Top 10 budget-friendly iPhones students can buy in 2026

n n

For students who want to own an iPhone without spending a fortune, there are several models available.

n

While Apple’s newest iPhones can cost well above the ₦1 million mark in Nigeria, older models have become considerably more affordable in the used and certified-refurbished market.

n

The iPhone 13, while the iPhone 12 and iPhone 11 families offer even cheaper alternatives. Prices vary according to storage capacity, battery health, condition and whether the device is new, used or refurbished.

n

Here are 10 iPhones students can consider with a budget of ₦500,000 or less.

n

1. iPhone 13

n

The iPhone 13 is one of the more recent iPhones students can consider within this budget.

n

It is powered by Apple’s A15 Bionic chip and features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display. The phone has a dual-camera system consisting of a 12MP main camera and a 12MP Ultra Wide camera.

n

The iPhone 13 also supports 5G, making it suitable for students who want a relatively modern device that can handle demanding applications and fast mobile connectivity.

n

For students, its combination of performance, display quality and camera capabilities makes it suitable for everything from taking lecture notes and attending online classes to gaming and content creation.

n

2. iPhone 12 Pro Max

n

Students who want a large display and more advanced camera hardware can consider the iPhone 12 Pro Max.

n

The device features a 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display and is powered by the A14 Bionic chip. It has a triple-camera system with Wide, Ultra Wide and Telephoto cameras, along with a LiDAR Scanner.

n

The large screen can be particularly useful for students who frequently read PDFs, watch lectures or work with documents on their phones.

n

It also supports 5G and MagSafe accessories.

n

3. iPhone 11 Pro Max

n

The iPhone 11 Pro Max remains an option for students who want a large OLED display and a capable camera system.

n

It comes with a 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR display and Apple’s A13 Bionic chip. At the rear is a triple 12MP camera system comprising Wide, Ultra Wide and Telephoto cameras.

n

Although it is an older model, the A13 Bionic remains capable of handling everyday applications, social media, photography and streaming.

n

Its main attraction for students is the combination of a large OLED screen and a versatile camera system.

n

4. iPhone 12

n

The iPhone 12 is another option for students looking for a relatively modern iPhone.

n

It introduced a redesigned flat-edge body and features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display. The phone is powered by the A14 Bionic chip and supports 5G.

n

Its dual-camera setup includes a 12MP Wide camera and a 12MP Ultra Wide camera.

n

The iPhone 12 also uses Apple’s MagSafe accessory system and has a design that remains similar to newer iPhone generations.

n

5. iPhone 11 Pro

n

The smaller iPhone 11 Pro offers many of the features found on the 11 Pro Max but in a more compact form.

n

It has a 5.8-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display and runs on the A13 Bionic processor.

n

Its triple-camera system gives students greater flexibility when taking photographs, whether they are capturing people, landscapes or objects from a distance.

n

It is worth considering for students who want an OLED display and a more compact phone.

n

6. iPhone 11

n

The standard iPhone 11 is another popular option in the used market.

n

It features a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina HD LCD display and is powered by Apple’s A13 Bionic chip.

n

The phone has two 12MP rear cameras, including Wide and Ultra Wide lenses, and supports features such as Night mode and 4K video recording.

n

Although it does not support 5G, the iPhone 11 can still handle common student activities, including social media, messaging, video streaming, photography and online learning.\

n

7. iPhone XR

n

The iPhone XR can appeal to students looking for a relatively inexpensive entry into Apple’s Face ID-equipped iPhone range.

n

It has a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina HD display and uses the A12 Bionic chip.

n

The phone features a single 12MP rear camera and supports Face ID, making it considerably different from older iPhones with a physical Home button.

n

However, because of its age, students buying an XR in 2026 should pay particular attention to battery health and the device’s overall condition.

n

8. iPhone XS Max

n

The iPhone XS Max is another option for students who prefer a large display.

n

It features a 6.5-inch Super Retina OLED display, Apple’s A12 Bionic chip and a dual-camera system.

n

The phone also introduced several premium features for its generation, including Face ID, an IP68 water-resistance rating and a stainless-steel frame.

n

Its large OLED screen makes it suitable for watching videos, reading documents and browsing the internet.

n

9. iPhone XS

n

The standard iPhone XS provides many of the features of the XS Max in a smaller body.

n

It has a 5.8-inch Super Retina OLED display, A12 Bionic chip and dual 12MP rear cameras.

n

It also supports Face ID and wireless charging.

n

For students who prefer compact smartphones, the XS can still serve as an everyday device for communication, social media, photography and entertainment.

n

10. iPhone X

n

The iPhone X is the oldest model on this list but remains available in Nigeria’s used smartphone market.

n

It was Apple’s first iPhone to introduce the now-familiar Face ID design and features a 5.8-inch Super Retina OLED display.

n

The device is powered by the A11 Bionic chip and has a dual rear-camera system.

n

However, students considering the iPhone X should be more cautious about its age. Battery condition, storage and software compatibility are particularly important when buying one in 2026.

n n