If you’re walking around with a cracked screen or a phone that dies by noon, you've probably asked: how much does the iphone 11 cost right now? Honestly, it’s one of the weirdest price points in the tech world. You’re looking at a phone that debuted back when everyone was obsessed with Tiger King, yet it’s still getting the latest iOS 26 updates today.
It's basically the "old reliable" of the Apple family.
The Raw Numbers: What You’ll Actually Pay
Don't expect to walk into an Apple Store and find a brand-new iPhone 11 sitting on the shelf next to the iPhone 17. Apple pulled the plug on selling these new quite a while ago. If you find a "new-in-box" unit on eBay or a random electronics site, they’re usually listed for around $499, but please, for the love of your wallet, don’t pay that. It's a total rip-off in 2026.
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The real action is in the refurbished and used markets. According to data from Swappa and Back Market as of January 15, 2026, the average entry price for a functional iPhone 11 is about $118.
Storage changes everything though. A 64GB model is the cheapest, often hovering between $120 and $160 depending on how beat up it is. If you want the 128GB version—which most people actually need so they don’t get those annoying "Storage Full" pop-ups—expect to shell out closer to **$172 to $210**. The 256GB "unicorn" models are harder to find but usually top out around $240.
Condition Matters More Than You Think
You’ll see three main tiers when shopping for a used iPhone 11:
- Fair Condition: It looks like it’s been through a war. Scratches on the screen, dents in the aluminum. You can snag these for as low as $115.
- Good/Excellent: Light wear, maybe a tiny scuff you can hide with a case. These usually sit right at that $160-$180 sweet spot.
- Mint/Certified Refurbished: These are basically like-new and often come with a 1-year warranty. Walmart and Best Buy often have these for around $180 to $240.
Why the iPhone 11 Cost Stays So Stubborn
You’d think a phone from 2019 would be worth five bucks and a sandwich by now. But it’s not. Why? Software support.
Apple is still pushing iOS 26 to the iPhone 11 series. That’s huge. It means the phone isn’t a security risk and it still runs modern apps like TikTok, Instagram, and even some heavy-duty mobile games. The A13 Bionic chip inside was so far ahead of its time that it’s still outperforming some brand-new budget Android phones sold today.
Another factor is the screen. The 6.1-inch Liquid Retina display is "only" LCD—not OLED like the newer ones—but it’s cheap to repair. If you drop an iPhone 11 and crack the glass, a local repair shop can usually fix it for under $80. Compare that to the $200+ you’d pay for an OLED screen on an iPhone 14 or 15.
Comparing the Family: Pro vs. Max
If the standard 11 isn't fancy enough, the Pro models have dropped significantly in price too. In 2026, the iPhone 11 Pro (the one with three cameras) starts at about $181 for a used unit in good shape.
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The massive iPhone 11 Pro Max is still a favorite for people who want a giant screen for movies but don't want to spend $1,000. You can find these for roughly **$183 to $225**. It’s kind of wild that the Pro Max is almost the same price as a high-capacity base model 11, but that’s the market for you. People value the newer battery health of the base models over the "pro" features of an older flagship.
Is It Still Worth Buying in 2026?
Here is the reality. If you have $150 to $200 and you need a phone that "just works," the iPhone 11 is a phenomenal choice.
But there’s a catch. 5G. The iPhone 11 doesn’t have it. It’s a 4G LTE device. In most cities, 4G is still plenty fast, but if you’re in a spot where 5G is the only thing that works well, you might feel the lag.
Also, keep an eye on battery health. These phones are getting older. When you buy one, check the "Battery Health" in settings. If it’s below 80%, you’re going to be tethered to a charger. Factoring in an extra $70 for a battery replacement might change the math on whether that "cheap" $120 phone is actually a deal.
Better Alternatives?
Before you pull the trigger, look at the iPhone 12. Prices have crashed recently, with refurbished units starting around $175. For an extra $50, you get 5G, a much better OLED screen, and a slightly faster processor. If you can swing the extra cash, the 12 is technically the better long-term investment.
Final Action Steps for Buyers
If you've decided the iPhone 11 is the right move for your budget, follow these steps to make sure you don't get burned:
- Check the IMEI: Before paying, ensure the phone isn't iCloud locked or reported stolen.
- Verify the Battery: Ask the seller for a screenshot of the battery health. Anything under 85% is a red flag for a device this age.
- Prioritize Unlocked Models: Even if you're on AT&T now, an "Unlocked" model has a higher resale value later and gives you more freedom.
- Use Trusted Platforms: Stick to sites like Swappa, Back Market, or eBay Refurbished which offer buyer protection. Avoid "as-is" listings on Facebook Marketplace unless you can test the phone in person.
The iPhone 11 remains a masterclass in longevity. While its days of being a "status symbol" are long gone, its life as a reliable, affordable workhorse is still very much in full swing.