Let’s be real for a second. It is 2026, and the tech world is obsessed with foldable screens, AI-integrated cameras, and phones that cost more than a used Honda Civic. Yet, here you are, asking about a phone that launched when "Despacito" was the biggest song on the planet.
Honestly? I respect it.
There is something incredibly charming about a phone that actually fits in your palm. No giant camera bumps. No notch. Just a solid piece of glass and aluminum with a home button that clicks (well, vibrates) like a dream. But if you’re looking to buy or sell one today, the math has changed quite a bit.
So, how much is an iphone 8 right now?
If you’re hunting for one, the short answer is: not much.
Currently, a standard iPhone 8 in decent shape is going for anywhere between $50 and $95.
Prices vary wildly depending on where you look. On sites like Swappa, you might snag a 64GB model for around $86, while the 256GB versions hover closer to $105. If you go to a site like Back Market, which usually includes a warranty, you’re looking at a starting price of roughly $98.
It’s basically the price of a really nice dinner for two.
But here is the catch. Most of these phones have been through the ringer. We’re talking nearly nine years of existence. You aren't just buying a phone; you’re buying a piece of history that likely needs a new battery.
The Trade-In Reality Check
If you happen to have one sitting in a drawer and you're hoping it’ll fund your next upgrade, I have some bad news. Apple won’t give you much. In fact, most official trade-in programs will offer you maybe $20 to $30, if they take it at all.
BankMyCell recently listed the trade-in value for a "good" condition iPhone 8 at a measly $31. The Plus model fares slightly better, occasionally hitting $75, but don’t expect to buy a new iPad with that change.
Why the Price is Bottoming Out
Technology moves fast, but software support is what eventually kills a device.
The iPhone 8 is officially "vintage" in Apple's eyes. It’s stuck on iOS 16. While the rest of the world is playing with the "Liquid Glass" design of iOS 26, the iPhone 8 is frozen in time.
What does that actually mean for you?
- Security: You aren't getting the latest patches. This makes the phone a bit of a sitting duck for newer vulnerabilities.
- Apps: Slowly but surely, developers are dropping support for iOS 16. You might find that your favorite banking app or a new game simply won't install.
- Speed: The A11 Bionic chip was a beast in its day, but modern websites and apps are bloated. It’ll feel a little sluggish compared to even a budget Android from last year.
The Hidden Costs of a $50 Phone
Buying an iPhone 8 for fifty bucks sounds like a steal until the battery dies while you’re mid-text.
Most used units you find today will have a "Battery Health" percentage in the low 80s or 70s. At that point, the phone starts "throttling." It slows itself down so it doesn't just shut off when you try to open Instagram.
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If you want to actually use the thing, you’ll probably need a battery replacement. Apple still does them, but it’ll cost you about $69. Third-party shops might do it for $45 or $50, but you run the risk of getting a "Non-Genuine Part" warning that stays on your lock screen forever.
Suddenly, your $50 phone is a $120 phone.
At that price point, you’re dangerously close to the cost of a used iPhone SE (2nd or 3rd Gen), which looks identical but has a much faster processor and longer software support.
Is anyone still buying these?
Surprisingly, yes.
People buy them for their kids as a "first phone." It’s cheap enough that if it gets dropped on a playground, nobody cries. I also see people using them as dedicated music players or for "distraction-free" devices where they don't load any social media.
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There's also a niche group of collectors looking for specific "Rare iOS" versions. An iPhone 8 running iOS 11 (its original software) can actually sell for more than a modern one because tech enthusiasts love to preserve the original experience.
Practical Next Steps
If you’re still dead-set on getting an iPhone 8 or trying to offload one, here is how to handle it:
- Check the Battery Health immediately. If you're buying from eBay or a local seller, ask for a screenshot of the Battery Health menu. If it's under 85%, factor in the cost of a replacement.
- Verify the IMEI. Use a free online checker to make sure the phone isn't iCloud locked or reported stolen. A "locked" iPhone 8 is literally a paperweight.
- Consider the iPhone SE instead. If you just love the home button and the small size, search for a Refurbished iPhone SE (2022). It’s significantly faster, has 5G, and will likely get updates for another few years.
- Don't trade it in to Apple. You'll get more money selling it on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist for $60 than you will from a corporate trade-in program.
The iPhone 8 was arguably the peak of "classic" iPhone design. It’s beautiful, it’s glass, and it works. Just don't expect it to keep up with the world of 2026 without a little bit of struggle.
Check your local listings on Swappa or Back Market to see the current hourly fluctuations, as prices for these older models can drop the moment a newer SE model is announced.