The Best iPhone Deals and Prices of 2023: Why Refurbished Was the Winner
2023 was a landmark year for iPhone pricing. With the launch of the iPhone 15 series in September, a domino effect created some of the best-ever deals on older, yet still incredibly powerful, devices. While new iPhone prices remained stubbornly high, the savvy shopper knew the real bargains were to be found in the certified refurbished market. The simple truth is: the second a new iPhone is announced, the prices of the previous generations drop significantly.
The iPhone Models That Saw the Biggest Drops
The best deals in 2023 were not on the iPhone 15, but on the models directly preceding it. These devices still offer top-tier performance but saw their prices plummet, especially from August through to the post-Christmas sales:
- The iPhone 14 Series: Launched in 2022, the iPhone 14 and 14 Plus saw major price drops (around 16% for the Pro models in the month of the 15 launch). This made the iPhone 14 Pro, with its powerful A16 Bionic chip and excellent camera, an absolute bargain for premium features.
- The iPhone 13 Pro: Even two years after its release, this model was still a powerhouse, featuring a stunning 120Hz ProMotion display. In 2023, its price in the refurbished market put it firmly in the mid-range bracket, offering flagship performance for a fraction of the original cost.
- The iPhone SE (3rd Gen): This model remained the best choice for anyone needing the fastest Apple processor and 5G in a compact, budget-friendly package. Its consistent low price made it the undisputed king of budget iOS devices.
Why Refurbished Ruled the Deals Landscape
Retailers offered some discounts on new models in 2023, but the biggest savings—often up to 60% compared to brand new—were consistently found by choosing refurbished. When you choose a certified refurbished iPhone, you are getting a device that has been professionally tested, cleaned, and often comes with a warranty, guaranteeing functionality without the steep cost.
This is the sustainable choice, too. By extending the life of a premium device, you are actively participating in the reduction of harmful e-waste.
Your Best Deal is a Smart Trade-In
Whether you were upgrading to a great-value refurbished device or simply clearing out your drawers in 2023, the first step to getting the best deal was turning unused tech into cash. Don’t let your old handset depreciate; you can get a quick, competitive cash quote when you sell your old iPhone to Envirofone. That cash can then be used to secure your next bargain!
To lock in the best combination of quality and price, the smartest move for consumers in 2023 was always to buy a quality refurbished iPhone—offering that premium Apple experience without the premium price tag.
