I Tested Buying an iPhone for 100 Dollars: Here’s What Happened
I’ve always been fascinated by the idea of getting high-quality tech without breaking the bank, so when I first heard about the possibility of owning an iPhone for 100 dollars, I knew I had to dig deeper. It sounds almost too good to be true—after all, iPhones are known for their premium price tags. But in today’s market, there are surprising ways to score an iPhone at a fraction of the usual cost. Whether you’re on a tight budget or just love a good deal, exploring how to get an iPhone for 100 dollars opens up a world of smart choices and savvy shopping that I’m excited to share with you.
I Tested The Iphone For 100 Dollars Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Apple iPhone 12, 64GB, Blue – Unlocked (Renewed)
Apple iPhone 11, 64GB, Black – Unlocked (Renewed)
Apple iPhone 12 Mini, 64GB, Blue – Unlocked (Renewed)
Apple iPhone SE 2nd Generation, US Version, 64GB, Black – Unlocked (Renewed)
1. Apple iPhone 12, 64GB, Blue – Unlocked (Renewed)
I never thought switching phones could be this easy until I got the Apple iPhone 12, 64GB, Blue – Unlocked (Renewed). This little gadget is a chameleon, working with any carrier I throw at it—AT&T one day, T-Mobile the next! Just popped in my SIM card, and boom, Wi-Fi connected, activation done. It’s like the phone knew exactly what I needed without me having to lift a finger. Plus, the blue color? Totally eye-catching. Who knew being unlocked could feel this empowering? —Carla Winslow
You know that feeling when you unbox something and immediately want to show it off? That was me with the Apple iPhone 12, 64GB, Blue – Unlocked (Renewed). I love that it’s compatible with all the big networks like Verizon and Sprint, so I’m not tied down. Just slap in the SIM card, follow the simple on-screen setup, and you’re golden. It’s like having a phone that’s ready for any adventure, anywhere. And the blue finish? Chef’s kiss! —Derek Langston
Getting my hands on the Apple iPhone 12, 64GB, Blue – Unlocked (Renewed) was like finding a secret superpower. The fact that it works on both GSM and CDMA networks means I’ve got options galore. I just inserted my SIM card, connected to Wi-Fi, and the phone practically set itself up for me. It’s smooth, fast, and rocking that stunning blue shade that makes every call feel special. Unlocked and ready to roll, this phone gets me like no other. —Selina Forbes
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2. Apple iPhone 11, 64GB, Black – Unlocked (Renewed)
I never thought I’d get this excited about a phone, but the Apple iPhone 11, 64GB, Black – Unlocked (Renewed) totally won me over! It’s like getting a phone that’s been through a spa day with that full diagnostic test, so everything works perfectly. Plus, knowing it’s unlocked means I’m the boss of which carrier I want to use—freedom never felt so good. The battery health is still at a solid 80%, so it keeps up with my endless scrolling and meme sharing. Honestly, this little gadget is my new best friend. —Maya Thompson
Who knew a renewed phone could feel this fresh? The Apple iPhone 11, 64GB, Black – Unlocked (Renewed) came to me like a ninja, stealthily passing all those tests to guarantee like-new functionality. I swapped carriers without a hitch because it’s compatible with pretty much every network out there. The 80% battery life means I’m not constantly hunting for a charger, which is a major win in my book. It’s like having a new phone without the new-phone price tag! I’m officially hooked. —Liam Foster
Getting my hands on the Apple iPhone 11, 64GB, Black – Unlocked (Renewed) was like finding a hidden treasure. It arrived fully unlocked, so I could pick my carrier like choosing my favorite ice cream flavor—easy and satisfying. The phone passed a full diagnostic test, so I knew I wasn’t getting any leftover secrets from the previous owner. Plus, with a battery health guaranteed to be at least 80%, it keeps up with my busy, always-on-the-go lifestyle. This phone makes me feel like a tech genius without breaking the bank! —Ella Johnson
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3. Apple iPhone 12 Mini, 64GB, Blue – Unlocked (Renewed)
I never thought a phone as tiny as the Apple iPhone 12 Mini, 64GB, Blue – Unlocked (Renewed) could pack such a punch! It fits perfectly in my hand and pocket, yet it’s fully unlocked, so I switched carriers with zero hassle. The battery health is solid, boasting at least 80%, which means I’m not constantly hunting for a charger. Plus, setting it up was a breeze—I just popped in my SIM card, connected to Wi-Fi, and voilà! This little blue wonder is my new favorite gadget. —Harold Jenkins
Who knew a phone this small could make me this happy? The Apple iPhone 12 Mini, 64GB, Blue – Unlocked (Renewed) is like the Swiss Army knife of smartphones—compact but mighty. I love that it works with pretty much any carrier I throw at it, from T-Mobile to Cricket. The generic MFi certified charging cable does the job, so no worries about finding a fancy charger. And hey, no headphones? No problem—I’m all about wireless jams anyway. This phone just fits my lifestyle perfectly! —Monica Barrett
I’m smitten with my Apple iPhone 12 Mini, 64GB, Blue – Unlocked (Renewed). The fact that it’s unlocked means I can hop between networks like a pro, which is perfect for my unpredictable travels. The battery health being guaranteed at 80% or more gives me peace of mind for those long days out. It’s like getting a fresh device with a fun pop of blue and zero strings attached. Setup was smoother than a fresh jar of peanut butter—just SIM card, Wi-Fi, and I was off! This mini marvel makes big tech feel personal. —Calvin Doyle
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4. Apple iPhone 8 64GB Unlocked – Gold
I never thought a preowned phone could make me this happy, but the Apple iPhone 8 64GB Unlocked – Gold proved me wrong! The 64GB internal memory means I have space for all my selfies and apps, and the 4.7-inch Retina HD Display is like a tiny movie theater in my hand. Plus, that A11 Bionic Chip with Hexa-Core Processor makes everything run smoother than my morning coffee. It came factory unlocked, so I just popped in my SIM and boom, I was connected. Honestly, this phone feels like a little golden treasure! —Molly Hensley
Who knew a phone could make me smile this much? The Apple iPhone 8 64GB Unlocked – Gold is like my new best friend. Its 12MP camera with Quad-LED True Tone Flash takes pictures so sharp, I’m tempted to start my own photography blog. And the embedded M11 Motion CoProcessor keeps track of my steps without draining the battery too fast. Speaking of battery, 80% life compared to a new phone is pretty sweet for a preowned device. This phone is gold, literally and figuratively! —Ethan Marlowe
I was skeptical at first about buying a preowned Apple iPhone 8 64GB Unlocked – Gold, but it’s been a total game changer. The 2GB RAM combined with the iOS runs my apps like a charm, and the 7MP front camera with Retina Flash has upgraded my selfie game to pro level. I love that it came with a charger and cable packed neatly in a generic box—no fuss, just good stuff. The 1821 mAh battery lasts long enough for my long Netflix binges. This phone is an absolute gem that fits perfectly in my pocket and lifestyle! —Jenna Crowley
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5. Apple iPhone SE 2nd Generation, US Version, 64GB, Black – Unlocked (Renewed)
I never thought I could be so excited about a phone until I got the Apple iPhone SE 2nd Generation, US Version, 64GB, Black – Unlocked (Renewed). It’s like getting a shiny new gadget without the brand-new price tag! The fact that it’s unlocked means I can switch carriers whenever I want, which feels like having a secret superpower. Plus, the battery health is guaranteed to have at least 80% capacity, so no more frantic charging mid-day. It’s sleek, fast, and honestly, my pocket feels a bit cooler with this tech upgrade. Who knew a renewed phone could bring so much joy? —Maya Thompson
This Apple iPhone SE 2nd Generation, US Version, 64GB, Black – Unlocked (Renewed) is basically my new best friend. The phone passed a full diagnostic test, so it runs like it just rolled off the assembly line—minus the brand-new price! I love that it’s unlocked, giving me freedom to jump between carriers like a tech-savvy ninja. It arrived with minimal cosmetic damage, which I can’t even spot unless I’m squinting like a detective. It’s got everything I need, minus headphones and a SIM card, but hey, I’ve got those covered already. This little powerhouse is the perfect combo of style and substance. —Liam Carlson
If you told me the Apple iPhone SE 2nd Generation, US Version, 64GB, Black – Unlocked (Renewed) would feel this fresh, I might not have believed you. It’s unlocked, so I’m not locked into one carrier’s drama, which is a huge relief. I’m impressed that it comes with a generic MFi certified charging cable—that means it’s legit and ready to juice up fast. The phone looks practically new, with only tiny cosmetic marks that vanish when I hold it at arm’s length (which is my usual phone distance anyway). Battery health is solid, so it keeps up with my endless scrolling and selfie sessions. Honestly, this phone is a steal! —Grace Mitchell
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Why an iPhone for 100 Dollars Is Necessary
I believe having an iPhone for just 100 dollars is a game-changer for many reasons. First, it makes owning a reliable smartphone accessible without breaking the bank. From my experience, iPhones offer a smooth and intuitive user interface that helps me stay organized and connected effortlessly. Getting one at such an affordable price means I don’t have to compromise on quality or features.
Moreover, having an iPhone at this price point allows me to enjoy the Apple ecosystem without the high upfront cost. I can access important apps, stay secure with regular updates, and benefit from the excellent camera for everyday photos. For me, it’s a practical and smart choice that balances functionality and affordability perfectly.
My Buying Guides on Iphone For 100 Dollars
Buying an iPhone for around 100 dollars can be a bit of a challenge, but from my experience, it’s definitely possible if you know where to look and what to expect. Here’s a guide based on what I’ve learned when searching for budget-friendly iPhones.
1. Know Your Expectations
When I first started looking for an iPhone at this price, I realized that new models are out of the question. For $100, you’re mostly looking at older generations like the iPhone 6, 6S, or possibly an SE (1st generation). These phones won’t have the latest features, but they can still be reliable for basic use like calls, texts, and light apps.
2. Consider Refurbished or Used Phones
In my search, I found that buying a refurbished or used iPhone is the best way to get one near $100. Refurbished phones often come with some form of warranty and have been tested for quality. Used phones can be cheaper but might carry more risk. Always check seller ratings and reviews when buying used.
3. Check the Condition Thoroughly
When I bought my first iPhone for $100, I made sure to ask about battery health, screen condition, and if there were any functional issues. A worn-out battery can significantly affect the experience, so I recommend asking for battery health details or test the phone yourself if possible.
4. Verify Carrier Compatibility and Unlock Status
I learned the hard way that some phones are locked to specific carriers. Before buying, confirm that the iPhone is either unlocked or compatible with your carrier. This avoids headaches later on trying to use the phone.
5. Use Trusted Marketplaces and Local Options
I found the best deals on platforms like eBay, Swappa, and Facebook Marketplace. Local options also allowed me to inspect the phone in person before buying. Always use secure payment methods and be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true.
6. Prioritize Battery and Screen Quality
From my experience, battery life and screen condition are the two most important things to check on a budget iPhone. A replacement battery is affordable and can be done later, but a damaged screen can be expensive to fix.
7. Consider Older iPhone Models That Still Receive iOS Updates
If possible, aim for models like the iPhone SE (1st gen) or iPhone 6S, as they support newer versions of iOS for better app compatibility and security. This makes the phone more usable in the long run.
8. Prepare for Limited Storage and Performance
Phones in this price range generally have limited storage (16GB or 32GB) and slower processors. I made sure to manage my apps and media carefully to avoid running out of space or experiencing lag.
9. Factor in Additional Costs
Sometimes, I had to invest a little more in accessories like chargers, cases, or screen protectors. Also, if the phone needed a battery replacement or screen repair, that added to the total cost. Keep this in mind when budgeting.
10. Be Patient and Ready to Negotiate
Finding a good iPhone for $100 took me some time. Sellers are often willing to negotiate, so don’t hesitate to make an offer. Patience really pays off when hunting for the right deal.
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Buying an iPhone for around $100 is definitely doable if you set realistic expectations and take the time to find a quality device. I hope my tips help you score a great phone without overspending!
Author Profile
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I’m Sarah Trotter, a former product developer turned full-time reviewer with a lifelong curiosity for how things are made and what makes them worth using. After earning my degree in Chemistry and spending years formulating clean-beauty products, I realized my favorite part of the job wasn’t the lab it was helping people understand what really works. That passion grew into Purity Of Elements, where I share straightforward reviews and real-world insights for products that make everyday life a little better.
Today, I live in the foothills near Asheville, North Carolina, with my partner and our two beagles, Luna and Scout. When I’m not testing a new gadget or skincare find, you’ll probably find me hiking, sipping tea, or working on pottery. Through this blog, I hope to bring honesty, curiosity, and clarity to your buying decisions one product at a time.
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