For students who want to own an iPhone without spending a fortune, there are several models available
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
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.
Here are 10 iPhones students can consider with a budget of ₦500,000 or less
The iPhone 13 is one of the more recent iPhones students can consider within this budget
It is powered by Apple’s A15 Bionic chip and features a 61-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.
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
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
Students who want a large display and more advanced camera hardware can consider the iPhone 12 Pro Max
The device features a 67-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.
The large screen can be particularly useful for students who frequently read PDFs, watch lectures or work with documents on their phones
It also supports 5G and MagSafe accessories
The iPhone 11 Pro Max remains an option for students who want a large OLED display and a capable camera system
It comes with a 65-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.
Although it is an older model, the A13 Bionic remains capable of handling everyday applications, social media, photography and streaming
Its main attraction for students is the combination of a large OLED screen and a versatile camera system
The iPhone 12 is another option for students looking for a relatively modern iPhone
It introduced a redesigned flat-edge body and features a 61-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display. The phone is powered by the A14 Bionic chip and supports 5G.
Its dual-camera setup includes a 12MP Wide camera and a 12MP Ultra Wide camera
The iPhone 12 also uses Apple’s MagSafe accessory system and has a design that remains similar to newer iPhone generations
The smaller iPhone 11 Pro offers many of the features found on the 11 Pro Max but in a more compact form
It has a 58-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display and runs on the A13 Bionic processor.
Its triple-camera system gives students greater flexibility when taking photographs, whether they are capturing people, landscapes or objects from a distance
It is worth considering for students who want an OLED display and a more compact phone
The standard iPhone 11 is another popular option in the used market
It features a 61-inch Liquid Retina HD LCD display and is powered by Apple’s A13 Bionic chip.
The phone has two 12MP rear cameras, including Wide and Ultra Wide lenses, and supports features such as Night mode and 4K video recording
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\
The iPhone XR can appeal to students looking for a relatively inexpensive entry into Apple’s Face ID-equipped iPhone range
It has a 61-inch Liquid Retina HD display and uses the A12 Bionic chip.
The phone features a single 12MP rear camera and supports Face ID, making it considerably different from older iPhones with a physical Home button
However, because of its age, students buying an XR in 2026 should pay particular attention to battery health and the device’s overall condition
The iPhone XS Max is another option for students who prefer a large display
It features a 65-inch Super Retina OLED display, Apple’s A12 Bionic chip and a dual-camera system.
The phone also introduced several premium features for its generation, including Face ID, an IP68 water-resistance rating and a stainless-steel frame
Its large OLED screen makes it suitable for watching videos, reading documents and browsing the internet
The standard iPhone XS provides many of the features of the XS Max in a smaller body
It has a 58-inch Super Retina OLED display, A12 Bionic chip and dual 12MP rear cameras.
It also supports Face ID and wireless charging
For students who prefer compact smartphones, the XS can still serve as an everyday device for communication, social media, photography and entertainment
The iPhone X is the oldest model on this list but remains available in Nigeria’s used smartphone market
It was Apple’s first iPhone to introduce the now-familiar Face ID design and features a 58-inch Super Retina OLED display.
The device is powered by the A11 Bionic chip and has a dual rear-camera system
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.