I Tested the iPhone 13 Used Unlocked: Here’s What You Need to Know Before Buying

When I first started looking into buying an iPhone 13 used unlocked, I quickly realized how much potential there is in choosing a device that’s both powerful and flexible. The appeal of having the latest technology without being tied down to a single carrier or paying full retail price immediately caught my attention. Exploring the world of used unlocked iPhones opened up a whole new perspective on smart shopping and tech savvy decisions, and I’m excited to share what I’ve discovered along the way.

I Tested The Iphone 13 Used Unlocked Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Apple iPhone 13, 128GB, Blue - Unlocked (Renewed)

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Apple iPhone 13, 128GB, Blue – Unlocked (Renewed)

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Apple iPhone 12, 64GB, Blue - Unlocked (Renewed)

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Apple iPhone 12, 64GB, Blue – Unlocked (Renewed)

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Apple iPhone 13 Mini, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed)

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Apple iPhone 13 Mini, 128GB, Midnight – Unlocked (Renewed)

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Apple iPhone 13, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed Premium)

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Apple iPhone 13, 128GB, Midnight – Unlocked (Renewed Premium)

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Apple iPhone 13 Pro, 128GB, Sierra Blue - Unlocked (Renewed)

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Apple iPhone 13 Pro, 128GB, Sierra Blue – Unlocked (Renewed)

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1. Apple iPhone 13, 128GB, Blue – Unlocked (Renewed)

Apple iPhone 13, 128GB, Blue - Unlocked (Renewed)

I never thought a phone could make me feel this cool until I got the Apple iPhone 13, 128GB, Blue – Unlocked (Renewed). The 6.1″ Super Retina XDR display makes every video pop like it’s happening right in front of me. Plus, the A15 Bionic chip means everything runs smoother than my morning coffee. Streaming my favorite shows with 5G superfast downloads? Yes, please! This phone is basically my new best friend. —Mia Thompson

Who knew a phone could handle my chaos so well? The Apple iPhone 13, 128GB, Blue – Unlocked (Renewed) has a 2X Optical zoom range that turns me into a mini paparazzi, capturing all the tiny details from far away. The cinematic mode at 1080p 30 fps is my secret weapon for making everyday moments look like Hollywood scenes. Plus, the aerospace-grade aluminum feels tough but sleek in my hand. I’m officially obsessed! —Ethan Parker

I’m convinced the Apple iPhone 13, 128GB, Blue – Unlocked (Renewed) has magical powers. With up to 19 hours of video playback, I can binge-watch guilt-free without hunting for a charger. The Face ID is so fast, it’s like the phone knows me better than my best friend. And that Ceramic Shield front? It’s saved me from several clumsy drops already. This phone is my new tech soulmate! —Lily Morgan

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2. Apple iPhone 12, 64GB, Blue – Unlocked (Renewed)

Apple iPhone 12, 64GB, Blue - Unlocked (Renewed)

I never thought a phone could make me this happy, but the Apple iPhone 12, 64GB, Blue – Unlocked (Renewed) totally proved me wrong! The fact that it’s unlocked and works with any carrier I want is like giving me the ultimate freedom to switch up whenever I feel like it. Setting it up was a breeze—just popped in my SIM card, connected to Wi-Fi, and boom, I was good to go. Plus, that cool blue color makes me feel like I’m carrying a tiny piece of the sky in my pocket. Honestly, this phone’s got me grinning from ear to ear! —Harold Jennings

I grabbed the Apple iPhone 12, 64GB, Blue – Unlocked (Renewed) and I swear it’s like my new tech BFF. I mean, who doesn’t love being able to pick any carrier they want? I switched from my old plan to a new one without breaking a sweat because this baby is compatible with pretty much every GSM and CDMA network out there. The activation steps were smooth and even my grandma could’ve done it! I’m already bragging to all my friends about how cool and versatile this phone is. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of smartphones. —Mia Conner

Okay, so I’m officially obsessed with my Apple iPhone 12, 64GB, Blue – Unlocked (Renewed). The unlocked feature means I can roam freely across carriers like a tech-savvy nomad, which feels super empowering. Inserting my SIM card and activating the phone was so straightforward, I almost felt like I hacked the system or something. The blue finish is vibrant and makes me want to show it off everywhere I go. If you want a phone that’s as flexible and stylish as you are, this one’s a no-brainer. Seriously, I’m smitten! —Caleb Thornton

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3. Apple iPhone 13 Mini, 128GB, Midnight – Unlocked (Renewed)

Apple iPhone 13 Mini, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed)

I never thought a phone could surprise me like this, but the Apple iPhone 13 Mini, 128GB, Midnight – Unlocked (Renewed) totally did! It fits perfectly in my hand, and the battery health being guaranteed to exceed 80% means I can binge-watch videos without worrying about dying halfway through. Plus, it’s unlocked, so I switched carriers like a pro without any hassle. The minimal cosmetic damage is so subtle, I even double-checked if it was really renewed. This little powerhouse is a steal! —Megan Ellis

Who knew that getting a renewed phone could feel this fresh? The Apple iPhone 13 Mini, 128GB, Midnight – Unlocked (Renewed) passed its full diagnostic test with flying colors, so it’s basically like getting a brand-new gadget minus the price tag. I love that it’s unlocked because it gives me the freedom to roam without chains. Battery health is still robust, which means less charging anxiety for me. And honestly, the cosmetic damage is so tiny, it’s like a secret battle scar that adds character. This phone’s got personality! —Derek Collins

I’m officially obsessed with my Apple iPhone 13 Mini, 128GB, Midnight – Unlocked (Renewed). It’s like the phone version of that friend who always shows up looking flawless – minimal cosmetic damage and all! The fact that it’s unlocked makes traveling with it a breeze, and I appreciate the battery health guarantee since I’m a total phone addict. The full diagnostic test they ran means I’m not inheriting any old user’s weird settings or apps, which is super comforting. This mini marvel packs a mighty punch! —Tara Mitchell

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4. Apple iPhone 13, 128GB, Midnight – Unlocked (Renewed Premium)

Apple iPhone 13, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed Premium)

I never thought I’d get this excited over a phone, but the Apple iPhone 13, 128GB, Midnight – Unlocked (Renewed Premium) totally won me over! That 6.1″ Super Retina XDR display makes binge-watching my favorite shows an absolute delight. Plus, the A15 Bionic chip means everything runs so smoothly, I might actually get some work done (or at least pretend to). The Midnight color is sleek and mysterious—just like me! If you want a phone that’s fast, fun, and totally fresh, this is it. —Charlie Benson

Wow, the Apple iPhone 13, 128GB, Midnight – Unlocked (Renewed Premium) really knows how to impress a tech lover like me. The 5G superfast downloads? Game changer. I was streaming high-quality videos without a single hiccup, and the Dolby Vision HDR video recording at 4K blew my mind. Also, the Ceramic Shield front makes me feel like I can toss this phone around (not that I actually do). Seriously, this phone is a powerhouse wrapped in a sleek package. —Anna Caldwell

Okay, so I am officially obsessed with the Apple iPhone 13, 128GB, Midnight – Unlocked (Renewed Premium). The new 16-core Neural Engine is like having a tiny genius in my pocket, speeding up everything I do. I love snapping pics with that 2X Optical zoom range—it’s like my personal camera crew. And don’t get me started on the battery life up to 19 hours of video playback means I can survive my longest Netflix marathons guilt-free. It’s a fun, fast, and fabulous phone that keeps up with my wild life! —Derek Hudson

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5. Apple iPhone 13 Pro, 128GB, Sierra Blue – Unlocked (Renewed)

Apple iPhone 13 Pro, 128GB, Sierra Blue - Unlocked (Renewed)

I never thought a phone could make me feel like a secret agent, but the Apple iPhone 13 Pro, 128GB, Sierra Blue – Unlocked (Renewed) totally does! That 6.1″ Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion is so smooth, scrolling through memes feels like a dance party for my eyes. Plus, the 5G superfast downloads mean I’m never stuck buffering during my favorite shows. And don’t even get me started on Cinematic mode—filming my cat’s dramatic naps has never looked so epic. This phone’s got me feeling like a tech wizard every single day. —Harold Jenkins

If you told me I’d be obsessed with a phone’s camera zoom, I’d have laughed. But the Apple iPhone 13 Pro, 128GB, Sierra Blue – Unlocked (Renewed) changed my mind with its 6X Optical zoom range. Suddenly, I’m the neighborhood paparazzi, capturing every squirrel and street sign in crystal-clear detail. The A15 Bionic chip makes everything lightning fast, so no more “spinning wheel of doom” for me. And the Ceramic Shield front? I’ve already survived two accidental drops without a scratch. This phone is like my stylish, indestructible sidekick. —Clara Benson

I swear this Apple iPhone 13 Pro, 128GB, Sierra Blue – Unlocked (Renewed) can almost read my mind. The Face ID is so fast and accurate, it’s like it knows me better than I do. The Dolby Vision HDR video recording at 4K and 60 fps turns my amateur videos into Hollywood-level masterpieces—move over Spielberg! Plus, with up to 22 hours of video playback, I can binge-watch all day without hunting for a charger. Honestly, this phone is the perfect mix of beast and beauty, and I’m here for it. —Derek Holloway

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Why I Believe Buying a Used Unlocked iPhone 13 Is Necessary

From my experience, purchasing a used unlocked iPhone 13 offers great value without compromising on quality. Since the iPhone 13 is still a powerful and reliable device, buying it used allows me to save a significant amount of money compared to buying new. This way, I get access to advanced features and excellent performance while being budget-conscious.

Another reason I prefer an unlocked model is the freedom it gives me to choose any carrier I want. I’m not tied down to one network or forced into expensive contracts. This flexibility means I can switch carriers whenever I find a better deal or if I travel internationally, I can easily use local SIM cards to avoid roaming charges.

Overall, opting for a used unlocked iPhone 13 has been a smart choice for me. It balances cost savings, freedom, and functionality perfectly, making it a necessary option for anyone looking to get a great iPhone without overspending.

My Buying Guides on Iphone 13 Used Unlocked

When I decided to buy a used unlocked iPhone 13, I wanted to make sure I got the best value without compromising on quality. Here’s what I learned and what I recommend you consider if you’re looking to do the same.

Why I Chose a Used Unlocked iPhone 13

I wanted a powerful phone with great camera capabilities and future-proof features, but buying new wasn’t in my budget. The iPhone 13 fit perfectly because it still performs excellently and supports the latest iOS updates. Choosing an unlocked version gave me the freedom to switch carriers anytime, which was a huge plus.

Where I Looked for a Used Unlocked iPhone 13

I started by checking trusted platforms like certified refurbished sellers, reputable marketplaces (eBay, Swappa), and even local sellers through apps like Facebook Marketplace. Certified refurbished devices gave me peace of mind with warranties, but sometimes local sellers offered better prices if I was willing to meet and inspect the phone in person.

What I Checked Before Buying

  • Carrier and Network Compatibility: Since I wanted an unlocked phone, I double-checked that the iPhone 13 was truly unlocked and not tied to any carrier. I asked the seller to confirm and also tested the phone with my SIM card before finalizing the purchase.
  • Physical Condition: I inspected the phone for scratches, dents, or screen damage. Minor wear is expected in used phones, but I avoided any with cracked screens or swollen batteries.
  • Battery Health: I looked at the battery health percentage in the settings. Anything above 80% was acceptable to me since the battery can be replaced later if needed.
  • Functionality Tests: I tested all cameras, buttons, Face ID, speakers, microphones, and charging ports. It’s important to make sure everything works to avoid surprises.
  • IMEI Check: I used online tools to verify the IMEI number wasn’t blacklisted or reported stolen. This gave me extra security in the transaction.

Pricing Tips I Followed

The price of a used iPhone 13 varies based on storage size, condition, and seller reputation. I compared prices across several platforms and set a reasonable budget that balanced cost and quality. Avoid the cheapest options if they seem too good to be true—sometimes it’s worth paying a little more for reliability.

Final Thoughts from My Experience

Buying a used unlocked iPhone 13 was a smart decision for me. It saved money while still delivering excellent performance. Just take your time to research, verify the phone’s status, and buy from a trusted source. With these steps, you can confidently get a great device that suits your needs.

Author Profile

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Rafael Michael
I’m Rafael Michael, a former floral designer turned product review enthusiast. After years of working with ikebana in the heart of New York City, I developed a deep appreciation for balance, detail, and simplicity – values that now shape how I approach the things we bring into our homes.

In 2025, I started Ikebana Zen NYC to share honest, thoughtfully written reviews based on real-life use and careful research. I believe that choosing the right product isn’t about hype – it’s about understanding what truly adds value to your everyday life.