As the latest batch of Apple products has arrived on the market, millions of iPhone owners have upgraded in order to take advantage of the latest devices. This means that there are now a seemingly ridiculous number of older iPhones ready to be dealt with in one way or another. Many people do not consider all of their options when it comes to what they’ll do with their old iPhone; there are quite a number of options that any phone owner can consider. In the following article, we’ll outline the options you have for dealing with an old iPhone, so that you can be sure to make the best decision regarding its disposal.
Giving the iPhone to Someone
With a perfectly new iPhone 6 or 6 Plus now in your possession, you may have a friend or family member who is in dire need of a mobile device. Perhaps they already have a mobile phone (that is, completely obsolete), or maybe they do not have a phone at all. If you’ve already purchased your new iPhone and do not need the cash to make the purchase, then you can definitely consider the value and use that someone close to you will be able to get out of it. Even an older iPhone (the iPhone 4, for instance) can be an upgrade for those who have traditional phones and SIM-only contracts. All they’ll have to do is pop a SIM card in and they’re ready to go. If the person doesn’t have service, then tell them about SIM Only Expert, where they’ll be able to compare all SIM-only plan options in one place. SIM card price plans can be seen here.
Keeping the iPhone as a Backup
You never know when an accident will happen, leaving your new iPhone incapacitated or non-functional. In this case, it may take days to restore service – even if you have mobile phone insurance. One way to ensure that your access to the outside world isn’t cut off is by having a backup phone to use. Your old iPhone may prove to be more useful as a secondary device; not only will it be there in case you need it, but it can also serve as an independent mobile device without cellular access, or one that can even be tethered to your existing plan (read up about tethering possibilities here). Some people would prefer to cash out their old phones in order to get a cash reward for them, but keeping the iPhone for potential future scenarios like these is also a smart move.
Selling the iPhone via eBay
Another popular way that individual part with their older iPhones is to use a service like eBay or Craigslist. Many people resort to eBay due to the fact that no physical rendezvous is required, and the money is transferred instantly to a PayPal account. In many cases, even damaged iPhones can go for a decent amount on these sites, as cell phone repair companies will purchase the devices, salvage the working parts and use them to repair other iPhones. As of October 2014, the iPhone 4 can be sold (in working condition) for anywhere from £60 to £100, depending on its physical condition and accessories included. Since in many cases you will be selling a functioning device to an individual and not a company, the amount you’ll receive for the iPhone is more than if you were to cash it in with a recycling company. You can sign up for an eBay account today by clicking here.
Trading Your iPhone In
Another potential option for you to consider is trading in your old iPhone with a company that recycles them, or a carrier that allows you to obtain credit for a new phone. If you haven’t already upgraded, then check with your carrier to see if they offer any rebates or credits toward the purchase of a new iPhone 6 or 6 Plus. There are also a lot of companies that will pay you cash for your iPhone, and even send you the box and shipping labels to return it to them. The downside to this approach is that you will almost certainly be given a much lower payout than you would if you sell it on your own. Nevertheless, those who don’t want to deal with the hassle of selling their iPhone may prefer this solution as a quick way to get cash.
Keeping Your iPhone
There of course is one more choice: keeping your iPhone and not upgrading! Some people may be tempted to upgrade to the latest iPhone out of habit, but the iPhone 5 and 5s in particular are still perfectly functional devices and can handle anything you throw at them. When you consider the added costs that come with the purchase of a new phone, it may be a better decision to simply keep your existing phone and switch to a SIM-only plan to save even more. Now that you are aware of the options you have, you can make the best decision. Whether you decide to give the phone to a friend, trade it in for credit, sell it to a private party or keep it as a backup, know that you have plenty of valid options to consider when upgrading to a new iPhone 6.
