iPhone 5S Specifications: Complete Technical Guide in 2026
The iPhone 5S is a 2013 Apple smartphone featuring a 4-inch display, Apple A7 64-bit processor, Touch ID fingerprint sensor, and 8MP camera.
Released on September 20, 2013, the iPhone 5S revolutionized mobile technology as the first smartphone with a 64-bit processor and biometric authentication.
This comprehensive guide covers all technical specifications, model variants, and capabilities of Apple’s groundbreaking device that set new standards for mobile computing.
Key iPhone 5S Specifications Overview
The iPhone 5S introduced revolutionary features that became industry standards.
⚠️ Quick Specs: 4-inch Retina display • A7 64-bit processor • 1GB RAM • 8MP camera • Touch ID • 1560mAh battery
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 4.0 inches, 1136 x 640 pixels |
| Processor | Apple A7 dual-core 1.3 GHz |
| Memory | 1GB RAM, 16/32/64GB storage |
| Camera | 8MP rear, 1.2MP front |
| Battery | 1560mAh Li-Po |
| iOS Support | iOS 7.0 to iOS 12.5.7 |
The device launched in three storage variants and multiple regional models to support different cellular networks worldwide.
Display and Screen Specifications
The iPhone 5S features a 4.0-inch LED-backlit IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1136 x 640 pixels at 326 pixels per inch.
The screen uses Corning Gorilla Glass with oleophobic coating for fingerprint resistance.
Display brightness reaches 500 cd/m² (nits) typical with a contrast ratio of 800:1.
- Screen Size: 4.0 inches diagonal
- Resolution: 1136 x 640 pixels
- Pixel Density: 326 PPI (Retina display)
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Color Gamut: Full sRGB standard
- Touch Technology: Multi-touch capacitive
The display occupies approximately 60.8% of the front surface area.
While considered small by modern standards, the 4-inch display was optimized for one-handed operation and remains highly readable with excellent color accuracy.
Processor and Performance Specifications
The Apple A7 processor in iPhone 5S was the world’s first 64-bit mobile processor, featuring a dual-core 1.3 GHz Cyclone CPU architecture.
This revolutionary chip delivered 2x CPU and graphics performance compared to the iPhone 5’s A6 processor.
64-bit Architecture: A processor design that can handle larger amounts of RAM and perform more complex calculations than 32-bit processors.
| Component | Specification | Details |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Dual-core Cyclone | 1.3 GHz ARMv8-A |
| GPU | PowerVR G6430 | 4 cluster configuration |
| Process | 28nm HKMG | Samsung fabrication |
| Transistors | 1 billion | 102mm² die size |
| Cache | 1MB L2 cache | 64KB L1 cache |
The M7 motion coprocessor handles sensor data from the accelerometer, gyroscope, and compass without waking the main processor.
This dedicated chip enables continuous motion tracking while significantly reducing battery consumption for fitness and navigation apps.
Benchmark scores showed the A7 matching early 2011 MacBook Air performance, demonstrating desktop-class computing in a mobile device.
Camera and Photography Specifications
The iPhone 5S features an 8-megapixel iSight camera with an f/2.2 aperture and a larger 1.5μm pixel size for improved low-light performance.
The camera system introduced True Tone dual-LED flash, automatically adjusting color temperature for more natural skin tones.
- Rear Camera: 8MP, 3264 x 2448 pixels
- Aperture: f/2.2
- Sensor Size: 1/3″ (larger than iPhone 5)
- Pixel Size: 1.5 microns
- Focus: Autofocus with focus pixels
- Flash: Dual-LED True Tone flash
Video recording capabilities include 1080p at 30fps and 720p at 120fps for slow-motion capture.
✅ Pro Tip: The 120fps slow-motion video was revolutionary for 2013, enabling creative video capture previously requiring professional equipment.
The front FaceTime camera offers 1.2MP resolution with 720p HD video recording and backside illumination sensor for better low-light selfies.
Additional camera features include panorama mode up to 28 megapixels, burst mode at 10 photos per second, and automatic image stabilization.
Memory and Storage Specifications (2026)
The iPhone 5S includes 1GB of LPDDR3 RAM operating at 533MHz, providing sufficient memory for iOS 12 multitasking.
Storage options launched at 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB with no expandable storage option.
| Storage Variant | User Available | Original Price |
|---|---|---|
| 16GB | ~12.2GB | $199 (contract) |
| 32GB | ~28.1GB | $299 (contract) |
| 64GB | ~56.2GB | $399 (contract) |
The 1GB RAM limitation becomes apparent when running modern apps, causing frequent reloads and limiting browser tabs.
Storage management becomes critical on 16GB models, with iOS 12 requiring approximately 3.8GB of space.
Battery and Power Management Specifications
The iPhone 5S contains a non-removable 1560mAh lithium polymer battery, providing up to 10 hours of talk time on 3G networks.
Official battery life specifications include 250 hours standby time and up to 10 hours of internet use on LTE.
- Battery Capacity: 1560mAh (5.92 Wh)
- Talk Time: Up to 10 hours (3G)
- Internet Use: 8 hours (LTE), 10 hours (Wi-Fi)
- Video Playback: Up to 10 hours
- Audio Playback: Up to 40 hours
- Charging: Lightning connector, 5W adapter
⏰ Common Issue: After 6-8 years, many iPhone 5S units experience sudden shutdowns at 30-40% battery due to degradation. Battery replacement typically costs $50-80.
The device lacks wireless charging and fast charging capabilities, taking approximately 2.5 hours for a full charge.
Power management issues, particularly the U2 IC chip failure, can cause rapid battery drain affecting 15-20% of older units.
Connectivity and Network Specifications
The iPhone 5S supports extensive cellular network bands including LTE, 3G, and 2G connectivity options varying by model.
Wi-Fi connectivity includes 802.11 a/b/g/n dual-band support operating on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies.
| Technology | Specification | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Cellular | LTE/3G/2G | Model-dependent bands |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n | 2.4GHz and 5GHz |
| Bluetooth | 4.0 | Low Energy support |
| GPS | A-GPS, GLONASS | Digital compass |
| Port | Lightning | Reversible connector |
| Audio | 3.5mm jack | Standard headphone |
The device includes comprehensive sensor array: accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, ambient light sensor, and barometer.
Touch ID capacitive fingerprint sensor integrated into the home button provides biometric authentication for device unlock and purchases.
NFC capability is absent, limiting mobile payment options compared to later iPhone models.
Software and iOS Compatibility
The iPhone 5S originally shipped with iOS 7.0 and supports updates through iOS 12.5.7, the final version released in January 2023.
This represents six years of major iOS updates, demonstrating Apple’s extended software support commitment.
- iOS 7: Original release with flat design
- iOS 8: Added widgets and extensions
- iOS 9: Improved performance and battery
- iOS 10: Redesigned notifications and apps
- iOS 11: ARKit and file management
- iOS 12: Final major update with performance focus
Modern app compatibility becomes increasingly limited as developers require iOS 13 or later for new versions.
Security updates ended with iOS 12.5.7, leaving the device vulnerable to newer exploits despite being functional.
Physical Dimensions and Build
The iPhone 5S measures 123.8 x 58.6 x 7.6 mm and weighs 112 grams, featuring an aluminum unibody construction.
Available colors included Space Gray, Silver, and Gold, with the latter being the first gold iPhone model.
- Height: 123.8 mm (4.87 inches)
- Width: 58.6 mm (2.31 inches)
- Depth: 7.6 mm (0.30 inches)
- Weight: 112 grams (3.95 ounces)
- Materials: Aluminum body, glass front
- Water Resistance: None (no IP rating)
The chamfered edges and precision-milled aluminum body established a premium design standard maintained through several iPhone generations.
iPhone 5S Model Variants and Differences
Multiple iPhone 5S models exist to support different cellular networks and regional requirements worldwide.
| Model | Regions | Network Support |
|---|---|---|
| A1533 | North America | GSM/CDMA |
| A1453 | North America/Japan | CDMA |
| A1457 | Europe/Middle East | GSM |
| A1530 | Asia/Australia | GSM |
FCC certification IDs include BCG-E2642A, BCG-E2643A, and BCG-E2643B for different variants.
LTE band support varies significantly between models, requiring careful selection for international use or carrier switching.
Frequently Asked Questions
What processor does the iPhone 5S have?
The iPhone 5S features the Apple A7 dual-core processor running at 1.3 GHz, making it the first 64-bit smartphone processor with desktop-class architecture.
How much RAM does the iPhone 5S have?
The iPhone 5S includes 1GB of LPDDR3 RAM, which was sufficient for iOS 7-12 but limits modern multitasking capabilities.
What is the iPhone 5S battery capacity?
The iPhone 5S contains a 1560mAh lithium polymer battery providing up to 10 hours of talk time or internet use when new.
What iOS versions support iPhone 5S?
iPhone 5S supports iOS 7.0 through iOS 12.5.7, with the final security update released in January 2023.
Is the iPhone 5S still usable in 2025?
While functional for basic tasks, the iPhone 5S faces limitations including app compatibility issues, no security updates, and common battery problems after 11+ years.
What’s the difference between iPhone 5 and 5S specifications?
Key differences include the 5S’s 64-bit A7 processor (vs 32-bit A6), Touch ID fingerprint sensor, improved camera with True Tone flash, and M7 motion coprocessor.