Choose iPhone storage by starting with how much space your current phone uses, then adding room for the photos, offline downloads, apps, and video you expect to keep as the phone ages. Check the storage tiers and prices for the exact iPhone model you plan to buy: available capacities vary by model and market.
Check the storage options for your iPhone model
Apple’s available capacities are not identical across iPhone models, and configurations can change. Before comparing tiers, look up your chosen model on Apple’s iPhone comparison page and confirm the options available where you live. Then compare the actual price difference between those options; there is no universal price step that applies to every model or region.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Apple iPhone 14, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed) | $300.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Apple iPhone 16, 128GB, Pink - Unlocked (Renewed) | $574.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Apple iPhone 15, 128GB, Black - Unlocked (Renewed) | $405.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Apple iPhone 13, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed) | $262.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Apple iPhone 16e, 128GB, Black - Unlocked (Renewed) | $385.00 | Buy on Amazon |
Measure how much storage you use now
- On your current iPhone, open Settings > General > iPhone Storage.
- Note the amount used and which categories take the most space. Apple also shows recommendations for managing storage on this screen.
- Open Settings > [your name] > iCloud separately to check cloud storage use. iCloud capacity and the storage built into an iPhone are different things.
Your current usage is a starting point, not a forecast. Think about how long you intend to keep the new phone and whether your photo library, apps, or work files are likely to grow. A phone that is already close to full may need more headroom, particularly if you plan to retain everything and add new content.
Account for offline content and large files
Downloads kept on the device use its built-in storage. Consider whether you regularly save films, music, maps, games, or work files for offline access, and whether you remove them after use. The amount of room you need depends on what you keep locally, not only on the apps you install.
#1 Best Overall
- 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%.
Video can change the calculation substantially if you record in ProRes. Apple says ProRes files can be up to 30 times larger than HEVC files, and ProRes recording requires at least 10 percent of device storage to be free. If you record ProRes frequently, allow extra space for both the footage and the required free capacity.
Know what iCloud Photos can—and cannot—do
With iCloud Photos and Optimize iPhone Storage enabled, full-resolution photos and videos are stored in iCloud while space-saving copies may be kept on the iPhone. This can reduce local storage use, but it does not increase the phone’s built-in capacity. The library uses iCloud storage, and accessing originals may require a network connection.
Rank #2
- 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.
Apple says new iCloud accounts include 5 GB of free storage. That cloud allowance is separate from the iPhone capacity you buy; if your photo and video library exceeds the available iCloud space, you may need to manage it or consider more cloud storage. Because iCloud Photos syncs your library, deleting a photo or video on one synced device deletes it from the others as well.
Use a practical capacity decision
Compare the available tiers against your real usage and the price step for your chosen model. This framework helps turn the numbers on the iPhone Storage screen into a purchase decision:
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Rank #3
- 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
- Choose a lower tier if your current use is modest, you do not keep much offline, and you are comfortable managing downloads or using iCloud Photos with enough cloud capacity.
- Consider the next tier up if your current storage is already crowded, your library is growing, you keep large offline collections, or you expect to retain the phone for years.
- Prioritize substantial headroom if you regularly shoot ProRes or keep large video projects on the phone. Factor in ProRes’s free-space requirement, not just the size of the files you expect to record.
There is no single capacity that suits everyone. If the higher tier costs relatively little more in your market and you expect your local files to grow, the added room may be worthwhile. If the price jump is significant and you are comfortable relying on cloud access or removing downloads, a lower tier may fit better.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.When an external drive makes sense for ProRes
Some iPhone Pro models support recording ProRes directly to external USB-C storage. This is a specialist video workflow, not a general substitute for choosing enough built-in storage. Apple’s requirements include an exFAT-formatted drive, a USB 3 cable rated for at least 10 Gbit/s, and minimum write speeds of 220 MB/s for 4K at 60 frames per second or 440 MB/s for 4K at 120 frames per second. Support depends on the iPhone generation and recording mode, so verify the exact compatibility requirements for your model before buying a drive.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 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.
Rank #4
- 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.
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.
