Question

do you think an iphone 16 being 729 instead of it being 900 is a good deal and why

Answer 1

Short answer: usually yes — a new, unlocked iPhone 16 for $729 instead of $900 is a good deal — but it depends on the specifics.

Why it's attractive
- Savings: $171 less (~19% off) is a meaningful discount on a new flagship phone.
- Opportunity cost: you can put the savings toward accessories, AppleCare, or a higher-capacity model.
- Resale/value: lower purchase cost improves total cost of ownership and resale breakeven.

Caveats — when it might not be a good deal
- Condition: if it’s used, refurbished, or cosmetically damaged, the lower price may reflect that.
- Warranty and support: Apple’s one-year warranty and full AppleCare eligibility are worth a lot. If the seller voids warranty or it’s a gray-market device, that reduces value.
- Carrier locks and activation: price can be low because the phone is carrier-locked, has payment installments, or is iCloud/activation locked.
- Storage/configuration: make sure you’re comparing the same storage tier and model (e.g., Pro vs non‑Pro).
- Scams: unusually low prices can indicate fraudulent listings, refurbished units sold as new, or stolen phones.
- Region differences and taxes/fees: import units or region-locked phones might not support all bands or warranties.

Quick checklist before buying
1. Confirm model, storage, color, and whether it’s new/refurbished/used.
2. Check serial/IMEI for carrier lock, iCloud activation status, and blacklist report.
3. Verify Apple warranty eligibility on Apple’s site (enter serial).
4. Ask about return policy, original box/accessories, and receipt.
5. Buy from reputable sellers (authorized retailers, well-rated marketplaces, or Apple certified refurbished if possible).
6. Consider adding AppleCare if seller price excludes it.

If you want, paste the listing details (seller, new/used, storage, carrier status) and I’ll help judge whether it’s a safe buy.