CNN
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The iPhone has become a hugely popular device and the iPhone 13 is Our top picks for a smartphone. It doesn’t come cheap, though, whether you’re upgrading to a new one or aiming to replace one that’s already broken.
If you don’t have Apple Care or the budget to fix a broken iPhone — or worse, replace a lost or stolen one — that makes the situation worse. The iPhone 12 family starts at $699 for 13 Mini, $799 for the 13, $999 for 13 Pro and $1,099 for 13 Pro Max. Affordable and full of features iPhone SE starting at $399.
Fortunately, however, there are several ways to get a new iPhone for less. If you still have the old model, you can exchange it for cash or credit to buy a new iPhone. It’s an option of particular interest if you’re looking for the much-anticipated affordable, third-generation iPhone SE. Or you can choose to replace a damaged or lost iPhone with a used or refurbished model.
Whatever your reason for needing a new iPhone, you may be wondering what the difference is between used and refurbished.
Essentially, used iPhones are being sold with a restored software experience. Sellers usually have to provide pictures of the device so you can see if it has any scratches or cosmetic issues. The listing will also show if there’s a certain feature that’s not working, such as a cracked screen or a foggy front-facing camera.
A refurbished iPhone has undergone diagnostic tests to ensure that it meets the standards for marketable condition. In some cases, these can be iPhones that have been returned or iPhones that have been damaged and have been repaired. An additional factory refurbished warranty may be included, depending on where you get it.
Whether you use or refurbish, you need to make sure you know what you’re getting. If you are going to buy from Decluttr, It’s worth more, some sellers on eBay, a wireless carrier or even Apple, this is of less concern. These select eBay users will be wireless carriers and big-box electronics retailers, such as Verizon, that operate stores on the site. Buying from an actual third-party seller, like an individual on eBay or Swappa, will require some due diligence.
Results will certainly vary with used iPhones on eBay, but you can increase your chances of a positive experience by doing a few checks. On any bidding site, you’ll want to steer clear of listings that use promotional photos. With these, you have no idea what the actual phone you’re bidding on will look like. The seller will still likely list a condition, but you have to be a little wary of these. It’s worth pinging the seller and asking for a photo, but looking for alternatives is equally a wise move.
Knowing the network bands is as important as seeing the device. There are multiple iPhone models in each generation (6, 6s, 7, 8) and you’ll want to make sure that a particular phone will work on your network. Most sellers will list this and make it clear in the title, and when searching on eBay, typing, for example, “iPhone 7 AT&T” will bring up relevant results.
Some iPhones may only be listed as CDMA or GSM, and these are just fancy terms for the type of internal antenna band. In the US, AT&T and T-Mobile use GSM, while Verizon and Sprint use CDMA. That’s how your phone talks to and uses the network.
The third option is unlocked and these iPhones should work fine on all major US networks. Remember that the iPhone 12 family all have the right frequency bands, but in some cases the carrier will lock the phone to a specific network.
Now that you have your checklist, you’re ready to find your new used iPhone. Here are some places to start:
If you want to take down two birds with one stone, Decluttr might be the best choice. Not only can you trade in used iPhones or other smartphones, this site also sells refurbished devices. Decluttr have proprietary tests to check devices and make sure they work, plus you can choose from a variety of their conditions, along with memory size, screen size, and color. And if you have unwanted CDs, DVDs, other electronics, and even Legos around the house, you can send them in in exchange for cash. Decluttr doesn’t provide a box, but you will get a prepaid shipping label so they can rate the goods.
Not a wild animal, but a website for buying and selling used electronics. Gazelle has a large number of certified devices, as it buys used models from consumers. Before these iPhones are put on the market, they will pass an exclusive 30 point test to make sure they are in good condition. Each iPhone listing clearly states on which carrier it will work, condition, storage capacity, and color. Many thanks to Gazelle for centralizing this information, and the site also includes customer reviews. Of course, you can trade your current iPhone with Gazelle for cash on the device, making the iPhone 12 a little more affordable.
Across the online auction site you’ll find thousands of iPhones in a wide range of conditions, dating back to the original model (yes, the one from 2007). We recommend going a bit more recent, as a device that can handle 4G to set you up for the future. Luckily, the site has a dedicated page where you can quickly start your search by clicking on the iPhone model you want.
It starts with a simple search that can be as broad as “iPhone” or to be exact, “T-Mobile 64GB iPhone 7 Plus jet black”. Whatever it may be, triple check the photo to see the status and network bands. Unless it’s sold from your carrier’s eBay store, you may not be covered by the device’s warranty.
Wireless service providers
Wireless service providers often offer refurbished iPhones. Similar to the Gazelle, they undergo the company’s testing to ensure proper operation. Supply from carriers may be limited; For example, when the XS and XS Max came out, there was a bit of a rush for refurbished iPhone Xs, as that model was discontinued.
The iPhone 6 is still in pretty high demand as it has a headphone jack. For example, AT&T’s online store has a solid selection. But if none are listed, you shouldn’t call or visit a store.
Apple Direct
If you are looking for a new iPhone and don’t want to go bankrupt, The second-generation iPhone SE deserves a look. We will also wait and see Most importantly, it will be a brand new unit. For $399, you get the same processor as the iPhone 11 and 11 Pro, a single lens that can shoot in portrait mode, and all-day battery life.
If you want 13 Mini, 13, 13 professional or 13 Pro Max Your best bet is to trade on your existing iPhone. Carriers like AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile are all offering deals on older models that are eligible for redemption. You can also trade your iPhone in with a service like Decluttr or Gazelle. You can now earn 15% (up to $50) trading at Decluttr with the code “SPRING15”.
And if you want a 11 or 11 Probut not at full price you can visit Apple Refurbished Phone Store. It offers a minimal selection that includes only iPhone X, XS, and XS Max. However, these devices are all tested, unlocked by Apple, and come with a one-year warranty. The savings vary from $80 to up to $220.
Whether you want to sell a dusty old iPhone or want to drop some cash for a new device, you can easily do so through many of the retailers above. Services such as Decluttr and It’s worth more will send you a label and view it on your phone. It usually only takes a day or two and then you get paid. Even before you get the label, you’ll see an estimate.
This way you can have more money in your pocket or to buy an iPhone. We also recommend that you check with your mobile carrier for the transaction and direct that amount into the payment for your new device. Similarly, when ordering directly through Apple, you will have the option to trade in a device.
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