Other Thoughts on buying a few generations back refurbished

[ACE_350]

Problem is that the only other source of near decent older phones is Swappa. However their standards seem to be slipping. Mint used to mean just that - now it includes battery life of 85%(??) and I've even seen a seller claiming a mint phone with only "minor" scuffs/scratches on the screen??? And of course Apple knows that and sets their prices accordingly - so in order to even get to par with an Apple refurb you probably have another $100 for a new battery.

I was able to find a genuine mint/sealed iPhone XS applecare replacement unit. I feel they are still there, just have to look and filter more carefully.

But yeah, I bought a "mint" XS Max for my father last year, and it had noticeable scratches on the back of it. I feel like most people would overlook it but I saw them when looking at it carefully in a well lit room. He didn't really care, but I think they need a serious definition overhaul of mint condition.

 

[mpavilion]

I was able to find a genuine mint/sealed iPhone XS applecare replacement unit. I feel they are still there, just have to look and filter more carefully.

But yeah, I bought a "mint" XS Max for my father last year, and it had noticeable scratches on the back of it. I feel like most people would overlook it but I saw them when looking at it carefully in a well lit room. He didn't really care, but I think they need a serious definition overhaul of mint condition.

Did you complain to the seller or Swappa though? It’s been a while since I’ve used Swappa, but I recall the moderators just look at pictures that are uploaded, so they wouldn’t have necessarily been able to see those scratches…

 

[ACE_350]

Did you complain to the seller or Swappa though? It’s been a while since I’ve used Swappa, but I recall the moderators just look at pictures that are uploaded, so they wouldn’t have necessarily been able to see those scratches…

Yeah. They took like $25 off.

 

[MacCheetah3]

Of course, if you plan to keep either phone until it is basically worthless then resale value is less relevant.

That’s typically how I roll. 😆

In fact, I posted this question now, though it’s not really time relevant (e.g., I may wait until the iPhone 16 series and consider a refurb iPhone 13 Pro or 14 Pro). However, if the iPhone 15 is dubbed iPhone XV that’d be an extra incentive.

 

[ctjack]

Jump on a cricket wireless bandwagon or metro: those guys giving away iPhone 11 for 50-90 bucks, while apple gives trade in of 200. At least by the time we come to iPhone 15, these older models can be turned in at a profit or 0 g/l.

 

[kiranmk2]

An option I go down with refurbished (used) iPhones is to buy one that looks in great condition but has a knackered battery and then take it to Apple for a new battery. This can often come in at a price much below either an Apple refurb or a second hand great condition phone with 85-95% battery health.

 

[kevink2]

I'm a big fan of purchasing older model refurb or used iPhones, especially if you don't use or need the newer hardware or software features. I mean, honestly, how many people are going to shoot a 4K movie using their iPhone? Or need to send a satellite SOS message? There is want and there is need. About six months ago, I "upgraded" from an iPhone 8 to iPhone SE 2020.. I like the Home button. Cost me $150 I think? Does everything I need... but you might need something more.

The SOS feature is tempting, but I have a Verizon based number and ATT number on my phone, so that should cover many areas.

But 5G is kind of a state of flux. The basic 5G in the 12 Pro is better than the first generation LTE Apple had, but it didn't include parts of C-Band.

Right now, my backup phone is a 2016 SE. What I'm considering is getting a new phone this fall, making it my primary (both my main carriers support eSIM), and using my 12 Pro as my backup phone in case of emergency.