Whether a used iPhone is worth it: how much you save, which model generation gives the best value, the checks that avoid locked or blacklisted phones, and when to buy new instead.
A used iPhone is one of the best value buys in tech. Apple phones hold up for years and get long software support, so a model that's a generation or two old does almost everything the latest one does, for far less. The catch is buying safely — a locked or blacklisted phone is worthless. Here's how to decide and check.
iPhones depreciate fastest right after a new model launches. Buying the previous flagship a few months after release typically saves 30–50% versus new, for a nearly identical experience. Two generations old can be half price or less while still getting years of iOS updates.
Buy new if you want the newest camera/features, a full warranty, or the longest possible software life. Otherwise, used wins on value almost every time. For the complete routine, see buying used electronics safely, inspecting before you buy and avoiding scams.
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