You’re probably looking at your aging phone right now and wondering if the jump to titanium is finally worth the cash. Honestly, the market for the iPhone 15 Pro has shifted wildly since it first hit shelves. It’s no longer the shiny new toy on the pedestal; it’s the savvy "value pick" for people who want Pro-level features without the four-figure price tag.
But here is the thing.
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Apple doesn't sell it new anymore. Once the iPhone 16 and 17 series rolled out, the 15 Pro was quietly ushered off the official storefront to make room for the new kids. This means the answer to how much is the iphone 15 pro depends entirely on how much you trust a stranger on the internet or how picky you are about a scratch on the bezel.
The Real-World Price Tags Right Now
If you are hunting for a deal today, you are looking at two very different worlds: the refurbished market and the "as-is" used market.
On platforms like Swappa or eBay, you can find a base 128GB iPhone 15 Pro for as low as $398 if you don't mind a few scuffs. If you want something "Excellent" or "Mint," expect that price to jump closer to $530. Most people end up landing somewhere in the middle.
Here is a quick breakdown of the average used prices seen this January:
- 128GB: Usually floats around $490 to $530.
- 256GB: Settles in near $550.
- 512GB: A bit of a jump to $580.
- 1TB: The big ones still command $615 to $750.
It is kind of wild to think these started at $999 just a couple of years ago. You’re basically looking at a 50% discount for a phone that still supports Apple Intelligence and has that Action Button everyone was talking about.
Why the 256GB Model is the Sweet Spot
I’ll be real with you—buying the 128GB model in 2026 is a gamble. With ProRAW photos and 4K video, that space vanishes fast. Since the price gap between the 128GB and 256GB is often less than $40 on the used market, it’s a no-brainer. You get double the storage for the price of a decent dinner out.
Buying Refurbished vs. Used
There is a huge difference between "used" and "refurbished." If you go through Apple’s official refurbished store, you might still find a 15 Pro for around $750 to $820. That sounds expensive, right? Well, you're paying for a brand-new battery, a new outer shell, and a full one-year warranty.
Third-party refurbishers like Back Market or Gazelle are cheaper, often starting around $460. They won't give you the Apple warranty, but they usually offer their own 12-month protection.
The "Used" market (think Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist) is the Wild West. You can score a 15 Pro for $400 if you’re lucky, but you have no protection if the OLED screen starts flickering three days later. Always check the battery health in Settings before handing over any cash. If it's below 85%, factor in the cost of a $99 battery replacement at the Apple Store.
The Trade-In Reality Check
If you are trying to offload your current phone to lower the cost of a 15 Pro, don't expect a windfall. Apple has been aggressively cutting trade-in values.
As of this week, an iPhone 15 Pro in good condition will only net you about $380 in credit at the Apple Store. If you're trading in an even older model, like an iPhone 13, you might only get $180. You’re almost always better off selling your old phone privately on a site like Swappa and using that cash to buy your "new" 15 Pro.
Is it Still Worth the Money?
In a word: Yes.
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The iPhone 15 Pro was the first to use the A17 Pro chip. That matters because it’s the "floor" for Apple Intelligence features. While older phones are getting left behind, the 15 Pro is still firmly in the loop. It’s got the USB-C port, which makes life a thousand times easier than hunting for a Lightning cable.
What You Give Up
You aren't getting the dedicated Camera Control button found on the 16 and 17 series. You also miss out on the slightly larger screens of the newer Pro models. But honestly? Most people won't notice. The titanium frame on the 15 Pro feels just as premium today as it did at launch.
How to Get the Best Price
Prices fluctuate based on the day of the week and even the color. For some reason, "Blue Titanium" often sells for $15–$20 less than the "Natural Titanium" because everyone wants that raw metal look.
- Check Swappa first. They have the most transparent pricing and verify the devices aren't stolen.
- Monitor "Open Box" at Best Buy. Sometimes they have 15 Pros that were returned within 14 days and they mark them down significantly.
- Carrier Deals. Some smaller carriers like Mint or Boost still have leftover stock and might bundle it with a cheap monthly plan.
Actionable Next Steps
Before you buy, go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health on your current phone. If you are above 88%, you might be able to hold out for another few months until the next iPhone announcement, which usually triggers another price drop for the 15 Pro series. If you're ready to buy now, head over to a reputable reseller like Back Market or Swappa to compare "Excellent" condition listings against your local Facebook Marketplace prices to ensure you aren't overpaying for a device without a warranty.