As new models hit the market, many of us find ourselves eager to get our hands on the latest and greatest, but the price tag can often be a significant barrier. That’s where the used iPhones for sale help us save a lot of money.
But is it safe to buy an iPhone someone else has used before? Undoubtedly, buying a used iPhone is cost-effective and has no negative implications, unless you buy it from an unreliable source. There is every chance of landing an unreasonable deal.
That said, we’ll explore the top six places where you can get a reasonable deal with uncompromising quality. Therefore, read the following sections for the best deals on used iPhones.
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Is Buying a Used iPhone Worth It?
People buy pre-owned iPhones primarily because they are cheaper. The newest model comes with a hefty price tag, which isn’t reasonable for many users. That is why buying second-hand is a much more viable option.
That said, here below are some of the potential reasons behind buying a used iPhone:
1. Cheaper Price
The price tag is the primary reason for choosing a pre-owned iPhone over a new one. Second-hand iPhones are 20-40% cheaper than brand-new ones. To make things clear, here’s a price chart comparison for some of the latest iPhone models:
| Model | Retail Price | Used Version Price |
| iPhone 13 Pro Max | $1099-1599 | $710-1200 |
| iPhone 13 Pro | $999-1100 | $650-900 |
| iPhone 13 | $799-999 | $400-750 |
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | $450-999 | $350-600 |
| iPhone 12 Pro | $400-799 | $390-590 |
| iPhone 12 | $599-799 | $350-550 |
The prices of the used models have been facing a steep decline since 2018. With the release of a newer model, Apple reduces the current retail prices of the models available on the market. They do it because they want to clear out their stocks.
As a result, people who sell off their iPhones have to lower prices depending on the current market value of the model.
2. Superb Condition
Unlike Android phones, there is a higher chance of getting a used iPhone in superb condition. Android phones tend to slow down
and wear out after heavy and rough usage for a long time. But for iPhones, this tendency isn’t that common.
On the other hand, there is an existing trend among iPhone users to switch their phones. With every release of a newer model, users tend to let go of their current phone, despite it being in relatively good condition.
For this reason, there is always a higher chance of getting an almost new second-hand iPhone at a reasonable price.
3. Great Value
A used iPhone model similar to the latest released model has almost the same features. The features of the new generation of iPhones hardly differ.
For instance, between the iPhone 14 Pro and the iPhone 13 Pro, it is unreasonable to spend an extra $300-400 just to get some additional features.
That is why it is always a great idea to opt for second-hand models that aren’t old.
4. Drop in Depreciation
When the new iPhones are sold as second hand options, they tend to lose a considerable amount of their market value. In that situation, those iPhones undergo initial depreciation, which results in a drastic price drop.
But for a pre-owned iPhone, the price is more stable then. If you want to sell it, there will be a minimum drop in the existing market price. As a result, there won’t be a massive change in the prices.
5. Eco-Friendliness
By planning to buy a pre-owned iPhone, you are helping the cause by minimizing electronic waste. You’ll be going for an option that won’t require its previous owner to dump the phone despite it being usable for years. Moreover, the practice of buying pre-owned devices impacts reducing electronic manufacturing waste to a great extent.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Used iPhone?
Before you make the final purchase, there are certain things that you should consider about the pre-owned iPhone beforehand. It is to verify whether the iPhone you will buy suits you. That said, some of the things that you should know before buying a pre-owned iPhone are discussed below:
Device Condition
Examine the cosmetic and functional condition of the iPhone. Look for signs of wear, such as scratches or dents, and ensure that all buttons, ports, and cameras are in working order.
Verify Previous Ownership
You must verify the previous owner of the iPhone with the seller. Chances are, some sellers may sell stolen iPhones. Ask the seller to show you the purchase receipt and scrutinize it.
If the seller disagrees with showing you any documents, avoid buying from that person. In addition, use PayPal or credit cards to pay for a phone. It will allow you to ask for refunds when anything goes wrong.
Battery Health
Check the battery health of the device to ensure it still holds a decent charge. iPhones with significantly degraded batteries may require replacement soon, adding to your overall cost.
iCloud Activation Lock
Make sure the iPhone is not locked to someone else’s iCloud account. An iPhone with an activation lock cannot be used until the previous owner removes their account, which can be a hassle if you’re unable to contact them.
Carrier Compatibility
Verify that the used iPhone is compatible with your preferred carrier. Some iPhones may be locked to a specific carrier, while others are unlocked and can be used with any carrier that supports the device.
Software Updates
Ensure that the iPhone model you’re considering still receives software updates from Apple. Older models may no longer be supported, which can affect the device’s security and functionality.
Accessories
Check if the used iPhone comes with any original accessories, such as the charger, headphones, or box. If not, you’ll need to factor in the cost of purchasing these items separately.
Warranty and Return Policy
Inquire about any remaining warranty on the device and the seller’s return policy. This will give you peace of mind in case you encounter any issues with the iPhone shortly after purchase.
Top 6 Places to Buy Used iPhones for Sale and Save Big!
Buying a used iPhone from a reliable channel or source is crucial. The prices may vary between models, but it lowers the risk of you getting scammed. That said, here is a list of prices for some pre-owned phones and their models:
| Pre-Owned Models | Price |
| iPhone XR | $79-190 |
| iPhone SE | $110-140 |
| iPhone 11 | $150-250 |
| iPhone 11 Pro | $180-290 |
| iPhone 8 | $75-140 |
When you purchase from a trusted medium, you can see reviews and information that’ll help you get assurance.
Here are six such places where you can rely on buying used iPhones for sale:
1. Amazon
There are a lot of sellers that are selling genuine pre-owned iPhones. Here you can quickly check the review and rating of the seller, who will help you make the right decision.
Plus, prime shipping options are coming with the phone. In addition, you’ll find a warranty on specific models, which is an “Amazon Renewing Warranty.” Such warranties will vary among sellers.
2. eBay
For buying anything at any time, eBay is always a trustworthy platform. You’ll find a massive catalog of brand-new, pre-owned, and refurbished devices when purchasing cell phones.
The best part is that some sellers provide ample information about the products, which will help you decide. But the better thing is that eBay has a money-back guarantee policy if the iPhone you get doesn’t match the seller’s information.
3. Gazelle
Gazelle will allow you to purchase the pre-owned iPhone models directly from their platform. They have a good selection of iPhone models released in the last few years.
Before enlisting the phones on their platform, they do rigorous checking. They ensure the phones you’ll buy here meet all your expectations.
4. Decluttr
As a platform, decluttr offers a wide range of products to sell. You can trade your older iPhone with another model or look for a pre-owned option.
They ensure a mandatory, proprietary check on various parameters before enlisting any device on their platform. However, they don’t provide shipping boxes. The product boxes will come with their labels.
5. Swappa
Choosing Swappa for buying a pre-owned iPhone will make your task much more manageable. They have a rigorous process for enlisting the phones on the seller’s part.
Sellers will need to upload photos and share details to verify the accuracy of the product. Moreover, they use Paypal as a primary payment gateway for buyer protection.
6. Wireless Providers
You can buy from your wireless provider if they provide a good deal. Generally, their prices fluctuate considerably, but the risk of a stolen iPhone is very low.
Moreover, it is likely the most reliable method, irrespective of the deal type, as the carrier providers only sell phones with proper registrations and no forgeries.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
While buying a used iPhone, your mind will be jammed up with many queries. We have added some of the most frequently asked questions to help you clear up the confusion further. Let us have a look at those:
What is the cheapest iPhone right now on the market?
Among the latest models, the iPhone SE has a retail price of $399, making it one of the cheapest options. The other notable ones are the iPhone 12 Mini and iPhone SE (2022), with a price tag of $479 and $527, respectively.
Does Apple cut the prices of older models?
Yes, Apple lowers the prices of older models when introducing a new generation of phones. Also, with the release of every new model, the price of the previous version drops a bit.
How long does a used iPhone last?
The lifespan of a used iPhone depends on how the user uses it. A used iPhone may last for 3-5 years for everyday usage.
Final Thoughts
Owning a used iPhone is a superb prospect. It enables you to use a premium device with reasonable pricing. But buying a used iPhone will require you to be prudent in your approach.
We encourage you to choose the right platform and filter out sellers. You must be accurate to get the best deal. Or else there are enough people to scam you out there.
We hope that our write-up serves your purpose. Lastly, let us know if you need any suggestions regarding buying a pre-owned iPhone.