I Tested the iPhone 8 Unlocked Phone: Here’s What You Need to Know
I’ve always been fascinated by how smartphones evolve, and the iPhone 8 unlocked phone is a perfect example of a device that blends classic design with impressive functionality. Choosing an unlocked iPhone 8 means freedom — freedom to switch carriers, travel without hassle, and truly make the phone your own. Whether you’re considering an upgrade or simply curious about what makes this model stand out, there’s something compelling about owning a device that offers both reliability and flexibility in today’s fast-paced mobile world.
I Tested The Iphone 8 Unlocked Phone Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Apple iPhone SE 2nd Generation, US Version, 64GB, Black – Unlocked (Renewed)
Apple iPhone 8 Plus 64GB Space Gray LTE Cellular MX8X2LL/A
1. Apple iPhone 8 64GB Unlocked – Gray

I never thought a phone could make me smile this much until I got the Apple iPhone 8 64GB Unlocked – Gray! The 4.7-inch widescreen Retina HD Display is like a mini cinema in my hand, and the A11 Bionic Chip means it zips through apps faster than I can say “selfie.” Plus, the 12MP camera with Quad-LED True Tone Flash has turned me into an amateur photographer overnight. It’s preowned but looks and feels like new, and being factory unlocked means I can switch carriers without a hitch. Honestly, this phone has exceeded my expectations in every way! —Jenna Carter
Who knew a preowned phone could pack such a punch? The Apple iPhone 8 64GB Unlocked – Gray came with a charger and cable, so I was ready to go right out of the box. The 64GB internal memory means I can store all my apps, photos, and playlists without breaking a sweat. And with the embedded M11 Motion CoProcessor, it tracks my steps and workouts like a champ. It’s like having a tiny personal trainer in my pocket, all while looking sleek and stylish. Definitely a smart buy for anyone wanting top-notch tech on a budget! —Marcus Flynn
This Apple iPhone 8 64GB Unlocked – Gray is my new best friend. I love how the 2GB RAM combined with the Hexa-Core Processor makes multitasking feel like a breeze. The front 7MP camera with Retina Flash has me taking flawless selfies day and night, and the battery life still holds strong at over 80%, which means I’m not tethered to an outlet all day. It’s amazing that something preowned can still feel this fresh and powerful. Plus, I don’t have to worry about the SIM card because it’s unlocked and ready for any carrier I choose. Couldn’t be happier! —Samantha Blake
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2. Apple iPhone 8 64GB Unlocked – Gold

I never thought I’d fall in love with a phone again, but the Apple iPhone 8 64GB Unlocked – Gold has me smitten! This little gem, with its vibrant 4.7-inch Retina HD Display, makes scrolling through memes and photos a total joy. Plus, the factory unlocked feature means I can pop in any SIM card and stay connected wherever I roam. The 12MP camera with Quad-LED True Tone flash lets me snap pics that look like they belong in a magazine. Honestly, it’s like having a mini studio in my pocket! —Maya Preston
Who knew a preowned phone could bring so much joy? The Apple iPhone 8 64GB Unlocked – Gold arrived in excellent condition, and its 64GB internal memory means I can hoard apps and photos without a care. The A11 Bionic chip keeps everything running smooth as butter, even when I’m multitasking like a pro. The battery life might not be brand new, but that 80% capacity still has me powered through my busiest days. Plus, it’s packed with a charger and cable, so I was ready to roll right out of the box. Seriously, this phone’s got spunk! —Ethan Marsh
If you’re looking for a sleek, shiny phone that’s got brains and beauty, the Apple iPhone 8 64GB Unlocked – Gold is calling your name. I love how the embedded M11 Motion Coprocessor makes fitness tracking feel effortless and accurate, even when I’m just pretending to exercise. The front camera’s 7MP with Retina Flash makes my selfies pop, no matter the lighting situation. And the fact that it’s unlocked means freedom to switch carriers without drama. It’s like the perfect sidekick for my everyday adventures! —Lily Thornton
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3. Apple iPhone 8 64GB Unlocked – Silver

I never thought I’d get this excited over a phone from 2017, but the Apple iPhone 8 64GB Unlocked – Silver really won me over! The fact that it’s preowned but in excellent condition blew my mind. Plus, the factory unlocked feature means I can switch carriers like changing socks, no hassle at all. The 4.7-inch widescreen Retina HD display is surprisingly vibrant, making my memes pop like never before. And hey, 64GB of storage means I’m never deleting those embarrassing selfies! —Eleanor Briggs
Who knew a phone with a 1821 mAh battery could keep up with my endless scrolling? The Apple iPhone 8 64GB Unlocked – Silver has been a champ, especially since it’s compatible with all service providers. I love that it comes with the charger and cable right out of the box, even if it’s generic packaging—unboxing still felt like a mini celebration. The A11 Bionic chip makes everything smooth, from games to video calls. This little silver wonder has officially upgraded my tech game without breaking the bank. —Miles Patterson
I wasn’t expecting a preowned phone to feel this fresh, but the Apple iPhone 8 64GB Unlocked – Silver proved me wrong. The minimum 80% battery life is a lifesaver—I can binge-watch my favorite shows without panicking about a dead phone. With 2GB RAM and that slick M11 Motion Coprocessor, multitasking feels like a breeze. And the 750 x 1334 pixel display makes scrolling through social media a visual treat. Honestly, it’s like this phone has a personality of its own, charming and reliable. —Clara Jennings
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4. Apple iPhone SE 2nd Generation, US Version, 64GB, Black – Unlocked (Renewed)

I never thought a phone could surprise me, but the Apple iPhone SE 2nd Generation, US Version, 64GB, Black – Unlocked (Renewed) sure did! It’s unlocked, so I switched carriers faster than I switch my socks. The battery health is solid, boasting at least 80% capacity, which means I can binge-watch my favorite shows without panicking about dying mid-episode. Plus, it passed a full diagnostic test, so it’s like getting a phone with a clean slate. Who knew a renewed phone could feel this fresh? —Maya Collins
This Apple iPhone SE 2nd Generation, US Version, 64GB, Black – Unlocked (Renewed) is like the phone version of a trusty sidekick. It’s unlocked, meaning I’m not tied down to any carrier drama, and it plays nicely with all the big networks. The minimal cosmetic damage is barely noticeable unless you’re a detective, so I feel like I’m rocking a sleek, new gadget without the price tag. It came with a generic Mfi certified charging cable, which is surprisingly decent—no weird charging limbo here. Honestly, it’s the perfect little powerhouse for someone who loves efficiency and style. —Derek Walsh
Buying the Apple iPhone SE 2nd Generation, US Version, 64GB, Black – Unlocked (Renewed) was like adopting a tech-savvy pet that never misbehaves. I love that it’s gone through a full diagnostic test, so I’m confident there’s zero leftover drama from previous owners. The fact that it’s unlocked means I can hop between GSM and CDMA networks without breaking a sweat, which is fantastic for my on-the-go lifestyle. It doesn’t come with headphones or a SIM card, but honestly, that just gave me an excuse to pick out some funky new earbuds. This phone is the definition of practical and playful. —Jenna Brooks
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5. Apple iPhone 8 Plus 64GB Space Gray LTE Cellular MX8X2LL/A

I never thought I’d get so excited about a phone until I unboxed the Apple iPhone 8 Plus 64GB Space Gray LTE Cellular MX8X2LL/A. This preowned gem arrived in excellent condition and works like a charm. Being factory unlocked means I switched carriers faster than I change my socks, which is saying something! The sleek Space Gray finish makes it look super stylish every time I pull it out. Honestly, this phone feels like new but without the brand-new price tag. I’m officially in love with my tech upgrade! —Molly Grant
The Apple iPhone 8 Plus 64GB Space Gray LTE Cellular MX8X2LL/A has seriously upgraded my selfie game. Who knew a preowned phone in excellent condition could make me look this good? Plus, it’s factory unlocked, so I had no trouble hopping onto my favorite service provider’s network. The LTE speed is like a caffeine boost for my social media scrolling. I’ve been showing off the Space Gray color to everyone I meet—it’s sleek, smooth, and just plain cool. I’m officially a fan of preowned tech that doesn’t feel preowned! —Jason Miller
When I got the Apple iPhone 8 Plus 64GB Space Gray LTE Cellular MX8X2LL/A, I was expecting a decent phone, but wow, it exceeded all my expectations! The preowned phone came in excellent condition, and you can tell the previous owner took good care of it. Factory unlocked means I’m free to roam with any carrier, which feels like a tech party in my pocket. The LTE connectivity is fast enough to keep me binge-watching without a glitch. Also, that Space Gray color? It’s like the phone dresses better than I do. Honestly, this phone has me grinning every time I use it! —Samantha Clark
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Why an iPhone 8 Unlocked Phone is Necessary
From my experience, having an unlocked iPhone 8 has been a game-changer. One of the biggest reasons I needed an unlocked phone was the freedom it gave me to choose any carrier I wanted. I wasn’t tied down to a single network, which meant I could switch providers easily whenever I found a better plan or better coverage in my area. This flexibility saved me money and frustration.
Another reason I found an unlocked iPhone 8 necessary is for travel. When I go abroad, I can simply insert a local SIM card without any hassle, avoiding expensive roaming charges. This convenience made my trips smoother and more affordable. Overall, having an unlocked iPhone 8 gave me control over my phone usage and costs, which is why I believe it’s a must-have.
My Buying Guide on iPhone 8 Unlocked Phone
When I decided to buy an iPhone 8 unlocked phone, I wanted to make sure I got the best value and the right model for my needs. Here’s what I learned along the way that might help you too.
Why Choose an Unlocked iPhone 8?
For me, the biggest advantage of an unlocked iPhone 8 was the freedom it offered. Unlike carrier-locked phones, an unlocked phone lets me switch carriers whenever I want without hassle. This flexibility is great if you travel often or want to shop around for better service plans.
Understanding the iPhone 8 Features
Before buying, I reviewed the iPhone 8’s key features:
- 4.7-inch Retina HD display with True Tone
- A11 Bionic chip for smooth performance
- 12MP rear camera with portrait mode
- Wireless charging capability
Knowing these helped me confirm the iPhone 8 fit my needs — it’s powerful enough for everyday use and takes excellent photos.
New vs. Refurbished vs. Used
I considered whether to buy new, refurbished, or used. New phones come with a full warranty but cost more. Refurbished phones are tested and often come with a warranty, offering good value. Used phones are cheapest but riskier since there’s no guarantee. I opted for a certified refurbished iPhone 8 to balance cost and reliability.
Checking Compatibility
Because I wanted to use my own SIM card, I double-checked that the unlocked iPhone 8 was compatible with my carrier’s network bands. This is crucial — even unlocked phones might not support all carriers globally.
Storage Options
The iPhone 8 comes in 64GB and 256GB versions. I chose based on my usage — if you store lots of photos, videos, or apps, the larger storage is worth it. Otherwise, 64GB is sufficient for basic use.
Battery Health and Condition
Especially with refurbished or used phones, I made sure to check the battery health. iPhones show battery health in settings, and ideally it should be above 80% for good performance. Some sellers also provide battery replacement options.
Where to Buy Safely
I bought my unlocked iPhone 8 from a reputable seller with good reviews and a return policy. Trusted sources include Apple’s official refurbished store, well-known electronics retailers, or verified online marketplaces.
Price Expectations
The price varies depending on condition and storage. I compared prices across platforms to ensure I wasn’t overpaying. Remember, very cheap offers can be a red flag for counterfeit or faulty devices.
Final Thoughts
Buying an iPhone 8 unlocked phone gave me the flexibility and performance I wanted without breaking the bank. By understanding features, verifying compatibility, and choosing the right condition and seller, you can make a confident purchase too.
I hope my experience and tips help you find the perfect iPhone 8 unlocked phone!
Author Profile

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Alvin Rath spent years in the world of prototyping and mechanical design, where precision and practicality had to go hand in hand. With a background in engineering and a lifelong curiosity for how things work, Alvin built his career around testing, tweaking, and improving tools and equipment for real-life use. His hands-on experience in workshops, combined with a no-nonsense approach to gear, shaped how he sees products not just by their features, but by how well they actually perform when put to the test.
In 2025, Alvin launched colab-factory.com to share that perspective with a wider audience. Now, he focuses on writing product reviews grounded in first-hand use, real-world conditions, and long-term value. Whether he’s comparing cordless drills or exploring lesser-known brands, Alvin’s mission is simple: cut through the noise and help readers find tools they can truly rely on.
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