Is a Used iPhone 11 Still Good in 2023?

With the advancement in technology, the smartphone industry has been booming over the past few years. Every year newer and better models are released, but what about the older models? Do they stand tall against the test of time?

Apple is one of the brands that has been pumping new products, such as iPhones, Smartwatches, Air Pods, etc., every year and leaving the old tech behind. That’s why today I’m going to answer the question, “Is a used iPhone still good in 2023?”

In this article, I’ll cover the following:

What are refurbished or used phones
Specs of a used iPhone 11
Things to know before buying
Is a used iPhone still good in 2023

Let’s start by going over what refurbished phones are.

What Are Refurbished or Used Phones

Just as I’ve mentioned earlier, new phones are being released every year and some even twice a year. This results in a lot of e-waste over time which contaminates the environment. That is why refurbished phones are means of recycling in which the phone is fixed, and the device can be sold at a lower price.

These are mobile phones that have been either previously owned, returned for repair, or otherwise recovered by their manufacturer.

They typically undergo rigorous testing and refurbishment to make sure they work properly and meet the same quality standards as new devices. Refurbished devices may also come with a warranty to protect you against any issues.

The main benefit of buying a refurbished phone is that it can save you money compared to purchasing a brand-new device. There’s no need to pay full price when you can get an almost-as-good phone at a fraction of the cost.

Additionally, since these devices have already gone through their initial life cycle, there’s less of a chance that they’ll break down or malfunction.

When shopping for a refurbished phone, it’s important to do your research so that you can ensure you’re getting the best deal possible. Look for signs of wear and tear as well as any indications of water damage, scratches, etc.

Check to see if the device is unlocked or if it comes with a warranty from the seller. Additionally, make sure that you’re buying from a reputable retailer that offers good customer service and has a return policy in case something goes wrong.

Specs of a Used iPhone 11

When it comes to the iPhone, Apple has made their product in such a way that they last as long as possible. I know a few of my friends who are still using the iPhone XS Max, and it’s working fine.

However, the question is that is a used iPhone 11 work just as well as the latest models in the year 2023. Since many people either don’t want to or simply don’t have the budget for the latest iPhone and frankly, who can blame them? Have you seen the price tag of the iPhone 14 Pro Max? It’s over NZ$ 2,100.

That’s why those who still own an iPhone 11 don’t want to change or, if they were using an older version, only want to jump to this one.

Here are some of the specifications of the used iPhone 11:

Display: 6.1-inch Liquid Retina HD LCD display with True Tone and Haptic Touch, 828 x 1792 resolution at 326 PPI
Camera: Dual 12MP Ultra Wide and Wide Cameras; 2x optical zoom; Night mode, Deep Fusion, Smart HDR 3, 4K video recording up to 60 fps
Storage: 64GB/128GB/256GB storage capacity
Processor: A13 Bionic chip with third-generation Neural Engine
Battery Life: Up to 17 hours of video playback time (highly dependent on battery health)
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11ac with MIMO, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC with reader mode
Water Resistance Rating: IP68 dust and water resistance (up to 2 meters for up to 30 minutes)
Colour Options: Black, White, Purple, Yellow, Green, and Product Red
Sensors: Face ID facial recognition technology, Barometer, Three-axis gyro, Accelerometer, and Proximity sensor.
Other Features: Wireless charging capabilities; Stereo sound with Dolby Atmos support.
Price Range: NZ$ 624 to NZ$ 902 (depending upon the variant)

Keep in mind the main factor that affects your decision to buy a phone is its health, and after 3 years, the health of the iPhone is expected to be at 80% at best. This is still good because it can last the up to 17 hours on a single charge.

Things to Know Before Buying

When buying a used iPhone 11 in 2022, you need to keep a few things in mind because a user can come with a few issues. Here are some you should always keep in the back of your mind:

Check the condition: Before you buy a used iPhone 11, take time to observe its overall condition. Look for signs of wear and tear, such as scratches, dents, or water damage.
Verify that it’s unlocked: Make sure to confirm that the device is unlocked, so it can be used with any network provider you choose. It’s also good to find out if the phone has been previously associated with a particular service provider, as this may influence your ability to unlock it in the future.
Test all components: Take some time to test out all components of the device – including the microphone, camera, speakers, and buttons – and make sure they are working properly before purchasing it.
Check the battery: The last thing you want to discover after buying a used iPhone 11 is that its battery needs replacing. Make sure to test out the device’s battery life before finalizing your purchase to ensure that it can still hold a charge over extended periods of time.
Look for warranty coverage: You may be able to get some form of limited warranty coverage on certain pre-owned iPhones, which can help protect you if any issues arise in the near future. Be sure to ask about this before making a commitment so you know what you’re getting yourself into.
Inspect the pricing: It’s always important to compare different listings when searching for a used iPhone 11, as prices can vary greatly. Be sure to inspect the listing carefully and ask questions if you have any doubts about its pricing.
Consider alternative options: If you’re having trouble finding a used iPhone 11 at an affordable price, don’t forget to consider other options, such as refurbished devices or second-hand models from different manufacturers. They may be more cost-effective in the long run, especially if you’re on a tight budget.