Quality designs, stunning displays, reliable performance, and solid OS make iPhones some of the best smartphones. The newer iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro fetch a higher price tag, but older models are still available, costing less while offering the snappy processors and sturdy builds we love. Some of our picks even come refurbished for greater savings, and don’t worry Apple, Amazon, and Best Buy have solid renewed device programs.
TL;DR – The Cheapest iPhones to Buy in 2024
- iPhone SE - Best overall
- iPhone 14 - Best cameras
- iPhone 13 Mini (refurbished) - Best compact
- iPhone 12 (refurbished) - Best performance
- iPhone 11 (refurbished) - Best ultra-cheap
Slight sacrifices to performance, cameras, and features will be made to save some money, and Apple’s AI tool, Apple Intelligence, won’t be supported on the best budget iPhones. Still, all these cheap phones work seamlessly with Apple’s iOS 18 and have no problem chugging through daily tasks, scrolling socials, or even some light gaming.
Take a look at the five top iPhones that cost less than you’d expect below, and there are plenty of other great iPhone deals to be had.
1. iPhone SE
Best cheap iPhone
![iPhone SE (2022)](https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2022/04/05/screen-shot-2022-04-05-at-2-09-24-pm-1649192983965.png?width=220&auto=webp&quality=20&dpr=0.05)
iPhone SE (2022)
The iPhone SE has been around since 2022, but it’s still the perfect device for someone who wants to take advantage of Apple’s excellent iPhone OS without breaking the bank. Sure, in our review, we weren’t too thrilled with the rather dated design, featuring thick bezels, a Touch ID home button, and a lackluster IPS display. However, the compact build makes the phone perfectly pocketable, while navigating the screen with one hand is an absolute breeze.
Where the iPhone SE shines the brightest is on the inside. Running the show is Apple’s A15 Bionic processor with its six-core CPU, four-core GPU, and 16-core neural engine, the same chip found in the iPhone 13. That’s probably more power than this phone needs, which means super snappy performance for completing almost any task. It’s even capable of gaming, but given the dull screen and slow pixel response time, the iPhone SE isn’t the best gaming phone option.
Other features on the iPhone SE are relatively standard. The single rear and front cameras produce sharp images that outdo many budget Android phones, while its battery should last an entire day or even longer with lighter usage. Streaming videos, playing Apple Arcade games, or completing heavier tasks sees the battery drain quicker, and the phone will get a little toasty – not a big surprise. There’s even 5G support for better network speeds when on the go.
2. iPhone 14
Best cameras on a cheap iPhone
![iPhone 14](https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2022/10/05/screen-shot-2022-10-05-at-12-27-25-pm-1664987267286.png?width=220&auto=webp&quality=20&dpr=0.05)
iPhone 14
Sure, the iPhone 14 is about 2 years old, but it's still the most powerful option on this list and usually goes for at least $100 less than the iPhone 15. Apple’s incredible A15 Bionic chip runs the show on this phone with its 6-core CPU and 5-core GPU – a slight upgrade over the quad-core GPU in the iPhone 13’s A15 Bionic processor. There isn’t a single app it can’t take on with absolute ease. Into recording and editing clips for socials or want to play games occasionally? This iPhone is ready for even more intensive workloads.
Given the processor is nearly identical to the iPhone 13, it does make you question whether it’s better to go with the slightly cheaper, older model. However, for those after upgraded cameras with handy features, the iPhone 14 is the best option. Its main sensor is larger and faster for better, more detailed results than the iPhone 13. The TrueDepth front camera has a quicker aperture and autofocus perfect for FaceTiming. All three cameras also feature a Photonic Engine for improved performance in low-light situations, while an Action Mode helps stabilize video – a boon when taking videos on the move.
Of course, the iPhone 14 is rocking all the other top-notch specs Apple is known for with its sleek design and stunning Super Retina XDR OLED screen. The display is stuck with a 60Hz refresh rate, but scrolling socials, videos, and gaming are pretty smooth. And since Apple is still selling this phone, you can pair it with Apple Care+, ensuring you don't have to worry about cracking your screen or the phone getting stolen. Purchasing that option will make it a little more expensive, but it's worth it for the peace of mind.
3. iPhone 13 Mini (refurbished)
Best compact cheap iPhone
![iPhone 13 Mini](https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2024/07/16/screenshot-2024-07-16-at-3-30-23-pm-1721169036336.png?width=220&auto=webp&quality=20&dpr=0.05)
iPhone 13 Mini
If you want the latest and greatest from Apple’s iPhone 13, just get yourself the mini version for under $400. The iPhone 13 Mini is a bit smaller than Apple’s other handsets with only a 5.4-inch screen, but if you have smaller hands you might find having a more compact handset to be beneficial. It still packs Apple’s A15 Bionic chip, 5GB, plus a 12MP wide and 12MP ultrawide camera for the best iPhonegraphy.
4. iPhone 12 (refurbished)
Best cheap iPhone for snappy performance
![iPhone 12 (refurbished)](https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2022/06/28/iphone-12-1656434355723.jpeg?width=220&auto=webp&quality=20&dpr=0.05)
iPhone 12 (refurbished)
The iPhone 12 might be hard to come buy in new condition these days, but its A14 Bionic chip still offers plenty of power. In fact, almost everything about this phone is nearly as good as the latest model including the 6.1-inch Liquid Retina HD display, plus its 12MP wide and ultrawide cameras. You also still get the modern iPhone creature comforts of 5G connectivity and MagSafe. If your cell phone carrier still has this phone available or you're okay with grabbing a refurbished phone, the iPhone 12 is a solid budget option.
5. iPhone 11 (refurbished)
Best ultra-cheap iPhone
![iPhone 11](https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2022/06/28/iphone-11-1656434534328.jpg?width=220&auto=webp&quality=20&dpr=0.05)
iPhone 11
If you're ok not jumping on the 5G bandwagon just yet, the iPhone 11 might be a great handset for you. For under $250, you get a phone with a still very capable A13 Bionic processor and fantastic-looking 6.1-inch Liquid Retina HD display. You also get two 12MP wide and ultrawide cameras capable of recording 4K 60fps video. The rounded design might be a bit older, but it’s easier to hold for some who dislike the boxier design of the latest iPhones. However, you'll be hard pressed to find this phone brand new, so you'll need to be okay with grabbing a refurbished model.
New iPhones Will Make Everything Else Cheaper
When Apple releases new iPhones, pretty much every older model gets a further price drop. This year, Apple is almost guaranteed to drop the iPhone 16, probably sometime in Fall 2024 – plus, we got a sneak peek at iOS 18 at WWDC 2024. The new iPhone is going to be very expensive, of course, but if you're ok with grabbing an older model, like the iPhone 14 or soon the iPhone 15, you can expect to see a massive price drop right around that time.
Luckily, the new operating system will be compatible with every iPhone on this list, so you don't have to lose out on the new features just because you're not buying the new hotness.
Cheap iPhones FAQ
Is there a way to get an iPhone cheaper?
Even the best budget iPhone, the iPhone SE, will set you back over $400, but there are ways to save. Trading in your older iPhone will usually knock down the price by $100 or more, depending on the condition and age of the phone you turn in. Of course, buying an iPhone refurbished from a reputable dealer is another way to score deep discounts, or your mobile service provider may have deals when opening a new line.
Certain times during the year are also the best time to buy an iPhone for less. Similar to most tech products, Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and holiday weekends are ideal for savings. And when Apple releases the new iPhone 16 in the fall, all its older iPhone models should see a price drop.
How long do iPhones support software updates?
Given our picks are a few years old, several years of software support is needed to make for a sound investment. Luckily, Apple’s iOS update policy puts the best Android phones to shame. So, you can expect at least five to seven years of updates from an iPhone. Even the oldest phone on our list, the iPhone 11, will support iOS 18, and hopefully another update after that – just don’t expect to enjoy Apple’s latest AI tool with any of our picks.
Where do you buy refurbished iPhones?
While a brand new iPhone can be expensive, you can save quite a bit of money by buying a refurbished device. Apple has its own official store for refurbished iPhones, and they're covered by an extensive guarantee. But even if you don't want to buy directly from Apple, you can easily get a refurbished iPhone from online tech retailers like Best Buy and Amazon.
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Kevin Lee is IGN's SEO Updates Editor. Follow him on Twitter @baggingspam.