For those considering purchasing an iPhone, we'll explain the pros and cons of both new and used iPhones.

 

Even though iPhones have a high price tag, you can buy a used one at an affordable price.

However, many people worry, "What are the disadvantages of a used iPhone?"

 

In this article, we will introduce the pros and cons of new and used iPhones.

By comparing their respective advantages and disadvantages, you will be able to decide which one to purchase.

 

If you want to buy an iPhone at a great price, a used one is recommended.

 

If you're thinking, "I want to buy an iPhone at a great price," a used one is recommended.

 

New iPhones are very expensive, costing over 100,000 yen.

However, used ones can be found for around 10,000 yen, making them overwhelmingly more affordable.

 

Of course, the price varies depending on the store, the condition of the iPhone, and the model.

In any case, used iPhones are significantly cheaper than new ones.

 

 

Advantages of Used iPhones

 

 

What are the advantages of a used iPhone?

In addition to the lower price, there are various other benefits, making it a good option to consider.

 

We will explain the five advantages of used iPhones in detail.

 

 

Advantage ① Lower Price

 

First, as mentioned, the price is lower.

Even if the device is in good condition, without scratches or functional problems, the price will be considerably lower than a new one.

 

Even iPhones in like-new condition can sometimes be half price.

A new iPhone is by no means cheap.

 

If you want to upgrade to a newer model while keeping costs down, a used iPhone will be the right choice.

 

 

Advantage ② You can purchase models that are difficult to obtain new.

 

Another advantage of used iPhones is that you can purchase models that are difficult to find new.

 

For example, some people might be looking for the compact iPhone SE that was previously sold.

However, as of October 2024, it is no longer sold by Apple, making it impossible to buy new.

 

However, you might be able to buy it used.

For those seeking iPhone lineups other than those sold new, used iPhones can be appealing.

 

The ability to purchase models not available new is an advantage of used phones.

 

 

Advantage ③ You can purchase the device only.

 

With a used iPhone, you can also purchase the device only.

 

If you purchase a new device from a mobile carrier, a communication contract is always included.

You cannot use the iPhone with other carriers or budget SIMs.

 

However, with a used phone, you are not purchasing it from a carrier, so a communication contract is not required.

You can use the purchased iPhone freely.

 

There's no problem using a budget SIM to save on communication costs or using it as a substitute for an iPod touch.

The ability to purchase the device only and use it freely is also a major advantage.

 

 

 

Advantage ④ Good compatibility with budget SIMs

 

Good compatibility with budget SIMs is also an advantage of used iPhones.

Unlike new iPhones purchased from mobile carriers, used iPhones have no SIM restrictions.

 

Therefore, those who want to use a budget SIM will find it easier to purchase a used device.

Recently, various companies have been offering budget SIMs. Their plans are cheaper than those of mobile carriers, which also helps reduce running costs.

 

If you want to save on both the device purchase cost and running costs, we recommend a used iPhone.

 

 

Advantage ⑤ You can purchase after seeing many reviews and reputations.

 

The next advantage is that you can purchase after checking many reviews and reputations.

With new iPhones, there are still few users, so you can't fully grasp their reputation.

 

However, many people have likely used a used iPhone before.

Therefore, it becomes easier to judge what kind of features the model has and whether its performance is satisfactory.

 

Even for the same iPhone, some models might not have a good reputation.

If there are plenty of reviews, it becomes easier to choose a model that suits you.

 

 

Disadvantages of Used iPhones

 

 

Now, let's look at the disadvantages of used iPhones.

We've introduced many advantages, but please be aware that there are also the following disadvantages.

 

 

Disadvantage ① There may be malicious sellers.

 

If you buy from a malicious seller, the security of a used iPhone may be compromised.

 

For example, a device with Activation Lock still enabled might be sold.

If it's locked, you'll need to enter the previous user's Apple ID and password to use it.

 

There's also a possibility that the iPhone has been jailbroken. Jailbreaking is the act of enabling features and apps that are not normally available.

This is an illegal act under Apple's software license and increases security risks.

 

Depending on the seller, devices with such security issues may be sold.

When purchasing a used iPhone, it is essential to buy from a trustworthy store.

 

 

 

Disadvantage ② Risk of "red ROM"

 

Another disadvantage of used iPhones is the possibility of "red ROM."

Red ROM refers to devices that have been suspended by carriers. This measure is taken for unpaid usage fees, overdue device payments, stolen goods, and so on.

 

It is conceivable that a used device might become a "red ROM" after purchase.

You can check if a device is a "red ROM" by entering its IMEI number on the carrier's website in the "Network Status Check" section.

 

When buying a used iPhone, it's important to check if it's a "red ROM" before making the purchase.

 

 

 

Disadvantage ③ Battery degradation may have progressed.

 

A significant disadvantage of used iPhones is battery degradation.

 

Batteries degrade with each charge, and it's said that the maximum charge capacity can drop to 80% in about two and a half years [1].

As the capacity decreases, frequent charging becomes necessary, and once it falls below 80%, the battery is considered to have reached its end of life, making the device less convenient to use.

 

Also, when the battery degrades, it's not uncommon for the power to suddenly shut off.

For models released quite some time ago, the battery might already be significantly degraded when purchased used.

 

Even if you buy it cheaply used, if the usability is poor, it might not be a satisfying purchase.

 

 

[1] Reference: J:COM: When is an iPhone battery's lifespan? How to extend its life and when to replace it

 

 

Disadvantage ④ Warranty may be short or non-existent.

 

Used iPhones may have a short warranty or no warranty at all.

 

New products come with a manufacturer's warranty, but used products do not.

In some cases, retailers may offer their own warranties.

 

However, these are mostly warranties against initial defects.

A short-term warranty of about 30 days and the absence of a long-term warranty are disadvantages of used iPhones.

 

 

Advantages of New iPhones

 

 

Next, let's explain the advantages of new iPhones.

If you're unsure whether to buy a used or new one, compare the pros and cons of each before making a decision.

 

 

Advantage ① You can receive device purchase discounts from mobile carriers.

 

When purchasing a new iPhone from a mobile carrier, you can receive a device purchase discount.

 

This is because purchasing the device through a carrier allows you to buy the device at a lower price and receive a discount on the plan fees.

This is not available when purchasing a new iPhone directly from Apple.

 

However, if you always buy your devices from a mobile carrier, the device purchase discount is a great service.

While the device price is higher than a used one, the advantage is being able to purchase a new iPhone with no battery degradation and an included warranty at a discounted price.

 

We recommend comparing used and new prices, taking into account the device purchase discount.

 

 

 

Advantage ② You can use the latest features and performance.

 

Being able to use the latest features and performance offered by Apple is also a major advantage.

A new iPhone is, in other words, the "latest model."

You can use performance not available in older models sold as used.

 

iPhones tend to have better performance the newer the model, and as performance improves, processing speed increases.

For example, the speed when searching with a browser will be different, and you can use it without stress because the "waiting time when using" is reduced.

 

Of course, camera performance will also be higher.

When you purchase a new iPhone, you can use it without stress due to its high functionality and performance.

 

 

Disadvantages of New iPhones

 

Finally, let's discuss the disadvantages of new iPhones.

While used iPhones have their drawbacks, new ones also have disadvantages.

 

 

Disadvantage ① High purchase price

 

New iPhones come with a high purchase price.

Most models cost over 100,000 yen, making it a significant investment.

 

Sometimes you have to take out a loan to buy it, and the heavy financial burden is the biggest disadvantage.

 

 

Disadvantage ② Few reviews from purchasing users

 

Another disadvantage is the scarcity of reviews from users who have purchased the product.

 

New iPhones are newly released models.

Therefore, a disadvantage is that there are few users, and it's not possible to judge the ease of use beforehand.

 

With a used iPhone, many people would have used it already, so you can gather reviews and opinions.

When purchasing a new product, it's necessary to consider the possibility of it being inconvenient to use.

 

 

iPhones, both new and used, have pros and cons.

 

How was it?

We hope this article has helped you understand the pros and cons of new and used iPhones.

 

Both have their advantages and disadvantages.

However, for those looking to switch models while keeping costs down, a used iPhone is certainly an attractive option.

 

PRODIG, the official online store for used smartphones and tablets, sells high-quality used iPhones.

All of our iPhones have a battery capacity of 80% or more and come with a 180-day warranty.

 

You can purchase with confidence, so if you are considering buying an iPhone, please use our service.

 

Click here for a list of used iPhones offered by PRODIG

 

Click here for a list of used smartphones offered by PRODIG