Things to Know Before Buying an iPhone in 2026 and Beyond: Storage, New vs Ex-UK, eSIM, Battery Health, iCloud Lock and What to Check When Buying Second Hand in Kenya

“Things to know before buying an iPhone” and “things to check before buying an iPhone second hand” are searched by thousands of Kenyans every month. Use this list before you pay — wherever you buy.

1. Storage: buy more than you think

Storage can't be upgraded later. 128GB suits light users who back up to the cloud; 256GB is the sweet spot for most Kenyans, because WhatsApp media and 4K video fill phones fast. Newer models such as the iPhone 17 start at 256GB.

2. New or Ex-UK

Sealed new phones come with a 1-year warranty and a fresh battery. Ex-UK phones are genuine UK-used iPhones that cost much less — for example an Ex-UK iPhone 15 Pro Max from KES 90,000. Read new vs Ex-UK.

3. SIM, eSIM and networks

Check whether the model takes a physical SIM, eSIM, or eSIM only. Safaricom and Airtel support eSIM, but you'll need to visit or call them to set it up. Every iPhone we sell works on Kenyan networks.

4. Software updates

Apple updates iPhones for many years, but older models eventually stop getting new iOS versions, and banking apps follow. In 2026, an iPhone 11 is the oldest we'd recommend; see old iPhones in Kenya.

5. Checks for second-hand and Ex-UK phones

Battery Health above about 80% (Settings › Battery). No “unknown part” messages under Settings › General › About › Parts and Service History. IMEI from *#06# matches the box and invoice. iCloud signed out and Find My off. Face ID, cameras, speakers and your own SIM all tested. Full steps: how to tell an original iPhone.

6. Price, payment and warranty

Compare prices with an established shop, pay a business (not a personal number), and get an invoice with the serial number. If paying in full is hard, use Lipa Mdogo Mdogo; if you have an old phone, use trade-in. Which model? See the best iPhone to buy in Kenya.

Get help at Gadget Hub, Norwich Union House, 4th Floor

Gadget Hub is at Norwich Union House, opposite the Hilton Hotel, 4th Floor, Suite 15, Nairobi CBD (Mon–Sat 8am–8pm, Sun 10am–8pm). Come in and we'll run every check on this list with you before you pay. The set-up fee, where one applies, is confirmed before we start. WhatsApp or call 0729 585 471.