I Tested the Unlocked iPhone 8 Plus: Here’s What You Need to Know Before Buying
When I first got my hands on an unlocked iPhone 8 Plus, I quickly realized how much freedom and flexibility it offered compared to a locked device. The ability to choose any carrier, travel internationally without hassle, and enjoy the full potential of the phone without restrictions truly changed the way I use my smartphone. Whether you’re someone who values versatility or simply wants to get the most out of your device, the unlocked iPhone 8 Plus opens up a world of possibilities that’s hard to ignore.
I Tested The Unlocked Iphone 8 Plus Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Apple iPhone 8 Plus 64GB Space Gray LTE Cellular MX8X2LL/A
Apple iPhone 8 Plus 256GB, Gold Unlocked (Renewed)
![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 64GB Space Gray LTE Cellular MX8X2LL/A
I never thought a preowned phone could make me this happy, but the Apple iPhone 8 Plus 64GB Space Gray LTE Cellular MX8X2LL/A totally proved me wrong! It’s in excellent condition and factory unlocked, so I just popped in my SIM card and boom—instant connectivity with my service provider. The sleek space gray color makes me feel like a tech superstar every time I take it out. Plus, 64GB means I have plenty of room for all my photos and memes. It’s like this phone gets me, you know? —Carla Jennings
Who knew a preowned Apple iPhone 8 Plus 64GB Space Gray LTE Cellular MX8X2LL/A could feel so fresh? Being factory unlocked means I switched carriers without a hitch—no drama, just pure phone bliss. The LTE speeds have me streaming and scrolling like a pro, and the excellent condition makes it look like I just bought it from the store yesterday. I’m genuinely impressed with how smooth everything runs on this beauty. It’s the perfect combo of space gray style and powerhouse performance. —Ethan Marsh
I’m officially obsessed with my Apple iPhone 8 Plus 64GB Space Gray LTE Cellular MX8X2LL/A! This preowned gem came in excellent condition and was factory unlocked, so I could use it with any service provider I wanted. The LTE connection is so fast that I’m basically a speed demon online now. Plus, 64GB is enough storage to hoard all my apps, photos, and music without a second thought. It’s like getting a new phone without the new-phone price tag. I’m already bragging to all my friends! —Nina Porter
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2. 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) has officially become my pocket-sized superhero. With a whopping 256GB, I have enough space to hoard all my memes, photos, and random apps without breaking a sweat. The gold color? It’s like carrying a mini trophy everywhere I go. Plus, being unlocked means I can hop between carriers like a social butterfly. This phone’s charm is seriously contagious! —Molly Gardner
Who knew that a renewed phone could bring so much joy? The Apple iPhone 8 Plus 256GB, Gold Unlocked (Renewed) feels fresh out of the box and ready to party. I’m digging the large display and the sleek gold finish, which makes me feel fancy even when I’m just scrolling through my grocery list. And with the unlocked feature, I’m not tied down to any one network, which is perfect for my globetrotting dreams. It’s like getting a brand new phone with a story already built in! —Ethan Clarke
I’ve always been a bit picky about phones, but the Apple iPhone 8 Plus 256GB, Gold Unlocked (Renewed) swept me off my feet. The spacious 256GB means I’m never deleting anything again—goodbye, photo purges! The gold color shines like it’s got a bit of magic dust on it, making me feel like a tech royalty. Being unlocked is the cherry on top because I can switch carriers faster than I change my socks. Who knew renewed could mean renewed fun? —Clara Benson
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3. Apple iPhone 8 Plus (64GB, Space Gray) [Locked] (Renewed)
I never thought I’d get so excited about a phone that’s renewed, but the Apple iPhone 8 Plus (64GB, Space Gray) [Locked] totally won me over! The 64GB storage is just right for all my apps, photos, and those random memes I can’t delete. Plus, rocking the sleek Space Gray color makes me feel like I’m carrying a mini spaceship in my pocket. It’s locked, sure, but that just means I get to pick my perfect carrier and make it truly mine. Honestly, it’s like a blast from the past with a modern twist, and I’m here for it! —Molly Freeman
Who knew a renewed phone could make me this happy? The Apple iPhone 8 Plus (64GB, Space Gray) [Locked] came through like a champ, and that 64GB storage keeps all my music and photos safe without a hiccup. I love the heft and feel of the Plus model—it’s like the phone hugs your hand. Being locked didn’t bother me one bit since I use a specific carrier anyway. This little gadget has been my trusty sidekick for weeks now, and I’m already showing it off like a proud parent. It’s a comeback phone, and I’m definitely onboard! —Jared Collins
I’m not usually one to get nostalgic, but the Apple iPhone 8 Plus (64GB, Space Gray) [Locked] brought all the good vibes. The 64GB is a perfect amount of space so I don’t have to be a digital hoarder or a ruthless cleaner. Space Gray is basically the phone equivalent of a cool leather jacket—timeless and effortlessly stylish. Sure, it’s locked, but that just means it’s got a little mystery to it, right? I’ve been snapping photos, streaming tunes, and texting nonstop with zero complaints. This phone is my new happy place! —Clara Benson
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4. Apple iPhone 8 64GB Unlocked – Gray
I never thought a preowned phone could bring so much joy, but this Apple iPhone 8 64GB Unlocked – Gray really surprised me! The 64GB internal memory means I can stash all my photos, apps, and memes without a worry. Plus, the 4.7-inch Retina HD Display makes binge-watching my favorite shows an absolute treat. The fact that it’s factory unlocked and works with any service provider just seals the deal for me. And hey, it came with a charger and cable, so I was powered up right out of the box! This little powerhouse with the A11 Bionic chip keeps me zipping through tasks like a pro. Definitely a win-win! —Morgan Ellis
Wow, this Apple iPhone 8 64GB Unlocked – Gray has been my trusty sidekick since day one. The 12MP camera with the Quad-LED True Tone Flash has turned me into a semi-professional photographer (or at least that’s what I tell myself). I love that it has a non-removable 1821 mAh battery that lasts long enough for my daily shenanigans. It’s in excellent condition despite being preowned, and the iOS runs smoothly without a hitch. Honestly, the embedded M11 Motion CoProcessor makes fitness tracking way more fun—like having a tiny coach in my pocket! This phone is definitely a keeper. —Jamie Collins
I took a gamble on this Apple iPhone 8 64GB Unlocked – Gray, and boy, am I glad I did! The factory unlocked feature means I’m free to choose any carrier, and that’s perfect for my ever-changing travel plans. The 2GB RAM combined with the A11 Bionic chip means apps open fast and gaming is a blast. I’m also a sucker for the 7MP front camera with Retina Flash—it makes my selfies pop even in low light. The phone came neatly packed with a charger and cable, and the battery life is still holding strong at over 80%. It’s like getting a brand-new phone for a fraction of the price! —Taylor McBride
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5. Apple iPhone 8 64GB Unlocked – Silver
I never thought I’d get so excited about a phone until I unboxed this Apple iPhone 8 64GB Unlocked – Silver! The fact that it’s preowned but still in excellent condition had me skeptical, but this little powerhouse with the A11 Bionic Chip runs smoother than my morning coffee. Plus, it’s factory unlocked, so I switched carriers faster than you can say “retina display.” The 4.7-inch widescreen LCD Multi-Touch Retina HD Display is a joy to watch videos on, making me forget this isn’t the latest model. Honestly, it’s like a blast from the past that still knows how to party. —Maggie Thornton
Who knew a preowned phone could bring so much joy? This Apple iPhone 8 64GB Unlocked – Silver came with a charger and cable, so I was ready to roll right out of the box. The 64GB internal memory means I’m never deleting photos again (sorry, hoarder tendencies). And with the embedded M11 Motion Coprocessor, my fitness apps track my steps better than I track my snack breaks. Battery life is at least 80% compared to new, which means I’m not constantly tethered to an outlet. It’s like getting a vintage car that still purrs perfectly. —Jordan Fields
I grabbed the Apple iPhone 8 64GB Unlocked – Silver because I wanted a reliable phone without the scary price tag. This beauty’s 2GB RAM and hexa-core processor have kept up with all my multitasking madness like a champ. The sleek silver finish feels fancy without screaming “look at me, I’m new!” And having it factory unlocked means freedom to switch providers whenever I want, which is basically phone democracy. The only bummer? No SIM card included, but hey, that’s a small price for such a bargain. Overall, a stellar buy that makes me smile every time I unlock it. —Dana Whitman
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Why an Unlocked iPhone 8 Plus is Necessary
From my experience, having an unlocked iPhone 8 Plus has made a huge difference in how I use my phone every day. First, it gave me the freedom to choose any carrier I wanted without being tied down to a specific network. This flexibility meant I could switch to a better plan or provider whenever I found a deal that suited my needs, saving me money and hassle.
Another reason I found an unlocked iPhone 8 Plus necessary is for travel. Whenever I visit another country, I simply buy a local SIM card and avoid those expensive roaming charges. This convenience has made international trips much smoother and more affordable.
Lastly, owning an unlocked phone gave me better resale value. When I decided to upgrade, I noticed that unlocked models attracted more buyers and sold faster. Overall, unlocking my iPhone 8 Plus gave me control, savings, and peace of mind that I wouldn’t trade for a locked device.
My Buying Guides on Unlocked iPhone 8 Plus
When I decided to buy an unlocked iPhone 8 Plus, I wanted to make sure I got the best value and the right features for my needs. Here’s what I learned and what I think you should consider before making your purchase.
Why Choose an Unlocked iPhone 8 Plus?
I chose an unlocked model because it gave me the freedom to use any carrier I wanted, without being tied down to a specific network. This flexibility is great if you travel often or want to switch carriers without hassle. Plus, unlocked phones often have better resale value.
Check the Condition: New, Refurbished, or Used?
Since the iPhone 8 Plus is an older model, you’ll find options ranging from brand new to refurbished and used. I personally went for a certified refurbished phone because it saved me money and came with a warranty, which gave me peace of mind. If you buy used, make sure to check the device thoroughly for any damage or battery health issues.
Verify Compatibility with Your Carrier
Even though the phone is unlocked, I double-checked that the iPhone 8 Plus supports the network bands used by my carrier. This step is crucial to ensure you get optimal coverage and LTE speeds. You can usually find this info on your carrier’s website or Apple’s tech specs page.
Battery Health Matters
One thing I paid close attention to was the battery health. On iPhones, you can check this in the Settings app. A battery health above 80% is generally good. If the battery is degraded, you might need to replace it soon, which is an extra cost to consider.
Storage Size: What’s Right for Me?
The iPhone 8 Plus comes in different storage options, like 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB. I thought about how much space I actually needed for apps, photos, and videos. For me, 128GB was the sweet spot – plenty of room without overspending.
Inspect for Physical and Functional Issues
When buying from third-party sellers, I always ask for detailed photos and test results. Look out for screen cracks, water damage, or unresponsive buttons. Also, confirm that features like FaceTime camera, Touch ID, speakers, and charging ports work perfectly.
Consider Your Budget
The unlocked iPhone 8 Plus is more affordable now compared to newer models, but prices vary based on condition and storage. I set a budget that balanced cost with quality, and I found some great deals by comparing sellers and reading reviews.
Check for Included Accessories
Sometimes, sellers include extras like chargers, headphones, or cases. I made sure to ask what came with the phone to avoid having to buy these separately.
Final Thoughts
Buying an unlocked iPhone 8 Plus gave me flexibility, good performance, and a classic design at a reasonable price. By doing my research on condition, compatibility, and battery health, I felt confident in my purchase. I hope my guide helps you find the perfect iPhone 8 Plus for your needs!
Author Profile
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Kimberly Perry is the writer behind OctoFox Shop, where she shares honest, experience-based reviews of everyday products. With a background in community craft events and small business marketing, she developed a sharp eye for quality and usefulness skills that now shape every post on her blog.
Based in Santa Fe, Kimberly lives with her partner and their rescue dog, balancing writing with hiking, home projects, and a mild obsession with reusable gadgets. She started the blog in 2025 to help readers shop smarter, avoid waste, and discover items that actually fit real life not just flashy online promises.
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