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Use your own verified Apple Trade In estimate—not a generic advertised amount—and compare it with the payments for the same iPhone and Apple Upgrade term. Apple spreads an eligible trade-in credit across the initial lease payments only. To judge value, compare total costs over the same period and account for whether you will return the phone or pay to own it.

Start with a device-specific trade-in estimate

Identify your current iPhone’s exact model and describe its condition accurately, then request an estimate through Apple Trade In. Apple says value depends on the device, model, manufacturer, and condition. An online estimate is conditional: Apple must receive the device within its specified period and confirm that its condition matches the description. Apple generally needs it within 14 days of receiving your new device; an in-store evaluation may differ if the condition does not match.

Do not treat a published range as your personal quote. In a September 2026 announcement, Apple listed trade-in credit of $175–$885 for iPhone 13 or later. That is a broad, dated range—not a guaranteed value for every model or condition. Apple’s statement that iPhone holds its value longer than other smartphones is promotional language, not an independent comparison.

Record the lease offer you are actually considering

For the new phone, note its model, storage, selected lease term, quoted monthly payment, taxes, and any other charges. Use a current checkout quote rather than a generic starting price. Apple Upgrade is a lease program provided by Klarna; check Apple’s current program terms for the offer and eligibility details that apply to you.

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#1 Best Overall
Apple iPhone 14, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed)
  • This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
  • Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
  • The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charging cable.
  • Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.

Apple’s published figures are useful only as dated examples. Its September 2026 announcement listed an iPhone lease starting at $34.99 per month for 24 months, before taxes and trade-in credit. At the July 2026 U.S. launch, Apple gave an example for iPhone 17 Pro 256GB: a $1,099 purchase price, or typical lease payments of $31.99 per month for 24 months or $45.99 per month for 12 months, excluding taxes and trade-in credit. Neither set of figures is a personalized or necessarily current checkout quote.

Calculate the first-term lease cost with your trade-in

Apple says an eligible trade-in at enrollment is credited across payments in the initial lease term. The credit does not carry into a later lease term. You therefore need to compare the full term, not just the advertised monthly payment.

Rank #2
Apple iPhone 16, 128GB, Pink - Unlocked (Renewed)
  • 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 1000nits (typ), 2000nits (HBM), 2556x1179px at 460ppi, 3561mAh Battery
  • 128GB 8GB RAM, Apple A18 (3nm), Hexa-core (2x4.04 GHz + 4x2.20 GHz), Apple GPU 5-core, 16‑core Neural Engine
  • Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.6, wide + 12MP, f/2.2, ultrawide, Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9, wide, iOS 18, upgradable to iOS 18.5
  • 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/14/17/18/19/20/25/26/28/29/30/32/34/38/39/40/41/42/48/53/66/71, 5G: n1/2/3/5/7/8/12/14/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/40/41/48/53/66/70/71/75/76/77/78/79 - Dual eSIM
  • Unlocked for freedom to choose your carrier. Compatible with both GSM & CDMA networks. The phone is unlocked to work with all GSM Carriers & CDMA Carriers Including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Sprint., Etc.
  1. Calculate scheduled payments: multiply the quoted monthly payment by the number of months in the selected term.
  2. Account for the trade-in: apply the verified credit across that same initial term, following the amount and payment schedule shown by Apple at checkout.
  3. Add taxes and charges: include applicable taxes and other fees in the total, using the figures in your offer.
  4. State the end-of-term outcome: record whether you plan to return the iPhone, upgrade and return it, or buy it outright. A total of lease payments alone is not the cost of owning the phone.

This is a way to organize Apple’s payment and end-of-term mechanics, not an Apple-published savings formula. The actual comparison depends on your verified credit, selected iPhone and term, taxes, charges, and what you do with the device at the end.

Compare the same phone, time period, and ownership outcome

If you are weighing Apple Upgrade against buying or financing, compare the same new iPhone model and storage over the same period. Include taxes and fees on both sides, and make clear whether you own a phone at the end or return it. A lower monthly number can reflect a different term or the fact that a lease ends without ownership.

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Rank #3
Apple iPhone 15, 128GB, Black - Unlocked (Renewed)
  • 6.1inch Super Retina XDR display. Aluminum with color-infused glass back. Ring/Silent switch
  • Dynamic Island. A magical way to interact with iPhone. A16 Bionic chip with 5-core GPU
  • Advanced dual-camera system. 48MP Main | Ultra Wide. Super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP). Next-generation portraits with Focus and Depth Control. 4X optical zoom range
  • Emergency SOS via satellite. Crash Detection. Roadside Assistance via satellite
  • Up to 26 hours video playback. USB C, Supports USB 2. Face ID
What to compare Apple Upgrade Buying or financing
Phone Same model and storage as the alternative Same model and storage as the lease
Period Selected initial lease term Same period as the lease comparison
Trade-in Verified eligible credit applied across initial-term payments Use the credit actually offered for that purchase or financing option
Taxes and charges Include the amounts in the current lease offer Include applicable taxes and charges for the purchase or financing offer
End result Return, upgrade and return, or buy out the leased device Determine whether payments leave you owning the device
Eligibility Check approval and carrier requirements for the lease Check the requirements for the specific purchase, financing, or promotion

Account for what happens when the lease ends

Apple Upgrade offers the choice to upgrade and return the leased phone, exit and return it, or buy it outright. If you take no action, the lease may extend month to month for up to six months. Check the agreement for the applicable buyout amount and terms before treating lease payments as a route to ownership.

At launch in the United States on July 28, 2026, Apple named AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon as eligible carriers for iPhone leases and said prepaid carrier plans were not accepted. The iPhone is unlocked, subject to carrier terms. Carrier requirements and program terms can change, so confirm current eligibility rather than assuming that any plan qualifies.

Rank #4
Apple iPhone 13, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed)
  • This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
  • There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length.
  • This product is eligible for a replacement or refund within 90 days of receipt if you are not satisfied.
  • Product may come in generic Box.
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Keep financing and carrier promotions separate from a lease

Apple describes Apple Card Monthly Installments as 0% APR financing for eligible purchases. That is financing, not a lease: compare the financing payments and resulting ownership with the lease’s return-or-buyout choices. See Apple’s financing information for current terms.

Carrier promotions may also affect the comparison, but their value and conditions depend on the offer available when you shop. Verify the promotion, eligibility, required plan, and timing directly before including it in a cost calculation.

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Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1
Apple iPhone 14, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed)
Apple iPhone 14, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed)
Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.; Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
$300.00
Bestseller No. 3
Apple iPhone 15, 128GB, Black - Unlocked (Renewed)
Apple iPhone 15, 128GB, Black - Unlocked (Renewed)
Dynamic Island. A magical way to interact with iPhone. A16 Bionic chip with 5-core GPU; Emergency SOS via satellite. Crash Detection. Roadside Assistance via satellite
$409.00
Bestseller No. 4
Apple iPhone 13, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed)
Apple iPhone 13, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed)
There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length.; Product may come in generic Box.
$262.00
Best Value
Apple iPhone 16e, 128GB, Black - Unlocked (Renewed)
  • 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, 800 nits (HBM), 1200 nits (peak), 2532x1170px at 460ppi, 4005mAh Battery
  • 8GB RAM, Apple A18 6-core CPU (2 performance + 4 efficiency cores), Apple GPU 4-core, 16‑core Neural Engine
  • Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.6, wide, Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9, wide, iOS 18.3.1, upgradable to iOS 18.5
  • Connectivity: Global 4G LTE, Sub-6 GHz 5G, LTE, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, USB-C, Wireless Charging (7.5W). (does not have mmWave 5G or MagSafe or physical SIM card) - Dual eSIM Only
  • Unlocked for freedom to choose your carrier. Compatible with both GSM & CDMA networks. The phone is unlocked to work with all GSM Carriers & CDMA Carriers Including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Straight Talk., Etc.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.