You’re staring at a screen, probably one that’s cracked or lagging, and you're wondering if the legendary iPhone 11 is finally cheap enough to be your next "new" phone. It’s 2026. The tech world is obsessing over the iPhone 17 and its "Liquid Glass" design, but your bank account is whispering a different story.
Honestly? You aren't alone.
The iPhone 11 has become the ultimate "survivor" in the Apple ecosystem. It’s that rugged, reliable workhorse that just refuses to quit, even when its younger, flashier siblings are demanding thousand-dollar sacrifices. But the market has changed. Buying one today isn't like buying one in 2020.
how much is iphone 11 right now?
If you're looking for a quick number, here it is: you can generally find a used or refurbished iPhone 11 for somewhere between $140 and $250.
That’s a massive range. Why? Because a 64GB model that's lived its life without a case on a construction site isn't worth the same as a pristine 256GB unit from a certified refurbisher.
Prices fluctuate daily. Just this week on platforms like Swappa and Back Market, we've seen 64GB units dip as low as $118, while "Excellent" condition 256GB models still command upwards of $320. It’s a bit of a Wild West out there.
Condition is everything.
If you're hunting on eBay, you might see "Heavy Scratch" units for $130, but if you want something that looks like it just came out of the box, Best Buy's "Pre-Owned Excellent" stock is hovering closer to $219.
The Storage Trap: 64GB vs. 128GB
Don't just look at the lowest price.
Seriously.
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The 64GB model is the cheapest, usually starting around $140. It sounds like a steal until you realize that iOS 26 and a handful of 4K videos will eat that storage for breakfast. You'll be playing "delete the apps I love" by day three.
Spending the extra $30 to $50 to jump up to the 128GB version—which typically settles around $185 to $210—is the smartest move you can make. It’s the difference between a phone you use and a phone you manage.
The 256GB models are rarer now. They stay high, often around $240 to $260, because people who bought them originally tended to keep them longer.
Where you buy determines what you actually pay
Buying from a "guy on Facebook" is the cheapest route, but it's also the scariest. You might get a phone for $120, but you might also get a device with a third-party screen that doesn't support Face ID or a battery that dies if you look at it funny.
| Marketplace | Typical Price (64GB) | The Vibe |
|---|---|---|
| Apple Certified Refurbished | $299+ | Basically new, new battery, one-year warranty. |
| Back Market | $174 - $185 | Solid middle ground, comes with a warranty. |
| eBay / Swappa | $140 - $160 | Great deals, but you have to check the seller's history. |
| Best Buy | $219 | Reliable, easy returns, usually "Excellent" condition. |
Most people are gravitating toward Amazon Renewed or Back Market because they offer a 90-day to one-year window to realize you've made a mistake. That peace of mind has a price tag, usually about $40 more than a private sale.
Is it still "supported" in 2026?
This is the big question. Nobody wants a brick.
Surprisingly, the iPhone 11 is still alive and kicking. It officially supports iOS 26, which Apple launched late last year. This is a big deal. It means you still get the latest security patches, the new "Liquid Glass" UI tweaks, and—most importantly—your banking apps won't stop working.
But we're nearing the end of the road.
Experts at places like Mobile Klinik suggest that while the 11 is supported now, it's likely in its final year or two of major updates. If you buy it today, you're buying a device that’s at the peak of its value-to-utility curve. After this, it starts to slide into "vintage" territory.
The hidden cost: The Battery
The iPhone 11 is an old soul. If you're buying a used one that hasn't been refurbished, the battery is probably tired.
Apple’s lithium-ion batteries are rated for about 500 full charge cycles before they drop below 80% capacity. An iPhone 11 from 2019 or 2020 has likely seen double that.
If you see a listing where the battery health is 72%, factor in another $89 for a professional battery replacement at the Apple Store. Suddenly, that $130 "deal" costs over $200.
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Look for sellers who explicitly state "New Battery" or "Battery Health 90%+." It's worth the premium.
Trade-in values: What if you're selling?
Maybe you aren't buying. Maybe you're looking to get rid of that old 11 in your drawer.
Don't expect a windfall.
If you take it to Apple, they’ll likely offer you a measly credit or just offer to recycle it for free. However, third-party sites like BankMyCell show that a 128GB iPhone 11 in "Good" condition can still fetch about $141 in cash.
If your screen is cracked? You're looking at $50, tops. It’s almost better to keep it as a dedicated music player for your car at that point.
The "Should You?" Factor
Kinda depends on what you need.
If you're a student who just needs a phone that works, snaps decent photos (the Night Mode on the 11 is still surprisingly good), and won't make you cry if it gets stolen at a party, the iPhone 11 is a win.
But if you care about 5G, stop right here. The iPhone 11 doesn't have it. In 2026, 4G LTE is still fine for most things, but you’ll feel the slowdown if you're trying to download large files in a crowded stadium.
If you can stretch your budget by just $50, the iPhone 12 offers a better OLED screen and 5G. But for many, that $150 price point for the 11 is the sweet spot they can't ignore.
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How to get the best deal
- Check the IMEI: Before handing over cash, check the IMEI number on a site like IMEI.info to make sure it isn't blacklisted or stolen.
- Test Face ID: It’s the first thing to break if the screen was replaced by a cheap repair shop. If Face ID doesn't work, the phone is worth significantly less.
- Brightness Test: Turn the brightness all the way up and check for yellowing or "ghost" images on the LCD.
- Carrier Lock: An "Unlocked" phone is always worth more than one tied to AT&T or Verizon. Always.
Buying an iPhone 11 in 2026 is basically a gamble on longevity. You’re betting that the A13 Bionic chip has one more good year of heavy lifting left in it. For most casual users, that bet usually pays off.
Next Steps for Your Purchase
First, verify your current budget and decide if you need 5G; if you do, skip the 11 and look at the iPhone 12. If 4G is fine, go to a reputable site like Back Market or Swappa and filter specifically for 128GB models with "Good" or "Excellent" condition ratings to ensure you get a usable battery. Finally, once you receive the device, immediately check the Battery Health in Settings to confirm it matches the seller's description before the return window closes.