Welcome to your detailed guide examining the iPhone 5 price in Nigeria in October 2025. We’re delving deep into smartphone history here, as the iPhone 5 originally hit the market way back in September 2012 – a staggering 13 years ago! It was a landmark device for Apple, introducing the taller 4-inch display (moving away from the 3.5-inch standard), the Lightning connector, a slimmer aluminum unibody design, LTE support, and the A6 chip.
Fast forward to 2025, and the iPhone 5 is not just old; it’s an antique in the technology world. Its continued, albeit scarce, presence in the lowest tiers of Nigeria’s second-hand markets – think dusty corners of Computer Village in Lagos or bottom-of-the-barrel listings on Jiji – is driven by one thing only: its dirt-cheap price. For an incredibly small number of buyers, it might represent the absolute cheapest way imaginable to own a device bearing the Apple logo, perhaps intended only for basic calls/SMS (with network compatibility caveats), offline music playback, or as a temporary emergency phone where functionality barely matters.
However, even contemplating an iPhone 5 today means navigating a market composed exclusively of heavily used, often damaged, and functionally compromised units. Brand New models disappeared over a decade ago. Any claim of a “new” iPhone 5 is entirely false, likely indicating a poorly refurbished or misrepresented device. The only realistic options are:
This article provides an exhaustive look at the current iPhone 5 price in Nigeria for these used categories. We will meticulously detail its profoundly obsolete specifications, discuss its almost non-existent relevant features, starkly contrast the minuscule pros with the overwhelming cons (especially its ancient iOS 10 software limit and lack of 64-bit app support), and offer critical advice on how one might (though shouldn’t) attempt to acquire one without being completely ripped off, focusing heavily on the immense risks involved.
The iPhone 5 sits at the absolute nadir of the used smartphone market in Nigeria, often valued barely above e-waste. Its price reflects its near-total obsolescence. Finding a genuinely new one is impossible. The market consists solely of very old, very worn UK Used and Nigerian Used units. Expect significant cosmetic damage, non-functional components (especially batteries), and software limitations that render it unusable for modern tasks.
Here’s a comparison table illustrating the typical (and extremely low) price ranges for a used iPhone 5 in Nigeria today:
| Phone Model & Storage | Condition | Price Range (NGN) | Popular Retailers / Markets |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 5 (16GB) | UK Used | ₦12,000 – ₦25,000 | Jiji, Konga (rare), Computer Village (back alleys), Small Repair Shops |
| iPhone 5 (32GB) | UK Used | ₦15,000 – ₦30,000 | Jiji, Konga (rare), Computer Village (back alleys), Small Repair Shops |
| iPhone 5 (64GB) | UK Used | ₦18,000 – ₦35,000 | Jiji, Konga (rare), Computer Village (back alleys), Small Repair Shops |
| iPhone 5 (16GB) | Nigerian Used | ₦8,000 – ₦18,000 | Jiji, Facebook Marketplace, Personal Sellers |
| iPhone 5 (32GB) | Nigerian Used | ₦10,000 – ₦22,000 | Jiji, Facebook Marketplace, Personal Sellers |
| iPhone 5 (64GB) | Nigerian Used | ₦13,000 – ₦28,000 | Jiji, Facebook Marketplace, Personal Sellers |
| iPhone 5 (Any) | Brand New | Non-Existent / Fake | ~₦30,000 – ₦60,000+ (AVOID COMPLETELY) |
Disclaimer: These prices are rough estimates for October 2025 and represent the extreme low end. Actual costs depend massively on whether the phone even powers on, cosmetic condition (expect very poor), battery status (almost certainly dead or dying), seller honesty, location, and negotiation. Many units are sold “as-is” for parts.
Let there be absolutely no doubt: You cannot purchase a genuinely Brand New, factory-sealed iPhone 5 in 2025. Production ceased over a decade ago. Anyone advertising a “Brand New” unit is engaging in deception, likely offering:
Asking prices for these misrepresented items might range from ₦30,000 to ₦60,000 or more. This is an absurd price for a device with virtually no modern functionality. For this amount, you could buy a basic, actually new entry-level Android smartphone with a warranty, or a significantly newer and vastly more capable used iPhone (like an iPhone 6s, 7, or even SE 1st Gen) that can run less ancient software. Investing any money in a “new” iPhone 5 is completely irrational and strongly advised against.
This category consists of imported second-hand units, likely brought into Nigeria many years ago. Given the 13-year age, the distinction between “UK Used” and “Nigerian Used” is almost meaningless in terms of expected quality – both will likely be in very poor shape.
These are devices that have circulated within Nigeria for years, often subjected to multiple repairs and heavy use. They command the absolute lowest prices, frequently bordering on scrap value, and carry the highest probability of being faulty or locked.
Mainstream and reputable retailers completely ignore the iPhone 5.
The iPhone 5’s 2012 hardware specifications are utterly primitive by 2025 standards, rendering it incapable of running almost any modern software or meeting basic user expectations.
| Feature | Specification | Notes (Relevance in 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 4.0-inch IPS LCD | Very Small, decent colors for its time, large bezels |
| 1136 x 640 pixels (~326 ppi) | Lower resolution, looks pixelated by modern standards | |
| Design | Aluminum Unibody with Chamfered Edges | Iconic design, lightweight, No Wireless Charging |
| Physical Home button (No Touch ID) | Lacks fingerprint security | |
| No Water Resistance | Highly susceptible to liquid damage | |
| Headphone Jack Present | Convenient for wired audio | |
| Processor | Apple A6 (32 nm) | Excruciatingly Slow: Unusable for almost everything |
| CPU | Dual-core 1.3 GHz Swift (ARM v7-based) | Ancient 32-bit Architecture: Cannot run modern 64-bit apps |
| GPU | PowerVR SGX 543MP3 (triple-core graphics) | Extremely weak graphics capability |
| RAM | 1GB RAM | Cripplingly Insufficient: Makes any multitasking impossible |
| Storage | 16GB, 32GB, 64GB | All capacities are too small for modern needs |
| Rear Camera | Single 8MP Wide Camera: | Very basic, poor quality |
| 8MP, f/2.4, Digital Image Stabilization (DIS) | Terrible low-light performance, very noisy | |
| Video Recording | 1080p at 30fps | Basic HD video, poor stabilization |
| Front Camera | 1.2MP, f/2.4 | Extremely poor quality for selfies/video calls |
| Battery | ~1440 mAh (Li-Po) | Microscopic Capacity: Guaranteed Terrible Battery Life |
| Charging | Lightning Port (First iPhone with it) | Outdated connector, charges extremely slowly |
| No Wireless Charging | Lacks this feature | |
| Standard 5W charging (Very Slow) | No fast charging | |
| Biometrics | None (Password/PIN only) | Lacks Touch ID and Face ID |
| Operating System | Launched with iOS 6 | Maximum Supported OS: iOS 10.3.4 |
| Does NOT support iOS 11 through 19 (2025) | UTTERLY OBSOLETE SOFTWARE: Cannot run 64-bit apps, extreme insecurity | |
| Connectivity | 4G LTE (Limited bands depending on model) | Basic 4G, potential incompatibility with modern networks |
| Wi-Fi 802.11n (Wi-Fi 4) | Very old Wi-Fi standard | |
| Bluetooth 4.0 | Old Bluetooth standard | |
| No NFC | Lacks NFC chip entirely | |
| SIM Card | Nano-SIM | Uses the standard Nano-SIM size |
| Dimensions | 123.8 x 58.6 x 7.6 mm | Very small and thin by modern standards |
| Weight | 112g | Extremely lightweight |
| Colors | Black & Slate, White & Silver | Original two-tone color options |
The iPhone 5 was revolutionary for its time, introducing a taller 4-inch display while maintaining a width that allowed for one-handed use. Its aluminum unibody design with chamfered edges was considered premium. In 2025, the 4-inch screen feels incredibly small and cramped, and the large bezels make it look ancient. The display resolution is low, and brightness/color accuracy are far behind modern standards. Key design points include the physical Home button (without Touch ID), the introduction of the Lightning port, the presence of the headphone jack, and the complete lack of water resistance. Its extremely small size and light weight are perhaps its only remaining distinguishing physical features.
Powered by the Apple A6 chip, a 32-bit processor, and burdened with only 1GB of RAM, the iPhone 5’s performance in 2025 is painfully slow and fundamentally limited. Not only is the chip ancient, but its 32-bit architecture means it cannot run any modern 64-bit applications. Even navigating the obsolete iOS 10 interface is sluggish. Attempting to browse the modern web is nearly impossible, and the vast majority of apps simply will not run. This hardware is incapable of handling any task beyond the absolute basics of calls and SMS.
1GB of RAM combined with the 32-bit A6 chip creates an unusable experience for anything resembling modern smartphone usage. Forget multitasking; even single apps (the very few compatible ones) will struggle and crash. Storage options (16GB, 32GB, 64GB) are all grossly insufficient by today’s standards, barely able to hold the operating system and a handful of old, compatible apps. Storage capacity is largely irrelevant given the software limitations.
The iPhone 5 features very basic cameras by 2025 standards.
The tiny ~1440 mAh battery was small even in 2012. After 13 years, any original battery will be completely degraded and likely unable to hold a meaningful charge. Even with a replacement (if you can find a reliable one), the small capacity combined with the inefficient A6 chip results in abysmal battery life. Expect only a couple of hours of light use, at best. It uses the Lightning port and charges extremely slowly (5W, no fast or wireless charging).
This is the absolute deal-breaker that renders the iPhone 5 completely useless as a connected device in 2025. It launched with iOS 6 and cannot be updated beyond iOS 10.3.4, released many years ago (around 2017, with a minor GPS fix in 2019). It cannot run iOS 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, or the current iOS 19. This catastrophic software obsolescence means:
Supports basic 4G LTE (early bands, may have compatibility issues with modern Nigerian networks), very old Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n), and Bluetooth 4.0. It lacks NFC entirely and has no biometric security (no Touch ID or Face ID), relying solely on passcode/PIN. It uses a Nano-SIM.
The aluminum unibody was well-built for its time and is relatively durable against drops compared to glass phones, though prone to scratching and scuffing, especially the “Slate” black version (“Scuffgate”). It has no water resistance.
Originally available in Black & Slate and White & Silver.
In 2025, its “features” are almost entirely historical footnotes or basic physical attributes.
Likely the absolute cheapest device you can find with an Apple logo, often near e-waste prices.
Extremely small and easy to handle or pocket, a stark contrast to modern large phones.
Includes the 3.5mm port.
Can potentially still make calls and send SMS if compatible with current network bands/requirements.
Introduced the 4-inch display and Lightning port.
The list of cons is overwhelming and definitively rules out the iPhone 5 for any practical use.
Finding an iPhone 5 is difficult, and buying one “safely” is almost impossible given its age and likely condition. “Affordably” means paying virtually nothing.
Scams involving phones this old often involve selling non-functional or locked devices.
Testing a 13-year-old phone requires low expectations and a focus on basic survival.
As of October 2025, a used iPhone 5 typically costs between ₦8,000 and ₦35,000, depending heavily on whether it’s functional at all and its cosmetic condition. Many are sold “as-is” for parts at the lowest end of this range.
NO. Absolutely, unequivocally not. It is completely obsolete. Its ancient iOS 10 software cannot run modern 64-bit apps and is dangerously insecure. Performance is excruciatingly slow, battery life is non-existent, cameras are terrible, and it lacks basic security features like Touch ID. It cannot function as a modern smartphone.
At this stage (13 years old), the distinction is largely irrelevant. Both will be extremely old and likely in poor condition. Nigerian Used might be slightly cheaper but potentially more heavily worn or repaired poorly. Focus on the individual unit’s condition, not its origin.
NO. Absolutely not. Software support ended with iOS 10.3.4 many years ago. It cannot run iOS 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, or the current iOS 19. It is critically outdated and lacks years of essential security updates, making it unsafe to connect to the internet.
In the landscape of October 2025, the iPhone 5 is a museum piece, not a functional tool. Its presence in the deepest recesses of Nigeria’s used market is purely a function of its near-zero cost, but even that negligible price does not justify acquiring it for any practical purpose.
There is no logical reason to buy an iPhone 5 in 2025.
Even if you need the absolute cheapest phone possible:
Final Verdict: Do not buy the iPhone 5 in Nigeria in 2025 under any circumstances. It is functionally dead, insecure, and incapable of providing even the most basic smartphone experience required today. It represents negative value – you are paying for a device that cannot perform its intended functions safely or effectively. Any money spent on an iPhone 5 is better used towards literally any other communication device available on the market, even the most basic new feature phone. It is electronic waste masquerading as a phone.