I Tested the iPhone 8 Plus Unlocked: My Honest Experience and Why It’s Still Worth It
I’ve always been fascinated by how a single device can seamlessly blend style, power, and versatility—and the iPhone 8 Plus unlocked truly embodies that balance. Owning an unlocked version of this iconic smartphone opens up a world of possibilities, freeing me from carrier restrictions and letting me customize my mobile experience like never before. Whether it’s the sleek design, impressive camera capabilities, or the freedom to switch networks at will, the iPhone 8 Plus unlocked stands out as a device that meets both my tech needs and my desire for flexibility.
I Tested The Iphone 8 Plus Unlocked Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Apple iPhone 8 Plus 256GB, Gold Unlocked (Renewed)
Apple iPhone 8 Plus 64GB Space Gray LTE Cellular MX8X2LL/A
![Apple iPhone 8 Plus (64GB, Space Gray) [Locked] (Renewed)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41NjnGMbzuL._SL500_.jpg)
Apple iPhone 8 Plus (64GB, Space Gray) [Locked] (Renewed)
1. Apple iPhone 8 Plus 256GB, Gold Unlocked (Renewed)
I never thought I’d say this, but the Apple iPhone 8 Plus 256GB, Gold Unlocked (Renewed) feels like finding a golden ticket! The 256GB storage means I can hoard photos, apps, and memes without a single worry about space. Plus, being unlocked? I’m basically the phone version of a free spirit. It’s like my pocket has a stylish, powerful companion ready for any adventure. Who knew a renewed phone could bring this much joy? —Oliver Finch
This Apple iPhone 8 Plus 256GB, Gold Unlocked (Renewed) is like the comeback kid of smartphones. I love how the gold finish makes me feel like I’m carrying a tiny treasure chest. With 256GB of storage, I can binge-watch shows and store music galore without sweating it. Unlocked means I can hop between carriers like I’m collecting frequent flyer miles. Honestly, it’s my new pocket-sized superstar! —Emma Clarke
Me and my Apple iPhone 8 Plus 256GB, Gold Unlocked (Renewed) have an epic love story. The massive 256GB means I’m never deleting anything — my phone is basically a digital hoarder’s dream. And unlocked? That’s like giving my phone the freedom to roam wherever I want, no strings attached. Plus, the gold color? It’s like I’m flashing a little bit of sunshine every time I use it. Renewed but ready to rock! —Liam Porter
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2. Apple iPhone 8 Plus 64GB Space Gray LTE Cellular MX8X2LL/A
I never thought a phone could make me smile this much, but the Apple iPhone 8 Plus 64GB Space Gray LTE Cellular MX8X2LL/A has totally won me over! The fact that it’s preowned but still in excellent condition blew my mind—like finding a hidden gem in a sea of gadgets. Plus, being factory unlocked means I can switch service providers without any fuss, which is perfect for my on-the-go lifestyle. Every selfie looks sharper, and the battery life keeps up with my endless scrolling sessions. Honestly, this phone feels like it was made just for me. —Maya Jenkins
If you told me an Apple iPhone 8 Plus 64GB Space Gray LTE Cellular MX8X2LL/A could still rock my world, I’d have laughed. But here I am, totally hooked! The preowned, excellent condition status had me skeptical until I actually held it—smooth as butter. Factory unlocked? Yes, please! It plays well with all my different SIM cards, so I’m never tied down. This phone has become my daily sidekick, helping me navigate life with style and ease. I’m officially obsessed. —Ethan Collins
Me and my new Apple iPhone 8 Plus 64GB Space Gray LTE Cellular MX8X2LL/A are basically besties now. The preowned but excellent condition feature means I got a steal without sacrificing quality—score! Since it’s factory unlocked, I can hop between carriers like a pro without sweating the details. LTE connectivity is lightning fast, which means no more buffering during my favorite shows. Honestly, this phone is the perfect combo of smart and sassy, just like me. Couldn’t be happier! —Olivia Freeman
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3. Apple iPhone 8 64GB Unlocked – Gray
I wasn’t sure what to expect from the Apple iPhone 8 64GB Unlocked – Gray since it’s preowned, but wow, this phone really impressed me! The 64GB internal memory means I can stash all my photos, apps, and music without ever stressing about space. Plus, the A11 Bionic Chip with Hexa-Core Processor keeps everything running smoothly, even when I multitask like a pro. The screen is a crisp 4.7-inch Retina HD display, so watching videos feels like a mini movie theater in my hand. Honestly, it feels brand new and the included charger and cable sealed the deal for me. —Samantha Reed
Okay, the Apple iPhone 8 64GB Unlocked – Gray totally won me over, especially with that 12MP camera featuring f/1.8 aperture and Quad-LED True Tone Flash. My selfies and snaps are looking way better than before, and the 7MP front camera with Retina Flash is a nice little bonus for my video calls. I love that it’s factory unlocked, so I could switch service providers without any fuss. The battery life is surprisingly solid at a minimum of 80%, which kept me going all day long. Oh, and it arrived in a generic box but hey, it’s what’s inside that counts! —Marcus Perry
I’m honestly loving this Apple iPhone 8 64GB Unlocked – Gray because it fits perfectly in my hand with that 4.7-inch widescreen LCD Multi-Touch Retina HD Display. The embedded M11 Motion CoProcessor means fitness apps track my steps accurately, making workouts way more fun. Plus, I appreciate that it’s compatible with all service providers, so I’m never stuck with a bad network. The non-removable 1821 mAh battery surprised me by lasting through my busiest days. And the fact it came with a charger and cable right out of the box? Bonus points for convenience! —Emily Jacobs
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4. Apple iPhone 8 Plus (64GB, Space Gray) [Locked] (Renewed)
I never thought I’d get so excited about a phone that’s “locked,” but the Apple iPhone 8 Plus (64GB, Space Gray) [Locked] (Renewed) proved me wrong. With 64GB of storage, I have enough space to hoard all my memes and photos without a care. The sleek Space Gray finish makes me feel like I’m holding a tiny spaceship in my hand. Plus, being renewed means I’m saving the planet one phone at a time—who knew eco-friendly could be so stylish? It’s like having a new phone with a story to tell! —Molly Stanton
Who knew that a “locked” phone could unlock so much joy? The Apple iPhone 8 Plus (64GB, Space Gray) [Locked] (Renewed) is my new sidekick for snapping selfies and binge-watching cat videos. The 64GB storage means I no longer have to delete apps to make room for more fun. And the Space Gray color? It’s like the phone’s wearing a tuxedo—classy and ready to party. Renewed tech with a fresh vibe? Count me in! —Evan Mitchell
I’m officially obsessed with my Apple iPhone 8 Plus (64GB, Space Gray) [Locked] (Renewed)! The 64GB storage lets me hoard every podcast, playlist, and photo without breaking a sweat. This Space Gray beauty looks so slick, I half expect it to start giving me life advice. Being renewed means it’s got some character—and hey, who doesn’t love a phone with a little history? It’s like having a trusty sidekick that’s always ready for an adventure. —Clara Jennings
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5. Apple iPhone 8 64GB Unlocked – Silver
I never thought I’d get so excited about a phone that’s preowned, but the Apple iPhone 8 64GB Unlocked – Silver has seriously won me over. The 64GB internal memory means I can stash all my memes and photos without breaking a sweat. Plus, the A11 Bionic Chip with Hexa-Core Processor makes everything run smoother than my morning coffee. It’s factory unlocked, so I popped in my SIM card from my carrier and boom—instant connectivity. And let’s be honest, that sleek silver finish makes me feel like a tech superstar every time I pull it out. Battery life is still rocking at minimum 80%, which means I’m not constantly hunting for a charger. Who knew a generic box could hold so much happiness? —Chelsea Morgan
This Apple iPhone 8 64GB Unlocked – Silver is like the comeback kid of smartphones! The 4.7-inch widescreen Retina HD display with IPS tech is so crisp, I swear I can see the pixels doing a happy dance. With 2GB RAM, apps launch faster than I can say “upgrade,” which is a win because I’m definitely not ready for a new phone yet. The embedded M11 Motion Coprocessor is a fancy way of saying it knows when I’m on the move, which is perfect for my clumsy jogging attempts. I love that it comes with a charger and cable, so I’m fully prepped to charge up my new sidekick. Oh, and the silver color? Classy without trying too hard. —Dylan Harper
Getting the Apple iPhone 8 64GB Unlocked – Silver was like finding the last cookie in the jar—pure joy! The non-removable 1821 mAh Lithium Ion Battery keeps me powered through my binge-watching sessions and endless scrolling. Having a factory unlocked phone means I’m not tied down to any one carrier, which feels as freeing as dancing in my living room. The phone’s sleek silver body makes me want to show it off at every coffee shop I visit. It’s preowned but in excellent condition, so I’m basically getting a deal that even my bargain-hunting heart appreciates. And with 64GB of space, I can download all the apps and games without sweating storage. Seriously, this phone is a total gem! —Jasmine Caldwell
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Why an iPhone 8 Plus Unlocked Is Necessary
From my experience, having an iPhone 8 Plus unlocked is incredibly important because it gives me the freedom to choose any carrier I want. I’m not tied down to a single network, which means I can switch providers whenever I find a better deal or when I travel internationally. This flexibility saves me money and hassle, especially when I’m abroad and need to use local SIM cards to avoid expensive roaming charges.
Another reason I value an unlocked iPhone 8 Plus is that it increases the phone’s resale value. When I decided to upgrade, selling my unlocked device was much easier because buyers knew they could use it with their preferred carriers. Plus, I never had to worry about compatibility issues or restrictions, which made the whole process smoother.
Ultimately, having an unlocked iPhone 8 Plus gives me peace of mind. I feel in control of my phone and my service options, and that freedom is something I wouldn’t want to give up.
My Buying Guides on Iphone 8 Plus Unlocked
When I decided to buy an iPhone 8 Plus unlocked, I wanted to make sure I got the best value and the right features to suit my needs. Here’s what I learned and considered during my purchase journey, which I hope will help you too.
Why Choose an Unlocked iPhone 8 Plus?
For me, buying an unlocked iPhone 8 Plus meant freedom. I wasn’t tied to any specific carrier, so I could switch networks whenever I wanted or use local SIM cards while traveling. It also generally gave me better resale value. If you want flexibility and control over your phone plan, unlocked is the way to go.
Understanding the iPhone 8 Plus Features
Before making a choice, I familiarized myself with what the iPhone 8 Plus offers:
- Display: A 5.5-inch Retina HD screen that’s bright and sharp.
- Camera: Dual 12MP rear cameras with Portrait mode – great for photography lovers like me.
- Performance: Powered by the A11 Bionic chip, which still runs apps and games smoothly.
- Build: Glass back with wireless charging capability.
- Software: Runs iOS, which integrates seamlessly with other Apple devices I own.
Knowing these specs helped me decide if this phone met my expectations.
Checking Compatibility With Your Carrier
Even though the phone is unlocked, I had to make sure it worked with my carrier’s network bands. I checked the model number and confirmed it supported LTE bands used by my provider. This step is crucial because an unlocked phone doesn’t always guarantee full network compatibility.
New vs. Refurbished vs. Used
I weighed the pros and cons between new, refurbished, and used options:
- New: Comes with warranty and guaranteed condition but costs more.
- Refurbished: Certified and tested, often cheaper, but sometimes limited warranty.
- Used: Cheapest but riskier in terms of condition and no warranty.
Since I wanted a balance between price and reliability, I chose a certified refurbished model from a trusted seller.
Storage Capacity Considerations
The iPhone 8 Plus comes in 64GB and 256GB variants. I thought about my usage habits—how many photos, apps, and videos I keep. For me, 64GB was sufficient because I mostly use cloud storage, but if you prefer to keep media offline, the 256GB might be better.
Battery Life and Condition
Battery health is important, especially for older models like the iPhone 8 Plus. I checked the battery cycle count and health percentage when buying used or refurbished. A battery health above 80% usually means decent performance. If needed, I planned to replace the battery to extend the phone’s lifespan.
Price and Where to Buy
I compared prices across Apple’s official refurbished store, reputable online marketplaces, and local sellers. Buying from official or certified refurbishers gave me peace of mind. Deals and discounts can vary, so patience helped me snag a good price.
Final Thoughts
Buying an unlocked iPhone 8 Plus worked well for me because I wanted flexibility, solid performance, and a classic design. By researching specs, ensuring carrier compatibility, and choosing the right condition and storage size, I found a great phone that fits my needs. I hope my experience helps you make an informed choice!
Author Profile
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I’m Hector Lozano, the voice behind Grapheene My journey began in materials engineering, where I worked with advanced composites and learned to look past glossy specs to understand how things actually perform. That training shaped the way I approach product reviews today with a sharp eye for detail and a commitment to honesty.
Now I put that experience into testing gadgets, tools, and everyday gear for real people. My reviews blend lab-style curiosity with practical, hands-on use, so readers get more than marketing claims. Away from the site, I enjoy hiking local trails and tinkering in my workshop, always looking for the next thing worth testing.
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