Should You Buy a Tiktok Pre-Installed Smartphone for $25,000 - $50.000 in the US?
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| MOBILE DEVICES iPhone's with TikTok installed are being sold on eBay for $50,000 Read more: https://www.tweaktown.com/news/102771/iphones-with-tiktok-installed-are-being-sold-on-ebay-for-50-000/index.html |
The recent TikTok blackout across the United States has sparked an unexpected and rather bizarre phenomenon: a booming resale market for smartphones with TikTok pre-installed. As TikTok remains unavailable in U.S. app stores due to ongoing legal battles, desperate fans of the platform have turned to eBay and other resale markets, where some sellers are demanding jaw-dropping prices for their devices—ranging from hundreds of dollars to a staggering $25,000.
This development raises an important question: should you consider buying a TikTok pre-installed smartphone at such exorbitant prices? Let’s dive into the details to analyze the situation and explore whether this is a practical or worthwhile investment.
Learn more: How to Redownload TikTok App After the Ban in the U.S.
The TikTok Blackout: What Happened?
Last weekend, TikTok went dark for 14 hours across the U.S., leaving users unable to access the app. While TikTok was quickly restored for users who already had the app installed, those who deleted the app—or were using a new device—were left scrambling. With TikTok still unavailable in U.S. app stores due to a national security-related ban, this outage created a sense of urgency and panic among users.
The app’s unavailability led to a frenzy in the resale market, as some sought to bypass the ban by purchasing phones that still had TikTok installed. This has created an unusual—and risky—secondhand market.
The Secondhand Market for TikTok Phones
Resale Frenzy on eBay
Searches for “TikTok phone” on eBay reveal tens of thousands of listings, with prices varying dramatically. At the lower end, you’ll find devices for as little as $400, while some sellers are asking for up to $4.9 million for phones that include TikTok and ByteDance’s video editing app, CapCut.
Auction-style listings in the mid-range ($50 to $500) tend to attract bids, while listings priced above $1 million often see no interest. For example, an iPhone 13 with TikTok pre-installed was listed for $10,000 and had several active bids at the time of reporting. The market is clearly divided between opportunistic sellers setting astronomical prices and more modest listings targeting less extravagant buyers.
GameStop Joins the Market
GameStop has also entered the TikTok phone resale market. The retailer recently announced it would allow trade-ins and sales of phones with TikTok pre-installed, even offering an online tool to estimate the value of used devices. However, the resale values offered by GameStop remain low, reflecting the uncertain future of TikTok and the app’s potential ban in the U.S.
Key Risks of Buying a TikTok Pre-Installed Smartphone
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| After TikTok was banned in the U.S., entrepreneurs have turned smartphones with the app preloaded into a luxury item |
While the idea of purchasing a TikTok pre-installed phone may sound appealing to fans of the platform, there are significant risks associated with this decision.
1. Exorbitant Prices
One of the biggest deterrents is the price. Spending $25,000—or even $10,000—on a secondhand smartphone is an extreme financial decision, especially when there’s no guarantee that TikTok will remain functional in the U.S. app stores. The high prices are driven by panic and desperation, not by practical value.
2. Uncertain Future of TikTok in the US
TikTok’s legal situation remains unclear. The app was removed from U.S. app stores due to concerns over national security and its connection to ByteDance, its Chinese parent company. Even if you manage to get a TikTok pre-installed device, the app could be permanently banned, making it useless on your new phone.
3. Security and Privacy Risks
When buying a secondhand phone, there are significant security concerns:
- Apple ID or Google Account Issues: TikTok pre-installed on the phone will be tied to the seller’s account. Without their credentials, you won’t be able to update the app, and the seller could potentially lock or track the device using Activation Lock.
- Factory Reset Problems: If you perform a factory reset to secure your phone, TikTok will likely be deleted along with other apps, defeating the purpose of the purchase.
4. Rapid Depreciation
The resale value of TikTok phones is artificially inflated due to the app’s current unavailability. If TikTok becomes accessible again through U.S. app stores, the value of these phones will plummet. Those who paid thousands of dollars could lose their investment overnight.
Why $25,000 for TikTok Access is a Bad Idea
The idea of spending tens of thousands of dollars on a smartphone to access TikTok is riddled with impracticalities. Here are the main reasons why this is a poor decision:
Financial Waste
For $25,000, you could buy more than 20 brand-new flagship smartphones, each equipped with the latest features and performance. Spending such an amount for an app that may not even remain functional is a financial mistake.
Better Alternatives Exist
You can access TikTok’s content via its web version, tiktok.com, using your phone’s browser. While it doesn’t provide the full app experience, it’s a much more cost-effective way to stay connected to the platform.
No Guarantee of Longevity
TikTok’s ongoing legal battles mean the app could face a permanent ban or undergo significant changes. Investing a substantial amount of money in a phone with TikTok pre-installed doesn’t guarantee long-term access.
Technical Limitations
Without access to the original account credentials, you won’t be able to update TikTok or other apps on the phone. This can lead to functionality issues or leave you vulnerable to security breaches.
The Implications of TikTok’s Ban
TikTok’s unavailability highlights the growing tension between governments and tech companies regarding privacy and security. The app’s removal has forced users to explore alternative platforms such as Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and Snapchat Spotlight. These platforms, while not identical to TikTok, provide similar short-form video experiences and have gained popularity in recent months.
At the same time, the frenzy around TikTok pre-installed phones underscores the app’s cultural significance. For millions of users, TikTok isn’t just an app—it’s a major part of their daily entertainment and social interactions.
Alternatives to Buying a TikTok Pre-Installed Smartphone
Instead of spending thousands of dollars, consider these safer and more practical alternatives:
Access TikTok via Browser: Use TikTok’s web version to browse and upload content. It’s not as seamless as the app but provides essential functionality.
Wait for Legal Resolution: TikTok’s future in the U.S. remains uncertain, but a resolution—such as ByteDance selling its U.S. operations—is possible. Patience might save you from making a costly mistake.
Explore Other Platforms: Expand your horizons by trying out other short-form video platforms like Instagram Reels or YouTube Shorts. Many content creators are already diversifying across multiple platforms.
Conclusion: Don’t Buy the Hype
The allure of a TikTok pre-installed smartphone might seem tempting, especially for avid fans of the app. However, the risks, costs, and uncertainty far outweigh any potential benefits. Spending thousands—or even tens of thousands—of dollars on a secondhand device is simply not a wise decision, especially when more affordable and practical alternatives exist.
Rather than giving in to the frenzy, consider exploring legal alternatives, waiting for a resolution, or broadening your short-form content options. TikTok’s future may still be uncertain, but one thing is clear: a $25,000 phone is not the answer.
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