You’ve probably seen one sitting in a kitchen drawer, its screen a spiderweb of cracks, or maybe you spotted a pristine one on a collector's shelf. It’s the iPhone 5. It was the phone that changed Apple’s silhouette forever, moving away from the "glass sandwich" of the 4S to that iconic, lightweight aluminum. But if you’re looking to pick one up today, or maybe sell that relic you found under the car seat, you’re likely wondering about the actual market value.
Price matters. Especially for tech that is literally fourteen years old.
In early 2026, the answer to how much is a iphone 5 isn't as straightforward as a price tag at an Apple Store. You can't just walk into a Best Buy and grab one. Instead, you're looking at a wild spectrum ranging from "spare change" to "surprisingly expensive."
The Quick Answer: Current Market Rates
Honestly, if you just want a functional unit to play around with, you’re looking at $25 to $45. That’s the "daily driver" (or what’s left of it) price on sites like Swappa or eBay.
But wait.
If that phone is still sealed in its original box? You’re not looking at lunch money anymore. Collectors have pushed the price of factory-sealed iPhone 5 units into the $500 to $800 range. Sometimes even higher if it’s a specific rare configuration or a "slate" black model that hasn't been scuffed to death.
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Why the Price Varies So Much
- Storage Capacity: The 16GB model is the most common and cheapest. 64GB versions fetch a small premium, maybe an extra ten bucks.
- Cosmetic Condition: The iPhone 5 was notorious for "scuffgate." The chamfered edges on the black model chipped if you so much as looked at them wrong. A mint condition black unit is a rare beast.
- Battery Health: Most original batteries from 2012 are basically spicy pillows (swollen) or dead. A unit with a recently replaced battery adds actual value.
- iOS Version: This is the big one for nerds. A phone still running iOS 6—the last version with the "skeuomorphic" leather and glass design—is worth significantly more than one updated to iOS 10.
Understanding the Value of an Icon
When it launched, the iPhone 5 was a powerhouse. It cost $649 for the base 16GB model off-contract. Adjusted for 2026 inflation, that’s well over $900.
It was the first iPhone with a 4-inch screen. It was the first with the Lightning connector. It was, arguably, the peak of Jony Ive's industrial design.
But technology moves fast.
Today, the A6 chip inside is struggling. It only has 1GB of RAM. In a world where your fridge probably has 4GB of RAM, that’s a tight squeeze. Most people asking how much is a iphone 5 are surprised to find it's worth less than a nice steak dinner, but that’s the reality of "obsolete" hardware.
Can You Actually Use It in 2026?
Here is the "kinda" part of the story.
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You can use it. But you probably shouldn't as your only phone.
The iPhone 5 supports 4G LTE for data, which is great. However, it lacks VoLTE (Voice over LTE). Since carriers across the US, Canada, and much of Europe have shut down their 3G networks, the iPhone 5 can no longer make standard phone calls on most modern networks. It simply doesn't have the hardware to "talk" to the towers for voice anymore.
What Still Works
- iMessage & FaceTime: As long as you're on Wi-Fi, these work surprisingly well.
- Music: It makes a fantastic, lightweight iPod. The built-in headphone jack is a nostalgic luxury.
- Photography: In bright daylight, the 8MP camera still takes decent photos with a "vintage" 2010s vibe that some people actually prefer over over-processed AI photos.
- Basic Apps: You can still find older versions of Spotify or Netflix that run on iOS 10.3.4, though it takes some finagling with the "Purchased" section of the App Store.
Where to Buy (And What to Avoid)
If you're hunting for one, Swappa is generally the safest bet because they verify that the device isn't iCloud locked.
eBay is the Wild West. You’ll find "untested" units for $15. Avoid these. "Untested" almost always means "I tried to turn it on, it didn't work, and I don't want to tell you that."
Also, watch out for the iPhone 5C. It’s the plastic sibling. While it’s internally similar, it doesn't hold the same collector value as the aluminum iPhone 5. If someone is trying to sell you a plastic 5C for the price of a metal 5, walk away.
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The Collector’s Perspective: Is It an Investment?
Some people think old tech is the new gold. It's not.
Most iPhone 5 units will never be worth more than $50. There are millions of them. However, if you happen to find a "Slate" (the dark blue-black) model in a box, hold onto it. Apple replaced that color with "Space Gray" very quickly because the Slate scratched too easily. That makes the original dark color a bit of a holy grail for Apple historians.
Expert hobbyists like those at PriceCharting track these sales daily. They’ve seen a slight uptick in "mint" sales as Gen Z starts to feel nostalgic for the tech of their childhood—a phenomenon often called "frutiger aero" or "Y2K" aesthetic (even though the 5 is a bit late for Y2K).
Actionable Steps for Owners and Buyers
If you are looking to sell:
- Clean it. Use a toothpick to get the lint out of the Lightning port. It makes a huge difference in photos.
- Check the iCloud status. A locked iPhone 5 is worth exactly $0 because it can't be bypassed.
- Mention the iOS version. If you never updated it past iOS 6, you can probably double your asking price.
If you are looking to buy:
- Check the screen. The iPhone 5 often suffers from "purple ghosting" or yellowing around the edges of the LCD.
- Budget for a battery. You can get a DIY kit for about $15. You’ll likely need it.
- Lower your expectations. It will be slow. Websites will take 10 seconds to load. It's a device for focus and nostalgia, not for scrolling TikTok.
Basically, the iPhone 5 is a beautiful paperweight that can occasionally play music and send a text. It's a piece of history you can hold in your hand. Just don't expect it to replace your iPhone 17 anytime soon.
To maximize the value of an iPhone 5 you currently own, perform a factory reset while ensuring "Find My iPhone" is disabled, as this is the single biggest factor in determining whether a reseller will even accept the device. If you're buying, prioritize listings that include original accessories like the box or the "EarPods," which are increasingly rare to find in good condition.