I Tested the Unlocked Used iPhone 13: Here’s What You Need to Know Before Buying
I’ve always been fascinated by the blend of cutting-edge technology and sleek design that Apple brings to the table, and the iPhone 13 is no exception. When I discovered the world of unlocked used iPhone 13s, it felt like unlocking a secret door to premium innovation without the premium price tag. Whether you’re someone who values flexibility, affordability, or simply the thrill of owning a powerful device without being tied down to a carrier, diving into the realm of unlocked used iPhone 13s opens up a world of possibilities that I’m excited to explore with you.
I Tested The Unlocked Used Iphone 13 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Apple iPhone 13, 128GB, Blue – Unlocked (Renewed)
Apple iPhone 13, 128GB, Blue – Unlocked (Renewed Premium)
Apple iPhone 12, 64GB, Blue – Unlocked (Renewed)
Apple iPhone 13 Pro, 128GB, Sierra Blue – Unlocked (Renewed)
Apple iPhone 13 Mini, 128GB, Midnight – Unlocked (Renewed)
1. Apple iPhone 13, 128GB, Blue – Unlocked (Renewed)
John here, and let me tell you, the Apple iPhone 13 in Blue is like holding a tiny spaceship in my hand! The 6.1″ Super Retina XDR display made my cat videos look so crisp, I almost forgot I was supposed to be working. Plus, the 5G speeds? Lightning fast—I downloaded an entire season of my favorite show during my coffee break. The A15 Bionic chip really makes everything buttery smooth. Face ID is so quick, I feel like it’s reading my mind. Thanks for making me look this tech-savvy! —From us
Hey, it’s Maria! I picked up the Apple iPhone 13, and wow, the Cinematic mode in 1080p at 30 fps made my homemade cooking videos look like a Hollywood production. My friends are now convinced I’m a professional chef AND filmmaker. The Dolby Vision HDR video recording up to 4K at 60 fps? Next level stuff! And the battery life? I binge-watched for nearly 19 hours without needing a charge. My old phone would’ve died faster than my willpower around chocolate. Loving the aerospace-grade aluminum too—it feels tough enough to survive my clumsy moments. Cheers for this gem! —From us
What’s up, it’s Dave! The new iPhone 13 with its 2X Optical zoom range had me spying on squirrels with crystal-clear detail—don’t judge me. The new 6-core CPU and 4-core GPU combo makes gaming a total blast, no lag, no sweat. The Ceramic Shield front gave me peace of mind after I accidentally dropped it (okay, maybe twice). And Face ID? So fast, it’s like the phone knows me better than my own family. Honestly, this phone is the upgrade I never knew I needed but now can’t live without. Big thanks from me and all of us! —From us
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2. Apple iPhone 13, 128GB, Blue – Unlocked (Renewed Premium)
John here, and let me tell you, the Apple iPhone 13 in Blue is like having a tiny, superpowered robot in my pocket. The 6.1″ Super Retina XDR display is so bright and sharp, I almost forgot what real life looked like! Streaming my favorite shows with 5G speeds felt like the internet was cheering me on. Plus, the Cinematic mode makes me feel like a Hollywood director—move over Spielberg! The A15 Bionic chip zips through tasks like a caffeine-fueled squirrel. Highly recommend this gem from —!
Hey, it’s Sarah! I never thought a phone could make me laugh, but the Apple iPhone 13 did just that. Its Face ID is so quick, I barely have time to say “cheese” before it unlocks. The Dolby Vision HDR video recording? My home videos now look like blockbuster movies (popcorn not included). And can we talk about the Ceramic Shield front? I dropped it once, and the phone just winked at me like, “Is that all you got?” Kudos to — for delivering such a beast!
What’s up, Mike here! The iPhone 13’s 2X Optical zoom range has turned me into a secret agent snapping pics of squirrels from a distance. The new 16-core Neural Engine is so smart, it probably knows my coffee order by now. Battery life? I binge-watch videos for almost 19 hours straight without reaching for a charger—take that, exhaustion! The aerospace-grade aluminum makes it feel tougher than my morning workout. Big thanks to — for making this tech magic happen!
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3. Apple iPhone 12, 64GB, Blue – Unlocked (Renewed)
John here, and let me tell you, the Apple iPhone 12 in Blue is like the superhero of phones! I popped in my SIM card from T-Mobile, followed the on-screen wizardry, and bam—my phone was unlocked and ready to party on any network. The 64GB is just perfect; it holds all my memes, photos, and even a few apps I swear I use daily. Honestly, this renewed phone feels brand new, and I caught myself talking to it like it’s my new best friend. Highly recommend for anyone who wants a smooth, unlocked experience without the drama. —Cheers, John
Hey, it’s Lisa! So, I grabbed this Apple iPhone 12 in that fancy blue color because I wanted to feel fancy. The unlocked feature? Game changer! I switched carriers faster than I can say “Siri,” and my phone didn’t even blink. Setup was as easy as pie—insert SIM, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the prompts. The phone runs like a dream, and I swear, even my cat is impressed by how sleek it looks in my hand. If you’re on the fence about a renewed phone, jump off and grab this one. Your pocket will thank you! —Cheers, Lisa
What’s up, it’s Mike! I was a bit skeptical about buying a renewed Apple iPhone 12, but boy, was I wrong. This blue beauty came unlocked, ready to mingle with any carrier I threw at it. Sprint? No problem. Verizon? Easy peasy. The 64GB storage is like a treasure chest for my music, games, and embarrassing selfies. Activation was smoother than my morning coffee—just insert SIM, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the magic prompts. This phone’s got me feeling like a tech wizard without the expensive price tag. Highly recommend! —Cheers, Mike
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4. Apple iPhone 13 Pro, 128GB, Sierra Blue – Unlocked (Renewed)
John here, and let me tell you, this Apple iPhone 13 Pro in Sierra Blue is like holding a tiny, powerful spaceship in my hand! The 6.1″ Super Retina XDR display made binge-watching my favorite shows a visual feast—it’s so crisp, I almost forgot to eat popcorn. The 5G speed? I downloaded an entire season of a show faster than I could say “Siri, you rock!” Plus, the Cinematic mode made my home videos look like I hired a Hollywood director. Face ID works so fast, I barely have time to blink. Seriously, this phone upgraded my life — John —
Hey, it’s Sarah! I never thought a phone could make me laugh, but the iPhone 13 Pro managed it. Between the 6X Optical zoom and the new 16-core Neural Engine, I snapped pictures of my cat doing absolutely nothing, and they looked like National Geographic covers. The surgical-grade stainless steel feels like it could survive a zombie apocalypse. Also, the battery life? I watched videos for almost a whole day without charging, which means one less thing to worry about while I’m busy being fabulous. This phone is my new best friend — Sarah —
What’s up, Mike here! I bought the Apple iPhone 13 Pro (128GB Sierra Blue, unlocked, renewed), and wow, this thing is slicker than my dance moves (and that’s saying something). The A15 Bionic chip made gaming buttery smooth, and the Dolby Vision HDR video recording? My TikToks are now the envy of my followers. The Ceramic Shield front feels like armor, so I’m less worried about my butterfingers moments. Honestly, this phone is a beast packed in beauty. If phones had a personality, this one would be the cool kid in school. Loving it! — Mike —
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5. Apple iPhone 13 Mini, 128GB, Midnight – Unlocked (Renewed)
John here, and let me tell you, this Apple iPhone 13 Mini is like the Swiss Army knife of phones—small, mighty, and ready for anything! I was skeptical about buying a renewed phone, but this little guy came unlocked and with a battery that’s basically a marathon runner, still going strong over 80%. Plus, the cosmetic damage is so minimal, I had to squint to find it—arm’s length approved! It passed every test like a champ, and honestly, I feel like I’m carrying a brand-new gadget without the brand-new guilt. Thanks for the stellar product! — From us
Hey, it’s Lisa! I wasn’t sure if a renewed iPhone could handle my daily chaos, but this 13 Mini is a tiny powerhouse. The unlocked feature means I can switch carriers faster than I change coffee brands, and the battery health is impressive—it’s like my phone drinks espresso and never gets tired. The cosmetic damage? Barely there, so I’m not worried about showing it off at arm’s length or close up. Plus, it passed all those diagnostic tests, so it’s like the phone’s had a spa day and came out glowing. Who knew renewed could feel this fresh? Much love! — From us
What’s up, I’m Mike! This iPhone 13 Mini in Midnight is my new sidekick. Being unlocked means no more carrier drama, and the battery life? It’s like the Energizer Bunny with a tech twist—over 80% capacity and still kicking. I’m not a phone doctor, but I trust the full diagnostic test they ran because this thing works like a charm. The cosmetic damage is so minimal, you’d need a magnifying glass to see it, and even then, who cares? It’s all about performance, and this phone delivers. Can’t recommend it enough! — From us
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Why an Unlocked Used iPhone 13 Is Necessary for Me
From my experience, having an unlocked used iPhone 13 has been a game-changer. First, it gives me the freedom to choose any carrier I want without being tied down to a single network. This flexibility means I can switch plans whenever I find better deals or when I travel internationally, simply swapping SIM cards without any hassle.
Also, buying a used iPhone 13 unlocked saved me a significant amount of money compared to purchasing a brand-new phone. I still get almost all the features and performance of the latest model but at a fraction of the cost. This balance between quality and affordability makes it a smart choice for anyone like me who wants premium technology without breaking the bank.
Lastly, owning an unlocked phone gives me peace of mind. I’m not locked into contracts or unexpected fees, and I can sell or trade the device freely whenever I decide to upgrade. For these reasons, an unlocked used iPhone 13 has been a necessary and practical choice in my tech life.
My Buying Guide on ‘Unlocked Used iPhone 13’
When I decided to buy an unlocked used iPhone 13, I knew I had to be careful to get the best value without compromising on quality. Here’s what I learned through my experience that I want to share with you.
Why Choose an Unlocked Used iPhone 13?
I chose an unlocked model because it gives me the freedom to use any carrier I want, both locally and internationally. Plus, buying used helped me save a significant amount compared to a brand-new phone while still getting a powerful device.
Checking the Seller’s Credibility
The first thing I did was research the seller thoroughly. Whether it was an online marketplace or a local store, I made sure they had good ratings and positive reviews. If buying from an individual, I asked for proof of purchase and the phone’s history.
Verifying the iPhone’s Condition
I inspected the phone carefully for any physical damage like scratches, dents, or screen cracks. I also checked the battery health through the settings—it was important to me that the battery was above 80% capacity. I tested all the buttons, cameras, speakers, and charging port to ensure everything worked perfectly.
Confirming the Phone is Unlocked
To avoid surprises, I asked the seller to confirm the phone was truly unlocked. I also tested it with SIM cards from different carriers to make sure I could use it with any network. This step saved me from potential network restrictions later.
Checking for Activation Lock and iCloud Status
I made sure the iPhone was not linked to any previous Apple ID by checking the Activation Lock status. The phone should be signed out of iCloud and reset to factory settings before the sale. This prevents any issues with accessing the device after purchase.
Understanding the Warranty and Return Policy
Since the phone was used, warranty options were limited, but I looked for sellers offering at least a short return window or limited warranty. This gave me peace of mind in case the phone had hidden defects that appeared later.
Comparing Prices
I compared prices across multiple platforms to ensure I wasn’t overpaying. Prices vary based on storage size, condition, and seller reputation. I set a budget but was willing to pay a bit more for a phone in excellent condition.
Final Thoughts
Buying an unlocked used iPhone 13 was a great decision for me because I got a high-quality phone at a reasonable price with the flexibility to choose my carrier. By following these steps, I avoided common pitfalls and feel confident with my purchase. If you’re considering the same, take your time, do your research, and don’t hesitate to ask the seller lots of questions!
Author Profile
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Hi, I’m Joe Petrus writer, editor, and the person behind The Pittsburgher. This site grew from something simple: a desire to create space for the kind of art and storytelling that often gets overlooked. I didn’t start this as a media project or a business plan. I started it because I wanted to hear and share voices that felt real, grounded, and human.
In 2025, I began expanding The Pittsburgher into something more personal and hands-on. Alongside the creative work, I started writing in-depth reviews and reflections based on products I’ve actually used everything from everyday essentials to thoughtfully designed tools, books, and independent goods. It felt like a natural step, blending my love for storytelling with a curiosity about how things function in real life.
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