Hey everyone! I'm currently in need of a new cell phone after my iPhone SE fell apart, and I'm feeling overwhelmed by the prices of new phones these days. I've been teaching abroad for a year, so I haven't had access to iPhone stores. Now that I'm heading back to Texas, I'm curious about the best ways to buy a new phone. Is the used phone market still active in the U.S. or has it pretty much faded away? I'm considering switching to a Samsung Galaxy but not sure which model to choose. I just need something reliable that can take decent photos without all the extra features. I'm definitely not looking to spend two grand on a new iPhone when I barely use most of its apps! Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
5 Answers
You can get some decent deals on refurbished phones. For instance, Apple’s official refurbished site has iPhones starting around $450. And if you want to kick it Android-style, check out the OnePlus 13R or Nord 4; great specs for around $500 to $700. Just remember, you can always browse Swappa or Gazelle for used options too!
You can definitely find used phones in the $250 to $350 range from eBay. I've had good luck with older models that feel almost new. Personally, open box Pixels are my go-to because they work great with Google Fi. If you don’t care about having the latest model, there are plenty of affordable options out there!
Thanks for the tip! I wasn't sure about the open box options but I'll definitely check that out!
The Galaxy phones are really good if you’re looking for photography options. Some of the latest models perform quite well in low light! If you're not wanting to spend too much, you could look for last year's models too; they tend to be much cheaper and still have great features!
If you're after a good camera, I switched from Samsung to the Pixel 8a, and it’s been a fantastic experience. I only paid around $500 for it and it has all the basic functions without being overly complicated. Definitely worth considering if you don't need a super high-end phone!
Honestly, the new iPhone 16e is around $600, so you might want to expand your budget a bit. I know you said you don’t want to pay a fortune, but it might not be as bad as you thought. Alternatively, checking local stores for used and refurbished options could yield some good finds!
Wow, I had no idea! I guess I was just seeing some inflated prices here where I'm teaching. Good to know! That could change my options a bit.
That’s super helpful! I’ll have to check those sites out once I’m back.