Planning to grab a used iPhone 13, but prices are all over the place 😵‍💫

PLEASE READ the article Carol B. posted. Don't be yet another taken advantage of used iPhone buyer. We see people here on this forum EVERY day, often MULTIPLE times every day after they bought a useless brick they can never use and can't get their money back. It is why I wrote the user tip. If you can't see the phone in person and verify it opens to the Hello Page, doesn't have unrecognized parts in it and the battery health is decent (well above 80%) DON'T BUY THE PHONE.

lobsterghost1 wrote:

…If you can't see the phone in person and verify it opens to the Hello Page, doesn't have unrecognized parts in it and the battery health is decent (well above 80%)…

…And no carrier lock…

Etc.

And to add to what lobsterghost1 provides, Apple provides refurbished phones on their website, Certified Refurbished Products - Apple and they come with a full warranty. Check it out.

You might want to consider the Apple Certified Refurbished store – if they have one in your country.

Refurbished iPhone Deals - Apple

There are no iPhone 13-series phones there … but there are iPhone 14-series models, and there wouldn't be the worry that you might get an Activation-Locked "brick", a carrier-locked phone, or a phone whose battery has run down to the point that it is in imminent need of replacement.

MrHoffman wrote:

lobsterghost1 wrote:

…If you can't see the phone in person and verify it opens to the Hello Page, doesn't have unrecognized parts in it and the battery health is decent (well above 80%)…

…And no carrier lock…

Etc.

Yes......well, hopefully, they will read the user tip and NOT make a buying mistake they will greatly regret.

Your first priority would be to narrow your search down to a local shop that will offer a warranty with the phone and also allow you to return the phone for any reason within 7-10 days.

Know what the Battery Health is on the phone.

The phone won't have anywhere near the lowest price that you have seen, but at least you will be protected.

I’d be less concerned about pricing and more about not buying a brick.

Given the myriad problem reports around here, it can seem that all of the popular online sales sites have counterfeit products available, have activation- or carrier-locked gear, and have somebody else’s problem phone now available to be your problem, as well as your average failing battery.

If you’re not buying from a seller that will be around after the sale and will warrant the purchase, then you will want a massive discount for the risk you are taking.

But then the cheapest prices are also commonly scams.

Serial numbers and IMEI numbers are not useful for detecting scams and fraud, nor is packaging.

if you do meet activation lock, only the original purchase receipt from Apple or an authorized reseller will help. Not a receipt from some rando.

See that all-too-common link from earlier.

This is the best advice I can offer.

The All Too Common SAD Reality of Buying … - Apple Community