Understanding the iPhone 7 Market Value Today
Released in September 2016, the iPhone 7 was once a flagship device boasting improvements in performance, camera capabilities, and water resistance. Nearly a decade later, it still holds some appeal for budget-conscious buyers, collectors, or those looking for a secondary device. But for those considering this model today, a primary question is: how much is an iPhone 7 in 2025? The answer depends on a variety of factors, including device condition, storage capacity, market demand, and where it is being purchased.
How Much Is an iPhone 7: Key Price Factors to Consider
To determine how much is an iPhone 7, it’s essential to examine the pricing landscape through several critical lenses. The price you’ll pay will vary based on whether the device is new, refurbished, or used, its storage configuration, carrier compatibility, and regional differences.
New vs. Refurbished vs. Used
The most influential factor in the iPhone 7’s price today is the device’s condition. A brand-new iPhone 7 is exceedingly rare, as Apple discontinued manufacturing it years ago. However, some retailers or private resellers may still offer new units in original packaging. These can cost anywhere from £150 to £250, often marketed as collector’s items or backup devices.
Refurbished models are more common and generally available through reputable platforms like Amazon Renewed, Back Market, or certified refurbishment providers. These units often come with a warranty and are tested for functionality. Refurbished iPhone 7 models typically range between £90 and £130 depending on condition and storage.
Used iPhone 7 units are the most widely available and affordable. Prices for used devices can fall between £40 and £100. The lower end of this range may include phones with cosmetic wear, degraded battery health, or limited functionality, while well-maintained devices can fetch a higher price.
Storage Capacity: 32GB, 128GB, and 256GB
The iPhone 7 came in three storage variants: 32GB, 128GB, and 256GB. As with any smartphone, higher storage capacities command higher prices due to increased demand and usability.
- 32GB models are the most common and least expensive, generally costing £40–£80 used or £90–£110 refurbished.
- 128GB models offer significantly more room for apps, media, and files, typically priced at £60–£100 used or up to £130 refurbished.
- 256GB models are relatively rare and are priced at a premium, ranging from £90–£150, depending on condition and seller.
When asking yourself how much is an iPhone 7, consider how your storage needs may impact pricing and usability.
Carrier Lock vs. Unlocked Devices
Carrier compatibility also affects iPhone 7 pricing. Devices locked to a specific carrier (like EE, O2, or Vodafone in the UK) are often cheaper than unlocked models, which can be used with any network worldwide.
Unlocked models are typically £10–£30 more expensive than their locked counterparts. For instance, a refurbished 128GB iPhone 7 locked to a carrier might cost around £100, while the unlocked equivalent could range closer to £120 or more.
Buyers who frequently travel or wish to use a local SIM in another country should consider paying a little extra for an unlocked version for greater flexibility and resale value.
Historical Context and Depreciation
When launched, the iPhone 7 started at £599 in the UK for the base model and reached up to £799 for the 256GB version. Over the years, as newer models were released—including the iPhone 8, X, and later the iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd gen), 11, 12, and beyond—the iPhone 7 experienced significant price depreciation.
By 2020, the iPhone 7’s average resale value had dropped to approximately £150. In 2023, the same models were typically priced around £80–£120. Now in 2025, the price has reached its most affordable stage, reflecting both obsolescence and aging hardware. This trend underscores why many now search for how much is an iPhone 7 before investing in a device with limited future software updates and hardware longevity.
Geographic Variations in Pricing
The cost of an iPhone 7 also varies depending on your location. In the UK, competitive reseller markets and wide availability of used tech often mean lower average prices compared to smaller markets.
In the United States, refurbished or used iPhone 7 models are similarly priced at around $50 to $120. In developing regions such as parts of Africa, Southeast Asia, or Latin America, the iPhone 7 may still be seen as a premium entry-level option, with prices slightly elevated due to limited supply or import fees.
These geographic differences are critical for online shoppers or those planning international purchases. Always factor in shipping costs, customs duties, and warranty limitations based on your location.
Seasonal Pricing Trends
Timing your purchase can also affect how much is an iPhone 7. Prices tend to fluctuate based on seasonal retail patterns. During holiday shopping seasons such as Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or Boxing Day, retailers often offer limited-time deals on refurbished electronics, including the iPhone 7.
Conversely, prices may slightly rise during back-to-school periods or when new iPhones are released, prompting an influx of secondhand listings. However, due to the iPhone 7’s age, seasonal effects are less dramatic compared to newer models but still worth considering for bargain hunters.
Where to Buy: Online Platforms vs. Local Sellers
If you’re searching for the best price, choosing the right platform is key. Online retailers like Amazon, eBay, Back Market, and MusicMagpie offer extensive listings, buyer protection policies, and customer reviews. However, prices on these platforms may include service fees or delivery charges.
Local sellers, such as those found on Facebook Marketplace or Gumtree, may offer lower prices, but they come with added risks: lack of warranty, no buyer protection, and potential scams. When using peer-to-peer platforms, it’s best to meet in person, inspect the device thoroughly, and ensure it’s not iCloud-locked.
Certified resellers or repair shops may offer a middle ground with warranty coverage, modest pricing, and some post-sale support.
Software Support and Performance Considerations
One reason buyers research how much is an iPhone 7 is to balance affordability with functionality. While the iPhone 7 still supports iOS 15, Apple has officially discontinued updates beyond that, limiting access to the latest security patches and features.
Despite this, the A10 Fusion chip still handles basic tasks—calls, texts, emails, browsing, and light app use—reasonably well. However, the lack of 5G, outdated camera hardware, and declining battery life mean the iPhone 7 may not meet the demands of power users or future app updates.
Buyers should weigh this against their usage needs. For simple tasks or as a secondary device, the iPhone 7 remains a valid choice at its current low price point.
Final Thoughts: Is the iPhone 7 Still Worth Buying?
So, how much is an iPhone 7 in 2025? You can expect to pay anywhere from £40 for a basic used model to around £150 for a rare new or high-capacity refurbished device. Pricing varies by condition, storage size, carrier status, and purchase source.
While the iPhone 7 no longer supports the latest iOS versions and has limitations in performance and battery life, it still offers value for specific users—especially those needing a backup device, a basic smartphone for children or seniors, or a reliable secondary phone for travel.
Buyers should always evaluate their needs, compare prices across platforms, and understand the limitations before investing. At its current price point, the iPhone 7 delivers solid functionality for the cost—but only when purchased with informed expectations.
