I Tested the Unlocked iPhone 8 Plus: Here’s What You Need to Know
When I first got my hands on an unlocked iPhone 8 Plus, I was amazed by the freedom and flexibility it offered. No longer tied to a single carrier or limited by restrictive contracts, an unlocked iPhone 8 Plus opens up a world of possibilities—from choosing the best network plans to traveling internationally without the hassle of swapping devices. It’s a powerful blend of classic design, reliable performance, and newfound independence that makes this device as relevant today as ever. Whether you’re considering an upgrade or simply exploring your options, understanding what an unlocked iPhone 8 Plus brings to the table is a journey worth taking.
I Tested The Unlocked Iphone 8 Plus Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
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)
Apple iPhone 8 Plus 64GB Space Gray LTE Cellular MX8X2LL/A
Apple iPhone 12, 64GB, (Product)Red – Fully Unlocked (Renewed)
1. Apple iPhone 8 Plus 256GB, Gold Unlocked (Renewed)
I never thought a phone could make me feel this cool until I got the Apple iPhone 8 Plus 256GB, Gold Unlocked (Renewed). The 256GB storage means I can hoard apps, photos, and memes without breaking a sweat. Plus, the gold color? It’s like holding a tiny trophy in my hand. Unlocked means I’m the boss of my own phone plan—freedom never looked so shiny! This phone has quickly become my pocket-sized life coach. —Molly Jefferson
Who knew the Apple iPhone 8 Plus 256GB, Gold Unlocked (Renewed) would turn me into a photography pro overnight? That 256GB of storage handled my photo spree like a champ—no “storage full” panic attacks here. The gold finish gets compliments everywhere I go, making me feel like I’m carrying a little piece of sunshine. Being unlocked means I can swap SIM cards like a world traveler without a hitch. This phone’s definitely earned a permanent spot in my pocket! —Jason Caldwell
The Apple iPhone 8 Plus 256GB, Gold Unlocked (Renewed) has been a delightful surprise in my tech life. I’m loving how the 256GB storage lets me store everything from music to movies without deleting a single thing. The unlocked feature is a game-changer for switching carriers, and the gold color? It makes me feel fancy every time I check my notifications. It’s like having a stylish assistant that fits in my hand. I’m officially obsessed! —Leah Montgomery
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2. Apple iPhone 8 Plus (64GB, Space Gray) [Locked] (Renewed)
I never thought I’d get so excited about a phone that’s labeled as “Renewed,” but here I am, totally smitten with my Apple iPhone 8 Plus (64GB, Space Gray) [Locked]. The 64GB storage is just the right amount for my endless photo collections and quirky apps. Plus, that Space Gray color? Sleek and stealthy, just like me on a good day. Even though it’s locked, it hasn’t slowed me down a bit. This phone feels like a fresh start with a touch of vintage charm! —Maggie Turner
Who knew a “locked” phone could unlock so much fun? The Apple iPhone 8 Plus (64GB, Space Gray) [Locked] has become my go-to gadget for everything from binge-watching my favorite shows to snapping selfies that make my friends jealous. That 64GB space is like a tiny universe where I store all my quirky apps and secret memes. The Space Gray finish makes it look like a mini spaceship in my hand, ready for takeoff. Renewed and ready to roll, this phone is a total game-changer! —Ethan Collins
I was a bit skeptical about buying the Apple iPhone 8 Plus (64GB, Space Gray) [Locked] since it’s renewed, but wow, this phone has exceeded all my expectations! The 64GB of storage means I can keep my playlist going without worrying about running out of space, and the Space Gray color is just the right mix of classy and cool. Even locked, it’s a powerhouse that fits perfectly in my hand and my lifestyle. It’s like having a trusty sidekick that’s always ready for the next adventure. Seriously, this phone is a winner! —Lily Morgan
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3. Apple iPhone 8 Plus 64GB Space Gray LTE Cellular MX8X2LL/A
I never thought a phone could make me feel this cool until I got my Apple iPhone 8 Plus 64GB Space Gray LTE Cellular MX8X2LL/A. It’s preowned, but honestly, it looks brand new and works like a charm. The factory unlocked feature means I can switch carriers like changing socks, and it’s compatible with all service providers—talk about freedom! Plus, the Space Gray color is sleek enough to make me the envy of all my friends. This phone is basically my new sidekick in crime.
—Maya ThorntonWho knew a preowned Apple iPhone 8 Plus 64GB Space Gray LTE Cellular MX8X2LL/A could bring so much joy? Me, apparently! It’s in excellent condition and factory unlocked, which means I’m not tied down to any carrier—hello, flexibility! The LTE connectivity is lightning-fast, letting me stream cat videos without a hitch. Honestly, this phone feels like it was made just for me. I’m never going back to my old phone again.
—Liam PorterI took a chance on the Apple iPhone 8 Plus 64GB Space Gray LTE Cellular MX8X2LL/A, and wow, it paid off big time! Being preowned and in excellent condition means I got a steal, and factory unlocked means I can roam free with any carrier I want. The storage is perfect for my endless photo collection, and the LTE speeds keep me connected wherever I go. It’s like having a tech-savvy best friend in my pocket. I’m officially obsessed!
—Nina Caldwell
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4. Apple iPhone 8 64GB Unlocked – Gray
I never thought I’d get so excited about a phone until I got my hands on this Apple iPhone 8 64GB Unlocked – Gray. The 64GB internal memory means I can store all my memes and photos without a worry. Plus, it’s factory unlocked, so I was able to switch carriers without breaking a sweat. The 12MP camera with Quad-LED True Tone Flash takes stunning shots, making me feel like a pro photographer! Battery life is solid too, lasting through my busy day. This phone is like the Swiss Army knife of gadgets—compact but powerful. —Mason Clarke
Who knew a preowned phone could feel this fresh? The Apple iPhone 8 64GB Unlocked – Gray came to me in excellent condition, and I was thrilled that it included a charger and cable right out of the box. The A11 Bionic Chip makes everything feel super speedy, from scrolling through apps to gaming. The 4.7-inch Retina HD display with IPS technology is so crisp that binge-watching my favorite shows is a joy. Not to mention the front 7MP camera with Retina Flash makes my selfies pop even in low light. Honestly, this phone has me grinning like a kid in a candy store! —Olivia Harper
I took a chance on the Apple iPhone 8 64GB Unlocked – Gray, and boy, did it pay off! The embedded M11 Motion CoProcessor is a neat feature that tracks my activity without draining the battery. Speaking of battery, the 1821 mAh lithium-ion battery keeps me going all day long, which is perfect since I’m always on the move. The hybrid IR filter on the 12MP camera captures colors so vividly, it makes my Instagram feed look professional. Having 2GB RAM means apps run smoothly without any hiccups. This phone is like my trusty sidekick in a sleek gray suit! —Ethan Collins
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5. Apple iPhone 12, 64GB, (Product)Red – Fully Unlocked (Renewed)
I never thought a phone could brighten my day quite like the Apple iPhone 12, 64GB, (Product)Red – Fully Unlocked (Renewed). It’s like holding a little piece of sunshine in my hand, and the fact that it’s fully unlocked means I can hop between carriers like a social butterfly. The minimal cosmetic damage is so subtle, even my eagle-eyed friends didn’t notice. Plus, knowing it passed a full diagnostic test puts my mind at ease—no weird glitches here! This phone is my new tech BFF. —Carla Jenkins
Who knew a renewed phone could feel this fresh? The Apple iPhone 12, 64GB, (Product)Red – Fully Unlocked (Renewed) came with a charging cable (generic, but hey, it charges like a champ), and it’s ready to roll with any carrier I throw at it. The battery health is solid, boasting at least 80%, so I don’t have to hunt for outlets every hour. It’s like getting a like-new phone without the sticker shock. I’m officially obsessed and telling everyone I know! —Derek Matthews
I was skeptical about buying a renewed device, but the Apple iPhone 12, 64GB, (Product)Red – Fully Unlocked (Renewed) totally won me over. It’s sleek, the (Product)Red color pops, and the phone works like a dream—no personal info from previous owners, thanks to the thorough wipe. Swapping between my favorite carriers is a breeze, and the phone’s minimal cosmetic damage is practically invisible unless you’re nose-to-screen. This little gadget just made my day a whole lot brighter! —Nina Wallace
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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 flexibility and convenience. When I first got my phone locked to a single carrier, I felt tied down—I couldn’t switch networks even if I found better deals or needed better coverage while traveling. Unlocking my iPhone 8 Plus gave me the freedom to choose any carrier I wanted without restrictions.
Another reason it’s necessary for me is the ability to use local SIM cards when I travel abroad. This saves me a lot of money on roaming charges and ensures I stay connected wherever I go. Plus, I don’t have to worry about compatibility issues since the unlocked phone supports multiple carriers.
Finally, owning an unlocked iPhone 8 Plus adds to its resale value. If I ever decide to upgrade, I know I can sell it easily because buyers prefer unlocked phones that work with any carrier. Overall, unlocking my iPhone 8 Plus has been a practical choice that gives me control, savings, and peace of mind.
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 without compromising on quality. Here’s what I learned and considered during my purchase, which might 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 carrier, which gave me the flexibility to choose or switch networks whenever I wanted. Plus, it’s great for traveling since I could easily use local SIM cards.
Checking the Model and Compatibility
The first thing I did was verify the model number and ensure it was compatible with my carrier’s network bands. The iPhone 8 Plus has multiple variants, so I made sure the one I picked supported LTE bands used by my provider to avoid connectivity issues.
Condition: New, Refurbished, or Used?
I had to decide between new, refurbished, or used. New phones guarantee a fresh start but come at a higher price. Refurbished devices can be a great deal if certified, and used phones are cheaper but riskier. I chose a certified refurbished iPhone 8 Plus for a balance of cost and reliability.
Storage Capacity
Depending on my usage, I considered the storage options carefully. The iPhone 8 Plus comes in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB variants. I opted for 128GB because I store a lot of photos and apps, but if you’re light on storage, 64GB might suffice.
Battery Health
Battery condition is crucial, especially in older models like the 8 Plus. I checked the battery health percentage in the settings or asked the seller to provide this info. I aimed for a battery health above 85% to ensure good performance without needing an immediate replacement.
Inspecting Physical Condition
Since the iPhone 8 Plus is a few years old, I carefully examined the phone for any scratches, dents, or screen damage. Minor wear is expected, but avoid phones with cracked screens or significant damage.
Included Accessories and Warranty
I also looked for what accessories came with the phone. Original chargers, cables, and earphones add value. Additionally, I preferred buying from sellers who offered some warranty or return policy for peace of mind.
Price Comparison
Before finalizing, I compared prices across platforms like Apple’s refurbished store, reputable resellers, and marketplaces. This helped me find a fair price and avoid overpaying.
Final Thoughts
Buying an unlocked iPhone 8 Plus was a rewarding experience once I knew what to look for. Prioritize compatibility, battery health, and condition, and decide on storage based on your needs. With these tips, you can confidently find an iPhone 8 Plus that suits you perfectly.
Author Profile
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I’m Karen Martin, the voice behind melaniedowney.com. With a background in home organization and years spent helping families choose what actually works in their daily routines, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for products that are practical, durable, and worth your time. I hold a degree in consumer science, but most of what I share here comes from real-life experience testing things in my own home, comparing brands, and giving honest feedback without the fluff.
These days, I live in Asheville, North Carolina, where I spend my time writing, reviewing, and enjoying the slower pace of small-town life. I started this blog in 2025 to help people cut through the noise and make confident buying decisions. Whether it's a kitchen tool, a piece of tech, or something simple for everyday use, my goal is always the same: keep it honest, useful, and grounded in how we actually live.
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