted “iSight” cameras have more substantial differences:

 

iPhone 5

iPhone 5s

iPhone SE
Megapixels:
8 MP
8 MP
12 MP

Aperture:
f/2.4
f/2.2
f/2.2

Pixel Size:
1.4µm
1.5µm
1.22µm

LED Flash:
Single
Dual
Dual

Video:
1080p
1080p
4K

Slo-Mo:
No
Yes
Yes

Focus Pixels:
No
No
Yes

Automatic Image Stabilization:
No
Yes
Yes

Optical Image Stabilization:
No
No
No

Cinematic Video Stabilization:
No
No
Yes

Continuous Autofocus Video:
No
No
Yes

Burst Mode:
No
Yes
Yes

Live Photos:
No
No
Yes

The iPhone SE rear-mounted camera is better in every way than the camera in its predecessors. The iPhone SE has a larger 12 megapixel sensor for larger images, smaller 1.22µm pixels for more detail and clarity, and support to for filming 4K video rather than just 1080p. The iPhone SE also includes more minor feature additions like “Live Photos” which takes a few seconds of video before and after a still shot.

Identification Differences

At the moment, it is possible to visually distinguish the iPhone 5, iPhone 5s and iPhone SE when all are side-by-side, but it’s not easy as the designs are so similar. The iPhone 5 is the only one without the “Touch ID” home button, the iPhone 5s has the Touch ID home button and a shiny chromed “chamfered cut” edge, and the iPhone SE has the Touch ID button and the same edge as the other models, but its edge has a matte finish.

However, visual identification is more challenging when the devices are not next to one another. Furthermore, it is not possible to visually identify the sixteen specific models.

Many of the devices can be identified by Model Number, which is listed on the back of each phone in tiny type, but not all can be individually identified in this way, either.

Nevertheless, for the purpose of this Q&A, it is sufficient to note that the following model numbers refer to these devices:

iPhone Model
Model Numbers

iPhone 5
A1428, A1429, A1442

iPhone 5s
A1453, A1457, A1518, A1528, A1530, A1533

iPhone SE
A1662, A1723, A1724

However, also note that multiple models in the iPhone 5 and iPhone 5s lines share model numbers, so it is not always possible to uniquely identify a specific iPhone by model number alone.

If you need to uniquely identify one of the iPhone models that share an external model number, they can be spotted by other identifiers.

Specifically, EveryiPhone.com’s Ultimate iLookup feature can precisely identify these iPhone models by Order Number (referred to as “Model” within the iOS “Settings” app under General > About), and their Serial Numbers, as well.

Battery Life Differences

The battery life for the iPhone 5, iPhone 5s, and iPhone SE is similar, but it still is superior for the newer iPhone SE:

 

iPhone 5

iPhone 5s

iPhone SE
Talk Time (3G):
8 Hours
10 Hours
14 Hours

Internet (3G):
8 Hours
8 Hours
12 Hours

Internet (4G/LTE):
8 Hours
10 Hours
13 Hours

Internet (Wi-Fi):
10 Hours
10 Hours
13 Hours

Video Playback:
10 Hours
10 Hours
13 Hours

Audio Playback:
40 Hours
40 Hours
50 Hours

Standby Time:
225 Hours
250 Hours
240 Hours

As the iPhone SE uses the same size housing, the improvement in battery life is particularly welcomed.

Wireless Connectivity & Data Differences

All of these iPhone models support GSM/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz) and at least 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0 (the iPhone SE supports better 802.11a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2 as well as NFC for Apple Pay), but connectivity otherwise varies considerably between the sixteen different models in these lines.

Officially, different models support the following cellular connectivity:

For specific details on 4G/LTE support, it also will be necessary to check with carriers in a particular location.

Internal Differences

The iPhone 5, iPhone 5s, and iPhone SE have significant internal technical differences:

 

iPhone 5

iPhone 5s

iPhone SE
Clockspeed:
1.3 GHz
1.3 GHz
1.8 GHz

Processor:
Apple A6
Apple A7
Apple A9

RAM:
1 GB
1 GB
2 GB

Architecture:
32-Bit
64-Bit
64-Bit

Coprocessor:
None
M7 Motion
M9 Motion

Storage (GB):
16/32/64
16/32/64
16/64 (32/128*)

Apple Pay (NFC):
No
No
Yes

Barometer:
No
No
No

* On March 21, 2017, Apple replaced the 16 GB and 64 GB storage options for the iPhone SE with 32 GB and 128 GB configurations.

The iPhone SE also has numerous faster components, but most notably it has twice the RAM of these earlier models.

iOS Support Differences

The iPhone 5 supports iOS 6, iOS 7, iOS 8, iOS 9 and iOS 10; the iPhone 5s supports iOS 7, iOS 8, iOS 9, iOS 10, iOS 11, and iOS 12; and the iPhone SE supports iOS 9.3 and later, including iOS 13, iOS 14, and iOS 15.

It is not possible to install a version of the iOS earlier than the one that was pre-installed, and it is difficult even to “downgrade” to an earlier version after upgrading a compatible iPhone to a later version of the iOS.

It also is worth noting that iOS 8 and later are of equivalent speed on the iPhone 5s, but iOS 8 is noticeably faster than iOS 9 (or iOS 10) on the iPhone 5. If you value performance over compatibility with newer apps, you likely would prefer to run iOS 8 on the iPhone 5.

Likewise, when running iOS 10, the iPhone 5 does not support Rich Notifications or Raise to Wake, whereas the iPhone 5s supports Rich Notifications (but not Raise to Wake), and the iPhone SE supports all iOS 10 features.

The iPhone SE supports the final versions of iOS 11 through iOS 15, but it does not support many advanced features running each version of the iOS. The iPhone SE is generally faster running iOS 13 and later versions of the iOS than iOS 12, so it is a good idea to upgrade past iOS 12 in particular.

None of these devices support iOS 16 or later versions of the iOS; they do not support the current version of the operating system.

iPhone 5, iPhone 5s & iPhone SE Comparison Chart

These differences — design, biometrics, displays, cameras, identifiers, connectivity, processor, and storage — along with US pricing information is summarized below:

 

iPhone 5

iPhone 5s

iPhone SE
Introduced:
Sep 2012
Sep 2013
Mar 2016

Discontinued:
Sep 2013
Mar 2016
Sep 2018

Clockspeed:
1.3 GHz
1.3 GHz
1.8 GHz

Processor:
Apple A6
Apple A7
Apple A9

Architecture:
32-Bit
64-Bit
64-Bit

Coprocessor:
None
M7 Motion
M9 Motion

RAM:
1 GB
1 GB
2 GB

Storage (GB):
16/32/64
16/32/64
16/32/64/128

Battery Life (Hours):
8-40
8-40
14-50

3G Internet:
Yes
Yes
Yes

4G/LTE Internet:
Some
More
Most

Wi-Fi (802.11):
a/b/g/n
a/b/g/n
a/b/g/n/ac

Bluetooth:
4.0
4.0
4.2

Rear Megapixels:
8 MP
8 MP
12 MP

Rear Video:
1080p
1080p
4K

Rear Aperture:
f/2.4
f/2.2
f/2.2

Rear Pixel Size:
1.4µm
1.5µm
1.22µm

Rear LED Flash:
Single
Dual
Dual

Water Gasket:
No
No
Yes

Touch ID:
No
Yes
Yes

Apple Pay (NFC):
No
No
Yes

Barometer:
No
No
No

Facedown:
No
Yes
Yes

SIM Card:
Nano
Nano
Nano
Original iOS:
iOS 6
iOS 7
iOS 9

Fastest iOS:
iOS 8
iOS 12
iOS 15

Maximum iOS:
iOS 10
iOS 12
iOS 15

Weight:
3.95 oz.
3.95 oz.
3.99 oz.

Orig. Price* (US):
US$199
US$299
US$399
US$199
US$299
US$399
US$399
US$499

* Note that the original prices for the iPhone 5 and iPhone 5s were subsidized by a two year contract whereas the original price for the iPhone SE unlocked and paid in full upfront. The iPhone SE originally was US$399 with 16 GB of storage or US$499 with 64 GB of storage. On September 7, 2016, Apple lowered the price of the 64 GB option to US$449. On March 21, 2017, Apple upgraded the capacity options to 32 GB and 128 GB while re-establishing the original US$399 and US$499 price points. On September 12, 2018, Apple discontinued the iPhone SE entirely.

For pricing in dozens of countries, see the “Global Prices” on the specs page for each iPhone as well as the “By Global Original Prices” section of EveryiPhone.com.

So, should I buy an older iPhone 5 or iPhone 5s? Or should I buy a newer iPhone SE?

Just compared to one another, for the vast majority of users, the iPhone SE is the best choice by far. The three models share effectively the same easy-to-hold design and have essentially the same display, but the iPhone SE represents a largely internal upgrade to put it closer in performance and functionality to the more capable iPhone 6s. To date, the iPhone SE is the fastest “small” iPhone that Apple ever has made (although the much newer, much faster iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 13 mini models are small by today’s larger standards).

Compared to the iPhone 5 and iPhone 5s, the iPhone SE is faster, has twice the RAM, a substantially better rear camera, longer battery life, better and faster connectivity, Apple Pay support, and more. EveryiPhone.com originally opined that twice the RAM meant the iPhone SE likely would provide current iOS support for longer, as well, and that has been correct. The iPhone SE finally reached the end of the road for iOS support with iOS 16, though; it does not support the current version of the iOS, so app support will start to wane quickly from here on out.

The only real reason to still consider an older iPhone 5 or iPhone 5s are even lower prices on the used market, but with iOS support quite out-of-date, they only are suitable for those with very modest use requirements. Some apps likely will not work.

iPhone Purchase & Sale Options

There are no shortage of places to buy a new or used iPhone. However, buying your iPhone from a quality company with a stellar track record will provide the best experience and save you money and time, too.

In the US, site sponsors Other World Computing and JemJem sell used and refurbished iPhone models with free shipping. On the other hand, if you need to sell an iPhone, A+ BBB-rated Cash for Your Mac and GoRoostr will buy your older iPhone with an instant quote and prompt payment.

In France, site sponsor MacWay sells new and reconditioned iPhone models from seven stores around France (two in Paris) and provides fast, express shipping throughout France, Belgium, and Luxembourg.

In Australia, site sponsor Mac City likewise has a variety of used iPhone models sold at low prices and available with a free warranty and fast shipping across Australia.

Please also see EveryiPhone.com’s Ultimate iComparison feature to dynamically compare any iPhone model to any other iPod, iPhone, or iPad.

Also see:

• What are all the differences between the iPhone 5 models?
• What are all the differences between the iPhone 5s models?
• What are all the differences between the iPhone SE models?
• What are all the differences between the iPhone 5, iPhone 5c, and iPhone 5s? Are there major differences?