Buying an older smartphone always feels like walking a tightrope between saving cash and dealing with obsolescence. If you're looking at the iphone 8 plus second hand price right now, you'll find units floating between $80 and $150 depending on condition, storage capacity, and whether you buy from a private seller or a refurbished retailer.
The real question isn't just about the money. It's about whether a 2017 flagship can handle your daily apps, security expectations, and battery needs today. Let's break down current market values, performance realities, and hidden pitfalls so you can decide if this phone still makes sense for you.
Current Market Pricing and Where to Buy
Pricing for a used model varies wildly depending on cosmetic wear and component health. Refurbished platforms like Back Market generally price a 64GB unit in good condition around $130 to $150 with a warranty, while private marketplaces like eBay or local classifieds list units starting near $75 to $90.
- 64GB Models: Typically cost between $80 and $130. Best suited if you rely heavily on cloud storage and don't keep offline media libraries.
- 128GB and 256GB Models: Usually command $140 to $190. Worth the minor markup if you store offline music, podcasts, or large photo collections.
- Refurbished vs. Private Sellers: Private sales are cheaper, but you get zero guarantees on battery health or hardware flaws. Refurbished vendors include a multi-month warranty and verified component checks.
Software Support and the iOS 16 Limit
Before spending any money on Apple hardware, you need to look at its software lifecycle. The device topped out officially at iOS 16, meaning it will never run iOS 17, iOS 18, or any newer platform iterations.
This creates a split in everyday usability:
- App Compatibility: Many mainstream apps still function on iOS 16, but developers drop support for older operating systems every year. Banking apps, social media platforms, and productivity tools may eventually require newer iOS versions.
- Security Posture: Apple provides occasional security patches for the iOS 16 branch, but the device is past its primary active support window. If you handle highly sensitive financial transactions on mobile, running an older OS carries inherent risks.
Hardware Breakdown: What Holds Up and What Fails
Age affects components differently. While the build quality of this generation remains solid, certain parts degrade regardless of how well the previous owner treated the phone.
The A11 Bionic Processor
The Apple A11 Bionic chip handles routine messaging, web browsing, and casual multitasking smoothly. It won't win speed tests against current silicon, and high-end 3D mobile gaming will cause thermal throttling, but typical daily apps open without frustrating lags.
Cameras and Display
The dual 12MP rear camera setup shoots sharp daylight photos and reliable portrait shots. It lacks modern computational photography tricks like night mode, meaning low-light performance looks grainy. The 5.5-inch IPS LCD screen features crisp 1080p resolution and classic Touch ID, which many users still prefer over facial recognition.
Battery Health Reality
Battery degradation is the number one issue with second-hand devices. If a used listing shows battery health below 80% in the settings menu, expect poor daily endurance. Replacement batteries cost around $49 through Apple Support, which you should factor into your total upfront cost.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying
Buyers frequently make avoidable errors when hunting for budget Apple devices. Keep these traps in mind before handing over cash:
- Ignoring Carrier Locks: Ensure the device is fully factory unlocked. A carrier-locked phone won't work on your preferred network without paying off past balances or dealing with carrier red tape.
- Overpaying for Cosmetic Perfection: A minor scratch on the aluminum housing doesn't impact performance. Prioritize functional integrity, screen health, and battery capacity over a flawless exterior.
- Skipping Activation Lock Checks: Never buy a device signed into a previous owner's iCloud account. If the seller can't log out and wipe the phone in front of you, walk away immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I update this phone to iOS 17 or later?
No. The hardware architecture stops permanently at iOS 16. You cannot force or jailbreak newer official iOS versions onto the device.
Will banking apps still work?
Most major banking applications support older iOS versions for a few years past discontinuation, but check app store requirements if you rely heavily on specific financial software.
Is it worth replacing the battery?
If you purchase a cheap unit with degraded battery health, spending a little extra on a fresh battery transforms the daily experience and prevents unexpected shutdowns.
How does it compare to a cheap modern Android?
A used Apple flagship often features better build quality and smoother baseline performance than ultra-budget Android alternatives in the same price bracket, though it loses out on long-term software updates.
