iPhone 11 Explained: What It Really Costs in 2026

iPhone 11 Explained: What It Really Costs in 2026

So you’re looking at the iPhone 11. It’s 2026, and let’s be real—this phone is a legend, but it’s definitely showing its age. People keep asking how much is the iphone 11 right now because, honestly, it’s one of the cheapest ways to stay in the Apple ecosystem without resorting to a tiny SE screen.

The short answer? You can snag one for about $120 to $170 if you’re looking at used or refurbished models. But there is a huge "it depends" attached to that.

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Prices aren't what they used to be. A couple of years ago, you might have found these in carrier "buy one get one" deals, but today, the iPhone 11 has moved almost entirely to the secondary market. If you try to find one brand new, you're mostly looking at dusty boxes in the back of a prepaid carrier store or weirdly expensive "new old stock" listings on eBay that aren't really worth the premium.

Why Everyone Is Still Asking About the iPhone 11 Price

It’s about the software. Apple just pushed out iOS 26.2, and surprisingly, the iPhone 11 is still on the list of supported devices. That is insane for a phone that came out in 2019. Because it still gets security patches and the latest (well, most of the latest) features, it hasn't hit that "zero value" floor that old Android phones usually hit after three years.

But let's talk real numbers. If you're browsing sites like Swappa or Back Market today, here is what the market looks like:

  • 64GB Model: This is the baseline. You’ll see these for as low as $118 in "fair" condition. If you want one that doesn't look like it was dragged behind a car, expect to pay closer to $140.
  • 128GB Model: This is the sweet spot. Honestly, 64GB is tiny for 2026 apps. You can find these for roughly $165 to $190.
  • 256GB Model: These are becoming rarer. Collectors or power users (if you can be a power user on a 7-year-old phone) are paying around $210 to $240.

It's kinda wild that a phone this old still holds onto $150 of value. Compare that to a mid-range phone from three years ago that might be worth $40 now. Apple's resale value is basically a cheat code.

The Condition Trap: What to Watch For

When you're hunting for a deal, the price tag isn't the only thing that matters. Battery health is the elephant in the room. An iPhone 11 with its original battery from 2019 is probably sitting at 75% capacity by now. That means it’ll die by lunchtime.

If you see an iPhone 11 for $100, check the battery health. If it’s low, you’re going to spend another $89 at the Apple Store (or maybe $50 at a local repair shop) to get a new one. Suddenly, that $100 bargain is a $190 headache.

Then there's the screen. The iPhone 11 uses an LCD panel, not the fancy OLEDs found on the 11 Pro or the newer iPhone 15s and 16s. It's durable, but the blacks aren't as deep and it's not as bright in direct sunlight. If you're coming from a newer phone, it'll look a bit "off" to you. But for a kid's first phone or a backup? It’s totally fine.

Trade-In Values are Tanking

If you have an iPhone 11 and you're wondering what it's worth toward a new iPhone 17 or whatever is out now, don't get your hopes too high.

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Apple’s official trade-in value is currently capped at $100. Some carriers like AT&T or Verizon might give you more—sometimes up to $350 in "bill credits"—but that usually requires you to sign up for a massive, expensive unlimited plan. If you're just selling it for cash, companies like SellCell or BankMyCell are hovering around the **$103 to $125** mark for a 64GB unit in good shape.

Is It Still Worth Buying?

Honestly, it’s getting tough to recommend the 11 over the iPhone 12.

The iPhone 12 introduced 5G and the OLED screen. In 2026, 4G LTE is starting to feel a bit congested in major cities. The iPhone 11 is a 4G-only device. If you live in a rural area, you won't care. If you're in NYC or London, you'll notice the slower data speeds compared to a 5G device.

But look, if your budget is strictly under $150 and you refuse to use Android, the iPhone 11 is the king of that price bracket. It still has Face ID. The cameras still take great daylight photos. And it doesn't feel like a toy.

Practical Steps for Buyers

If you’re ready to pull the trigger, don't just buy the first one you see on Facebook Marketplace.

First, verify the IMEI. Make sure the phone isn't iCloud locked or reported stolen. If the seller won't give you the IMEI, walk away.

Second, check the "Parts and Service History" in the settings. With iOS 26, the phone will tell you if the screen or battery was replaced with a non-genuine part. This is a huge leverage point for price negotiation. A non-genuine screen usually has worse touch response and weird colors.

Third, target the 128GB version. Seriously. System data and basic apps like TikTok and WhatsApp will eat 40GB before you even take your first photo. 64GB is a recipe for "Storage Full" notifications every three days.

Lastly, look for refurbished "Excellent" condition from big retailers like Amazon or Walmart. They usually give you a 90-day window to return it if the battery is junk or the speakers are muffled. Private sellers are "sold as-is," which is a gamble when the hardware is this old.

The iPhone 11 is entering its twilight years, but it’s still a workhorse. Just don't overpay for one—anything over $200 for a base model is a ripoff in today's market.