Selling a cracked iPhone in Melbourne: what to expect in 2026
Cracked iPhones still sell for real money in Melbourne. Here's what each type of damage takes off the offer, what's still a deal-breaker, and why pickup beats shipping a broken phone.
Yes - we buy cracked iPhones, and you'd probably be surprised what they're still worth. A cracked iPhone 13 Pro 256 GB that's otherwise healthy still sells for $480 to $560 in Melbourne in 2026. The cracks lower the offer but rarely zero it out. Here's the honest breakdown.
What each type of damage actually costs
Rough deductions versus a perfect-condition baseline (your phone, otherwise healthy, same model):
| Damage | Deduction | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Cracked front screen | -$80 to -$160 | Standard repair, parts cost is the driver |
| Cracked back glass | -$50 to -$80 | Cheaper repair than the front |
| Both front + back | -$130 to -$240 | Stacks, no double-counting |
| Dents on the frame | -$20 to -$50 | Cosmetic only, doesn't affect function |
| Deep scratches on display | -$60 to -$100 | Treated like a partial crack |
| Cracked camera lens cover | -$30 to -$60 | Camera still works after repair |
The deductions stack. A phone with cracked front + cracked back + dents = all three taken off.
What we still happily buy
- Spider-cracked screen, still touch-responsive
- Hairline crack across the back
- Cracked but still readable display
- Cracked but otherwise pristine phone (yes, even Pro Max models)
- Phone with one obvious crack and a case that's hiding minor damage
The quote form at /sell has a tickbox section for damage that adjusts the offer in real time. Honest answers get you the price we actually pay - no surprise deductions at pickup.
The actual deal-breakers (NOT just cracks)
Cracks are usually fine. These aren't:
- Won't power on. We need to verify the phone boots, has a clean IMEI, and isn't iCloud-locked before paying. None of that works at the door with a dead phone.
- Battery health below 80%. Below 80, the resale market shuts down. See our battery health guide.
- Non-Apple replacement parts. If the screen, battery, or another component was replaced with aftermarket gear, Apple's Parts and Service History flags it as "Unknown Part" and we can't resell.
- Severe liquid damage. Visible corrosion in the SIM tray or charging port, or the moisture indicator is red.
Why local pickup beats shipping a cracked phone
The big AU buyback sites (Mobile Monster, WeBuyBack) accept cracked phones, but you have to ship them. Three real downsides:
- Shipping risk. A cracked phone in transit can crack more. Couriers throw boxes. Insurance claims are a hassle.
- Inspection downgrade. They quote based on your description, then re-quote after they inspect. Cracked phones get re-quoted lower more often than perfect ones.
- Wait time. 7 to 14 days from posting to payment landing in your bank.
With us, you get an instant quote at /sell, we drive to your door anywhere within 30 minutes of the Melbourne CBD, inspect for ~5 minutes, and pay cash or PayID on the spot. Same-day, no shipping, no re-quote drama.
The honest summary
Don't let "but it's cracked" stop you. A broken iPhone is still worth real money - usually $300 to $1,000 depending on model and severity. The quote tool at /sell walks you through honest tickboxes for every type of damage and locks the number in for 7 days. Same flow whether your phone is perfect or smashed.
Ready to get a real number?
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