Excellent question! This hits on two key aspects of a new iPhone purchase: the excitement of the upgrade and the smart financial strategy.
Let’s break down the best ways to spend that first dollar and how to save significantly on the iPhone 13 (considering it’s now a few generations old).
How to Spend Your First Dollar Wisely on an iPhone 13
Even though the iPhone 13 is not the latest model, your first investment should be in protecting it and ensuring a good experience.
- A High-Quality Screen Protector: This is the single most cost-effective investment. It protects the expensive Ceramic Shield front glass from scratches and minor scuffs. A good tempered glass protector costs very little and can save you a huge screen repair bill.
- A Protective Case: Don’t let its sleek design lead to a cracked back. A reliable case from brands like Spigen, OtterBox, or Casetify is essential. For your first dollar, prioritize protection over aesthetics.
- Essential Accessories (if not included): Apple no longer includes a power adapter. Your first dollar could go towards a 20W USB-C power adapter for fast charging. A good pair of wireless earbuds (like AirPods or alternatives) also dramatically improves the experience.
How to Save MORE on an iPhone 13 (The Smart Buyer’s Guide)
Since the iPhone 13 is an older model, the savings opportunities are excellent if you know where to look.
1. Buy Refurbished or “Pre-Owned” (The #1 Way to Save)
- Apple Certified Refurbished: This is the gold standard. Sold directly by Apple, these devices come with a new battery, new outer shell, a full 1-year warranty, and are tested to meet Apple’s strict standards. You get near-perfect quality at a steep discount.
- Reputable Third-Party Retailers: Companies like Back Market, Gazelle, or Swappa offer graded devices (Excellent, Good, Fair) with warranties. Read seller ratings carefully.
- Carrier Deals: Often, carriers (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile) offer deep discounts on older models like the iPhone 13 when you activate a new line or trade in any eligible phone. This is often where you find the biggest outright price cuts.
2. Wait for Strategic Sale Periods
- Amazon Prime Day / Black Friday / Cyber Monday: Even older models see price drops during major sales events.
- Carrier Promotion Periods: Look around holidays (July 4th, Labor Day, etc.) or when carriers are trying to hit subscriber targets.
3. Sell Your Old Device to Offset Cost
- Trade-In Programs: Compare offers from Apple, your wireless carrier, and Best Buy. They often give bonus credit during promotions.
- Sell It Yourself: For maximum return, sell on Facebook Marketplace, Swappa, or eBay. A device in good condition will fetch more here than via a trade-in.
4. Consider the Storage Tier Wisely
The iPhone 13’s base storage is 128GB. For most users, this is sufficient. Avoid upsells to 256GB or 512GB unless you know you’ll store massive amounts of 4K video or games. The price jump is significant, and you can always use iCloud or other cloud storage for photos.
5. Re-evaluate the “Newer Model” Urge
Before buying the iPhone 13, ask: “Do I need the very latest features?” The iPhone 14 and 15 offer incremental upgrades (Dynamic Island, slightly better camera, USB-C on the 15). If the core features of the iPhone 13—great battery life, excellent dual-camera system, powerful A15 chip—meet your needs, you are getting 90% of the experience for 60% (or less) of the price.
Your Action Plan:
- Decide your budget.
- Check Apple’s Certified Refurbished store first.
- Compare prices on carrier websites with a trade-in.
- Set a price alert on Slickdeals or CamelCamelCamel for the model you want.
- Spend the money you saved on a great case, screen protector, and perhaps AirPods!
By focusing on refurbished models, carrier deals, and strategic timing, you can secure an excellent iPhone 13 and have plenty left over for those essential accessories. Enjoy your new (to you) phone
