iPhone 5s

In 2026, the iPhone 5 remains a nostalgic icon of Apple’s design history. However, for those searching for the current iPhone 5 price in Nigeria, it is essential to clarify that this model is officially deprecated and has reached "obsolete" status. This means brand-new units are no longer manufactured, and the device is only available as a used or pre-owned product.

While the iPhone 5 can still serve as a basic Wi-Fi device or a collector’s piece, modern mobile demands in Nigeria—such as 5G connectivity, banking app security, and high-speed social media—require more current hardware. At Kara Nigeria, we recommend upgrading to models like the iPhone SE 2022 for a compact feel with modern power, or the iPhone 13 for a significant leap in display and battery life.

Design and Build Quality

The iPhone 5 was famous for its precision-machined aluminum housing and slim profile. While it was a masterpiece of its time, its small frame lacks the Ceramic Shield technology found in newer models. By upgrading to a newer variant like the iPhone 15, you gain a significantly more durable build that is water and dust-resistant to modern IP68 standards—essential for the unpredictable Nigerian weather.

Display Features and Performance

The 4.0-inch Retina display was revolutionary in 2012, but by 2026 standards, it is quite restricted. Modern apps are designed for larger, more vibrant screens. Upgrading to the iPhone 13 introduces you to the Super Retina XDR OLED display, offering much deeper blacks and a peak brightness that makes the screen clearly visible even under the intense afternoon sun in Lagos or Port Harcourt.

Camera Specifications and Capabilities

The iPhone 5 features an 8MP iSight camera. While it takes decent daylight photos, it lacks modern essentials like Night Mode, Deep Fusion, and 4K Video Recording.

1. The Upgrade Benefit: Moving to the iPhone SE 2022 or higher gives you a 12MP (or 48MP on newer models) sensor with Smart HDR 4 and Portrait Mode, ensuring your social media content looks professional and sharp.

Performance and Hardware Specifications

Powered by the A6 chip and 1GB of RAM, the iPhone 5 struggles with 2026’s data-heavy applications. Most modern apps will not even install on its older architecture. By choosing a newer model, you gain the A15 Bionic or A19 Pro chips, which provide a performance gain of over 800%, allowing for seamless multitasking, high-end gaming, and secure mobile banking.

Battery Life and Charging Options

Battery longevity is a major concern with used iPhone 5 units, as original batteries have likely reached their end-of-life.

1. iPhone 5: Uses the older Lightning connector with very slow charging speeds.
2. Modern Upgrade: Newer iPhones support MagSafe wireless charging and USB-C fast charging, allowing you to get a 50% charge in just 30 minutes. The battery capacity in the newer iPhone 13 Pro Max can last up to 3x longer than a used iPhone 5.

Software and User Interface

The iPhone 5 is stuck on iOS 10, meaning it misses out on nearly a decade of security patches and features. Newer models run iOS 26, which includes the "Liquid Glass" design and advanced AI tools. Upgrading ensures that your personal data stays protected and your device remains compatible with WhatsApp, Instagram, and Nigerian banking apps.

Connectivity Options and Features

Connectivity is the biggest hurdle for iPhone 5 users in 2026. The device is limited to 4G LTE (early bands) and lacks VoLTE support, which many carriers now require for voice calls.

1. The Upgrade: Models from the iPhone 12 onwards support 5G, giving you access to ultra-fast internet on MTN and Airtel networks. You also gain eSIM support, allowing you to manage multiple lines without a physical SIM card.

You need to appreciate that VoLTE (Voice over Long-Term Evolution) is no longer a luxury feature; it is a fundamental requirement for mobile connectivity. As telecommunications companies worldwide decommission older 2G and 3G infrastructure, using a phone without VoLTE support poses significant risks.

Here is a breakdown of what you stand to lose if your device does not support VoLTE:

1. Total Loss of Voice Services (The "iPod Effect")

Many countries and carriers are shutting down 3G and 2G networks to repurpose those frequencies for 5G. Even though Nigeria has not set a date for such. If your phone supports 4G for data but not VoLTE for voice:

1. The Result: You will still have fast internet (data), but you will be unable to make or receive any traditional phone calls. Your smartphone effectively becomes a data-only tablet or an "iPod Touch."
2. Emergency Risk: Most critically, you may be unable to reach emergency services (like 112 or 911), as these calls typically rely on the voice layer of the network.

2. Loss of "Multitasking" (Simultaneous Talk & Surf)

Without VoLTE, your phone must perform a "Circuit Switched Fallback" (CSFB). This means every time you receive a call, your phone forcibly drops from 4G/5G down to 3G or 2G to handle the voice signal.

1. The Loss: Your high-speed data connection is suspended during the call. You won't be able to look up an address on Google Maps, check a WhatsApp message, or browse the web while talking. Once you hang up, there is often a delay before your 4G/5G data reconnects.

3. Drastic Reduction in Audio Quality

VoLTE uses Wideband Audio (HD Voice), which captures a much broader range of voice frequencies.

1. The Loss: Without it, you are limited to the "narrowband" audio of 2G/3G, which sounds muffled, distant, and full of background hiss. VoLTE makes the person on the other end sound like they are standing right next to you.

4. Slower Call Setup Times

VoLTE calls typically connect in under 2 seconds.

1. The Loss: On older networks, your phone has to "negotiate" a switch down to 3G before it even starts ringing the recipient. This often results in a 5–10 second delay of total silence before you hear the first ringback tone.

5. Increased Battery Drain

Constantly switching the radio between 4G (for standby/data) and 3G (for voice) consumes significantly more power than staying on a single, unified 4G/VoLTE layer.

1. The Loss: Users without VoLTE often notice their battery percentage dropping faster during days with heavy call volume due to the constant "network hopping."

6. Breaking International Roaming

Carriers in the US, UK, and parts of Asia have already completed their 3G shutdowns.

1. The Loss: If you travel with a non-VoLTE phone, it may refuse to register on the local network entirely, leaving you with no way to call home or use local services, even if the phone is "unlocked."

Summary of VoLTE Dependencies

To avoid these losses, ensure your setup meets these three criteria:

1. Device: Must be VoLTE-capable (iPhone 6 or newer, or most Androids from 2018 onwards).
2. SIM Card: Must be a 4G/USIM card.
3. Carrier: Your network (e.g., MTN, Airtel) must have VoLTE enabled for your specific device model.

Comparison with Competitors in the Nigerian Market

While the iPhone 5 is a budget-friendly used option, it cannot compete with modern entry-level smartphones. For a better long-term investment, Kara Nigeria suggests:

1. iPhone SE 2022: Best for those who love the small home-button design but want 5G.
2. iPhone 13: The sweet spot for price and modern performance.
3. iPhone 17 Pro Max: For those with a higher budget looking for the absolute best in 2026.

Is it time for an upgrade?

👉 Chat with us on WhatsApp to find the best iPhone 5 price for used units or to get a custom deal on the latest 5G-enabled iPhones from Kara Nigeria!