Best Old iPhone to Buy: Which Used iPhone Is Still Worth It?
The best old iPhone to buy for most people is the iPhone 13, because it is fast, has 5G and good battery life, and will keep getting iOS updates for years. On a tighter budget the iPhone 12 is the minimum we recommend, and if you can spend more, the iPhone 14 Pro Max or iPhone 15 Pro Max gives a near-flagship experience. The iPhone 11 is the oldest model that still gets the latest iOS, but its support will end soonest.
Updated 26 October 2026
What is the oldest iPhone that is still good?
iOS 27, the current version in 2026, supports the iPhone 11 and every newer iPhone. That makes the iPhone 11 the oldest iPhone that still runs the latest software. It works well for WhatsApp, calls, YouTube and social media, and its camera is still decent in daylight.
However, as the oldest supported model it is the most likely to be dropped in a future iOS version, it has no 5G and an LCD screen, and many units on the market have weak batteries. That is why we treat the iPhone 11 as a budget option and the iPhone 12 or 13 as the sensible starting point for a used iPhone in Pakistan.
Best used iPhone by budget
- Lowest budget: iPhone 11 (iPhone 11) or iPhone 12 (iPhone 12). The 12 adds an OLED screen, 5G, MagSafe and the flat-edge design.
- Best value: iPhone 13 (iPhone 13). Better battery than the 12, the A15 chip and Cinematic video mode.
- Upper mid budget: iPhone 14 (iPhone 14) or iPhone 15 (iPhone 15). The 15 brings USB-C, the Dynamic Island and a 48MP main camera.
- Premium used: iPhone 13 Pro Max (iPhone 13 Pro Max), iPhone 14 Pro Max (iPhone 14 Pro Max) or iPhone 15 Pro Max (iPhone 15 Pro Max). Big screens, 120Hz ProMotion, telephoto lenses and the longest battery life of their generations.
Current prices for each model are on its page, and you can browse all on Non PTA iPhone (iPhone Prices).
Storage matters on a phone you plan to keep: choose 128GB as a minimum, and 256GB if you record a lot of 4K video or keep WhatsApp media.
Which iPhone is best: 13, 14 or 15?
The iPhone 13 and 14 look almost the same and have similar performance; the 14 adds Crash Detection, emergency SOS via satellite in supported countries and a slightly better front camera with autofocus. In Pakistan the 13 is usually the better value. The iPhone 15 is a bigger step: USB-C charging (one cable for your laptop and phone), the Dynamic Island, a 48MP main camera and a newer chip, so it will be supported longer.
If your budget allows the iPhone 15, it is the best choice of the three. If not, the iPhone 13 gives most of the experience for less. Read our iPhone 13 vs iPhone 14 comparison (iPhone 13 vs iPhone 14) for detail. All three have IP68 water resistance and Face ID, so the choice mostly comes down to charging port, camera and how long you want support.
Pro Max models: the best old iPhones for power users
For gaming, photography and battery, the older Pro Max models are excellent buys. The iPhone 13 Pro Max was the first with 120Hz ProMotion and still has one of the best battery lives of any iPhone. The iPhone 14 Pro Max adds the Dynamic Island, an always-on display and a 48MP main camera. The iPhone 15 Pro Max adds a titanium frame, the Action button, a 5x zoom camera, USB-C with faster transfers and Apple Intelligence support, which none of the older models get. Of all older iPhones, the 15 Pro Max will stay current the longest. The trade-off is weight and size: Pro Max phones are heavy for one-handed use, so try holding one before you decide.
Battery health and condition matter more than the model
A newer iPhone with a tired battery can be a worse buy than an older one with a fresh battery. Look for: - Battery health of 85% or higher; 90% or more is ideal. - Original screen and battery in Parts and Service History. - Matching IMEI on phone and box, and a clean PTA status on DIRBS. - No signs of opening or water damage.
Our used iPhone buying checklist (Used iPhone Buying Checklist for Pakistan) walks you through every check. Our iPhones are slightly used Non PTA units with 100% battery health.
What to avoid when buying an old iPhone
- iPhones older than the iPhone 11: they no longer get the latest iOS, and some apps will stop working on them.
- JV iPhones: carrier-locked phones made to accept local SIMs with an unofficial chip or software trick. They can stop working or be blocked. See iPhone JV vs PTA vs Non PTA (iPhone JV vs PTA vs Non PTA: What Each Term Really Means).
- 64GB models if you shoot lots of video; storage fills up fast.
- Phones with 'Unknown Part' warnings for the screen or battery, unless the price reflects it.
- Very cheap 'water pack' units with no checking period.
Best iPhone of all time?
Every Apple fan has a favourite. The original iPhone changed phones forever, the iPhone 4 introduced the Retina display, the iPhone X brought Face ID and the edge-to-edge screen, and the iPhone 11 is remembered for its long life. For a buyer today, though, the best old iPhone is the one that still gets years of updates at a good price, which is why the iPhone 13 and iPhone 15 Pro Max are our top picks. If you prefer a brand-new phone; see best iPhone to buy in Pakistan (Best iPhone to Buy in Pakistan). Every order has a 7-day checking warranty.
