Ever since the launch of the original iPhone in 2007, it has ruled the smartphone world. And with each new version, its hold on the market gets stronger. And the iPhone’s legion of fans is fiercely loyal to Apple and its product ecosystem, which also includes the market-leading iPad.
But not everyone that wants an iPhone or iPad can afford to spend $1,000 or more every time a new model launches. And the truth is, the incremental upgrades that come with each new device aren’t worth it for most people. The good news is that it’s possible to buy a refurbished iOS device that works just as well as a brand-new model – for far less money. To help guide those looking for one, here’s a list of the best refurbished iOS devices of 2021.
The iPhone 11
The launch of the iPhone 12 came with quite a bit of fanfare, but it’s worth pointing out that the iPhone 11 is nowhere near outdated yet. And that makes a refurbished iPhone 11 a prime choice for anyone looking for an iOS device on a budget. It features a 6.1″ display that is only slightly inferior to the iPhone 12, but not in ways that the average user would notice. And It sports an A13 Bionic processor that’s more than capable of handling anything you can throw at it.
The only real tradeoff is that the iPhone 11 doesn’t have a 5G cellular radio – but that’s not a very big deal unless you live in an area with widespread 5G coverage. And it’s possible to find a refurbished iPhone 11 in pristine condition for under $500. That’s more than $300 cheaper than a brand-new iPhone 12, which is a substantial saving over its younger sibling.
The iPhone X
Even though it launched in 2017, the iPhone X continues to be one of Apple’s most sought-after iOS devices. It was the first ultra-high-end model that Apple produced, and it earned a loyal fanbase. But because it was discontinued less than a year after its launch, it’s not always easy to find in brand-new condition.
But it is easy to find a refurbished iPhone X on sale from a trusted reseller. And with a price that hovers in the low-$300 range, they’re still an excellent buy. And for that price, it’s possible to get an iPhone X in excellent condition – with few visible defects and perfect functionality. Perhaps that’s why they still sell well on the secondary market today, more than three years after the model’s debut.
The 10.2″ iPad WiFi/Cellular
The iOS ecosystem extends well beyond the iPhone, and that’s why the 10.2″ iPad with both WiFi and cellular radios built-in continues to be a top seller. And it’s possible to get refurbished versions of it that are still in pristine condition for as little as $350. That’s more than $100 cheaper than the official retail price for a new one, and that discount is more than enough to keep Apple fans buying them en masse.
As a device, the 10.2″ iPad can do everything its smartphone cousins can, and features a processor that sits right between the iPhone X and the iPhone 11 performance-wise. That makes it ideal for daily use for a variety of tasks, up to and including editing video at up to 4K resolution. And with its cellular connection, it can work wherever it’s needed, just like the iPhone.
The Bottom Line
The market for refurbished iOS devices has always been strong. And in 2021 so far, that remains the case. Whether it’s a refurbished iPhone X on sale, a 10.2″ iPad, or the ever-popular iPhone 11, there’s a model fit for every need and budget. And they all remain almost as popular as the day they first launched. It serves as proof of Apple fans’ legendary loyalty and the appeal of the whole iOS ecosystem, which should continue to dominate the market for years to come.