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    Looking for affordable iPhones for my sisters

    Hey everyone,

    I’m looking for some advice on where I can buy cheap iPhones in the US (Atalanta).

    I don’t have a big budget, but I really want to gift iPhones to my two sisters. It would mean a lot to them, so I’m trying to find the most affordable options possible—used, refurbished, older models, anything reliable (starting from iphone 11).

    I have a relative currently visiting the US, so I could have them bring the phones back for me. That’s why I’m trying to figure out the best places (online or physical stores) where I can get good deals without getting scammed.

    If you know any trusted websites, stores, or tips for finding budget iPhones (around $150 or as low as possible), I’d really appreciate your help!

    Thanks in advance 🙏

    Looking for affordable iPhones for my sisters
    byu/tastelesss_gentleman inFrugal



    Posted by tastelesss_gentleman

    5 Comments

    2. Imadethistoimpress on

      There are no moving parts on a phone so they don’t “wear out” like other items. I’ve got an iPhone 13 now and it works great. I bought it 2ish years ago on Facebook market for ~$300. iPhones and maybe others have battery health check in settings. IMO at that price point 80% would be acceptable. Mines at 77% now and I don’t notice any issues yet.

      I would be confident buying a second hand phone from a local person assuming vibes are good rather than an online refurbished option.

      We did buy a family member certified refurbished phone through target and had good experience there if 2nd hand makes you nervous. But you’ll pay a bit extra for the convenience.

    3. No_Championship_5982 on

      Look at gazelle or Backmarket on line. I have used both with no problems at all.

    4. Odd-Wheel5315 on

      For used iPhones, friends & family are usually the best sources for great deals. But you can’t plan to buy it on a whim, you have to plan for it months out.

      Figure out who you know in your circle that is one of those “has to have the latest & greatest iPhone” people, and sus out when their post-paid contract is up for renewal. I tend to find such people routinely like to interject it into conversation, i.e. “oh, did you hear, the new iPhone 17 has xyz bell or whistle that makes it the best phone in the whole world. Only 6 more months and I’ll be eligible for an upgrade on my line!”

      Sometimes their carrier upgrade offers require no trade-in, and you know what most people in the “gotta have the newest” camp do with their old phone? Chuck it into a drawer and forget about it. Sites like Swappa offer $300 for an iPhone 16 (then resell for ~$450), and no more than $70 for an iPhone 11 in an undamaged condition (that doesn’t really exist for a 7 year old device). To some people, they can’t even be bothered with the hassle of entering their details onto those sites to get an offer, mail it in, wait for a check, etc.

      So when someone in your circle talks about when they’re due for an upgrade, take an interest in them and ask what their plans are for their phone after they upgrade, and say you have a friend or relative that has been looking to get a used iPhone. They’re likely to offer it to you very cheap, less than Swappa would offer them, just for facilitating an easy transfer — to someone who just planned to chuck it into a drawer, anything is free money in their eyes.

      ULPT: Some Apple users tend to feel superior over Android users. If you play into that mindset, they may be willing to offer very low prices or even say your friend can have it for free — like they’re helping primitive Android users enter the amazing ecosystem of Apple by giving them their hand-me-down.

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