Introduction of Apple iPhone 5
It’s important to acknowledge that the Apple iPhone 5, while revolutionary in its heyday, belongs to a very different technological era. Although you can still find refurbished and used iPhone 5 units in Saudi Arabia for low prices, the device was discontinued long ago and is not officially supported by Apple anymore. Given the fast evolution of mobile hardware, software, and online service requirements, many modern apps and features simply won’t work as expected on a decade-old device. Yet, some users still consider buying one — either for nostalgia or specific use cases. This article explores whether that makes sense in 2025.
iPhone 5 at a Glance: Specs & Performance Then vs Now
Here’s what the iPhone 5 offers:
Core Specifications
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Display: 4.0-inch Retina (640×1136 pixels)
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Processor: Apple A6 chipset
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RAM: ~1GB
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Storage: 16/32/64GB (no expandable memory)
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Rear Camera: 8MP
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Front Camera: 1.2MP
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Battery: 1440mAh
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Operating System: Originally iOS 6; upgradable to iOS 10.x (maximum)
Real-World Performance in 2025
While the specifications were solid for 2012, by modern standards:
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Processor and RAM are extremely limited for current apps.
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iOS support ends at iOS 10.x, meaning no updates, security patches, or modern app compatibility.
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Many apps today require iOS 12 or later — the iPhone 5 simply cannot install or run them.
So if your goal is a smartphone that can handle everyday apps, multitasking, gaming, social media, and video streaming — the iPhone 5 falls far below current expectations.
Pricing in Saudi Arabia
Even in the second-hand or refurbished market, the pricing is very low, reflecting its dated status:
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Used/Refurbished iPhone 5 models in KSA range roughly from ~310 SAR to 600+ SAR, depending on condition and storage.
For this money, you're getting one of the oldest smartphones still in circulation — attractive as a collectible or spare, but not suitable for modern mobile use.
Pros and Cons: What You Should Know
Advantages
- Extremely Affordable: Very low purchase price for a functional smartphone.
- Compact Design: Light, small, and easy to carry.
- Classic Apple Experience: If you love nostalgia, it still feels like Apple.
Disadvantages
- No Official Updates or Support: Apple does not provide software support for the iPhone 5 anymore, leaving it vulnerable and outdated.
- App Compatibility Issues: Most apps today require newer iOS versions that this device can’t run.
- Poor Performance for Modern Tasks: Web browsing, social media, navigation, banking apps, and streaming can struggle — if they even install.
Who Might Buy an iPhone 5 Today?
While not recommended as a primary smartphone in 2025, here are a few specific use-cases where the iPhone 5 might still hold value:
Nostalgia & Collector’s Item
Many Apple fans love holding onto classic devices simply for the design and historic value.
Basic Phone Purposes
If your only needs are calls, texts, and maybe light offline tasks (like reading eBooks or basic listening), it can work.
Backup or Travel Device
You might want an inexpensive backup phone for travel or emergencies.
Experimental or DIY
Some hobbyists enjoy using older devices for repairs, retro projects, or tech experimentation.
For anything beyond these very limited purposes, the iPhone 5 is simply too old to serve as an everyday smartphone.
Alternatives You Should Consider Instead
If you’re budget-conscious but still want a usable iPhone experience today in Saudi Arabia, consider models that are still supported and capable in 2025:
Refurbished iPhone SE / iPhone 6s / 7
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These newer models support later iOS versions and a much wider range of current apps.
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They’ll still be affordable in the second-hand market with far better performance.
For example, refurbished versions of slightly newer models like the iPhone 5s or later can still provide more usable features and extended software support compared to the iPhone 5.
Final Verdict: Is the iPhone 5 Worth Buying in 2025?
In 2025, your expectations should be realistic — the iPhone 5 simply cannot keep pace with present-day demands, app requirements, and security standards. If what you want is a functional primary device that can run social media, banking tools, navigation, messages, streaming, etc., you will be disappointed.
Instead, invest a bit more to get a slightly newer used or refurbished iPhone with longer software support and better performance — a decision that’s far more valuable in the long run.
FAQs of Apple iPhone 5
Q.1. Can the iPhone 5 run current apps in 2025?
No — many modern apps require newer iOS versions that the iPhone 5 does not support.
Q.2. Is it safe to use an iPhone 5 today?
It’s not ideal — there are no security updates, so vulnerabilities remain unpatched.
Q.3. How much does a used iPhone 5 cost in Saudi Arabia?
Prices can range from as low as ~310–600 SAR or more for refurbished units.
Q.4. Should I buy an iPhone 5 or iPhone 5s instead?
The iPhone 5s is a better choice because it supports slightly newer software and has better performance.
Q.5. What’s a good alternative to the iPhone 5 in the Saudi second-hand market?
Look for iPhone SE, iPhone 6s, iPhone 7, or newer refurbished models for better value and usability.
