Used iPhones on eBay

[Brandon04GT]

So my iPhone 4S's home button just died in addition to the volume buttons which died a few months ago. My phone is on its last leg of life.

I don't care about technology and don't need the latest and greatest but it would be nice to have a phone new enough to be able to download current apps.

I am looking into buying a used iPhone on eBay. I need one factory unlocked.

Has anyone ever bought one on eBay? Are there still an real risks involved with buying from a very high volume vendor? I am looking into getting an iPhone 6 which appears to be in the range of $300 for a 128gb one in "good or 4/5 condition". Is that a good deal?


Thanks

[FIREBALL_BRIAN]

Craigslist and try before you pay

[AreWeFree]

Check the phone's IMEI to make sure it's not banned from activation. You may want to just buy from Swappa, haven't tried myself but read several positive things.

https://swappa.com/esn

[SkyHawk]

I have bought several used iphones on ebay. The biggest problem I have had is jacked up batteries that wont even last 10 hours. Usually iPhone 4 or 4s models for my kids. Lucky those have a battery that you can actually access without peeling the screen off the phone.

If you buy a newer phone it should be OK. I bought a 6+ on eBay for the wife and it has been awesome. Just be sure to buy from sellers with good reps. I would also ask the seller if the battery is in good condition. The worst batteries are the ones that have been sitting without a charge for many months. The good batteries are usually in phones that have been regularly used.

[gorn5150]

Woot.com has been selling refurb iPhones every couple of weeks for the past months. You might want to keep an eye on them for one.

[Iknownot]

Why not spend a little more and just get a refurb iPhone from the Apple Store? I have bought several iPhones and iPads and even a Mac mini that way all to great success. You get a brand new looking item and the regular Apple 1 year warranty.

It's sounds like you keep your phone a long time anyway, so at least this way you won't likely have to worry about longevity issues.

[PopPop]

i've bought from a high volume dealer, a while ago. it was an iphone 5, it was supposed to be in very good condition, but it looked used (7/10) had some bumps on the corners.

It was okay but the volume button would jam occasionally, good thing it was for an ex gf. lol. it didn't leave a good impression on my part, but thats the roll of the dice, i wouldnt try it again.

[Brandon04GT]

Great lol....well I ordered one last night....Got an iPhone 6S 64gb for $409 shipped. It is in "9+ 10 condition" and is "display model or excess inventory"....we shall see. I feel like I spent out the nose for it but then again I spend a lot more on gun stuff on the regular lol

[Satex]

Another vote for purchasing refurbished from Apple: new battery, new case, full warranty.