Five years is an eternity in the smartphone world. In 2021, the iPhone 13 was the shiny new flagship everyone wanted. Fast forward to 2026, and the landscape looks completely different. We have "Liquid Glass" displays and the iPhone 17 is already standard kit. So, if you are sitting there wondering how much is an iphone 13 today, you aren't just looking for a number. You are probably trying to figure out if it is a steal or just a piece of tech history that should stay in a drawer.
The short answer is that the price has cratered, but it’s remarkably stable for a five-year-old device. Honestly, it’s one of the few older phones that still feels "modern" because it was the first year Apple really nailed the battery life and the smaller notch.
The Cold Hard Numbers: Current Market Prices
If you walk into a store today—well, a digital one, because Apple officially pulled these from their own shelves a while ago—you’re going to see a wide range. It is basically the Wild West of pricing right now.
Based on market data from early 2026, here is what you can expect to pay.
For a refurbished unit in "Good" condition, you are looking at roughly $245 to $275. If you want something that looks like it just came out of the box (Excellent or Mint condition), the price jumps closer to $310.
Storage matters. A lot.
The base 128GB model is the most common. You’ll find those all over sites like Swappa or Back Market for about $260 on average. If you need the 256GB version, expect to cough up another $40 or $50. The 512GB versions are rarer these days and usually hover around the $350 mark, but at that price, you’re starting to enter the territory where you might as well look at an iPhone 14 or 15.
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Why the iPhone 13 Price Still Holds Up
You might think a 2021 phone should be worth fifty bucks by now. Nope. Not this one. There are a few very specific reasons why the market hasn't let the 13 die yet.
First, the chip. The A15 Bionic was a beast. Even in 2026, it runs the latest version of iOS (iOS 26) surprisingly well. Sure, it doesn't have the fancy "Apple Intelligence" AI features that the new Pro models have, but for scrolling TikTok, answering emails, and taking photos of your dog, it doesn't lag.
Second, the hardware. The iPhone 13 was the last model before Apple started making huge architectural shifts in the base models. It has the same look as the 14 and isn't far off from the 15. If you put it in a case, most people can't even tell it’s five years old.
The Refurbished Gamble
Buying used isn't what it used to be. Back in the day, you’d meet someone in a parking lot and hope the screen didn't fall off. Now, most people go through certified refurbishers.
- Back Market: Currently starting at about $244.
- Swappa: Average sales are hitting around $261 for unlocked versions.
- Carrier Deals: Some prepaid carriers like Straight Talk or Total Wireless are still clearing out "New" old stock for as low as $199 if you commit to a few months of service.
The Trade-In Reality Check
If you already own one and want to know how much is an iphone 13 worth for a trade-in, I have some bad news. Apple just adjusted their trade-in values in January 2026.
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Right now, Apple will give you up to $180 for a standard iPhone 13. That’s it. It doesn’t matter if you have the 512GB version or the base model; they tend to flat-rate these older devices. You are almost always better off selling it privately if it’s in good shape. Third-party buyback sites like BankMyCell might give you closer to $210 if the phone is pristine and unlocked, but the window is closing fast as the iPhone 18 leaks start to heat up.
Is It Still "Good" in 2026?
We have to talk about the "software wall." Apple usually supports phones for about 6 or 7 years. The iPhone 13 is currently expected to get major iOS updates until at least 2027 or 2028. After that, you’ll get security patches, but you won't get the cool new features.
There is also the battery issue. If you buy a used one today, the battery health is likely in the 80% range. In 2026, apps are more power-hungry than they were in 2021. You might find yourself tied to a charger by 4:00 PM if you don't get the battery replaced. A fresh battery from Apple costs about $89, which you have to add to the purchase price if you want a reliable daily driver.
What Most People Get Wrong
People often confuse the iPhone 13 with the 13 Pro. There is a massive difference in the 2026 market. The Pro model has the 120Hz ProMotion display. Once you see that smooth scrolling, the standard iPhone 13 looks "choppy" by comparison. The Pro is still fetching nearly $400, which is a testament to how much people value that screen technology.
If you just need a phone that works, the base 13 is fine. But don't pay Pro prices for a standard model. Check the camera lenses—the Pro has three; the standard has two. Simple as that.
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Smart Next Steps for Buyers
Don't just click "buy" on the first $250 listing you see. There are levels to this.
If you are hunting for an iPhone 13 right now, start by checking the battery health. If the seller can't provide a screenshot showing it’s above 85%, keep walking. Replacing a battery is a hassle you don't want.
Next, verify the "unlocked" status. A phone locked to a carrier like AT&T or Verizon is worth significantly less because you can't just swap SIMs if you travel or switch plans.
Finally, compare the price to a refurbished iPhone 14. Sometimes the price gap is only $30. If you can get a 14 for $290, it is worth the extra cash just for the slightly better camera and the extra year of software support. But if you find a clean iPhone 13 for under $230, you’ve found the "sweet spot" of value for 2026.
Check the screen for "burn-in" or "ghosting," which can happen to OLED panels after five years of heavy use. If the screen looks slightly yellow or has a permanent shadow of the TikTok UI, pass on it. There are millions of these phones out there; you don't have to settle for a dud.