How I Hunt for Cheap iPhones in 2025 (And What to Look Out For)
I’ve been buying and flipping iPhones for over a decade—mostly for personal use, but yeah, sometimes for profit too. With prices getting wild lately, here’s exactly how I find solid deals in 2025 without getting scammed (or overpaying for something shiny).
Battery Health – Don’t Skip This One
If the battery health is under 80%, skip it—unless you’re cool with replacing it or factoring that into the price.
Sweet spot? Look for 85% or higher. That gives you about 2–3 years of usable life before needing a replacement.
Bonus: If you plan to resell it later, battery health over 80% keeps the resale value solid.
If it’s under and you’re still getting a deal, here’s the cost to replace the battery at Apple (as of March 2025):
- 🇨🇦 Canada: $119 CAD
Battery service pricing – Apple Canada - 🇺🇸 US: $89 USD
Battery service pricing – Apple USA
Not the cheapest, but still cheaper than buying a whole new phone.
Want to see Apple’s official trade-in checklist?
Check their device condition tips here.
Cracked Back Glass = Opportunity
A cracked back glass can scare off casual buyers—which means a better deal for you.
If the screen is fine and everything works, slap a case on it and keep it moving. Depending on the iPhone model, you can sometimes save $200–300 just by accepting a cracked back.
I always check prices on Kijiji to compare cracked vs mint condition models—you’d be surprised how much cheaper a small crack makes it.
I’ve done this a few times, and honestly? Never once noticed it once the phone’s in a case.
Also, before reselling, make sure the phone looks clean and legit—here’s how I prep mine for flipping.
Example : Minor crack and $200-$250 savings
Cosmetic Damage Is Your Friend
Scratches, dings, little dents on the edge? That’s the gold zone.
People want mint phones. I want working phones. If the seller writes “some cosmetic wear” or “been dropped,” I’m already interested.
Just double check:
- Face ID works
- Camera still sharp
- Speakers sound fine
- Buttons don’t feel weird
If those check out—you’re probably good.
No Box, No Cable, No Problem
People love complete sets, but I only care about the phone.
A “phone only” listing almost always sells cheaper, especially if they can’t find the box or charger. Use that to your advantage.
You probably have 10 spare cables anyway.
Listings That Don’t Look “Professional”
Some of the best deals come from people who don’t know how to price their stuff.
Bad spelling, blurry photos, too few words—it might look sketchy, but it’s usually just someone cleaning out a drawer. Be polite, ask a few questions, and trust your gut.
Bonus: Listings with zero accessories, beat-up corners, and “forgot the password but reset it” often = bargain.
Where I Look
- Kijiji (still underrated)
- RedFlagDeals (good for spotting iPhone flips or bundle deals in the forums)
- Karrot (another up-and-coming app for local deals, worth browsing)
Also, quick warning—beware of EMT scams. Some buyers will try to show you a fake Interac e-Transfer screen or spoofed email saying the money was sent. It’s usually for higher-ticket items, but still worth knowing. Always confirm the money actually hits your bank before handing over the phone.
Always meet in public, test everything on the spot, and don’t be afraid to say no.
Also, always check the IMEI to make sure the phone isn’t blacklisted. Bring your SIM card and test for call quality, signal, and Wi-Fi.
And always negotiate. If a seller is offering a broken iPhone and takes your lowball offer immediately, that’s a red flag. A real user who isn’t trying to scam you will usually push back a bit on price. That kind of resistance is often a good sign the item is legit.
BeforeI buy any used iPhone or MacBook, I always check if the warranty is still active using Apple’s coverage tool.
I also verify the IMEI isn’t blacklisted or locked using IMEI.info, just for peace of mind.
Final ByteFlip Tip
Cheap doesn’t mean garbage. It means you knew what to look for.
I picked up my iPhone 14 Plus for $375 CAD with some side dents and no box. Slapped on a case, and it runs like new.
Curious how the iPhone 14 Plus holds up day to day? Here’s my real review after using it in 2025.
I also scored an Apple Watch Series 7 for $180—had a few scratches, but it was the LTE version and still a great deal. Can’t complain when you know how to spot value.
Deals are out there—you just gotta know what’s worth ignoring.
Posted by ByteFlip
Just a guy flipping phones, avoiding overpriced stuff, and sharing what works
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