How to choose an iPhone — A guide to smart shopping

How to choose an iPhone — A guide to smart second-hand iPhone shopping

Buying a second-hand iPhone is one of the smartest shopping decisions you can make today. You'll save tens of percent compared to the price of a new model and get a fully functional iPhone with a complete warranty and Apple support. But how do you choose the right one? This guide will walk you through the entire process — from setting your budget to choosing a model and understanding the A/B/C condition categories.

Step 1: Set your budget

Second-hand iPhones on KoupitiPhone.cz are available from approximately CZK 2,500 (iPhone 8) up to CZK 35,000+ (iPhone 17 Pro Max in A condition). Second-hand models are 30 to 60% cheaper than new ones — this is a crucial difference that determines which model you can even afford.

Indicative overview of second-hand iPhone prices

Step 2: Consider your usage habits

Different people have different demands on a phone. Answer these questions:

How often do you take photos and videos?

  • Only occasionally (family photos, selfies): An iPhone 13 or iPhone 14 will be perfectly sufficient. Their camera is excellent for everyday use.
  • I take a lot of photos, quality matters to me: We recommend an iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 16 Pro with a triple camera and 48 MPx sensor.
  • Professional photographer/videographer: iPhone 16 Pro Max or iPhone 17 Pro Max with ProRes video 4K/120fps and 5× optical zoom.

How much do you play games or work with demanding applications?

  • Basic games and social media: An iPhone 12 or iPhone 13 will handle everything without problems.
  • Demanding games, graphics, AR: An iPhone 16 Pro with the A18 Pro chip and ProMotion 120Hz display is the ideal choice.

How important is battery life to you?

Step 3: Choose the right size

Screen size is a very personal matter. Try the phone in your hand before you decide.

Size Models Ideal for
4.7" iPhone SE 2022, iPhone 8 Compact carrying, small hands
5.4" iPhone 13 mini, 12 mini Smallest modern iPhone
6.1" iPhone 13, 14, 15, 16 Golden standard, most popular
6.3" iPhone 16 Pro, 15 Pro Larger Pro with compactness
6.7" iPhone 14 Plus, 15 Plus, 16 Plus Large display, good battery
6.9" iPhone 16 Pro Max, 17 Pro Max Largest iPhone, multitasking

Step 4: Understand condition categories A, B, C

Every second-hand iPhone on KoupitiPhone.cz is carefully checked before sale and assigned to one of three categories. Functionality is identical across all categories — only the visual condition differs.

Condition A — Like new (highest price)

The phone shows no visible signs of use. The display, back, and frame are in perfect condition. Battery capacity is at least 85%. Suitable for customers who require a visually flawless device.

For whom: Gifts, demanding customers who want a perfect appearance.

Condition B — Slightly used (most popular)

Minor, barely visible scratches on the display or back — normal signs of everyday wear. 100% functionality. Battery at least 80%. The most popular category for excellent value for money.

For whom: Most customers looking for the best value for money.

Condition C — Visibly used (lowest price)

Noticeable scratches or scuffs on the frame and back. 100% functionality, battery at least 80%. Ideal for customers who want to save as much as possible or only use the phone as a backup device.

For whom: Customers with a limited budget, backup phone, gifts for children.

Step 5: Second-hand iPhone saves up to 60% — why?

Second-hand iPhones are cheaper for a simple reason: they are no longer "new". Customers buy a new iPhone, sell or return it after 1–2 years, and the phone comes to us. We check it, fix any minor issues, and sell it on at a significantly lower price.

Examples of savings on second-hand iPhones (Condition B vs. new)

  • iPhone 15: New ~CZK 25,000 → second-hand from ~CZK 13,000 — saving ~48%
  • iPhone 14 Pro: New ~CZK 29,000 → second-hand from ~CZK 16,000 — saving ~45%
  • iPhone 13: New ~CZK 21,000 → second-hand from ~CZK 8,000 — saving ~62%
  • iPhone 12 Pro: New ~CZK 23,000 → second-hand from ~CZK 7,500 — saving ~67%

For the price of a new iPhone 14, you can buy a second-hand iPhone 16 from us — that's the power of the second-hand market.

Why buy a second-hand iPhone from KoupitiPhone.cz?

2-year warranty

We provide a full 2-year statutory warranty period for all second-hand iPhones. If any manufacturing defect appears within 2 years, we will repair or replace the phone free of charge. The warranty applies to conditions A, B, and C.

30-day return policy

Not satisfied? You have 30 days from delivery to return the phone without stating a reason and receive a full refund. No unnecessary questions, no fees.

5 branches across the Czech Republic

Visit us in person in Prague, Brno, or other cities. You can inspect the phone, try it out, and take it home immediately. Our staff at the branch will also be happy to advise you on your choice.

SIM-lock free

All second-hand iPhones are unlocked for all networks. They work with T-Mobile, O2, Vodafone, and also with any foreign operator — ideal for travel.

30-point quality check

Before being put up for sale, each phone undergoes a thorough check: display, battery, cameras, Face ID / Touch ID, speakers, microphones, charging, connectivity (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 5G/4G). Only after successfully passing these tests is the phone assigned the appropriate category.

How to buy — step by step

  1. Select a model based on this guide
  2. Select the condition (A, B, or C) and storage capacity
  3. Add to cart and complete the order
  4. Payment by card online, bank transfer, cash on delivery, or cash at a branch
  5. Delivery via PPL or DPD within 1–2 business days
  6. Try for 30 days — if the phone doesn't meet your expectations, we'll refund your money

Common mistakes when buying a second-hand iPhone

  • Buying from unknown sellers without a warranty — always demand a warranty card and a verified seller
  • Not paying attention to battery condition — for a second-hand iPhone, inquire about battery capacity (our minimum is 80%)
  • Underestimating storage capacity — for photographers and gamers, we recommend at least 128 GB
  • Buying a too old model — iPhone 8 and older no longer receive iOS updates from Apple; we recommend at least iPhone 11

Recommendations by customer profile

Profile Recommended model Why
Student / first iPhone iPhone 13 Great performance, long support, affordable price
Photo enthusiast iPhone 16 Pro Best camera system
Business professional iPhone 16 Plus Large display, battery life
Senior / beginner iPhone SE 2022 Home button, simple operation
Gamer iPhone 16 Pro A18 Pro GPU, 120Hz display
Thrifty user iPhone 12 5G, OLED, A14 Bionic for a minimum price
Compact phone lover iPhone 13 mini Smallest powerful iPhone

Second-hand or new? An easy decision

If a new iPhone 15 costs CZK 25,000 in a store and a second-hand iPhone 16 from us costs CZK 17,000 — you get a newer and more powerful model for less money. Plus, we add a 2-year warranty and a 30-day return policy. The decision is clear.

Second-hand iPhones are the choice of smart customers who want maximum value for their money without compromising on performance or reliability.

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