: Because it lacks Voice over LTE (VoLTE) , the iPhone 5 cannot make standard phone calls on most modern networks, which have largely shut down the older 3G signals it relies on.

In 2026, the short answer is , you should not buy an iPhone 5 as your primary phone . While it was revolutionary at its 2012 launch, it is now officially considered obsolete and lacks the essential modern hardware needed for standard mobile use. The "No-Go" Factors

: Stuck on iOS 10 , it does not receive security updates or new features. Most popular apps like Instagram, Facebook, and Discord are no longer compatible with this version.

: Original batteries are likely degraded to the point of being unusable, and the 32-bit A6 chip will feel incredibly sluggish on modern websites. Who Should Actually Buy One?