Yep, iphone 5s would easily do it. Although not quite so wide at 29.7mm (equivalent) vs 28mm (or even 24mm) in most wide-angle compact zooms. In practical use I have no probs with the iphone 5 at 31mm equivalent. For wide buildings I just use panorama or autostitch app. Both benefits of going down the smartphone route.
Just make sure to show him how to use the volume button on the side for the shutter release (jabbing at a screen button just asks for camera-shake) And how to do exposure/focus adjust + lock. That’s all it takes really.
Nothing is as pocketable, accessible or with as nice a screen for instant editing as a smartphone camera. So unless he wants bigger than A4 prints I really can’t see the need for a dedicated camera. iphone 5. tough case. Snapseed. Done.