To be honest, I really love finding gadgets that still have great specs but are already budget-friendly. Now, who says iPhones are always expensive? From my own experience, there are tons of used iPhone models that are priced below Rp5 million, even some that can be found for Rp2-3 million, but the performance? Wow, still blazing fast like new!
Maybe many of you are thinking, “Ah, an old iPhone must quickly become outdated.” Hold on a minute! Apple’s support is incredibly long, you know. Some of the models I recommend below are still predicted to receive the latest iOS 18 update (at the time of writing this article in mid-2024), which means you’ll still be able to enjoy the modern features. This is super important, guys, so your phone stays relevant and secure!
Tips: Buy a Used iPhone Without Getting Scammed!
Even though the price is friendly, buying used goods still requires caution. I’ve often gone around looking for used iPhones, and here are some foolproof tips from my experience:
- Prioritize Official Warranty: If possible, look for used ones with an iBox or Digimap warranty. Why? Because it’s definitely safe from IMEI blocking (taxes have been paid and it’s registered with the government) and the unit’s condition is usually guaranteed. If you get an inter-warranty, make sure to buy from a trusted store that provides a personal warranty of at least a week.
- Check Physical Condition & Optimal Function: This is crucial, guys! Make sure all the main components are working properly.
- Screen: Check touch responsiveness, are there any dead pixels or shadows? Make sure True Tone is still active (if available) and there are no ‘Important Message About the Display’ notifications.
- Camera: Try all lenses (main, ultra-wide if available, front), record videos, test portrait mode.
- Speaker & Microphone: Try calling, recording sound, listening to music. Make sure the sound is clear.
- Face ID/Touch ID: Definitely needs to be tested. If it doesn’t work, it’s better to look for another unit!
- Battery Health: This is important for ease of use. Aim for above 80% ya. The higher, the longer the battery life.
- Charging Port: Make sure it can charge properly and isn’t loose.
- Check IMEI on the Ministry of Industry’s Website: This is vital! Enter the IMEI number of the iPhone you want to buy at imei.kemenperin.go.id. Make sure its status is registered so you don’t suddenly get a signal block. I almost got tricked once, fortunately I checked the IMEI first!
Okay, without further ado, here are 5 used iPhone picks from Boogeng that are friendly priced in the Rp2.5-5 million range but their performance is still super fast in 2024!
- iPhone 11: The Most Optimal in Its Class!
This is my favorite! The iPhone 11, released in 2019, I think it’s the most worth it if your budget is around Rp4 million. I’ve often used this for heavy gaming like Genshin Impact or Mobile Legends, and the results? Smooth, Guys! The A13 Bionic chipset, wow! Still very strong for multitasking or light video editing.
- Dimensions & Weight: 150.9 x 75.7 x 8.3 mm, 194 grams (fits in the hand, not too small or large)
- Screen: Liquid Retina HD 6.1 inches, 1792 x 828 pixel resolution, 326 ppi. Although IPS, the quality is great, the colors are punchy!
- Chipset: Apple A13 Bionic (this is the key, its performance is equivalent to the latest mid-range Android flagship phones!)
- Storage: 64 GB, 128 GB, 256 GB (I recommend at least 128 GB so you have plenty of space)
- Front Camera: 12 MP (f/2.2). Clear selfies, the portrait mode is great!
- Rear Camera: Dual Camera 12 MP (f/1.8) main & 12 MP (f/2.4) ultra wide. Low-light photos are already good thanks to Night Mode, videos are also very stable. From my experience, it’s still very good for light content creation.
- Battery: Lasts for 17 hours of video playback (depending on BH condition). Enough for a full day of normal use.
- Used iPhone 11 64 GB Price (Mid-2024 Estimate): Starting from around Rp 3,800,000 – Rp 4,700,000 (depending on condition and seller). If you find it at that price with good BH, grab it!
- iPhone XR: Budget-Friendly Choice with a Spacious Screen!
If your budget is tighter but you want an iPhone with a fairly spacious screen and modern design, the iPhone XR (released in 2018) can be an interesting choice. I used to use this as a daily driver, and for a price under Rp3.5 million, the A12 Bionic’s performance is still very comfortable for social media, browsing, and even casual gaming.
- Dimensions & Weight: 150.9 x 75.7 x 8.3 mm, 194 grams (same size as the iPhone 11, comfortable to hold)
- Screen: Liquid Retina HD 6.1 inches, 1792 x 828 pixels, 326 ppi. The screen is the same as the iPhone 11, so it’s still comfortable for watching or scrolling.
- Chipset: Apple A12 Bionic (still powerful in 2024, guaranteed not slow for everyday applications)
- Storage: 64 GB, 128 GB, 256 GB
- Front Camera: 7 MP (f/2.2). Pretty good for video calls or regular selfies.
- Rear Camera: Single 12 MP (f/1.8). Even though it’s just one, the results are still great, iPhone style, especially if there’s enough light. Portrait mode is also available!
- Battery: Lasts for 16 hours of video playback (pretty long-lasting!).
- Used iPhone XR 64 GB Price (Mid-2024 Estimate): Starting from around Rp 2,800,000 – Rp 3,500,000. Super affordable!
- iPhone XS: Premium OLED Screen for Rp3 Million!
Now, for those of you who really want to experience an OLED screen on an iPhone but have a limited budget, the iPhone XS (released in 2018) is the answer! I was once confused about choosing XR or XS, but the Super Retina HD screen on the XS really feels different, the colors are more intense, the blacks are deeper. Perfect for those who like watching movies or editing photos!
- Dimensions & Weight: 143.6 x 70.9 x 7.7 mm, 177 grams (more compact and lighter than XR/11)
- Screen: Super Retina HD 5.8 inches, 2436 x 1125 pixels, 458 ppi. OLED, bro! Very clear and sharp.
- Chipset: Apple A12 Bionic (same as XR, performance is unquestionable)
- Storage: 64 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB (512 GB option is rare but available!)
- Front Camera: 7 MP (f/2.2).
- Rear Camera: Dual Camera 12 MP (f/1.8) main & 12 MP (f/2.4) ultra wide. The camera quality is similar to the iPhone 11 in ideal lighting conditions.
- Battery: Lasts for 14 hours of video playback. A bit more power-hungry than the XR due to its more power-hungry OLED screen.
- Used iPhone XS 64 GB Price (Mid-2024 Estimate): Starting from around Rp 3,200,000 – Rp 4,000,000. Premium OLED screen at this price? Crazy!
- iPhone XS Max: Large OLED, Maximum Power!
If the XS has a 5.8-inch screen, then the iPhone XS Max is the larger version with a 6.5-inch screen! For those of you who really like phones with big screens for gaming, watching, or working, the XS Max is the best choice in the Rp4 million range. I personally really like using a phone with a big screen for multitasking, so the XS Max is really a temptation that’s hard to resist!
- Dimensions & Weight: 157.5 x 77.4 x 7.7 mm, 208 grams (bigger and heavier, but the screen is very satisfying!)
- Screen: Super Retina HD 6.5 inches, 2688 x 1242 pixels, 458 ppi. Same OLED, but more spacious!
- Chipset: Apple A12 Bionic (performance has been proven)
- Storage: 64 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB
- Front Camera: 7 MP (f/2.2).
- Rear Camera: Dual Camera 12 MP (f/1.8) main & 12 MP (f/2.4) ultra wide. The results are exactly the same as the XS, great!
- Battery: Lasts for 15 hours of video playback. With a larger screen, the battery is also slightly larger.
- Used iPhone XS Max 64 GB Price (Mid-2024 Estimate): Starting from around Rp 3,800,000 – Rp 4,500,000. Great for an immersive visual experience!
- iPhone SE 2 (2020): Compact and Blazing Fast with a Flagship Chipset!
Finally, there’s the small but fierce iPhone SE 2 (2020)! If you’re looking for an iPhone that’s compact, easy to hold with one hand, but with performance equivalent to the iPhone 11 (because it also uses the A13 Bionic!), this is the champion. I used to love bringing this when I wanted to take a leisurely walk, it didn’t feel bulky in my pocket. Although the design is classic with Touch ID, don’t underestimate its performance!
- Dimensions & Weight: 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm, 148 grams (the smallest and lightest on this list!)
- Screen: Retina HD 4.7 inches, 1334 x 750 pixels, 326 ppi. Compact LCD screen, but for everyday use, it’s more than enough.
- Chipset: Apple A13 Bionic (same as the iPhone 11, so the performance is very fast!)
- Storage: 64 GB, 128 GB, 256 GB
- Front Camera: 7 MP (f/2.2).
- Rear Camera: Single 12 MP (f/1.8). Although it’s just one, the photo results are already assisted by the A13 Bionic, so it’s still great!
- Battery: Lasts for 13 hours of video playback. A bit more power-hungry because of the small battery size, but because of the small screen, it’s balanced.
- Used iPhone SE 2 64 GB Price (Mid-2024 Estimate): Starting from around Rp 2,500,000 – Rp 3,200,000. If you need 256GB, the price can be in the range of Rp 3,500,000 – Rp 4,000,000. Wow, an A13 Bionic chipset at this price?!
Boogeng’s Conclusion: Which One is Right for You?
Well, those are the used iPhone choices in the Rp2.5-5 million range from me, Boogeng! Each one has its advantages and disadvantages. If you’re looking for the most optimal performance with a dual camera and a spacious IPS screen, grab the iPhone 11. If your budget is tight but you want a spacious screen & modern design, the iPhone XR is suitable. Want a premium OLED screen on a minimalist budget? The iPhone XS is the choice. If you want a bigger OLED, there’s the iPhone XS Max. And for those who like compact but fast-performing phones, the iPhone SE 2 (2020) is the champion.
Remember, the prices above are just estimates at the moment (mid-2024) and can definitely change depending on the unit’s condition, location, and seller. Most importantly, make sure you’re thorough when buying so you don’t regret it. Happy hunting for your dream iPhone, Guys!
