You’re looking at a phone that came out back when everyone was obsessed with fidget spinners. It feels like a lifetime ago, right? But even in 2026, people are still hunting for this specific model. Maybe you want a "burner" for music at the gym, or perhaps you're trying to get a kid their first device without spending a mortgage payment.
Honestly, the price is all over the map. You can find one for the cost of a fancy steak dinner, or you might see "refurbished" listings that feel a bit steep for a device this old.
how much does a iphone 8 cost in 2026?
If you're looking for the short answer, here it is: you should expect to pay anywhere from $60 to $130.
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That's the basic range. If you go on Swappa or eBay right now, you'll see "Fair" condition units—usually with some scratches on the glass or a dings on the aluminum frame—hovering around $61 to $75. If you want something that looks like it just came out of the box (or as close as an eight-year-old phone can), you're looking at $110 to $125 for an "Excellent" or "Mint" condition 64GB model.
Storage matters too. A 256GB version is naturally going to cost you more, usually landing around $115 to $135.
It’s wild to think this phone originally retailed for $699. Now, it’s basically pocket change in the tech world. But remember, the price you pay upfront isn't always the "real" cost.
Breaking down the price by storage
- 64GB: The most common. You’ll find these for about $85 on average.
- 128GB: This was the "sweet spot" later in its life. Harder to find now, usually around $100.
- 256GB: The heavy hitter. Expect to pay about $115 or more.
Why the price fluctuates so much
Condition is king.
A cracked back glass (which is super common on the 8 because of that early wireless charging design) will tank the value. You might find a cracked one for $30, but then you’re dealing with glass shards in your thumb. Not worth it.
Battery health is the other big one. If the battery capacity is below 80%, the phone will probably throttle. It'll feel slow. It'll die by lunch. A phone with 95% battery health is easily worth $20 more than one at 78%.
Then you’ve got the carrier situation. "Fully Unlocked" phones—the ones that work on Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile—always command a premium. If you buy a phone locked to a specific carrier, it might be cheaper, but you’re stuck.
The "Hidden" Costs of an iPhone 8
Let's be real for a second. Buying the phone is only half the battle.
Since the iPhone 8 is vintage at this point, you’re almost certainly going to need a new battery. Apple charges about $69 for a battery replacement if you go through official channels. Third-party shops might do it for $40, but you run the risk of getting a "non-genuine" part warning in your settings.
There’s also the software issue.
The iPhone 8 is stuck on iOS 16. It didn't get iOS 17, 18, or the brand new iOS 26 that just dropped. This means you aren't getting new features. More importantly, some apps—especially banking apps or high-end games—might stop working in the next year or two because they require a newer operating system.
Is it actually worth the money?
It depends on what you need it for.
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If you just need a phone that makes calls, sends iMessages, and plays Spotify, the iPhone 8 is a steal. It has Touch ID, which some people (including me) still prefer over Face ID. It’s small. It fits in a pocket. It feels solid.
But if you want to take "Pro" level photos or play the latest mobile games, you're going to be disappointed. The 12MP camera is "fine" in daylight, but it's pretty grainy at night.
Better alternatives if you have an extra $50
- iPhone SE (2nd Gen): Looks exactly like the 8 but has a faster chip. Usually costs around $130-$150.
- iPhone SE (3rd Gen): This one has 5G and will be supported by Apple for years. You can find these for about $180-$200 now.
Trading in your old iPhone 8
If you already own one and you're looking to sell, don't expect a windfall. Apple's official trade-in value for an iPhone 8 in 2026 is roughly $40.
Third-party sites like Gazelle or Decluttr might give you a few bucks more if it's in perfect shape, but honestly, it’s often worth more as a backup device in your junk drawer than the $40 cash.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check the Battery Health: If you're buying used, ask the seller for a screenshot of Settings > Battery > Battery Health. If it's under 85%, factor in the cost of a replacement.
- Verify the IMEI: Ensure the phone isn't iCloud locked or reported stolen. Most reputable sellers on Swappa or eBay Refurbished do this for you.
- Stick to 64GB+: Don't even look at the older models with lower storage if you find them. System data alone eats up half the space these days.
- Compare with the SE: Before you pull the trigger on a $120 iPhone 8, check if there's an iPhone SE 2nd Gen for $140. That $20 gets you a much longer lifespan.