The iPhone is one of the best smartphones available on the market, but its high price means it is not within everyone’s budget. That is why many people choose to buy a used iPhone. Although an older or pre-owned iPhone can still outperform many mid-range Android phones, there are several drawbacks to buying one. You may not receive future iOS updates, the hardware may already be outdated, and relying on the second-hand market always carries risks.
All of these factors can make what appears to be a cheap phone much more expensive in the long run. If the device contains counterfeit parts, replacing them with genuine Apple components can add significant costs. Apple has also made the use of fake parts in newer devices almost impossible, as every internal component now has to be verified through Apple’s system.
For this reason, experts generally advise that if you’re looking for the best value, you should buy the newest iPhone model that fits your budget.
Lack of iOS Updates
If you’re thinking about buying the iPhone 15, launched in 2023, you should know that it does not support Apple Intelligence, as Apple’s AI features require at least an iPhone 15 Pro. Apple’s current and future focus is heavily centered on artificial intelligence (AI), and many upcoming features will not work on older phones.
In addition, there is no certainty about when Apple may discontinue software support for older devices. Although Apple usually provides software updates for around seven years, it recently ended update support for smartwatches that were only four years old.
Older Hardware
Another major drawback of buying a used iPhone is its aging hardware. Apple improves battery life and processor performance with every new model. For example, the iPhone 17 Pro introduces a new cooling system to keep the device running more efficiently.
Older models also miss out on several newer features. The iPhone 16 and earlier models do not include features such as Always-On Display or ProMotion, the iPhone 15 lacks the new Camera Control button, and the iPhone 14 does not feature the Action Button.
Storage is another concern with older devices. The iPhone 17 now starts with 256GB of storage, whereas 2022 models such as the iPhone SE (3rd generation) or iPhone 12 may come with only 64GB, which is considered insufficient by today’s standards.
No Warranty or AppleCare+
Apple offers a one-year warranty on new iPhones. However, when buying a used iPhone, there is a strong chance that the phone is more than a year old and its warranty has already expired.
Without warranty coverage, repairs can be expensive. If the screen breaks, the back glass is damaged, or the battery needs replacing, you’ll have to pay the full repair cost. Genuine Apple parts are costly. For example, replacing the battery in an iPhone 17 Pro Max costs around PKR 33,100, while a screen replacement starts at approximately PKR 105,450. Major repairs can cost as much as PKR 222,300.
Unreliable Second-Hand Market
People often turn to local online marketplaces in search of cheaper phones, but this is where the risk of fraud is highest.
It’s difficult to identify scratches or cosmetic damage from photos alone. It’s also impossible to know whether the internal components are genuine or whether the phone contains malware that could steal your data. Before buying, it’s essential to check the phone’s serial number to verify that it is not stolen and to confirm its software status. Purchasing a phone without proper inspection is much like buying a used car without checking its condition—it can become a costly headache later.
Battery Problems
One of the biggest and most common drawbacks of buying a used iPhone is reduced battery health. Typically, a battery loses up to 10% of its capacity after one year of use. If you’re buying a phone that is two or three years old, its battery will likely need replacement.
A new battery can cost around PKR 24,750 for an iPhone 11 and up to PKR 33,100 for newer models, with local taxes and duties potentially making the cost even higher. If you don’t replace the battery, you may need to charge the phone several times a day or carry a power bank. A degraded battery can also slow down the phone’s performance and may even cause it to shut down unexpectedly before the battery is fully drained.
Also Read: Wasim Akram reacts strongly to false death rumors
