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For most people, the iPhone 11 is the oldest iPhone worth buying in 2024. The iPhone XR, XS, XS Max and second-generation iPhone SE can run iOS 18, but they are sensible choices only when substantially cheaper, in unusually good condition, or needed for a specific use case. If you plan to keep the phone for several years, the iPhone 12 is a safer minimum—and the iPhone 13 is worth considering when the price gap is small.
The short answer
| Buying goal | Best choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Cheapest acceptable option | iPhone XR or iPhone SE (2nd generation) | Only if the battery is healthy and the price is far below an iPhone 11. |
| Oldest model most people should buy | iPhone 11 | Best balance of performance, cameras, battery prospects, price and remaining usefulness. |
| Better long-term minimum | iPhone 12 | Newer design, OLED display, 5G and MagSafe. |
| Best value when prices are close | iPhone 13 | Newer hardware and generally better battery endurance than the iPhone 12. |
“Oldest iPhone you should buy” can mean three different things:
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Apple iPhone 13, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed) | Unlocked | $262.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Apple iPhone 13, 128GB, Starlight - Unlocked (Renewed) | $270.95 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Apple iPhone 13, 128GB, Blue - Unlocked (Renewed) | $265.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Apple iPhone 12, 64GB, Black - Unlocked (Renewed) | $188.94 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Apple iPhone 13, 128GB, Pink - Unlocked (Renewed) | $273.00 | Buy on Amazon |
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- The oldest model compatible with the current major iOS release.
- The oldest model likely to remain comfortable and useful for several years.
- The oldest model that still makes financial sense after battery replacement and repair risk.
By the first definition, the answer is the iPhone XR or XS generation. By the second and third, the practical answer is the iPhone 11.
Which older iPhones support iOS 18?
Apple’s iOS 18 compatibility list includes the iPhone XR, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, the iPhone 11 series and newer models, plus the second- and third-generation iPhone SE.
#1 Best Overall
- 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.
- This product is eligible for a replacement or refund within 90 days of receipt if you are not satisfied.
- Product may come in generic Box.
The XR and XS are therefore the oldest iPhones that officially support iOS 18. That does not mean they receive every feature or will receive a particular number of future major updates. Apple notes that features and app behavior can vary by model, region, language and carrier. Compatibility is a useful screening test, not a complete buying recommendation.
Why the iPhone 11 is the practical minimum
The iPhone 11 is one generation newer than the XR and XS and uses Apple’s A13 Bionic chip rather than their A12 Bionic platform. It also offers a dual-camera system, better battery prospects than many heavily used 2018 phones and a large supply of used and refurbished units from which to compare condition.
That combination matters more than any single specification. A cheap XS may have a superior OLED display, but its battery could be heavily worn. An XR may cost less, but its single camera, LCD display, lack of 5G and age reduce its value as a long-term primary phone. If an iPhone 11 costs only modestly more, the newer model is usually the better financial decision.
This is a value judgment, not an Apple-stated support guarantee. Apple confirms compatibility; the recommendation reflects age, hardware, repair risk and likely used-market value.
When an iPhone XR or XS still makes sense
Buy an XR, XS or XS Max only when the discount is meaningful and the condition is verifiable. They can be reasonable for:
Rank #2
- 6.1" Super Retina XDR display. 5G Superfast downloads, high quality streaming
- Cinematic mode in 1080p at 30 fps. Dolby Vision HDR video recording up to 4K at 60 fps. 2X Optical zoom range
- A15 Bionic chip. New 6-core CPU with 2 performance and 4 efficiency cores. New 4-core GPU. New 16-core Neural Engine
- Up to 19 hours video playback. Face ID. Ceramic Shield front. Aerospace-grade aluminum
- A temporary or backup phone.
- A child or light user.
- A buyer who does not need 5G.
- Someone who accepts that iOS 18 may be its last major iOS generation.
- A buyer getting strong battery health or a reputable replacement battery at a low total cost.
The XR generally offers better battery life and lower prices. The XS and XS Max offer OLED screens, and the XS is more compact, but their premium launch status does not make them better used buys automatically. Prefer 128GB when available for a long-term primary phone; 64GB is more suitable for light use, a backup or short ownership.
The second-generation iPhone SE is a special case
The 2020 iPhone SE has the same A13 Bionic generation as the iPhone 11 and supports iOS 18. It is small, inexpensive and retains a Home button with Touch ID. For someone who specifically wants those traits, it can be a better choice than an XR or XS.
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Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Its compromises are substantial: a small battery, older LCD design, single rear camera and no 5G. For general-purpose use, choose an iPhone 11 instead when prices are comparable. Choose the SE 2 when compact size and Touch ID matter more than battery endurance and screen size.
When the iPhone 12 is worth the extra money
Move up to the iPhone 12 when the price difference is modest or you expect to keep the phone for several years. It adds:
- An OLED display instead of the iPhone 11’s LCD.
- 5G connectivity.
- MagSafe accessory support.
- A newer physical design.
- Likely longer useful life than the 2019 iPhone 11.
5G is not automatically better in every location. Its value depends on your carrier, coverage and plan. The iPhone 12 also should not be called “future-proof,” and its battery life is not necessarily better than the iPhone 11’s. Compare the total price and condition of both phones.
Rank #3
- 6.1" Super Retina XDR display. 5G Superfast downloads, high?quality streaming
- Cinematic mode in 1080p at 30 fps. Dolby Vision HDR video recording up to 4K at 60 fps. 2X Optical zoom range
- A15 Bionic chip. New 6-core CPU with 2 performance and 4 efficiency cores. New 4-core GPU. New 16-core Neural Engine
- Up to 19 hours video playback. Face ID. Ceramic Shield front. Aerospace-grade aluminum
Should you buy an iPhone 13 instead?
The iPhone 13 is often the better long-term purchase when its refurbished price is close to an iPhone 12. It has a newer processor generation, more remaining useful life and generally stronger endurance than the iPhone 12 mini—and typically better battery performance than the iPhone 12 as well.
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Do not automatically buy the newest model you can afford. Set a maximum budget, then compare the price gap, battery condition, storage, warranty and return protection. A clean iPhone 12 with a strong battery can be better value than a cosmetically rough iPhone 13, while a small premium for the 13 can be worthwhile for someone avoiding an early upgrade.
Models to avoid as a primary phone in 2024
Generally skip the iPhone X, XS, XS Max, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus and earlier models unless your needs are unusually limited. The iPhone 8 and earlier models are outside Apple’s iOS 18 compatibility list. They may still handle calls, texts or basic backup duties, but their age increases software, battery and repair risks.
An iPhone 11 Pro or Pro Max can be a good alternative when priced close to a regular iPhone 11 and fitted with a healthy battery. Otherwise, its OLED display and telephoto camera may not justify the higher repair risk of an older premium phone.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Used and refurbished iPhone checklist
1. Calculate the effective cost
Use this formula:
Effective cost = purchase price + likely battery replacement + likely repairs or accessories − the value of warranty and return protection.
Rank #4
- Fully unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US-Cellular, Cricket, Metro, etc.).
- Inspected and guaranteed to have minimal cosmetic damage, which is not noticeable when the device is held at arm's length.
- 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 charging cable that may be generic.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
A $150 phone with a failing battery may cost more than a $190 phone with a healthy battery and a meaningful return period.
2. Check battery health
On the phone, open Settings → Battery → Battery Health & Charging. Review Maximum Capacity, service recommendations and any performance-management message. On models and software that support the relevant history screen, also check whether the battery is genuine or unidentified.
These are practical buying guidelines, not Apple rules:
- 90% or higher: excellent for a used phone.
- 85–89%: usually acceptable.
- 80–84%: buy only with an appropriate discount and a replacement budget.
- Below 80%: generally reject unless a reputable replacement is included.
Apple warns that battery-health information may not be accurate when the battery cannot be verified as genuine. See Apple’s guidance on genuine iPhone batteries.
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Open Settings → General → About → Parts and Service History, where available. Apple says the information varies by model: the XR, XS, XS Max and second- and third-generation SE show battery history; the iPhone 11 shows battery and display history; iPhone 12 and later provide more extensive component information on applicable devices.
Best Value
- 6.1" Super Retina XDR display. 5G Superfast downloads, high?quality streaming
- Cinematic mode in 1080p at 30 fps. Dolby Vision HDR video recording up to 4K at 60 fps. 2X Optical zoom range
- A15 Bionic chip. New 6-core CPU with 2 performance and 4 efficiency cores. New 4-core GPU. New 16-core Neural Engine
- Up to 19 hours video playback. Face ID. Ceramic Shield front. Aerospace-grade aluminum
Heavily discount or reject a phone showing an Unknown Part warning, an unverified battery, Activation Lock, a carrier lock you cannot use, failed Face ID or Touch ID, water damage or unreliable charging. Details are in Apple’s Parts and Service History documentation.
4. Confirm ownership and unlocking
- Ask the seller to erase the phone.
- Start setup and confirm it reaches the normal language and Wi-Fi screen.
- Make sure it does not request the previous owner’s Apple Account.
- Match the IMEI with the listing and device information.
- Confirm the phone is unlocked and compatible with your carrier.
Do not treat screenshots as a substitute for testing the actual device.
5. Test the hardware
Check the display for dead zones, cracks, burn-in and touch lag. Test Face ID or Touch ID, every camera and autofocus, flash, microphones, speakers, charging, wireless charging where supported, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, cellular service, buttons, mute switch and the proximity sensor during a call. Confirm SIM or eSIM compatibility with your intended carrier.
6. Read the refurbishment terms
“Refurbished” is not a uniform standard. Confirm the battery-health minimum or guarantee, parts disclosure, cosmetic grade, unlocked status, warranty, return window, accessories and carrier compatibility. Apple, Back Market, Amazon Renewed and Swappa all serve different buying preferences, so compare the listing terms rather than relying on the label alone.
For battery service, check Apple’s battery-replacement page or contact an Apple Authorized Service Provider. Prices and parts availability vary by model and location. Apple also notes that hardware service for older products depends on whether a product is classified as vintage or obsolete and on regional parts availability.
Quick Recap
Best choice by buyer type
- Lowest budget: XR or SE 2 only with a large discount and a healthy battery.
- Best overall budget value: iPhone 11, preferably 128GB when affordable.
- Longest useful life: iPhone 12 or 13, depending on the price gap.
- Small phone: SE 2 for Touch ID and low cost; 12 mini only if compact size outweighs battery concerns.
- OLED display: iPhone 12, or an XS only at a particularly low price.
- Home button: second-generation SE.
- Better cameras: iPhone 11 or newer; choose a Pro model only when its condition and price justify it.
- Temporary phone: XR can work if inexpensive, unlocked and reliable.
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.
