You don’t always have to pay a premium price to get a premium phone. Although the newest iPhone can be as expensive as $1500, you can find cheaper iPhones. This is particularly true if you’re willing to get an older model. We’re going to dive into how you get the ‘best iPhone deals so you save big on the best smartphone on the market.
Getting Started
Where to find the best iPhone deal depends on a few different factors. Before we look at your different options, you need to answer these questions:
- Do you want the newest iPhone or is an older model okay?
- Do you want a new, used, or refurbished iPhone?
- Do you want a contract with a telecom provider?
- Do you want to buy direct from Apple?
- Do you want to purchase from a third-party vendor or private seller?
How you answer these questions will determine the deals you can get. There’s no right or wrong answer. Balance out the options to find the best phone for your budget and needs.
What Do You Need in an iPhone?
iPhones are famous for their legendary processing power, speed, and reliability. If you don’t physically damage the phone in some way then they can last for years. Even today, there’s no shortage of people using an iPhone 5, iPhone 4, or even the iPhone 3GS. Apple iOS updates support devices for a long time—usually 5 years. And they still keep working even after they can no longer update. For your phone needs, answer these questions:
- How much storage do you need?
- Do you need TouchID or FaceID?
- Do you take a lot of photos?
- How much battery life do you need?
- Do you use 3D Touch?
- Are there features from particular models you prefer?
Now it’s time to look at the different ways to get deals depending on your iPhone needs and purchase preferences.
Deals on New iPhones: Go With Carrier Deals
You’ve probably seen tons of commercials advertising deals like free iPhones from Sprint, AT&T, Verizon, and other carriers. There’s no better way to get a quick deal on an iPhone. If you preorder, you can even get additional deals.
For example, AT&T offered a preorder deal on iPhone 11 to buy one get one free. What’s the catch? You had to place both of them on an eligible AT&T service contract. The terms included buying the phones on installment, adding a new line to an existing account, paying taxes, and a $30 activation/upgrade fee. The phone is also locked to the network until you pay it off.
Phone providers make their money on service contracts. They’re not always a bad deal for consumers provided they aren’t locked into expensive plans out of their budget.
Other good times to buy new phones include holidays and cross-releases. For example, when Samsung releases a new phone, the major carriers will have deals on iPhones and vice versa.
Bottom Line: You can get a good upfront deal with telecom providers. But you pay for it over the long term. These are good choices only when you plan to stick with your network for the contract duration.
Monthly Installment Plan from Apple
Although this isn’t exactly a deal, it does lower your upfront costs. You can now directly pay for your phone monthly from Apple. The benefit here is you’re getting the phone direct from Apple so you know the quality is good. And unlike other leasing options, it really is the same price. There are no added fees or interest.
Deals on Refurbished Phones: Go With Factory Refurbished
Most people feel more comfortable buying a used phone when it’s been refurbished. Unfortunately, many people don’t realize “refurbished” doesn’t have a set definition. There are many online vendors that offer “refurbished phones” and other electronics that have done little more than clean the external surface and repackage it.
The key is finding factory refurbished phones, particularly from Apple. You’re not going to find the cheapest deal. But, you can be sure you’re getting a quality product. Apple has a rigorous process so each refurbished iPhone:
- undergoes full functionality testing and any defective modules identified in testing are replaced.
- is put through a thorough cleaning process and inspection.
- is repackaged (including appropriate manuals, cables, new boxes).
- includes either the Operating System originally shipped with the unit or, in some cases, a more recent version.
- is placed into a Final QA inspection prior to being added to sellable refurbished stock.
- Covered by Applecare’s limited one-year warranty.
Other Refurbished iPhones: Proceed with Caution
You can find a host of refurbished iPhones on Amazon, Gazelle, Best Buy, and other platforms. Some of these phones can be great, but you’re definitely rolling the dice. Make sure they include a minimum 6-month warranty and return policy.
Amazon also offers renewed iPhones. This isn’t the same as refurbished. These products have had the following checks:
- Have been inspected and graded to be in a ‘Like New’ condition.
- The products have no visible cosmetic imperfections when held 12 inches away.
- The products may be packaged in a generic brown/white box and come with all the original or equivalent generic accessories compared to the New product.
- Come with a supplier-backed warranty
- Only select high-ranking sellers can sell renewed products
Check the seller reviews for people who have bought similar products. If they’re good, then you can get a quality previous-generation iPhone for between 20-40% off.
Bottom Line: You won’t find the best price with Apple-certified refurbished, but you can be certain you’re getting a quality iPhone. With other retailers, you can get a great deal but be sure to your homework before buying.
Buying Used: Countless Options
The used iPhone market is like the Wild West. There’s no shortage of vendors and private sellers selling everything from the latest iPhones to the original 8 GB model. You can definitely find some amazing deals. But just like buying a refurbished iPhone, you need to proceed with caution.
Certified sellers on Amazons are one of your safer options for finding a quality iPhone. Some of these may also offer warranties. You can also find great options on Swappa. Swappa has a great selection of used phones that have gone through rigorous testing and examination. Compare your options and see.
Finally, you can go the route of private sellers on Craigslist or social media groups. On these, anything goes. You’ll have the most room for bargaining and negotiating a price. But there’s no guarantee of quality. And, just because you buy through these channels, it doesn’t always mean you’ll get the best deal.
Many people think they can get the highest price for their used iPhone through selling privately. You’ll also need to factor in additional costs such as scheduling meetups, driving across town, etc. For buying used, skip the hassle and go with a platform like Amazon, Gazelle, Swappa, or GameStop instead.
How to Find the Best iPhone Deals
Whether you buy your iPhone new, used, or refurbished, you can find some amazing deals. Take your time and do a little homework. Weigh your options to see what combination of price, features, retailers, and warranty availability best matches your budget and needs. If you do, you can save some serious cash on a fantastic phone. Get started now!
Once you’re ready to buy a new iPhone, sell your old iPhone to Buyback Boss. It’s the easiest way for you to get an even better deal. We offer the highest price guaranteed. Here are some quick links to check the value of popular iPhone models:
Check out the Buyback Boss Blog for more great tips on iPhones. Get a better understanding of AppleCare here. And once you buy your new phone, learn how to activate it easily. Our blog has everything you need to know about smartphones. Visit it now!
