It’s no secret that purchasing an iPhone is expensive. While they are a better investment than similar gadgets in terms of long-term value, the initial cost can be challenging to swallow.
Best Ways to Save Money on an iPhone Purchase
iPhones are not cheap. The new iPhone 13 Pro Max, Apple’s most expensive phone, starts at $1,099 and goes up from there.
However, there are ways to save money on an iPhone if you’re on a tight budget. Here are some pointers.
You can save money on your next iPhone with a bit of know-how and patience. Here are some helpful hints and methods to remember.
Don’t Run after the Latest and Best Model
It’s tempting to get the newest iPhone if you’re going to buy a new one. It’s wonderful to have the most up-to-date technology, and you don’t want to acquire a phone that will become obsolete shortly. However, buying an older model that is still current will save you money.
The latest series of devices starts at $699 at the time of writing (iPhone 13 mini). However, Apple’s website also sells the iPhone 12, iPhone 11, and iPhone SE. Although the iPhone 11 was released in 2019, it is still a fully useable phone with a starting price of $499.
iOS 15 (issued in 2021) is backward compatible with the iPhone 6s, which was introduced in 2015.
However, we can predict that the iPhone 11 will continue to receive iOS updates for some time. This means you may purchase an iPhone that will endure for years without having to pay the higher price for the most recent models.
It’s also crucial to avoid purchasing an iPhone that is too large for your needs. You probably don’t need a Pro model if you only take images with your phone once in a while.
While you should choose a device with enough storage to avoid continuously juggling apps and photos, don’t overspend.
Choose a Smaller iPhone
iPhones with more storage capacity and larger screens are far more expensive. Therefore, by choosing the basic variant over a more powerful version, you can save a lot of money.
A new iPhone 12 with 64GB of storage starts at $799, with the 256GB model costing $150 more at $949.
Purchase a Refurbished or a Used iPhone
If purchasing a brand-new iPhone is out of your price range, buying a refurbished or used iPhone is a terrific alternative.
A reconditioned item should be virtually as good as new if purchased from a reputable company. Apple has a small range of refurbished iPhones available, and you may also buy a refurbished iPhone via Best Buy, Amazon, or third-party resellers.
It’s more hit-or-miss with used equipment. While you may buy a used iPhone on sites like eBay or Facebook Marketplace, you don’t want to acquire a gadget that has been damaged by someone who hasn’t cared for it.
Consider asking your pals if they know anyone who wants to sell their iPhone; buying from someone you know is a far better alternative.
Exchange or Sell Your Existing Device
It’s also good for you if Apple devices maintain their worth. If you already own an iPhone and won’t be using it once you get your new one, you can sell it to recover some of your investment.
The most straightforward approach is to use the Apple Trade-In page to sell your phone directly to Apple. This is where you’ll find Apple’s maximum value for each iPhone model. It also works with various Android phones and Apple gadgets like the iPad and Apple Watch.
If you have previous gadgets that you no longer use, trading them in can help you save money on your new iPhone.
Choose the option to trade in a device while making a purchase, and it will lead you through the process. This usually entails returning a prepaid postage envelope containing your gadget.
You can sell your smartphone elsewhere if Apple doesn’t offer a trade-in value for it or if you don’t think the price is fair.
Consider asking your pals if they know anyone who wants to buy a new phone so you can sell it to them. If that fails, you have a lot of options with websites like MacMe an Offer or various other sites for selling your old phone.
Some sites will give you a price and allow you to sell directly to them. Others allow you to sell your phone to other users for a set price. Which method you choose will be determined by how much you want to get out of your device.
If you decide to sell your phone on eBay, be wary of frequent eBay scams. Many of these principles are also applicable to other websites.
Look for deals from the carrier or the store.
We recommend purchasing your phone from Apple in many circumstances, but this isn’t always the best option. Apple nearly never offers discounts or bargains on iPhones, so you should think about your alternative options if you want to save money.
Look at your cell carrier’s website to see if it has any specials that will help you save money on a new iPhone. Some companies may give you a free handset if you trade in an older phone or a significant discount on a second device if you buy the first.
If you do not want to buy a phone via your carrier, companies such as Best Buy occasionally run specials to help you save money on a new iPhone.
Before deciding on the most acceptable place to buy your iPhone, shop around and explore all of your possibilities, a little bit of research could save you money.
Purchase at the Right Time
If you do not need a new phone right away, delaying a few days could save you money on your iPhone. Because Apple launches a new iPhone every year at the same time, it’s simple to predict when older devices will lose value.
It’s ideal for getting an iPhone as soon as possible after the annual release in September. For example, when Apple released the iPhone 13, it started at the exact pricing as the iPhone 12.
This implies that instead of year-old equipment, you receive a brand-new one for the same price. Furthermore, because the iPhone 12 was reduced in price when the iPhone 13 was released, you will spend less if you choose an earlier handset.
If at all possible, avoid purchasing an iPhone between June and August. You’ll receive a better bargain for your money if you wait a few months.
Take into Account a Payment Plan
A majority of these suggestions center on purchasing your iPhone outright. If this isn’t an option for you, think about setting up a payment plan. These differ per carrier, and while you may not save a lot of money in the long run, they can help you buy that new iPhone in the short term.
Go through Apple’s iPhone Upgrade Program, in particular. You pay a fixed monthly price for your iPhone and AppleCare+ coverage with it. You can either trade-in your current iPhone and get a new one after 12 payments or pay another 12 months and maintain your present smartphone.
This method can work nicely if you always want a new iPhone every year. The 128GB iPhone 13 costs $39.50 a month, for example. After a year on this plan, you will have paid $474, which is significantly less than the iPhone 12’s $799 price.
It isn’t ideal, though. You will never completely own your device if you upgrade every year. Therefore you will lose money if you sell or trade it in. You’ll also be obligated to make payments indefinitely. However, if it’s less expensive than buying a gadget outright and you’d buy AppleCare+ anyway, it’s worth considering.
Bottomline
Because of the iPhone’s high worth, you’re unlikely to find one on the cheap. However, this does not denote that you must pay full price. You can save money on your next iPhone while still receiving an excellent smartphone if you follow one or more of these suggestions.
Once you’ve received your new iPhone, you’ll want to know how to keep it functioning well.
We hope you find this guide helpful. If you have any doubts or queries, comment below using your name and email ID. If you liked this, don’t forget to check out our gaming, troubleshooting, and computing guides.
