Sell Your Phone
Selling iPhone 13 vs iPhone 14 in Chicago: Price Differences
Wondering how much you can get for your iPhone 13 or iPhone 14 in Chicago? This guide breaks down buyback prices, condition tips, and where to sell for the most cash.
Selling iPhone 13 vs iPhone 14 in Chicago: Price Differences
If you have an iPhone 13 or iPhone 14 sitting in a drawer, you already have something worth real money. Chicago's secondhand electronics market is active year-round, and buyback shops across neighborhoods from Wicker Park to Hyde Park routinely purchase both models. The comparison between what you can get for an iPhone 13 versus an iPhone 14 is not always as dramatic as you might expect, but the gap matters when you're trying to maximize your return before values drop further.
This guide walks you through current resale price ranges, what affects the numbers, and how to choose the right selling channel in Chicago.
How Much Can You Get for an iPhone 13 in Chicago?
The iPhone 13 launched in September 2021, which means it is now several years into its depreciation curve. That said, it remains a highly sought-after resale device because of its strong camera, long software support window, and wide availability of accessories.
As of mid-2025, Chicago buyback shops and mail-in services are paying roughly the following for an iPhone 13 in working condition:
| Model | Storage | Excellent Condition | Good Condition | Fair/Cracked | |---|---|---|---|---| | iPhone 13 Mini | 128GB | $130-$160 | $90-$120 | $40-$70 | | iPhone 13 | 128GB | $160-$200 | $120-$155 | $55-$90 | | iPhone 13 | 256GB | $185-$225 | $140-$175 | $65-$100 | | iPhone 13 Pro | 128GB | $220-$270 | $170-$210 | $80-$120 | | iPhone 13 Pro Max | 128GB | $250-$300 | $195-$235 | $90-$135 |
These are estimates based on typical Chicago market rates. Prices shift with inventory demand, Apple trade-in promotions, and the time of year. Fall tends to spike demand as new models launch.
How Much Can You Get for an iPhone 14 in Chicago?
The iPhone 14 series, released in September 2022, commands a measurable premium over the 13 lineup, though that gap narrows as each new generation arrives. The iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max hold value better than the base iPhone 14, largely because of their Dynamic Island display and 48MP main camera, features that still feel current to most buyers.
| Model | Storage | Excellent Condition | Good Condition | Fair/Cracked | |---|---|---|---|---| | iPhone 14 | 128GB | $220-$270 | $170-$215 | $80-$120 | | iPhone 14 | 256GB | $250-$295 | $200-$240 | $95-$135 | | iPhone 14 Plus | 128GB | $210-$255 | $165-$205 | $75-$115 | | iPhone 14 Pro | 128GB | $320-$380 | $260-$315 | $130-$175 | | iPhone 14 Pro Max | 256GB | $375-$440 | $300-$360 | $155-$200 |
The takeaway: an iPhone 14 in excellent condition earns you roughly $60-$140 more than the equivalent iPhone 13 model, depending on the tier. That spread makes timing your sale worthwhile if you have been sitting on either device.
Key Factors That Affect Your iPhone's Resale Value
Whether you're selling an iPhone 13 or iPhone 14, the same variables determine whether you land at the top or bottom of any price range.
Battery Health
Buyers and shops in Chicago inspect battery health first. iPhones with battery health at or above 85% command significantly better offers. Anything below 80% often gets flagged for a price reduction because the buyer knows a battery replacement will cost them $60-$90. Check your battery health under Settings > Battery > Battery Health before you go in.
Cosmetic Condition
Cracked screens hurt your value the most. A cracked iPhone 13 screen can drop your offer by $60-$100 depending on severity. Minor scratches on the back glass are typically absorbed into a "good" condition grade rather than pushing you into "fair." If your screen is cracked but the phone works, you still have options. Some Chicago repair shops will fix the screen and then buy the device, though the math only works if the repair cost is low relative to the price bump.
Carrier Lock Status
Unlocked iPhones consistently bring higher offers. A carrier-locked iPhone 13 or iPhone 14 is worth 10-20% less than the same model unlocked. You can request an unlock from your carrier once your account is in good standing and any installment plan is paid off. T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon all have online unlock request portals.
Storage Tier
Higher storage models bring more cash, but the difference between 128GB and 256GB is modest on older models. On an iPhone 14 Pro Max, moving from 128GB to 256GB might add $30-$50 to your offer. The jump from 256GB to 512GB is similarly incremental.
Original Box and Accessories
Having the original box and lightning cable adds a small premium at some shops, typically $10-$20. It matters more to private buyers on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace than to professional buyback services.
Where to Sell Your iPhone in Chicago
Chicago offers several legitimate channels for selling a used iPhone 13 or iPhone 14, each with different trade-offs between speed, convenience, and payout.
Local Buyback Shops
Physical electronics buyback shops in neighborhoods like Logan Square, Lincoln Park, and the Loop provide same-day cash. You walk in, they inspect the device, and you leave with money. The convenience comes at a slight cost: local shops typically pay 10-20% less than top online offers because they carry inventory risk and overhead. That said, for many Chicago residents, same-day cash beats waiting a week for a mail-in check.
Mail-In Buyback Services
Nationwide services like Decluttr, SellCell, and Back Market's buyback arm often pay more than local shops because of higher volume and lower overhead. The process takes 5-10 business days from shipment to payment. Lock in your quote before shipping because prices can change if the device condition differs from what you described. See our guide to mail-in phone selling for a step-by-step walkthrough.
Apple Trade-In
Apple's trade-in program is convenient if you're buying a new iPhone at the same time. Apple offers gift card credit rather than cash. Their values are competitive for newer models but tend to lag behind third-party buyers for devices like the iPhone 13, which has moved into a lower pricing tier on Apple's scale.
Private Sale (Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist)
Private sales in Chicago can yield the highest return, sometimes 25-40% more than a buyback shop, but they require time, coordination, and some safety awareness. Always meet in a public place, ideally a police station lobby (Chicago has several that welcome this). Get payment through cash or an instant digital transfer before handing over the device.
For a broader comparison of all selling options, check out our phone selling options guide.
iPhone 13 vs iPhone 14: Is the Price Gap Worth Waiting For?
If you own an iPhone 13 and have been holding off selling because you think values will recover, they won't. iPhones depreciate on a consistent curve, and each new Apple release pushes older models down another notch. The iPhone 16 series has already pulled some buyer demand away from the 14 line, which filters down to 13 demand as well.
The practical advice is to sell sooner rather than later, especially if you're not actively using the device. The comparison between the two generations is clear: an iPhone 14 earns meaningfully more today, and both will earn less six months from now.
If your device needs minor repairs before selling, read our repair vs. sell guide to decide whether fixing it first is worth the investment.
Tips for Getting the Best Offer in Chicago
- Wipe the device completely. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings. Remove your Apple ID first.
- Get quotes from at least three sources before accepting any offer.
- Sell in the fall if possible. September and October drive demand as people upgrade to new models.
- Be honest about condition when requesting online quotes. Misrepresenting condition leads to revised (lower) offers when the device is inspected, wasting everyone's time.
- Check for carrier unlock eligibility before you list or walk into a shop. Unlocked status can immediately increase your offer.
- Take clear photos if selling privately. Buyers on Facebook Marketplace respond better to listings with multiple well-lit photos showing all four corners and the screen.
Selling either an iPhone 13 or iPhone 14 in Chicago is straightforward if you know what to expect. Use the price tables above as a baseline, factor in your device's specific condition, and choose the channel that fits your timeline. The money is there; it just requires a bit of preparation to get the most of it.
Frequently asked questions
How much more is an iPhone 14 worth than an iPhone 13 when selling in Chicago?
On average, an iPhone 14 in excellent condition brings $60-$140 more than the equivalent iPhone 13 model at Chicago buyback shops. The gap is largest at the Pro tier and smallest between the base iPhone 13 and base iPhone 14.
Does battery health affect my iPhone trade-in price?
Yes, significantly. Chicago buyback shops and online services both check battery health. Devices with 85% or higher typically receive the best offers, while anything below 80% usually results in a reduced quote because the buyer factors in replacement cost.
Should I repair my cracked iPhone 13 screen before selling it?
It depends on the repair cost versus the price bump. A screen repair on an iPhone 13 runs $80-$150 at most Chicago shops. If a repaired screen moves your offer up by $100 or more, it can be worth it. Get a repair estimate and a cracked-screen buyback quote first, then compare.
Is it better to sell my iPhone locally in Chicago or use a mail-in service?
Local shops offer same-day cash and are convenient, but mail-in services typically pay 10-20% more. If you need money quickly or want to avoid shipping, go local. If maximizing payout matters more than speed, a reputable mail-in service is usually the better choice.
When is the best time of year to sell an iPhone in Chicago?
September and October are the best months. Apple's annual iPhone releases drive demand for used older models as buyers who don't upgrade seek deals. Selling just before or right after a new iPhone launch typically yields better offers than selling mid-winter.
Do I need the original box to sell my iPhone 13 or iPhone 14?
No, the original box is not required. Most buyback shops and online services don't factor it into their offer at all. Private buyers on platforms like Facebook Marketplace may pay a small premium for a complete original box, typically around $10-$20.
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