Even with the launch of the iPhone 12, its predecessor, the iPhone 11, continues to be one of the most sought-after phones on the market. It was the top seller in the third quarter of 2020 and ended up being the best-selling smartphone worldwide for the year. So far, it’s still selling quite well as we approach the middle of 2021.
But the number of iPhone 11 units on the market means that there will be an inevitable flood of used handsets available soon. It’s already very easy to find a used iPhone 11 for sale if you go looking for one. But is it a good idea to buy one? We think it is – with a few caveats. So for your information, this article will answer the question: is it a good idea to buy a used iPhone 11? Let’s dive in.
Table of Contents
The Pros of Buying a Used iPhone 11
In our opinion, there are several great reasons to buy a used iPhone 11. Here’s what they are.
You Will Save a Bundle
Right now, the iPhone 11 still sells for approximately $600 brand new from most retailers. But a used model – even one that’s been professionally refurbished – goes for hundreds less. So you get the same phone at a substantial discount.
iPhone 11 Has 4 Years of Updates Remaining
Since the iPhone 11 made its debut in 2019, it’s now about a year and a half old. That means, according to Apple’s support commitment, it has close to four years of software update support remaining. And that goes for both brand-new models and used ones. So you won’t be sacrificing a second of the phone’s useful life if you buy it used.
You Can Shorten Your Upgrade Time
One of the biggest reasons that people hesitate to get the latest smartphone is the cost involved. And with the iPhone 12 already on the market, it may not make sense to make such a big purchase of a last-generation iPhone 11. By buying one used, you’ll be able to justify moving to the next new iPhone right on launch day, which is probably less than a year away.
The Cons of Buying a Used iPhone 11
As with anything else, there are some things to be wary of when considering purchasing a used iPhone 11. Here’s what they are.
Possible Diminished Battery Life
Depending on who previously owned a used iPhone 11, it may have been put through extreme usage conditions – or not. And because the iPhone battery health indicator bases its diagnosis on previous usage patterns, it’s not always easy to tell how well it will work for a new user. Of course, getting a battery replaced isn’t as big of a deal as it used to be, but it’s still something to consider.
Uncertain Ownership History
Buying a used item of any kind can be a gamble. But when buying a used item worth hundreds of dollars that’s easily lost or stolen, it’s not always easy to trace a device’s ownership history just by looking at it. If you purchase your used iPhone 11 through a reputable reseller or refurbisher, this isn’t an issue. But those that go bargain-hunting on sites like eBay and Craigslist looking for a used iPhone 11 for sale should beware of getting stuck with an unusable device.
The Verdict
At the end of the day, there are far more good reasons to buy a used iPhone 11 than there are reasons not to. And even the reasons not to are things that a buyer can solve with a little due diligence. And in exchange, they end up with the same great phone for a greatly reduced price. What’s not to love?
So the bottom line is that we recommend that anyone interested in purchasing an iPhone 11 at least consider a used device. It’s a great time to do it, and there are great deals to be had. And with the iPhone 13 no doubt on the way, the iPhone 11 makes a perfect right-now device for the average smartphone user. And a used one should do that job quite nicely.
