Ever since the original iPhone came out in 2007, Apple has continually refined its flagship smartphone with yearly updates. Every year, Apple updates the iPhone with a faster processor, better camera, improved display, and more.
But the “best used iPhone to buy in 2022” isn’t the same for everyone. It often makes sense to save a few cents and get a previous-generation model instead. Join us as we take a closer look at the best used iPhones in 2022!
Table of Contents
Which iPhone is most popular in 2022?
Newer iPhones have faster processors, better cameras, and nicer displays than older iPhones. But with top-end models retailing for well over $1100, a brand-new flagship isn’t the right choice for most people. Instead, the best iPhone offers the most features at the best price. So which cheap iPhones are the best value in 2022?
Let’s start by looking at what you voted for with your wallets. Back in 2019, the cheap iPhone 7 topped our sales charts. Then in 2020 and 2021, used iPhone 8 models shook things up a bit by edging out the iPhone 7 to become the best-selling used iPhone for two years straight. But towards the end of 2021, used iPhone 11 models started to pull ahead.
Now that used iPhone 11 prices are at all-time lows, more people are buying the iPhone 11 than ever before. So it should come as no surprise that the iPhone 11 has held onto its lead as the most popular iPhone in April 2022. Here’s the rest of the list!
Top 10 Best-Selling Used iPhones in 2022
| Most Popular Used iPhones | Average Price | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Apple iPhone 11 (prices) | $380 | $267 |
| 2. Apple iPhone SE 2020 (prices) | $222 | $146 |
| 3. Apple iPhone Xr (prices) | $286 | $192 |
| 4. Apple iPhone 12 (prices) | $578 | $406 |
| 5. Apple iPhone 8 (prices) | $182 | $118 |
| 6. Apple iPhone 11 Pro (prices) | $452 | $341 |
| 7. Apple iPhone X (prices) | $266 | $185 |
| 8. Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max (prices) | $579 | $442 |
| 9. Apple iPhone 12 mini (prices) | $457 | $337 |
| 10. Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max (prices) | $1131 | $921 |
As you can see, the Apple iPhone 11 is Swappa’s best-selling used iPhone in 2022. The reason why is simple: The iPhone 11 offers almost everything found on the very latest models, without breaking the bank.
NOTE: Device wholesalers looking to stock up on the most popular iPhones in 2022 should check out Swappa B2B Exchange. B2B Exchange is separate marketplace, designed from the ground up for business-to-business sales. B2B Exchange brings the simplicity, transparency, and safety you’ve come to expect from Swappa, allowing businesses to effortlessly find and purchase devices from one another in bulk. In short, Swappa B2B Exchange is a better way to buy and sell used tech in bulk.
Best used iPhone to buy in 2022
All the iPhones listed above are great in their own way. And since you’re shopping on Swappa, you’re already getting the best deals. But now, it’s time to play favorites and single out the models that we think stand a bit above the rest. So whether you’re picking up a cheap iPhone for yourself or getting one for a friend or loved one, these are the best used iPhones for sale in 2022!
Best iPhone Overall: iPhone 11
The Swappa community has spoken, and we agree. The iPhone 11 is the best used iPhone in 2022! If you’re looking for a modern iPhone that looks and feels like the very latest iPhone 12 and iPhone 13, or if you simply want the best used iPhone for the money, look no further than a used iPhone 11.
The iPhone 11 packs a stunning 6.1-inch Liquid Retina display, a speedy A12 Bionic chip, a dual 12MP rear camera with wide-angle and ultrawide lenses, and up to 256GB of internal storage. The iPhone 11 also features Apple’s innovative gesture-driven UI, which was first pioneered on the iPhone X. Best of all, cheap iPhone 11 deals start at just $299 in January 2022!
Read More: iPhone 11 comparison vs other popular iPhone models.
Best cheap iPhone: iPhone 8
What if you don’t need all the bells and whistles and want something a bit cheaper than the iPhone 11? Released in 2017, the iPhone 8 isn’t the latest and greatest anymore. But despite its age, a cheap iPhone 8 still gets the job done — and it can run the very latest software updates, including iOS 15.
The iPhone 8’s speedy A11 Bionic chip packs enough power to muscle through almost any game or app. It also features a 12MP camera capable of 4K video recording and a vibrant 4.7-inch Retina HD display, so you can show off your photos and videos in stunning detail. With used iPhone 8 prices starting at just $130 in January 2022, the iPhone 8 is a steal.
Learn more on our iPhone 8 Comparison page.
Best cheap iPhone for photography: iPhone 11 Pro Max
If you’re looking for the best affordable iPhone camera, look no further than the iPhone 11 Pro Max. This plus-sized former flagship packs a powerful 12MP triple camera setup with wide-angle, ultrawide, and telephoto lenses. And thanks to its massive 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, pictures will look great when you’re editing or reviewing them.
Being a former flagship, the iPhone 11 Pro Max is still a speedy and capable device. Thanks to its A13 Bionic Processor with Neural Engine and 6GB of RAM, the 11 Pro Max can handle any task you throw at it — from gaming to productivity to heavy multitasking. Used iPhone 11 Pro Max prices start at just $430 in January 2022, so head over and snag a deal. Unlike the great pictures you’ll be taking, these deals won’t last forever!
Keep reading in our iPhone 11 Pro Max comparison page.
Best “first phone” for kids: iPhone 7
What if you want a cheap iPhone for your kids? We’re no longer looking for top-of-the-line specs and features. Instead, we want something dirt cheap that keeps your loved ones connected in the event of an emergency. The clear winner here is a cheap iPhone 7.
Thanks to its high-resolution 4.7-inch Retina HD display, Apple A10 Fusion chip, and excellent camera, the iPhone 7 is everything you need in an iPhone and nothing more. What’s more, the 7 still gets all the latest iOS software updates (including iOS 15), so you don’t have to worry about it turning into a paperweight in a year. Used iPhone 7 prices start at just $89 in January 2022, so go grab one while they’re still in stock!
Learn more on our iPhone 7 Comparison page.
Best small iPhone: iPhone 12 mini
What if you’re looking for something that can fit into any pocket and be comfortably used one-handed? Look no further than a used iPhone 12 mini. This diminutive powerhouse takes everything that’s good about the iPhone 12 and crams it into an overall package that’s actually smaller than the iPhone 8 and iPhone SE 2020.
The iPhone 12 mini looks and feels just like the very latest iPhone 13 mini — at half the price. You get a vibrant 5.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED screen, a dual 12 MP camera with wide-angle and ultrawide lenses, and the speedy Apple A14 Bionic chip to power through even the most intensive apps and 3D games. With so many features and a budget-friendly price, it’s no wonder that the iPhone 12 mini is the best small iPhone in 2022.
Learn more on our iPhone 12 mini Comparison page.
Best large iPhone: iPhone Xs Max
When looking for the best large iPhone, we’re really searching for the best option for people who spend a lot of time on their phones. Whether it’s watching YouTube videos, playing the latest mobile games, or even editing some Word documents, the 6.5-inch Super Retina OLED display on the iPhone Xs Max has you covered.
Powered by a speedy A12 Bionic chip and 4GB of RAM, the iPhone Xs Max can keep up with the most demanding tasks. Thanks to its large 3174mAh battery, you’ll easily make it through a full day of heavy use. And with used iPhone Xs Max prices starting at just $330 in January 2022, the iPhone Xs Max is the perfect choice for people who want a large iPhone that can do it all without breaking the bank.
Click here for an iPhone Xs Max Comparison.
Get what you really want for less on Swappa
Whether you’re buying for yourself or someone else, Swappa makes it safe, simple, and fun to buy and sell gently used smartphones and electronics. And if you’re still deciding, check out our comprehensive iPhone Buyer’s Guide and iPhone Comparison Guide to see how all the iPhone models stack up — or head over to Swappa Forums to chat with other users and debate which iPhone is the best value in 2022!
Swappa cuts out the middleman and lets you buy and sell directly with other users. And we’re the safest marketplace around, so you can rest assured that you are getting a fully functional, gently used phone that’s ready to be activated on the network of your choosing.
So what are you waiting for? Whether you’re looking to pick up a used iPhone 8 for as little as $128 or a newish iPhone 11 for $299, head over to the Swappa Marketplace and pick up a gently used iPhone today!
No matter which cheap iPhone you pick, Swappa makes buying even easier with Buy Now, Pay Later. Get the tech you want today, and pay for it in 4 easy installments spread over time.
Snag the best deals on used iPhones wherever you go. Download the Swappa App today!
