If you’re hunting for an iPhone 8 right now, you aren't looking for the latest AI gadgets or a camera that can see the moon. You're probably looking for a "burner," a first phone for a kid, or maybe you just really miss having a physical home button that actually clicks.
Honestly, the market for these things is wild. Since it’s 2026, we’ve moved way past the days when you could walk into a carrier store and grab one of these on a plan. Now, it’s all about the used and refurbished market.
But how much will cost iPhone 8 today?
The short answer is: not much. You can pick one up for the price of a decent dinner for two. Specifically, a standard iPhone 8 in decent shape is hovering between $50 and $95. If you want the larger iPhone 8 Plus, you’re looking at more like $110 to $145.
The Real Price Breakdown
Price depends entirely on where you look and how much "character" (scratches) you’re willing to live with.
On sites like Back Market or Gazelle, a "Fair" condition 64GB iPhone 8 starts right around $98.99. If you want it to look "Mint" or "Excellent," the price jumps to about $115.
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Private sellers on eBay or Facebook Marketplace are where the real basement prices live. I’ve seen some go for as low as $45, but you’re gambling on the battery health.
Here is what you’ll likely pay for different storage sizes:
- 64GB: This is the most common. Expect to pay $50 to $90.
- 128GB: A bit rarer since it was a mid-cycle addition. Usually sits around $100.
- 256GB: The heavy hitter. These still command a premium, often hitting $125 or more.
Why Is It So Cheap?
Apple officially stopped supporting the iPhone 8 with major iOS updates a while ago. It’s stuck on iOS 16.
While Apple still occasionally pushes out a security patch—like the ones we saw in late 2025—it won’t run iOS 18, 19, or the current iOS 26. This is the biggest factor in the price drop. It’s basically a legacy device.
Because it can't run the latest software, some apps are starting to break. Your banking app might work today, but by this time next year? It might require a newer version of iOS that the 8 just can’t handle.
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The Hidden Cost: Battery Replacement
If you buy an iPhone 8 for $60, you might actually be buying a $120 phone. Why? Because the battery is likely toast.
These phones came out in 2017. Even the "newest" ones sold were manufactured years ago. Lithium-ion batteries degrade. If the battery health is below 80%, the phone will feel sluggish.
Replacing a battery at an independent shop usually costs around $50 to $70. If you're handy, you can get a DIY kit for $25, but it’s a finicky job.
iPhone 8 vs. iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd Gen)
Before you drop $100 on an iPhone 8, look at the iPhone SE (2020). It looks identical. Same home button, same screen size, but it has the A13 chip.
In 2026, the SE 2nd Gen is only about $20 to $30 more than the iPhone 8. That small extra investment buys you a phone that can actually run newer apps.
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The iPhone 8 is great for:
- Making calls and texting.
- Using as a dedicated music player in the car.
- A basic "emergency" phone in the glovebox.
- Kids who might drop it in a toilet.
It is not great for:
- High-end gaming.
- TikTok or heavy social media (it gets hot fast).
- Photography in low light.
What's the Trade-in Value?
If you currently own an iPhone 8 and want to get rid of it, don't expect a windfall. Apple Trade In currently offers up to $40 for a standard 8 and $50 for an 8 Plus, assuming they aren't cracked.
Third-party buyback sites like BankMyCell might give you a few dollars more, but usually, they’ll offer around $18 to $30 for a base model. Honestly, at that point, it’s almost worth keeping as a backup.
Smart Buying Tips for 2026
- Check the IMEI: Before paying, make sure the phone isn't iCloud locked or reported stolen.
- Test the Home Button: This is the most common part to fail. If Touch ID doesn't work, the resale value is basically zero.
- Screen Quality: Watch out for "aftermarket" screens. They usually have a weird blue tint and don't feel as smooth as the original Apple glass.
- Carrier Status: An "Unlocked" phone is always worth about $20 more than one locked to a specific carrier.
The iPhone 8 was a tank of a phone. It survived the transition from the old design to the "X" era, and even now, the build quality feels more premium than many budget Androids. Just know that when you buy one, you're buying a piece of history that's slowly losing its connection to the modern App Store.
Next Steps for Buyers
If you've decided to pull the trigger, check Swappa first. They verify listings better than eBay, and the average sale price for an iPhone 8 there has stabilized at $86 for a 64GB model. If that's too high, look for "Local Pickup" deals on Marketplace where you can test the battery health in person before handing over any cash. Always verify that the "Find My iPhone" feature is turned off before you leave the seller.