All four major South African networks had pre-owned iPhones on contract when we checked on 13 September 2026. The current range is iPhone 11, iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 models, with single-handset prices from about R330 to R450 per month on 36-month terms. What differs most between networks is what they officially tell you about condition, warranty and battery. Cell C and MTN publish the clearest terms, Vodacom lists a warranty in its product specs, and Telkom’s catalogue doesn’t say. Ask before you sign.
Pre-owned iPhones are one route within our wider pre-owned phone contract deals section.
Compare Pre Owned iPhone Contract Deals
| Network | Pre-owned iPhones listed | Lowest single-phone price seen | Term | Where to find it |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vodacom | iPhone 11 64GB; iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 as two-phone deals only | R329 PM x 36 (iPhone 11) | 36 months | Online shop, “Pre-owned iPhone” promotion |
| Telkom | iPhone 13 | R339 PM x 36 (FlexOn»2) | 24 or 36 months | Catalogue valid 7 Sept to 6 Oct 2026 |
| MTN | iPhone 13 128GB, iPhone 14 128GB | R399 PM x 36 (iPhone 13) | 24 or 36 months | Online shop and September 2026 catalogue |
| Cell C | iPhone 13 128GB, iPhone 14 128GB | R399 PM x 36 (iPhone 13, Elevate 1+) | 36 months | Connector Book, selected stores only |
All prices checked September 2026 on each network’s official shop or catalogue. “Lowest price” means the entry plan; larger plans cost more.
Condition Grades, Warranty and Battery Health
This is where you need to be most careful, because the networks don’t all publish the same information.
| Network | Condition grade stated? | Warranty stated? | Battery health stated? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cell C | A Grade (near-mint) or B Grade (light scratches), PhoneCheck certified | A Grade 2 years hardware and battery; B Grade 1 year | Covered by the same warranty; no minimum % stated |
| MTN | “Like-new grading” (catalogue) | 12-month device warranty (catalogue) | 6-month battery warranty; no minimum % stated |
| Vodacom | Not on the pages checked | 12-month Vodacare warranty / 1 year in product specs | Not on the pages checked |
| Telkom | Not in the catalogue | Not in the catalogue | Not in the catalogue |
What Cell C and MTN state
Cell C’s current Connector Book, valid 22 September to 2 November 2026, sells pre-owned iPhones in two grades, and the difference matters more than the price gap suggests:
- A Grade — “the near-mint”. Little to no visible wear, and a 2-year warranty on hardware and battery.
- B Grade — “the gently used”. Scratches or scuffs from everyday use, same performance, and a 1-year warranty on hardware and battery.
Every unit is tested for full functionality and PhoneCheck certified, and both grades include a free screen protector and phone cover. These deals are in selected stores only. If you are quoted a pre-owned iPhone at Cell C, ask which grade it is — the cheaper price carries half the warranty.
MTN’s September 2026 catalogue describes its pre-loved iPhones as professionally tested, with like-new grading, a 12-month device warranty and a 6-month battery warranty. Its terms add that the phones are used and may have scratches or minor cosmetic marks, which the warranty doesn’t cover.
What “pre-owned” actually covers
Pre-owned, certified pre-owned and refurbished are used loosely and mean different things depending on who is selling. Before signing, get four answers in writing:
- the cosmetic grade and what it permits;
- the minimum battery health the seller commits to;
- the warranty length and what it covers;
- the return window if the device is faulty.
A cheaper monthly amount on a device with three months’ cover is not automatically the better deal.
What to ask the other networks
If a deal page doesn’t say, ask before you sign:
- What condition grade is the phone, and what cosmetic wear is allowed?
- How long is the warranty, and who handles repairs?
- Is there a minimum battery-health percentage, and is the battery covered?
- Is the device tested or certified, and by whom?
- What is the return window if the phone isn’t as described?
Get the answers in writing, or screenshot them from an official page.
Monthly Price and Contract Term
Single-handset deals (checked September 2026)
- Vodacom iPhone 11 64GB (Pre-Owned): R329 PM x 36 on RED Core 1GB Unlimited, an Online Exclusive deal.
- Telkom iPhone 13 Pre-Owned: R339 PM x 36 or R429 x 24 on FlexOn»2, with a cash price of R7 449 shown in the catalogue. Telkom adds a R99 once-off SIM and connection fee.
- MTN iPhone 13 128GB (Preowned): from R399 PM x 36.
- MTN iPhone 14 128GB (Preowned): from R449 PM x 36 on Yellow Core, which includes 1GB anytime data and 60 all-net minutes. MTN also shows a 24-month option.
- Cell C iPhone 13 128GB pre-owned: R399 PM x 36 A Grade, or R349 PM x 36 B Grade. iPhone 14 128GB pre-owned: R449 PM x 36 A Grade. Checked 25 September 2026 in the current Connector Book. Cell C adds a R199 once-off SIM and connection fee.
Two-handset deals
Vodacom doesn’t offer its pre-owned iPhone 13 or iPhone 14 as a single-phone contract. Its 2x iPhone 13 128GB (Pre-owned) deal is R599 PM x 36 and its 2x iPhone 14 128GB (Pre-owned) deal is R649 PM x 36. Those prices cover both phones: the first on RED Flexi 170 and the second on its own SIM. MTN’s catalogue also lists an iPhone 14 128GB + iPhone 13 128GB pair at R799 PM x 36. Check how each SIM is billed before comparing with two single contracts.
Term trade-off
A 36-month term gives the lowest monthly price, but you’ll be paying for an already-used phone for three years. On Telkom’s iPhone 13 deal, the 24-month option costs more per month but ends a year sooner.
Available Networks and Providers
- Vodacom: pre-owned iPhones sit under a dedicated promotion on its online shop.
- MTN: “Preowned” is a brand filter in its device shop, with new-contract and upgrade options. Its catalogue adds the two-phone pair, in store.
- Telkom: the pre-owned iPhone 13 appears in its monthly catalogue, marked “while stocks last”.
- Cell C: pre-owned iPhones are in its Connector Book, in selected stores only, with limited stock. The iPhone 13 also appears online.
Pre-owned stock is limited by nature, and models change as supply changes. Check the deal is still live before you apply. To compare new models instead, see iPhone contract deals.
Risks and What to Check Before Buying
- Unstated condition. If grade and cosmetic condition aren’t written down, you can’t hold anyone to them.
- Warranty gaps. Pre-owned warranties range from none stated to 2 years, which matters over a 36-month contract.
- Cosmetic exclusions. Scratches and marks may not be covered, even when there is a warranty.
- Battery wear. An older battery may not last the contract without replacement. Ask whether it is covered.
- Older models and software support. Older iPhones stop getting iOS updates before newer ones.
- Paying more than the phone is worth. Compare the total over the term with the pre-owned phone’s cash value.
- Stock and delivery. Pre-owned deals can show delayed delivery or sell out.
- Fees. Include SIM and connection fees in your total.
- Credit checks. Pre-owned contracts are still contracts, so affordability and credit checks apply. Approval isn’t guaranteed.
New vs Pre-Owned Contract Deals
| Factor | Pre-owned iPhone contract | New iPhone contract |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly price | Usually lower for the same generation | Higher, especially for current models |
| Model age | Older generations | Current and recent generations |
| Warranty | Varies by network; ask if not stated | Standard new-device warranty |
| Battery | Used; check cover | New |
| Software support | Fewer years left | More years left |
| Stock | Limited, changes often | Wider range |
Choose pre-owned if you want an iPhone for a lower monthly price and are comfortable with an older model and clear warranty terms.
Choose new if you plan to keep the phone for the full term and beyond, or you want the longest software support.
Pre Owned iPhone Contract Deals FAQs
Which networks offer pre-owned iPhones on contract?
On 13 September 2026, Vodacom, MTN, Telkom and Cell C all had pre-owned iPhones on contract, through their online shops or current catalogues.
Do pre-owned iPhones on contract come with a warranty?
Cell C states a 2-year hardware and battery warranty on A Grade stock and a 1-year warranty on B Grade, so the grade decides the cover. MTN’s catalogue states a 12-month device warranty and a 6-month battery warranty. Vodacom’s product specs list a 12-month Vodacare warranty, or 1 year on the iPhone 14. Telkom’s catalogue doesn’t state warranty terms, so ask before signing.
What battery health do pre-owned iPhones have?
None of the networks stated a minimum battery-health percentage on the pages we checked. Cell C and MTN cover the battery under a warranty. Ask the network directly.
Can I get two pre-owned iPhones on one contract?
Yes. Vodacom’s pre-owned iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 are only sold as two-phone deals, and MTN’s catalogue has an iPhone 14 + iPhone 13 pair. Check how the second SIM and device are billed.
Can I upgrade to a pre-owned iPhone?
MTN’s pre-owned iPhone pages show an upgrade option as well as new contracts, and Vodacom’s deal pages offer New Contract or Upgrade. Upgrade eligibility depends on your account.