Which older iPhone makes sense on a tight budget?

If you can stretch to it without leaving yourself short, I’d look hardest at the iPhone 13. It is the newest regular model on your list, so it offers a stronger chance of useful software support over the next few years than the X, XS Max, or 11. The 13 Pro has the smoother screen and more graphics headroom, but paying a large premium just for that may not be worth it on your budget.

For any used phone, condition matters as much as the model. Check battery health, make sure Face ID and cameras work, and confirm the display and parts have not been replaced with poor-quality components.

For your game and battery requirements, I’d be wary of buying an X or XS Max just because the upfront price is low. They’re older, and a battery or screen replacement can turn a bargain into a much less attractive deal. The 11 is a better floor if you find one in genuinely good condition, but a screen-replaced unit needs careful checking.

The 12 is a possible middle ground if the price is manageable. Compare its condition and battery against a 13 before deciding, rather than assuming the model number alone tells you which used phone is the better buy.

Blunt answer: don’t spend three or four months’ income on a phone if that means you have no cushion left. Save for the best clean, verified device you can afford, and skip listings with uncertain repair history. A cheap older iPhone may run today’s apps, but it gives you less room for battery wear, repairs, and future support.

If none of the newer options fits your budget safely, waiting a little longer or choosing a less expensive model in excellent condition is better than stretching for a Pro and then needing an immediate repair.

One thing to keep in mind is that “40-plus fps” depends on the game’s current version, settings, heat, and the condition of the individual phone. I wouldn’t buy an older used model based on a promise that it will hold a specific frame rate. Ask to test the exact device under load if possible, and check whether it heats up or drains unusually fast.

For a two-to-three-year plan, I’d narrow it to the 12 or 13, then choose based on battery condition and total cost. The 13 Pro is the performance pick, but that doesn’t automatically make it the best value.