You're probably looking for a bargain. I get it. The world of tech moves so fast that sometimes we just want something that works without costing a literal month’s rent. If you're wondering how much is for an iphone 8 right now, you aren't looking at the hundreds anymore. Honestly, you're looking at the price of a decent dinner out or maybe a couple of weeks of high-end coffee.
In 2026, the iPhone 8 has officially entered its "legacy" phase. It’s the grandparent of the smartphone world—reliable, a bit slow on its feet, but still surprisingly capable for the right person.
The Real Price Tag Right Now
Let's cut to the chase. You can find a used iPhone 8 for anywhere between $30 and $95.
Why such a big range? Condition is everything. If you're okay with a screen that looks like it survived a gravel pit, you can snag one for $30 on eBay. But if you want something "Pristine" or "Excellent" from a site like Back Market or Gazelle, you’ll probably pay closer to **$100**.
- 64GB Models: These are the most common. Expect to pay about $70 for a decent one.
- 256GB Models: Harder to find. They usually hover around $115 because that extra storage actually makes the phone usable for more than just calls.
- The iPhone 8 Plus: If you want the bigger screen and the dual camera, the price jumps. You’re looking at $80 to $140 depending on the gigabytes.
I saw a listing last week on Swappa for a gold 64GB iPhone 8 in "Good" condition for exactly $68. That’s essentially the floor for a phone that isn't broken.
Is It Even Usable in 2026?
This is where things get a bit tricky.
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Apple stopped giving this phone major software updates a while ago. It’s stuck on iOS 16. While that might sound like ancient history since we’re now seeing iOS 26, it’s not as bad as you think. Most "essential" apps like WhatsApp, Instagram, and Gmail still support iOS 16 for now.
But—and this is a big but—the clock is ticking.
Developers eventually drop support for older operating systems to save themselves the headache of maintenance. You might find that a new banking app or a high-end game simply won't download. It’ll give you that annoying "Requires iOS 17 or later" message. If you just need a phone for texting, calls, and light browsing, you’re golden. If you want to play the latest mobile RPG, you're going to have a bad time.
The Battery Headache
When you buy a phone this old, the battery is almost certainly shot.
Lithium-ion batteries have a shelf life. Even if the seller says "100% battery health," they might have just popped in a cheap third-party replacement that will die in six months. A genuine battery replacement from Apple still costs around $69.
Think about that.
If you buy the phone for $70 and have to spend $69 on a battery, you’ve spent $139. At that point, you’re getting dangerously close to the price of a used iPhone SE (2nd or 3rd Gen), which is significantly faster and still gets security updates.
Who Should Actually Buy This?
I wouldn't recommend this as a primary phone for most people. It's just too old. However, it’s perfect for very specific situations:
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- The "First Phone" for a Kid: If they drop it or lose it at the park, you aren't out a thousand bucks.
- The "Distraction-Free" Device: It's slow enough that you might actually spend less time scrolling TikTok.
- The Gym/Work Phone: If you work in construction or a job where phones go to die, an $80 iPhone 8 is a great sacrificial lamb.
- The Music Player: It makes a killer dedicated Spotify or Apple Music device for your car or home setup.
Honestly, the home button is the best part. There’s something deeply satisfying about a physical click that the new face-scanning iPhones just don't have. Touch ID is still fast. It still works when you’re wearing a mask or sunglasses. It's a classic for a reason.
Buying Guide: How to Not Get Scammed
If you’re determined to pick one up, don't just buy the first one you see.
First, check the IMEI. Ask the seller for it. You want to make sure the phone isn't blacklisted (reported stolen) or iCloud locked. If it's iCloud locked, it’s a paperweight. There is no way around it.
Second, look at the charging port. These old phones often have lint and gunk packed into the Lightning port. If the cable feels wiggly or doesn't click in, that's a repair bill waiting to happen.
Third, avoid the "Parts Only" listings unless you’re a hobbyist. A cracked screen on an iPhone 8 is cheap to fix, but the cost of the parts alone might be 50% of the phone's value.
Final Reality Check
The iPhone 8 was a beast when it launched in 2017. It survived the transition to the notch-era and stayed relevant way longer than anyone expected. But in 2026, we are reaching the end of the road.
If you find one for under $50 and the battery is okay, it’s a steal. If you’re looking at paying $150+, stop. Just don't do it. You can find an iPhone 11 or an SE 2022 for a little bit more, and those will last you years longer.
Next Steps for You
Before you hit "Buy" on that eBay listing, check the battery health percentage in the listing photos; if it’s below 80%, factor an extra $70 into your budget for a replacement. If the total exceeds $120, look for a refurbished iPhone SE (3rd Gen) instead to ensure you get modern security patches and better app compatibility.