Can I replace an iPhone 5s screen with a iPhone 5 screen?

Can I replace an iPhone 5s screen with a iPhone 5 screen?
I’ve recently faced an unfortunate incident where my iPhone 5s screen got shattered. Being a bit tech-savvy, I thought about replacing the screen myself. However, I only have an old iPhone 5 lying around with an intact screen. This makes me wonder, can I replace an iPhone 5s screen with an iPhone 5 screen? I understand that both models appear quite similar at first glance, but I know that appearances can be deceiving. I’m concerned about several aspects: Are the connectors compatible between the two screens? Will I be compromising the functionality or the quality of the display if I make this swap? And what about the differences in technology between the two models? Is there any chance that the screen from an iPhone 5 might not support the features or the resolution specific to the iPhone 5s? I would really appreciate clarity on this matter before I start dismantling my devices, as I cannot afford to accidentally damage my iPhone further.
4 Answers

Replacing an iPhone 5s screen with an iPhone 5 screen is not feasible. Here’s why:
- Connector Incompatibility: The connectors between the iPhone 5 and iPhone 5s screens are different. The flex cables that connect the screens to the motherboard do not match.
- Technology Differences: The iPhone 5s has more advanced technology in its display. Particularly, the Touch ID sensor integrated into the iPhone 5s’s home button won’t function if swapped with an iPhone 5 screen.
- Resolution and Functionality: Although both screens may look similar, their internal components and resolution calibrations are different. Using an iPhone 5 screen might result in a non-functional display or erratic performance, possibly even damaging the phone.

No, you cannot replace an iPhone 5s screen with an iPhone 5 screen. The two screens, despite their similar outward appearance, have significant internal differences. Firstly, the iPhone 5s features hardware advancements, including the Touch ID fingerprint reader, which do not align with the simpler hardware of the iPhone 5. Therefore, attempting to transfer the screen would likely render the fingerprint scanner non-operational. Secondly, the connector flex cables on the iPhone 5s differ from those on the iPhone 5. Hence, the iPhone 5 screen cannot physically connect to the iPhone 5s’s motherboard. Additionally, key characteristics like color depth, resolution alignment, and sensor functions are specific to each model, so a mismatch would prevent the iPhone 5s from working correctly.

Unfortunately, replacing an iPhone 5s screen with an iPhone 5 screen isn’t something you can do. They might look like they could work with each other, but here are a few reasons why they don’t:
- Different Connectors: The screens have connectors that plug into the phone’s motherboard, and these connectors are not identical between the 5 and the 5s. They simply won’t fit together because they’re designed differently.
- Touch ID Sensor: The iPhone 5s has a Touch ID fingerprint sensor on the home button, a feature the iPhone 5 lacks. If you use a 5 screen, you’ll lose this fingerprint capability.
- Display Specifications: The display panels have different pixel arrangements and calibrations, meaning the iPhone 5 screen won’t provide the same quality or responsiveness. You might end up with a non-functional screen and potentially damage the phone’s internals through incompatibility.
It’s really important to use components that are made for your specific model to avoid these kinds of issues.

You cannot replace an iPhone 5s screen with an iPhone 5 screen. I attempted this myself when my iPhone 5s screen broke, hoping to save some money by using an old iPhone 5 screen I had. Here’s what happened:
- Connection Issues: The connectors are different. When I tried attaching the iPhone 5 screen to the iPhone 5s motherboard, the cables didn’t match up, making it impossible to connect properly.
- Loss of Functionality: Even if I found a way to physically attach the screen, I later read that the iPhone 5s has additional components and functions, like the Touch ID, which the iPhone 5 doesn’t support. Therefore, even in a theoretical scenario where the screen fits, the functionality would be heavily compromised.
- Display Quality: The display technology in the iPhone 5s is superior, as it offers more vibrant colors and better resolution. Using an iPhone 5 screen might degrade the visual experience and could potentially harm the internal hardware.