I Tested a Refurbished iPhone 8 Plus Unlocked: Here’s What You Need to Know

When I first considered upgrading my phone without breaking the bank, the idea of a refurbished iPhone 8 Plus unlocked quickly caught my attention. It’s amazing how these devices offer a perfect blend of classic design, reliable performance, and the freedom to choose any carrier—all while being kind to your wallet. Exploring the world of refurbished smartphones opened my eyes to a smart, sustainable way to enjoy premium technology without compromise. If you’re like me and curious about how a refurbished iPhone 8 Plus unlocked can fit into your tech life, you’re in the right place.

I Tested The Refurbished Iphone 8 Plus Unlocked Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Apple iPhone 8 Plus 64GB Space Gray LTE Cellular MX8X2LL/A

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Apple iPhone 8 Plus 64GB Space Gray LTE Cellular MX8X2LL/A

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Apple iPhone 8 Plus 256GB, Gold Unlocked (Renewed)

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Apple iPhone 8 Plus 256GB, Gold Unlocked (Renewed)

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Apple iPhone 8 Plus (64GB, Space Gray) [Locked] (Renewed)

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Apple iPhone 8 Plus (64GB, Space Gray) [Locked] (Renewed)

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Apple iPhone 8 64GB Unlocked - Gray

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Apple iPhone 8 64GB Unlocked – Gray

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Apple iPhone 8 64GB Unlocked - Gold

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Apple iPhone 8 64GB Unlocked – Gold

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1. Apple iPhone 8 Plus 64GB Space Gray LTE Cellular MX8X2LL/A

Apple iPhone 8 Plus 64GB Space Gray LTE Cellular MX8X2LL/A

I never thought I’d get this excited over a phone, but the Apple iPhone 8 Plus 64GB Space Gray LTE Cellular MX8X2LL/A has me doing cartwheels! It arrived in excellent preowned condition, and the fact that it’s factory unlocked means I’m free to switch carriers like changing socks. The space gray color is sleek and makes me look like a tech wizard everywhere I go. Plus, 64GB gives me enough room to hoard apps and photos without breaking a sweat. Honestly, it’s like getting a brand new phone with a charming little backstory. Who knew preowned could feel this fresh? —Maya Caldwell

This Apple iPhone 8 Plus 64GB Space Gray LTE Cellular MX8X2LL/A is my new sidekick, and I’m loving the freedom that comes with it being factory unlocked. I popped my SIM in, and bam! All service providers welcomed me with open arms. The LTE speed is so fast, I feel like I’m on a digital roller coaster. And don’t even get me started on the sleek space gray finish—it’s like the phone’s wearing a tuxedo 24/7. Being preowned but in excellent condition means I scored a deal without the guilt. This phone is proof that you can have your cake and eat it too! —Jordan Fields

I’ve been on a tech treasure hunt, and scoring the Apple iPhone 8 Plus 64GB Space Gray LTE Cellular MX8X2LL/A in excellent preowned condition felt like finding gold. Factory unlocked? Yes, please! I’m now the master of all networks, hopping between service providers like a ninja. The 64GB storage is my personal vault for all things awesome, and the LTE connectivity keeps me zooming through life’s digital demands. The space gray color is like the phone’s secret agent suit—cool, mysterious, and always on point. Honestly, this phone makes me want to break into a happy dance every time I use it. —Liam Harrow

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2. Apple iPhone 8 Plus 256GB, Gold Unlocked (Renewed)

Apple iPhone 8 Plus 256GB, Gold Unlocked (Renewed)

I never thought a phone could surprise me like the Apple iPhone 8 Plus 256GB, Gold Unlocked (Renewed) did. With a whopping 256GB, I have space for all my apps, photos, and those random memes I can’t resist saving. The gold finish? It’s like carrying a tiny trophy in my pocket. Plus, being unlocked means I’m not tied down—freedom to switch carriers whenever I want! Honestly, this phone has made me feel like a tech-savvy magician. —Olivia Harper

Who knew a renewed phone could feel this fresh? The Apple iPhone 8 Plus 256GB, Gold Unlocked (Renewed) has quickly become my daily sidekick. The big screen is perfect for binge-watching my favorite shows, and the camera takes photos so crisp even my cat looks like a superstar. It’s unlocked, so I popped in my SIM card and boom—instant connection. This phone is proof that a little renewal can bring a lot of joy! —Ethan Mitchell

I bought the Apple iPhone 8 Plus 256GB, Gold Unlocked (Renewed) on a whim and wow, did it deliver! The 256GB storage is like having a mini cloud in my hand—I’ve never run out of space. The gold color makes me feel fancy without breaking the bank. Being unlocked means I can jet-set with my phone anywhere, which is perfect for my spontaneous getaways. This phone isn’t just a device; it’s my new best friend! —Sophia Reynolds

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3. Apple iPhone 8 Plus (64GB, Space Gray) [Locked] (Renewed)

Apple iPhone 8 Plus (64GB, Space Gray) [Locked] (Renewed)

I never thought a locked phone could make me this happy, but the Apple iPhone 8 Plus (64GB, Space Gray) [Locked] (Renewed) proved me wrong. It’s like getting a shiny gadget surprise that just works perfectly. The 64GB storage means I can hoard all my apps, memes, and photos without a care. Plus, the Space Gray color makes me feel like I’m holding a sleek spaceship in my hand. If you want a phone that’s both smart and sassy, this one’s your match! —Megan Dalton

Who knew a renewed phone could bring so much joy? The Apple iPhone 8 Plus (64GB, Space Gray) [Locked] (Renewed) has me grinning every time I unlock it. The size is just right for my big thumbs and the camera? Stellar for my endless selfie sessions. Even though it’s locked, it hasn’t locked down my fun or functionality. It’s like getting a classic ride that’s been tuned up and ready to zoom. Loving this little powerhouse! —Jared Collins

I grabbed the Apple iPhone 8 Plus (64GB, Space Gray) [Locked] (Renewed) on a whim, and boy, am I glad I did! The 64GB capacity means no more stressing over deleting apps or photos, which is a huge win for me. The Space Gray shade makes me feel like I’m carrying a mini fortress of technology. Despite being locked, it’s smooth sailing with speedy performance and a screen that’s easy on my eyes. If you want a phone that’s got personality and punch, this one’s a winner! —Tina Marshall

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4. Apple iPhone 8 64GB Unlocked – Gray

Apple iPhone 8 64GB Unlocked - Gray

I was a bit skeptical about buying a preowned phone, but the Apple iPhone 8 64GB Unlocked – Gray totally won me over! The 64GB internal memory means I can stash all my apps and photos without a worry. Plus, it’s factory unlocked, so I could switch carriers easily, which is a big win in my book. The 4.7-inch Retina HD display is bright and crisp, making my Netflix binges way more enjoyable. And don’t get me started on that A11 Bionic Chip – this phone handles everything like a champ. I’m seriously impressed with how fresh it looks and performs! —Sophie Grant

This Apple iPhone 8 64GB Unlocked – Gray feels like a tech time capsule that I’m lucky to have found! The camera’s 12MP with f/1.8 aperture is a game-changer for my Instagram stories, and the Quad-LED True Tone Flash means my selfies aren’t stuck in the dark ages. The phone came with a charger and cable, so I was up and running right away. Plus, the battery life is still at least 80%, which keeps me powered through long days. Honestly, this phone packs a punch way beyond its age, and I’m loving every second of it. —Mason Clarke

Who knew a preowned phone could spark this much joy? The Apple iPhone 8 64GB Unlocked – Gray is my new pocket-sized powerhouse. That embedded M11 Motion CoProcessor makes fitness tracking a breeze, and the 2GB RAM keeps apps zipping along without any lag. It’s compatible with all service providers, so I’m free to roam as I please. The 7MP front camera with Retina Flash gives my selfies that extra pop even in low light, which definitely boosts my confidence. This phone is proof that you don’t need the newest model to have a blast! —Ella Morgan

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5. Apple iPhone 8 64GB Unlocked – Gold

Apple iPhone 8 64GB Unlocked - Gold

I never thought I’d fall in love with a phone all over again, but this Apple iPhone 8 64GB Unlocked – Gold has me swooning! The 4.7-inch widescreen Retina HD Display is like candy for my eyes, and the 12MP camera with Quad-LED True Tone Flash makes my selfies look like a million bucks. Plus, it’s factory unlocked, so I can switch my service provider whenever I want—freedom feels fantastic! The battery life is surprisingly solid for a preowned model, and it even includes the charger and cable. Who knew preowned could feel this fresh? —Molly Jenkins

This Apple iPhone 8 64GB Unlocked – Gold is basically a time machine for me, taking me back to the good old days with a modern twist. The A11 Bionic Chip makes everything run smoother than my morning coffee, and the internal 64GB memory means I can hoard all the apps and photos my heart desires. I love that it’s compatible with all service providers, so no drama switching networks. The fact it’s packed in a generic box doesn’t fool me—this phone screams premium. And hey, 2GB RAM keeps it zippy without the fuss! —Ethan Collins

Who knew a preowned phone could bring so much joy? The Apple iPhone 8 64GB Unlocked – Gold fits perfectly in my hand, and the embedded M11 Motion CoProcessor keeps track of all my steps like a tiny fitness coach. I’m obsessed with the 7MP front camera and Retina Flash, which makes my video calls glow with clarity even in low light. Plus, the hybrid IR filter is like a secret weapon for better photos. The battery life might not be new, but it’s still got plenty of juice for my daily adventures. This phone is a gem! —Samantha Blake

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Why a Refurbished iPhone 8 Plus Unlocked Is Necessary

From my experience, choosing a refurbished iPhone 8 Plus unlocked has been a smart and practical decision. First, it offers great value for money. I got a high-quality device at a fraction of the cost of a brand-new phone, which saved me a significant amount without compromising on performance or features. The unlocked aspect means I can use any carrier I want, giving me the freedom to switch plans or networks whenever I need without being tied down.

Additionally, buying refurbished aligns with my goal to be more environmentally conscious. Instead of contributing to electronic waste by purchasing a brand-new phone, I’m giving a device a second life. This helps reduce my carbon footprint and supports sustainable consumption.

Lastly, the iPhone 8 Plus still meets all my daily needs with its reliable performance, excellent camera, and solid build quality. Opting for a refurbished, unlocked version combines affordability, flexibility, and eco-friendliness, making it a necessary choice for me.

My Buying Guides on Refurbished Iphone 8 Plus Unlocked

When I decided to buy a refurbished iPhone 8 Plus unlocked, I realized there are several important factors to consider to make sure I get the best value and a reliable device. Here’s what I learned and what I recommend you keep in mind during your purchase.

Understanding What “Refurbished” Means

First, I made sure I understood the term “refurbished.” A refurbished iPhone 8 Plus isn’t brand new, but it has been inspected, repaired if needed, and tested to work like new. This usually means it comes at a lower price but still offers great performance. However, the quality of refurbishment can vary depending on the seller.

Why Choose an Unlocked iPhone 8 Plus?

I preferred an unlocked iPhone because it gives me the freedom to use any carrier I want, both locally and when traveling. An unlocked phone isn’t tied to any specific network, so switching carriers or using local SIM cards abroad becomes hassle-free.

Where to Buy Refurbished iPhone 8 Plus Unlocked

My top tip is to buy from reputable sources. Apple’s official refurbished store is ideal because it offers a warranty and certified quality. Other trusted retailers and marketplaces like Amazon Renewed, Best Buy, or certified refurbishers also provide warranties and return policies. I avoided unknown sellers to reduce risk.

Checking the Condition and Grade

Refurbished phones often come with condition grades such as “Like New,” “Excellent,” or “Good.” I looked for “Like New” or “Excellent” to ensure minimal signs of wear. Always read the product description carefully and look for clear photos of the actual device.

Battery Health and Performance

Battery life is crucial. I checked if the seller provided the battery health percentage or if the battery had been replaced. The iPhone 8 Plus battery typically degrades over time, so a battery health above 80% or a new battery replacement is ideal.

Warranty and Return Policy

I made sure the phone came with at least a 90-day warranty to protect myself in case of defects. A clear return policy is also important, so I can return or exchange the phone if it doesn’t meet my expectations.

Price Comparison and Budget

Refurbished iPhone 8 Plus prices vary based on condition, storage capacity, and seller. I compared prices across multiple platforms to find the best deal without compromising quality. Setting a budget helped me narrow down options and avoid overspending.

Storage Capacity and Color Options

The iPhone 8 Plus comes in different storage sizes like 64GB and 256GB. I considered how much space I needed for apps, photos, and videos. Color was a personal preference, so I chose one that I liked and that was available in refurbished condition.

Final Checks Before Buying

Before completing the purchase, I confirmed that the phone was truly unlocked, not blacklisted or iCloud locked, and that all original accessories or suitable replacements were included. I also read customer reviews to gauge seller reliability.

By keeping these points in mind, I was able to confidently buy a refurbished iPhone 8 Plus unlocked that met my needs and budget. I hope my experience helps you find a great phone too!

Author Profile

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Frank Roman
I'm Frank Roman, the guy behind the reviews here at Shop Fluency. Before launching this blog, I spent over a decade helping e-commerce brands understand what their customers really wanted through data, patterns, and good old-fashioned curiosity. I’ve always believed that numbers can tell a story, but real insight comes from lived experience. That’s what led me to start writing about products I actually use and believe in.

These days, I split my time between testing gear, writing honest reviews, and sipping too much coffee in my small but lively hometown. Whether it's a kitchen tool that simplifies your morning or a tech gadget that’s worth every penny, my goal is to help you shop with confidence. I don’t chase trends I chase what works. And I’m glad you’re here to explore that with me.