The Best Used iPhone: How to Find the Right iPhone Models
Buying a used, refurbished iPhone can be a great way to save money while still having the best tech in your pocket. In addition, buying used reduces electronic waste, helping you do your part for the environment while still enjoying the premium features Apple devices offer.
The secondhand smartphone market is consistently growing in popularity, meaning that you have more options than ever. Some people want recent models that offer many of the same features as the newest phones. Meanwhile, others seek more budget-friendly options, buying the cheapest phone that suits their needs. That said, finding the right used phone for your needs can be tricky, as it requires knowledge of which models provide the best combination of value, performance, battery life, and longevity.
In this guide, we’ll discuss all of the best used iPhone models. How do you analyze their condition? Where should you buy them? And, how do you know you’re making a smart iPhone purchase? Join us as we answer all of these questions and many more to find the ideal pre-owned iPhone for your needs. With our advice, you’ll be able to find the sweet spot between getting the features you need and paying the low prices you want.
Why Should You Buy a Used iPhone?
First and foremost, you can save a lot of money by buying a used device instead of forking over the cash for a new iPhone. Used iPhones are significantly cheaper than new ones, and they still have many of the same high-end features that Apple fans know and love.
Additionally, buying a used phone keeps it out of landfills and cuts back on electronic waste. Here at ecoATM, we’re highly passionate about protecting the planet. The environmental benefits of buying used are extensive and multifaceted — not only are you giving devices a second life and keeping them from being discarded, but you’re also helping cut back on the over-production of new phones. While we currently do not sell devices, we recommend checking out Gazelle for a huge inventory of certified preowned devices.
Apple also provides long-term software updates, which helps keep their older models fully functional for years. Why shell out the big bucks for the latest iPhone when a cheaper, older iPhone still has many of the same great features? Apple manufactures iPhones with top-quality materials that make them durable and provide them with long lifespans compared to some other used electronics.
How Do I Choose the Right Used iPhone for My Needs?
Before purchasing your iPhone, you’ll need to consider several important factors to make sure you’re making the right choice. After all, Apple has produced many different models of iPhones, and it can be difficult to discern what differentiates them unless you know what you’re looking for.
Physical Condition
To begin, always consider the phone’s physical condition. On one hand, devices with scratches, dents, and screen damage are almost always cheaper than those in pristine condition. On the other hand, well-maintained phones tend to last longer. You’ll need to decide whether having a phone that looks like new is worth the extra money you’ll typically shell out for it.
Operating System
Another crucial consideration is whether the device supports the latest iOS operating system. Today, the latest version is iOS 18, which is only compatible with the iPhone 11 and newer models — this also includes the iPhone SE (2nd generation or later), XS, and XR. That said, is having the latest iPhone operating system a priority for you?
iOS 18 includes lots of new artificial intelligence (AI) features, including AI integrations with Siri and the ability to use generative AI in messages and photos. Additionally, iOS 18 has lots of helpful updates to the Calculator and Health apps. Are these important features for you? If so, you might want to prioritize buying a compatible model to take advantage of this impressive new tech.
Storage Capacity
It’s always important to select a model that offers plenty of storage for your requirements. Of course, the ever-increasing popularity of cloud storage has made onboard storage a bit less vital than it used to be, but it’s still a big component of the device’s overall functionality.
Some older (and, therefore, cheaper) iPhones offer storage capacities starting at just 64GB. Meanwhile, some of the newer models — like the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max — offer up to a whopping 1TB of storage. If this matters to you, it’s probably worth paying a bit extra for a phone with top-tier storage capacity.
Battery Health
Over the years, Apple has gotten better and better at producing phones with excellent battery life. The latest iPhone models are able to juggle complex apps and heavy multi-tasking without draining their batteries. Meanwhile, some older iPhones not only had less battery life to begin with, but their batteries may have been slowly drained by use over time.
If you’re curious about a device’s battery life, you can use Apple’s battery health feature to analyze its status. This feature can tell you the battery’s maximum capacity and recommend whether it needs to be replaced.
Network Compatibility
Is the phone locked to a specific wireless carrier (such as Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, etc.) or unlocked, allowing you to use it with any carrier? This is a highly important yet often overlooked aspect of buying used iPhones, as you’ll need a phone that’s compatible with your chosen network.
Refurbished Models
Last but certainly not least, are you simply buying a used phone, or are you buying a refurbished iPhone? The differences can be stark: Refurbished iPhones have typically undergone an evaluation to make sure it’s in proper working order. For instance, at ecoATM, we analyze each device’s power, make and model, storage capacity, carrier, screen quality, and more. Plus, we make sure to restore every device to its factory settings.
Meanwhile, if you just stop by a pawn shop and buy a random phone from behind the counter, you have no assurances that any of these elements are up to snuff. In short, always buy used phones from reputable resellers.
The Best Used iPhones to Buy in 2025: Features and Capabilities
Apple releases a new version of the iPhone every year. So, at this point, there are quite a few to choose from! The Apple iPhone 16 Series debuted in 2024, and each series has several models. Let’s do a quick rundown of each model’s features to help pinpoint the right choice for you.
iPhone 16 Series
This is the latest and greatest phone from Apple’s flagship line, and it has quite a few impressive features. These phones use Apple’s powerful A18 chip set, combined with Apple Intelligence AI functions, creating a seamless user experience with lightning-fast performance.
Most modern smartphones are fully capable of taking high-quality photos, but the newest iPhones take this to a new level. The iPhone 16 Series includes 48MP camera systems, which are by far the best camera features Apple has ever included in an iPhone. While many would argue that Android phones still have superior cameras, the gap between Apple and Android camera systems is slimmer than ever. The Pro versions of the iPhone 16 also include brighter, larger screens and further enhancements to the camera systems.
If you want Apple’s current phone, you’ll want to take a look at an iPhone 16 model. Even the base model is among the best iPhones you can buy on today’s market.
iPhone 15 Series
Apple launched this model in 2023, and it introduced two incredibly popular features. Most importantly, the iPhone 15 finally introduced compatibility with USB-C cables, the global standard for smartphone charging. For more than 15 years, iPhone users were forced to charge their devices with 30-pin dock connectors (used on all models from 2007 to 2012) or Apple’s proprietary “Lightning Cables,” which rather ironically offered much slower charging speeds than the USB cables used by Android devices. But with the iPhone 15, this was finally a problem of the past.
In addition, these models included the Dynamic Island, which was previously only available in the iPhone 14 Pro models. The Dynamic Island is a hub for notifications and activities, keeping all of your important info in one convenient place.
The iPhone 15 was the first series to introduce the now-standard 48MP cameras, as previous models only offered a 12MP main lens. The 15 Series also offered some other enhancements to the camera systems, like improved performance in dark environments. Finally, the iPhone 15 made significant strides in battery life and performance.
iPhone 14 Series
These phones have been around for a few years now, as they were released in 2022. However, they’re still quite powerful and can handle the vast majority of modern smartphone apps. The 14 Series didn’t have any leaps and bounds compared to the 13 Series, but it had a lengthy list of incremental improvements that created a very well-rounded device.
One of the most popular added capabilities of the iPhone 14 was its satellite features: Crash Detection and Emergency SOS. These features can detect what Apple refers to as “severe car crashes” and automatically notify emergency services if you fail to respond to notifications within 20 seconds. The iPhone 14 also marked the debut of the Photonic Engine, an impressive upgrade to the camera system that enhances image quality with help from machine learning algorithms.
iPhone 13 Series
The iPhone 13 Series came out in 2021 and is still quite popular to this day. The big upgrades compared to the iPhone 12 started with the bright and powerful Super Retina XDR displays, which are top-tier versions of the 12 Series’ OLED display. In other words, Super Retina XDR technology used OLED tech as a jumping-off point but added much-improved brightness and contrast ratios.
Additionally, the iPhone 13 Series’ Pro models were the first to include Apple’s ProMotion technology, which greatly enhanced the display’s refresh rate compared to earlier iPhones. ProMotion provides a dynamic refresh rate for smoother scrolling, sharper animations, and better responsiveness across the board.
iPhone 12 Series
Even though Apple’s iPhone 12 Series debuted in 2020, it’s still one of the best-selling used iPhones on the market. This is probably due to the fact that the iPhone 12 made several significant improvements over the 11 Series that made it an enduringly popular device.
The iPhone 12 had a major design shift that brought back the flat edges of much earlier iPhone models, along with a Ceramic Shield front cover, which significantly improved the durability of these devices. The 12 models also included OLED displays with vastly improved contrast and coloring.
These iPhones were also the first models that were 5G-capable, which is a big reason the iPhone 11 and earlier models have become less popular over the years. The iPhone 12 Series also introduced Apple’s powerful A14 Bionic chip, which offered CPU performance of up to 40% faster and GPU performance of up to 30% faster than previous models.
Where Is the Best Place to Buy a Used iPhone?
There are quite a few places to buy used phones, and they all offer various price points, device conditions, and trustworthiness levels. Let’s take a look at four different routes to buy your next used iPhone and determine which is your best bet.
Certified Refurbished iPhones from Apple
Apple’s Certified Refurbished program is a popular option due in no small part to its high degree of trustworthiness. After all, if you can’t trust Apple itself, why are you buying an iPhone?
Pros
The best reason to buy a used iPhone directly from Apple is its rigorous quality control. Apple refurbishes each device and replaces any nonfunctional components with real Apple parts. In addition, Apple provides a one-year warranty that’s highly similar to the warranty it provides for brand-new phones. You’ll also receive all accessories that come in the box with a new iPhone, and your device is even eligible for AppleCare protection plan coverage.
Cons
The main issue with Apple Certified Refurbished iPhones is their pricing. You typically don’t save much money with these devices over buying them new, as the discount usually comes to around 15%. The other potential problem is that Apple’s refurbished inventory fluctuates, and there can be wait times for especially popular used models.
Online Marketplaces (Gazelle)
There are also several reputable online marketplaces selling refurbished iPhones, including our sister company, Gazelle. Let’s examine the pros and cons of buying a used phone from Gazelle.
Pros
With Gazelle, you can purchase many of the same devices we buy at our ecoATM kiosks. After we refurbish them, you can purchase them at deep discounts, often significantly undercutting the prices you’ll find from Apple’s Certified Refurbished program. Every device you buy from Gazelle includes a 30-day return policy and a full year’s warranty “against defects in materials or workmanship.” In addition, when you buy from Gazelle, you’re helping us reduce electronic waste and the impact of over-manufacturing new devices.
Cons
Refurbished devices sold by Gazelle do not come in their original boxes, and they often don’t include the original accessories either.
Wireless Carrier Stores
Some wireless carriers sell refurbished phones in their retail stores. If you’re loyal to a particular carrier (like Verizon or T-Mobile), you can get a pretty good deal when you buy a used iPhone.
Pros
In addition to the eco-friendliness and cost savings you’ll find when you buy any used electronics, buying direct from your wireless carrier often offers the option for payment plans. For a low monthly cost (usually added to your monthly wireless service bill), you can get a high-quality refurbished iPhone with no upfront costs.
Cons
Devices resold by wireless carriers are often locked to that carrier. In other words, if you switch from Verizon to AT&T — or from T-Mobile to U.S. Cellular — your carrier-locked phone won’t work, and you’ll need to switch to a device supported by your new carrier. Furthermore, inventory at each specific store can be significantly limited to just a handful of phones.
Consumer-to-Consumer Markets (eBay)
You can also use a consumer-to-consumer marketplace like eBay. There are some noteworthy positives to this decision, like the potential for low prices and vast inventories. That said, you might need to negotiate prices, bid against other buyers, and experience long wait times.
Pros
You can sometimes get amazing deals on eBay, especially if an item has few bidders. eBay also typically has an extensive inventory of used phones, so you should be able to find the one you want with relative ease. Finally, even though it isn’t as strong of a protection plan as those from the previously discussed retailers, the eBay Money Back Guarantee does at least provide a small safety net in case you have problems.
Cons
Platforms like eBay often require you to enter heated bidding wars with other buyers or negotiate prices with sellers, which can be a real pain. In addition, it’s tough to tell if you’re getting a legit refurbished iPhone or not, as scams and fraud are much more common on eBay than with the Apple Certified Refurbished program, online marketplaces like Gazelle, or wireless carrier stores. It can also take a long time to receive your device, as the seller may need to verify your payment before shipping. Finally, you won’t receive a warranty or protection plan like you can with those other options.
Pawn Shops
Your other option is visiting a local pawn shop. While these stores can often have lower price points than the other options we’ve discussed, they also come with some significant negatives. (There are so many potential negatives involved with a pawn shop purchase that we might not have room to list them all!)
Pros
Simply put, pawn shops might offer the lowest prices of any of these options. If you’re on a super-tight budget, this might be your best bet.
Cons
First and foremost, you have absolutely no idea of the phone’s history. It could be lost or stolen, meaning it shouldn’t even be available for purchase in the first place. Also, you can forget about warranties or protection plans, as some pawn shops don’t even allow standard returns or exchanges. Furthermore, inventories can be a total crapshoot — sometimes, pawn shops will have a decent selection, but at other times, there might only be a few models available.
Tips for Buying a Reliable, Legitimate Used iPhone
There are a few steps you can take to protect yourself from fraudulent purchases when buying used iPhones, although you can heavily mitigate your risks by buying them from reputable sources (like Apple’s Certified Refurbished program, Gazelle’s online marketplace, or your wireless carrier’s local retail store).
- Verify the IMEI Number: IMEI stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity, and it’s a unique 15-digit number that identifies a specific mobile device. Think of it as being a mobile device’s version of a car’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). By checking the device’s IMEI number, you can verify that the device has not been stolen from or lost by its previous owner.
- Test All Important Features: Next, you should make sure the phone’s vital components actually work. Power it on, make sure the screen is bright and responsive, take some pictures to ensure the cameras are in working order, test the Face ID functionality, and check the SIM tray for red indicators that can be evidence of water damage.
- Add a Warranty or Protection Plan (if available): Some refurbished devices (like those from Gazelle) come with warranties to protect your purchase. With some sellers, you might have the ability to purchase an extended warranty. If you have any doubts about the device’s legitimacy or functionality, adding an extended warranty or protection plan can be a good idea.
What if I Have an Extra Used iPhone to Sell?
Do you have an extra iPhone lying forgotten at the back of the junk drawer? Instead of throwing it in the trash or simply leaving it in the drawer to collect dust for years to come, why not bring it to an ecoATM kiosk and walk away with cash in hand?
ecoATM: A Safe and Seamless Selling and Recycling Experience
With over 6,000 ecoATM kiosks located in safe, secure retail stores from coast to coast, we make it easy to sell old phones while running your weekly errands. You can find an ecoATM kiosk at Kroger, Dollar General, Walmart, and many other respected retailers.
In addition, our kiosks are regularly cleaned, which is always important in our post-COVID society. We also have extensive security features that make sure devices aren’t lost or stolen, and we will alert local law enforcement if you try to sell a stolen phone at one of our kiosks. That’s why we say that an ecoATM kiosk is the worst place for a thief to bring a phone!
How to Sell Devices with ecoATM
The first step is to price your device using our online pricing tool (or simply bring it to a kiosk for analysis). You can even use our mobile app to get instant pricing offers and find your nearest ecoATM locations — in other words, selling or recycling your used electronic devices with ecoATM has never been easier than it is now!
Regardless of how you choose to start the process, you’ll begin by inputting some basic details about your used iPhone, and we’ll provide you with a quote. If you’re satisfied with our offer, you can bring the device to a kiosk and sell it to us for this agreed-upon price.
Before visiting the kiosk, make sure to prepare your phone for sale. This starts with removing any personal accounts and information — you’ll probably want to back up your phone before you wipe its memory to make sure you don’t lose any valuable personal data. You should also perform a factory reset, which returns the device to its original settings.
Once you locate your nearest ecoATM kiosk, you can connect your device to the kiosk for analysis. Our systems will verify that the phone is in the same condition you described online, and if there are any differences, we’ll provide you with an updated pricing estimate.
If you decline our offer, you can put your used iPhone back in your pocket. If you accept it, simply leave your device at the kiosk and walk away with cash in hand. Or, if you prefer digital money to paper cash, we’ll make a deposit in your PayPal or Venmo account. Even if we can’t resell your iPhone, we will always offer to accept it for recycling purposes.
ecoATM’s Environmental Commitment
To date, we’ve helped recycle more than 50 million smartphones and tablets, keeping these devices from being needlessly thrown into landfills. This also allows us to recover valuable materials from used phones, like gold, silver, and copper. Our recycling process also keeps hazardous materials — including lithium and cobalt — out of the environment.
When e-waste fills up our landfills, the devices can leach toxic chemicals into the air, water, and soil, creating a laundry list of potential environmental issues. Not only that, but the improper disposal of electronic devices leads to the over-manufacturing of new devices, which is a waste of valuable resources and increases demand for environmentally unfriendly mining practices.
Our current goal is to recycle 100 million devices. With your help, we’ll get there sooner rather than later!
In Conclusion
Buying a used iPhone can be a very smart purchase, allowing you to take advantage of Apple’s top-notch technology at a fraction of the cost of a brand-new phone. Whether you’re just looking for a discount on the latest and greatest iPhone Series or you’re seeking more budget-friendly older phones, there’s a refurbished iPhone available that suits your specific needs.
Using the advice in this guide can help you make an informed purchase that saves you money, helps protect our environment, and still provides you with a huge upgrade over your previous phone. And, of course, if you ever need to sell a used iPhone, bring it to your nearest ecoATM kiosk and see why thousands of customers trust our refurbishing process every day!
There are a ton of used iPhones available today, and it can be hard to figure out which one is right for you. With our help, we hope you find the perfect device for your needs!
