Compare iPhones – new and refurbished

Apple releases a new generation every autumn but keeps selling older models or leaves them to the refurbished market. For most people, the best choice is therefore not the newest model, but one that will receive software updates for a long time and fits their budget.

The standard models handle everyday tasks, photos and messaging with ease. The Pro models add a telephoto lens, a display with a higher refresh rate (ProMotion) and premium materials. The more affordable e variant drops some camera extras but uses a current chip – a good choice if you want a new iPhone for as little as possible.

iPhone storage cannot be expanded with a memory card, so think about how much you really need before you buy. 128 GB is enough if you back up photos to iCloud or another cloud service and keep few videos on the device. If you shoot a lot of 4K video, install large games or listen to music offline, 256 GB gives you more breathing room. More storage is usually only worth it on Pro models, whose high-resolution video formats fill up space quickly.

In practice, Apple supports iPhones with new iOS versions for many years; iOS 26, for example, still runs on the iPhone 11. The newer the chip, the longer you can count on updates. With refurbished devices, also pay attention to battery capacity: reputable retailers state it or replace the battery below a fixed threshold. After purchase, you can check the condition yourself under Settings › Battery.

Look for the words “unlocked” (no SIM lock) in listings and make sure Activation Lock (Find My) has been removed. Refurbished devices from a commercial seller always come with the statutory warranty that applies in Germany – an important difference from buying privately.

iPhones hold their value very well, yet retailer prices still fluctuate. It is especially worth checking the price history after new models are announced in autumn and around sales events: it shows whether the current price is at the lower end or whether waiting pays off.