iPhone X to Buy in 2026: Is It Still Worth It and Where to Find the Best Deals
iPhone X to Buy in 2026: Is It Still Worth It?
Estimated reading time: 8 minutes
Key Takeaways
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- The iPhone X remains available in 2026 with prices ranging from $99 to $225, depending on storage, condition, and carrier lock status.
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- Buying from certified refurbished sources like Back Market offers warranties but at higher prices.
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- The iPhone X no longer receives major iOS updates and is limited to occasional security patches, affecting long-term software support.
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- Newer models such as the iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 provide better performance, battery life, and ongoing iOS support.
- Ideal buyers for iPhone X in 2026 are budget-conscious users wanting Face ID and OLED or those needing a secondary/emergency phone.
Table of contents
iPhone X Price Breakdown in February 2026
The iPhone X was a game changer in 2017. Now, in 2026, used models range roughly from $99 up to $225. Price depends on storage, phone condition, carrier locks, and the seller platform.
Pricing by Storage and Platform
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- Swappa offers buyer protections and detailed listings:
- Cheapest iPhone X starts at around $99.
- Unlocked 64 GB average around $133; trade-ins about $53.
- Unlocked 256 GB average about $150.
- Carrier-locked vary by network — AT&T 256 GB ($151), T-Mobile 64 GB (~$121), Verizon 64 GB (~$139).
- Boost and Metro had no listings last checked.
- Swappa offers buyer protections and detailed listings:
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- Back Market specializes in certified refurbished phones:
- Fair condition 64 GB start at about $142.
- Good condition 64 GB closer to $148.
- Excellent 256 GB up to $225.
- About 70% savings vs new phones.
- Back Market specializes in certified refurbished phones:
- UpTrade offers certified pre-owned devices starting near $130+, but stock is limited.
| Storage | Swappa Avg List (Unlocked) | Back Market (Fair / Good / Excellent) | UpTrade Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 64 GB | $133 | $142 / $148 / $188 | ~$130+ |
| 256 GB | $150 | $148 / $162 / $225 | ~$130+ |
Note: On Swappa, average sale prices are slightly lower — 64 GB models selling around $119, 256 GB near $126, reflecting active market trends.
Where to Buy an iPhone X in 2026?
The iPhone X remains widely available on secondhand sites like Swappa and Back Market, but certified refurbished phones in good supply are harder to find. Sellers offer various conditions (fair to excellent), affecting pricing.
Factors influencing cost include:
- Phone color (space gray, silver, gold availability differences)
- Carrier locks (unlocked typically cost more)
- Battery health and physical condition
- Seller warranties or guarantees
Trade-in values generally range between $21 and $65 depending on condition and storage. Useful for buyers considering future upgrades.
Important to Check
When buying, ensure to review seller ratings and warranty offerings. Certified refurbishers and trustworthy sellers mitigate risks like hidden defects or battery degradation.
Is the iPhone X Worth Buying in 2026?
With pricing outlined, the key question remains: Should you buy an iPhone X in 2026?
Most experts caution about long-term use due to discontinued iOS support. Originally shipped with iOS 11, the iPhone X no longer gets major updates in 2026. It now only receives occasional security patches and some apps may lose compatibility.
- No more major iOS updates; only infrequent security patches.
- Limited new feature support; app compatibility might degrade.
This limits the iPhone X's future use for privacy, security, and new functionalities. (UpTrade Blog)
Comparing iPhone X vs Newer iPhones
| Model | Starting Certified Used Price | Chipset | Key Features | Battery Life | Network Support | iOS Support Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone X | ~$130+ | A11 Bionic | OLED, Face ID, Dual 12MP cameras | Below average | 4G LTE | No new OS updates, limited security patches |
| iPhone 11 | ~$150+ | A13 Bionic | Better battery, Face ID, Dual cameras | Good | 4G LTE | Supported with new iOS versions |
| iPhone 12 | ~$150+ | A14 Bionic | 5G, MagSafe, Improved battery | Excellent | 5G | Full current iOS support |
(Source: UpTrade Blog)
What Reviewers Say
Popular tech reviewers on YouTube and here acknowledge the iPhone X’s landmark role but caution about:
- Performance lag behind iPhone 11 or 12
- Battery health issues due to age
- No 5G and missing features like MagSafe
Who Should Buy an iPhone X in 2026?
Though older, the iPhone X still suits certain buyers:
Budget Buyers Wanting Key Features
- An affordable iPhone with Face ID
- Dual 12MP cameras offering decent photography
- Vibrant OLED display with deep blacks
It’s often the cheapest way to own these features if you find 64 GB or 256 GB unlocked models priced between $100 to $180.
Secondary or Emergency Phone Users
Ideal as a backup device for emergencies or for family members who don’t need current software.
App-Oriented Users with Basic Needs
If your apps still work on the iPhone X and you only need basics like texting, calls, social media, and streaming, it remains sufficient.
Caveats to Keep in Mind
- Battery replacement likely needed soon if not already done.
- Avoid carrier-locked unless network compatibility is verified.
- Always check seller ratings and warranty.
- Prepare for eventual obsolescence due to aging hardware/software.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy an iPhone X in 2026?
The iPhone X is a budget-friendly option still with some premium features for under $200. However, due to lack of iOS updates, limited battery life, and no 5G support, it’s not ideal for long-term or power users.
For slightly more money, newer iPhones like the 11 or 12 offer better overall value with current iOS support and improved features including 5G and MagSafe, making them a safer long-term investment.
If you choose an iPhone X, be diligent: research sellers carefully, confirm device condition, and weigh the trade-offs on software and hardware limitations.
Where to Start Your Search?
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- Swappa: Wide selection of used unlocked and carrier-locked iPhone X phones with buyer protections and user ratings.
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- Back Market: Certified refurbished phones with grading and limited warranties, at slightly higher price points.
- UpTrade: Limited certified pre-owned options plus trade-in offers if planning to upgrade.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current price range for the iPhone X?
The iPhone X in 2026 sells between approximately $99 and $225, depending on storage, condition, and carrier lock status, with prices varying across platforms like Swappa and Back Market.
Is the iPhone X still supported by Apple?
While still receiving some security patches, the iPhone X no longer gets major iOS updates as of 2026, limiting new features and app compatibility. (Source: UpTrade Blog)
Should I buy an iPhone X over newer iPhone models?
If budget is the main concern and you want features like Face ID and OLED at the lowest price, the iPhone X can work. However, newer models like the iPhone 11 or 12 provide better performance, battery, and iOS support for a slightly higher investment.
Where can I find certified refurbished iPhone X phones?
Certified refurbished iPhone X devices with warranties are available on platforms like Back Market and UpTrade, though stock and prices vary.
Who is the ideal buyer for an iPhone X in 2026?
Budget-conscious users needing key features like Face ID and OLED, secondary or emergency phone users, and those with basic app needs can find value in the iPhone X if aware of its limitations.