Are you hunting for a new smartphone but your wallet is telling you to pump the brakes? You’re not alone.
The dizzying prices of brand-new flagship cell phones can feel like a major commitment. But what if I told you there’s a way to get that premium Apple experience—the slick design, the powerful performance, the incredible camera—without the hefty price tag?
Let me introduce you to the smartest upgrade you can make this year: the Apple iPhone XR.
This isn’t just about saving a few bucks; it’s about making a savvy investment in a device that still stands tall against its newer cousins, like the iPhone 11 and iPhone XS.
Whether you’re looking for an unlocked 64gb model, need more space with 128gb or 256gb, or want the peace of mind that comes with a quality refurbish, this guide is for you.
We’ll explore why the iPhone XR is a great phone, from its stellar battery life to its powerful A12 Bionic chip, and show you how to find the best prices on a device that will change the way you think about buying smartphones.
- Factory unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US-Cellular, Cricket, Metro, etc.).
- The device come complete with a charger, hands free and charging cable that may be generic, in which case it will be UL or Mfi (Made for iPhone) Certified.
- Inspected and guaranteed to have no cosmetic damage or scratches, not noticeable when the device is held at arms length.
- Successfully passed a full diagnostic test which ensures like-new functionality and removal of any prior-user personal information.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80% - 95%
Why is the iPhone XR Still an Unbeatable Value?
You might be thinking, “The iPhone XR came out a few years ago. Is it still any good?”
The answer is a resounding yes.
The secret to the XR’s lasting appeal is that Apple designed it with a perfect balance of premium features and smart cost-saving measures. When it was released, it was the more affordable alternative to the iPhone XS, but it never felt “cheap.”
It was, and still is, a powerhouse.
Today, you can find a used iPhone XR at a lower price than ever before, making it one of the absolute best bang-for-your-buck deals on the market.
This isn’t just a used cell phone; it’s your entry into the premium Apple ecosystem without the premium cost.
When you buy a used iPhone, especially one as well-built as the XR, you’re getting a device that was engineered to last for years, with a durable aluminum frame and a tough glass back.
The Freedom of an Unlocked iPhone XR: Your Carrier, Your Choice
Have you ever felt trapped by your phone contract?
One of the most frustrating things about buying a new phone is being locked into a specific carrier. Well, here’s some good news.
When you see a phone listed as unlocked, it means you have the ultimate freedom. An unlocked iPhone XR isn’t tied to Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile.
You can pop in a SIM card from almost any wireless provider and get going instantly.
This is a huge advantage.
It means you can shop around for the best data plans, switch carriers whenever a better deal comes along, or even use local SIM cards when you travel internationally to avoid those insane roaming charges.
The power is completely in your hands.
Decoding the Condition: What to Look for When You Buy a Used iPhone
Okay, let’s talk about the words “used” and “refurbished.” They can make some people nervous, but they shouldn’t!
Understanding the difference is key to getting a fantastic deal.
A used iPhone is simply a pre-owned device sold as-is. A phone that has been subject to a refurbish process, on the other hand, has been professionally inspected, cleaned, and repaired to ensure it works like new.
Many sellers, including Best Buy and the Apple Store, offer incredible pre-owned phones that are practically indistinguishable from new ones.
When you’re looking to buy a used iPhone, you should always check a few key things.
Pay close attention to the battery health, which you can see in the settings. Also, inspect the device for any major scratch marks on the screen or body.
Most trusted sellers will grade the condition for you, so you can easily find a gently used iPhone XR in great condition, often with a screen protector already applied.
- This phone is only for use with Boost Mobile and cannot be Unlocked for use with other carriers.
- Aerospace-grade aluminum bands. A special Appledesigned alloy is precisionmachined to create structural bands and anodized to complement the color of the back glass.
- Wireless charging. The glass back allows iPhone XR to charge easily and wirelessly.
- Intelligent A12 Bionic. This is the smartest, most powerful chip in a smartphone, with our next-generation Neural Engine
- 12MP rear camera, /1. 8, wide-angle lens, Portrait mode with Depth Control, 2x faster sensor for Smart HDR across your photos, 4K video up to 60 fps
What’s the Difference Between “Used” and “Refurbished”?
Used: A used phone is sold by a previous owner, often through a marketplace. It’s typically the cheapest option but might come with some cosmetic wear and no warranty.
Refurbished (or Pre-Owned): This is the sweet spot for most buyers.
A pre-owned iPhone that has been refurbished is inspected, tested, and certified to be fully functional. It often comes with a new charger and a warranty, giving you peace of mind with your purchase.
You’re getting a device that looks and feels new at a much lower price.
iPhone XR Price Points: Is the 64GB, 128GB, or 256GB Model Right for You?
One of the biggest questions you’ll face is how much storage you really need.
The iPhone XR was originally released in three sizes: 64gb, 128gb, and 256gb. Your choice here will directly impact the iPhone XR price, so let’s break it down.
The iPhone XR 64gb model is perfect for the average user who streams most of their music and videos and stores their photos in the cloud. It’s the most affordable option and provides plenty of space for your essential apps and a good number of photos.
If you’re a photo hoarder, love to download movies for offline viewing, or play a lot of games, stepping up to the 128 gb model is a brilliant move.
It offers that extra breathing room so you never have to worry about running out of space at a critical moment.
While the 256gb models are rarer, they are the ultimate choice for power users who want to carry their entire digital life in their pocket.
Power and Performance: A Closer Look at the iPhone XR Spec Sheet
Don’t let its age fool you; the iPhone XR spec sheet is still incredibly impressive.
At the heart of it all is the A12 Bionic chip. This is the same chip that powered the much more expensive iPhone XS and XS Max, and it’s an absolute beast.
It handles modern apps, demanding games, and multitasking without breaking a sweat. It’s what makes the XR feel so snappy and responsive, even years after its release.
This isn’t just a phone; it’s a high-performance computer that fits in your hand.
But it’s not just about raw power. The display is another highlight.
The 6.1-inch Liquid Retina display is a large, vibrant LCD screen that makes everything from watching videos to scrolling through social media a joy.
The colors are punchy, and the screen size hits the perfect middle ground—bigger than the iPhone X/XS but more manageable than the massive Max models.
Plus, you still get modern features like wireless charging and the incredibly secure Face ID, which feels just as magical and seamless as it does on the newest iPhones.
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
- Successfully passed a full diagnostic test which ensures like-new functionality and removal of any prior-user personal information.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charger and charging cable.
- Inspected and guaranteed to have minimal cosmetic damage, which is not noticeable when the device is held at arm's length.
What About the Camera?
This is where the iPhone XR truly shines and defies expectations.
It has a single 12MP wide-angle rear camera system, but it’s one of the best single-lens cameras ever put in a smartphone.
Thanks to the power of the A12 Bionic chip, it can take stunning Portrait Mode photos with beautiful background blur, a feature that used to require two lenses.
The Smart HDR technology ensures your photos are perfectly exposed, with fantastic detail in both the bright and dark areas of the image.
For most people, this camera is more than enough to capture life’s moments beautifully.
Where to Find the Absolute Best Prices and Great Deals on a Used iPhone XR
So, you’re convinced. You’re ready to find a great deal on an Apple iPhone XR. Where do you look?
Your search for the lowest price should start with trusted retailers. Places like Best Buy have excellent programs for pre-owned phones, where you can often inspect the device in-store before you buy.
Online marketplaces can also offer great deals, but be sure to buy from sellers with high ratings and clear return policies.
The goal is to get that “like-new” feeling without the “new” price tag.
Keep an eye out for seasonal sales and special promotions.
You can often find a used iPhone XR for a price far below its original $749 launch price, sometimes even dipping under the $599 mark for models in great condition.
These are the deals that make this smartphone an irresistible choice for anyone looking for maximum value.
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iPhone XR vs. iPhone XS and iPhone 11: Which Used iPhone is the Best Buy?
It’s the final showdown. You’re looking at a used iPhone, but which one?
The iPhone XS offers an OLED screen and a dual-camera system, but it also comes with a smaller screen and often a higher price tag.
The iPhone 11 introduced an Ultra Wide camera and a slightly faster chip, but the day-to-day performance difference is negligible for most users, and it will cost you more.
The Apple iPhone XR hits the perfect sweet spot.
You get the best-in-class battery life (seriously, it’s legendary), a large and beautiful Liquid Retina display, and the powerful A12 Bionic chip.
For the significant cost savings, the XR delivers 95% of the experience of the more expensive models.
It’s the smart, practical, and downright enjoyable choice for anyone who wants a fantastic smartphone without emptying their bank account.
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
- Successfully passed a full diagnostic test which ensures like-new functionality and removal of any prior-user personal information.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charging cable.
- Inspected and guaranteed to have minimal cosmetic damage, which is not noticeable when the device is held at arm's length.
