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Replace a 'dumb phone' with an iPhone now or wait until later?

A first-time iPhone customer wants to know if she should buy a used iPhone now or wait until the fall for the new version of the device. CNET's Marguerite Reardon offers some advice.

by Marguerite Reardon

July 10, 2012 12:00 AM PDT

It's that time in the iPhone life-cycle when Apple is expected to launch a new version of the popular smartphone in a couple of months, leaving many potential first-time iPhone fans wondering what they should do about getting a new phone.

In this edition of Ask Maggie, I lay out the options for a reader considering buying a used or refurbished iPhone now to replace her basic "dumb phone." I also explain to another reader the difference between a tablet and e-reader. Where can I get a cheap iPhone?
Dear Maggie,
I think I'm one of the few remaining people without a smartphone. My "dumb phone" from Verizon Wireless just died this week, and I need a new one ASAP. I'm thinking that I'd like an iPhone. Unfortunately, I can't wait until the new iPhone comes out this fall (even though I think I'd rather have the newest one.) I use my cell phone for work, as well as, for my primary phone. But I am not eligible for an upgrade until October.
Do you know where I can get a reasonably priced iPhone now? Or do you have any other advice for me if I want to get the new iPhone when it's available later this fall?
Thanks,
Cathy Dear Cathy,
You are in a tough spot because if you could wait until you're eligible for an upgrade from Verizon, you'd likely be able to get the latest iPhone that's expected to be launched in September for about $200. And if Apple has done what it's done in the past, you'd then be able to get the year old iPhone 4S for $100. (Apple generally discounts the previous generation device by $100 when a new one is released.)

But you can't wait. You need a new phone now. Since you aren't eligible for an upgrade, and it sounds like you don't have replacement insurance for your device, you are going to have buy a new phone.
Here are your choices: You can either get a new iPhone at full price or buy a used or refurbished one, which will cost you less, but won't be as an inexpensive as buying an iPhone with a subsidy from a carrier. The other option is to get a new cheap phone now and use your upgrade in October to get the new iPhone when it comes out.
Whether you're buying an iPhone or some other phone, I think eBay is your best bet for getting a reasonably priced new, used, or refurbished device. Apple and Verizon will charge you $650 for a brand new 16 GB iPhone 4S. The older iPhone 4 is $550 brand new from Apple or Verizon Wireless.
iPhones hold their value pretty well, so even the refurbished and used iPhones are not cheap. A new iPhone will obviously cost you the most. A refurbished one will be a little less. And a used one will be your cheapest bet.
The difference between a used and refurbished phone is that the refurbished phones are tested by a third party to make sure they work. The device is wiped clean of any data from the previous owner and the settings are returned to the factory settings.
Used devices may not have been tested by a third party. And there's a chance that the device hasn't been wiped clean, which is actually more of an issue for the previous owner than it is for you. But it may be a bit of a hassle for you. At any rate, there is more risk involved with buying a used device that likely hasn't been tested as much as one that is refurbished.
If you can't wait of an iPhone and must have one now, keep in mind that the most recent iPhone is the iPhone 4S. It was introduced last fall. And it is understandably more expensive than older versions, i.e. the iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, iPhone 3G and the original iPhone.
On eBay, you can get a new 16GB iPhone 4S for about $510. A used one is $369 and a refurbished one is $500. A brand new iPhone 4 is going for about $415 on eBay. You can get a used one for about $210 and a refurbished one for $330. But remember that this is the device that is now two years old.