Best target price: For a U.S. buyer, aim for about $700–$775 used and unlocked, $800–$875 for third-party refurbished, or about $929 for Apple Certified Refurbished—all for the 256GB iPhone 16 Pro Max. These are buying guidelines based on prices observed in August 2026, not guaranteed live prices.
The “2024” in this title refers to the phone’s release year. The iPhone 16 Pro Max launched at $1,199, but it is now a previous-generation model. At prices near $1,000 or more, compare it with a newer iPhone before buying.
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Best iPhone 16 Pro Max deals by buyer type
| Buyer priority | Best route | Target price |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest purchase price | Used, unlocked 256GB | About $700–$775 |
| Lower price with retailer protection | Refurbished, unlocked 256GB | About $800–$875 |
| Best warranty and support | Apple Certified Refurbished 256GB | About $929 |
| More storage | Refurbished 512GB | About $935–$950 |
| Maximum storage | Used or refurbished 1TB | About $900–$1,000 |
These thresholds are editorial guidance. Before paying, verify the exact storage, condition, seller, warranty, return policy, carrier status, taxes, shipping, and checkout price.
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Apple Certified Refurbished: safest premium option
Apple’s U.S. refurbished store listed the unlocked 256GB iPhone 16 Pro Max at about $929 when Apple added refurbished iPhone 16 models in February 2026. Apple says its refurbished products undergo Apple’s refurbishment process and include a one-year limited warranty. AppleCare availability should be confirmed on the individual product page.
#1 Best Overall
- The large 6.9-inch display combines ProMotion 120Hz technology with advanced color calibration, giving movies, games, and productivity apps a spacious, crisp, and fluid visual experience that’s ideal for multitasking or immersive media consumption.
This is not the lowest price, but the premium can be worthwhile if you value Apple support, predictable returns, an unlocked phone, and a clearly defined warranty. Inventory may vary by color and storage.
Check Apple Certified Refurbished availability.
Best Buy refurbished: strong middle-ground value
Best Buy listings observed in August 2026 included refurbished-excellent, fully unlocked 256GB models around $839.97–$854.97. Observed 512GB listings were approximately $934.99–$939.97, while 1TB listings were roughly $973–$989.99.
That pricing can make Best Buy a compelling alternative to Apple Certified Refurbished. However, “refurbished excellent” is not automatically the same as Apple Certified Refurbished. Check the individual listing for the seller, refurbishment standard, battery-health terms, parts policy, warranty, included accessories, and return window.
Check Best Buy’s current iPhone 16 Pro Max listings.
Rank #2
- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
- There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length. There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length.
- This product will have a battery which exceeds 90% capacity or higher relative to new.
- Accessories will not be original, but will be compatible and fully functional. Product may come in generic Box.
- This product is eligible for a replacement or refund within 1 year of receipt if you are not satisfied.
Swappa and used marketplaces: lowest likely total price
Swappa’s August 17, 2026 price data showed average sale prices of approximately $761 for 256GB, $825 for 512GB, and $907 for 1TB. The reported low price was about $670, but the cheapest listing is not necessarily unlocked, high-battery-health, recently repaired, or covered by the strongest return protection.
A used 256GB phone around $700–$775 can be an excellent deal if it has a clean IMEI, good battery health, no Activation Lock, a reputable seller, and a meaningful return period.
Review Swappa’s price guide or browse current listings.
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One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchWhat the iPhone 16 Pro Max cost in 2024
Apple launched the iPhone 16 Pro Max in September 2024 with a starting price of $1,199 for 256GB. Preorders began September 13, 2024, and general retail availability began September 20, 2024. Storage options were 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB.
Rank #3
- The large 6.9-inch display combines ProMotion 120Hz technology with advanced color calibration, giving movies, games, and productivity apps a spacious, crisp, and fluid visual experience that’s ideal for multitasking or immersive media consumption.
- Titanium frame and reinforced edges provide a premium, durable build, reducing weight compared to stainless steel while enhancing grip and making the phone easier to handle during long sessions of video recording, gaming, or editing.
- Camera system designed for versatility and precision, including ultra-wide, wide, and telephoto lenses with improved low-light and macro capabilities, giving photographers and creators a broader range of expressive tools while maintaining sharp details across the frame.
- Advanced Action button offers customizable shortcuts, allowing quick access to features like capturing photos, launching apps, controlling accessibility tools, or activating automation tasks without interrupting your workflow.
- Audio and video performance optimized for creators, with spatial audio, improved microphones, and stabilized video recording, providing professional-quality sound and smooth footage whether recording content, streaming, or joining video calls.
See the reported launch pricing and dates.
Historical promotions should not be confused with today’s price:
- Instant discount: Reduces the amount paid for the phone immediately.
- Gift card: Adds store credit but is not cash and may require a purchase or activation.
- Trade-in subsidy: Includes value for the phone you surrender, which may be available elsewhere through a private sale.
- Carrier bill credits: Reduce future monthly payments but usually require an eligible plan and continued service.
For example, a 2024 Walmart promotion involving a $300 gift card did not change the iPhone 16 Pro Max’s $1,199 list price. Treat that as a historical promotion, not a current deal.
Read the historical promotion coverage.
Which storage size is the best value?
| Storage | Best for | August 2026 used-market average |
|---|---|---|
| 256GB | Most buyers | About $761 |
| 512GB | Frequent 4K video and large offline libraries | About $825 |
| 1TB | Professional video and unusually heavy storage use | About $907 |
Based on those averages, 512GB cost roughly $64 more than 256GB, while 1TB cost roughly $146 more. These are marketplace averages, not guaranteed offers, and condition differences can easily outweigh the storage premium.
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For most people, 256GB is the value choice. Choose 512GB if you regularly record 4K video, keep extensive offline media, or plan to retain the phone for several years. Choose 1TB mainly for professional video work or a very large local media collection.
Rank #4
- Premium Performance: Powered by the latest A18 Pro chip for ultra-fast performance, advanced AI features, seamless multitasking, and smooth gaming.
- Stunning 6.9" ProMotion Display: Super Retina XDR OLED display with adaptive 120Hz refresh rate for incredibly smooth scrolling and vibrant visuals.
- Pro-Level Camera System: Advanced 48MP main camera with enhanced zoom, Night mode, macro photography, and 4K Dolby Vision video recording.
- Accessories will not be original, but will be compatible and fully functional. Product may come in generic Box.
- Smartphone
Unlocked purchase versus a carrier promotion
An unlocked phone usually costs more upfront but keeps you free to use a low-cost MVNO or change carriers. A carrier promotion can be cheaper for someone already committed to the required plan, but a “free” phone is not necessarily a free phone.
Calculate the full cost this way:
Device payments + required service cost + activation fees + taxes + trade-in opportunity cost − bill credits − gift cards
For a fair comparison, calculate both the unlocked route and the carrier route over the entire 24- or 36-month credit period. Include the difference between your current plan and the required plan—not necessarily the entire plan price if you would keep service either way.
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Carrier-promotion risks
- A new line or qualifying switch may be required.
- The promotion may require an expensive unlimited plan.
- Trade-in condition and deadline rules can reduce or eliminate the advertised credit.
- Taxes may be charged on the phone’s full retail price.
- Credits may arrive over 24 or 36 months rather than immediately.
- Canceling service, changing plans, or paying off the device early can stop remaining credits.
- Activation, upgrade, or installment fees may apply.
Apple’s published carrier-offer terms illustrate these common restrictions, including bill-credit timing, taxes, eligibility requirements, and possible loss of credits after cancellation.
Best Value
- The larger 6.9-inch display enhances productivity and media consumption, giving extra room for multitasking, side-by-side apps, and immersive viewing without feeling unwieldy in hand.
- Camera improvements focus on ultra-wide performance, capturing more detail at the edges of the frame and reducing distortion, making landscape shots, group photos, and architecture photography cleaner.
- Refined gesture controls and haptic feedback make interactions feel more precise, so scrolling, tapping, or switching between apps is smoother and more satisfying compared to previous Plus models.
- Audio enhancements optimize speaker output for spatial awareness, delivering clearer separation between instruments and voices in music, video playback, and FaceTime calls without relying on headphones.
- Durable yet lightweight materials balance heft and portability, with a subtly textured back and reinforced edges that improve grip while maintaining the premium appearance expected from the Plus series.
Read Apple’s carrier-promotion terms.
Buy unlocked when you may switch carriers, use an inexpensive MVNO, or cannot commit to the full credit period. Consider a carrier deal when you already want the qualifying plan and the calculated total is genuinely lower after trade-in value, taxes, fees, and plan costs.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Refurbished versus used: what are you paying for?
| Factor | Refurbished | Used marketplace |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Usually higher | Usually lowest |
| Condition consistency | Depends on the refurbisher and grade | Varies by seller and listing |
| Battery information | May include a guarantee, but verify it | Must be checked listing by listing |
| Warranty | Retailer or manufacturer warranty may apply | Seller or marketplace policy may apply |
| Returns | Often simpler through a major retailer | Varies substantially |
| Parts history | May be documented—or not | Must be investigated |
Labels such as “excellent,” “renewed,” “like new,” and “certified refurbished” are not interchangeable. Find out who performed the work, whether the battery was replaced or merely tested, whether non-genuine replacement parts may be present, who handles a warranty claim, and how long you have to return the phone.
How to verify a used or refurbished iPhone
- Confirm the carrier status. The listing should explicitly say unlocked if you need carrier flexibility.
- Check the exact model. Regional models can differ in cellular-band compatibility, so verify that the model supports your intended U.S. carrier.
- Verify the IMEI. Make sure the phone is not blacklisted, reported lost or stolen, or still subject to carrier financing.
- Confirm Activation Lock is disabled. You should not see another owner’s Apple Account during setup.
- Inspect the About screen. On the phone, open Settings → General → About and verify the model number, storage capacity, serial number, and carrier-lock status.
- Check battery condition. Open Settings → Battery → Battery Health & Charging. Do not assume a specific percentage unless the seller guarantees it in writing.
- Check repair history. Open Settings → General → About → Parts and Service History and review listed components.
- Test the hardware. Check Face ID, every camera, USB-C charging and data transfer, speakers, microphones, buttons, cellular service, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and MagSafe.
- Protect the return option. Confirm the return deadline before transferring data, removing protective film, or disposing of packaging.
- Document delivery. Photograph the device, serial number, condition, and packaging immediately after arrival.
Battery condition is one reason a $670 used listing can be much less valuable than a $929 Apple-refurbished unit. A lower price is worthwhile only when the condition and return risk are acceptable.
When should you buy the iPhone 16 Pro Max?
Buy now if you find an unlocked 256GB model below about $850 refurbished, a clean used unit around $700–$775, or Apple Certified Refurbished inventory near $929 and you value Apple’s warranty and support. The phone remains a sensible choice for buyers who specifically want its large display, long battery life, and Pro camera system.
Wait or compare newer models when the price approaches $1,000–$1,200, the device has weak warranty protection, or the deal requires a costly plan. At that level, compare the effective price of a newer iPhone model, including storage, camera, processor, battery, and carrier requirements. Current deal coverage has included promotions of up to roughly $1,000–$1,100 on newer iPhone models, although eligibility and terms vary.
Review current broader phone-deal context, then verify any specific offer directly with the seller or carrier.
Final checklist before checkout
- Is the phone actually factory-sealed, open-box, refurbished, or used?
- Is it unlocked, and does its model support your carrier?
- What are the battery-health terms?
- Who performed the refurbishment?
- What warranty applies?
- How long is the return window?
- Are taxes, shipping, activation, or upgrade fees included?
- Is the discount immediate, a gift card, a trade-in credit, or a delayed bill credit?
- For a carrier deal, what happens if you cancel, change plans, or pay off the phone early?
- Does the total price still beat a newer iPhone?
Prices and inventory change quickly. Treat every listed figure as a dated snapshot and confirm the final checkout terms before paying.
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Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
