By IGN (Technology) | Created at 2024-09-23 15:38:18 | Updated at 2024-09-30 05:30:39
6 days ago
iPhones are consistently the best smartphones. However, with their stunning displays, quality designs, and reliable performance comes a higher cost. Luckily, if you opt to grab an older model of the best iPhones, the prices will drop significantly without any major sacrifices to the user experience. Sure, the cameras, gaming performance, and features may not be as powerful as the iPhone 16 announced at the Apple iPhone Event. But cheaper iPhones, like our top pick, the iPhone SE are still highly capable devices.
TL;DR – The Cheapest iPhones to Buy in 2024
- iPhone SE - Best overall
- iPhone 15 - Best cameras
- iPhone 13 Mini (refurbished) - Best compact
- iPhone 12 (refurbished) - Best performance
- iPhone 11 (refurbished) - Best ultra-cheap
All of our picks support iOS 18, Apple’s latest software version. In fact, many of the budget iPhones on this list should support a few more updates, thanks to Apple’s excellent update policy that blows many of the other best cheap phones out of the water. Just don’t expect support for Apple’s new AI tool, Apple Intelligence. That’s reserved for new and Pro iPhone models. Still, these iPhones work seamlessly with the latest iOS and have no problem chugging through daily tasks, scrolling socials, or even some light gaming.
Take a look at the top five cheap iPhones that our experts have carefully reviewed and selected. From the solid cameras of the iPhone 15 to the snappy performance of the iPhone 12, one of these smartphones should suit your needs perfectly. Some of our picks even come refurbished for greater savings, and don’t worry Apple, Amazon, and Best Buy have solid renewed device programs. There are plenty of other great iPhone deals to be had as well.
iPhone SE (2022) – Photos
1. iPhone SE
Best Cheap iPhone
iPhone SE (2022)
Get Apple iOS on the cheap with this phone running on an A15 Bionic chip but be prepared for a lackluster screen.
Processor
Apple A15 Bionic
Same powerful A15 Bionic chip as the iPhone 13
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 15
Best Cameras on a Cheap iPhone
iPhone 15
With a USB-C port, Dynamic Island feature, a 48-megapixel main camera, and running on an A16 Bionic chip, the iPhone 15 is a solid phone choice for most.
Processor
Apple A16 Bionic
Rear cameras
48MP (wide), 12MP (ultrawide)
Solid cameras and camera features
We did hands-on testing of the iPhone 15, giving it high marks, and with the release of the iPhone 16, the 2023 smartphone’s price dropped by $100. Now, just because it’s a little bit older doesn’t mean the iPhone is underpowered, with its A16 Bionic chip featuring a 6-core CPU and a 5-core GPU. That provides plenty of oomph to cruise through mobile games like Marvel Snap and Diablo Immortal. Of course, it’s also adept at all those everyday tasks, taking on almost every app with ease – and all without significantly draining the battery. But should it need to be charged, the iPhone 15 finally switched to the far more universal USC-C port over a lightning port. However, the older USB 2.0 standard limits charging and data transfer speeds.
That powerful A16 Bionic chip helps power the two updated, stunning shooters around the back: a 48MP main sensor and a 12MP telephoto. These cameras default to shooting 24MP – an upgrade over the iPhone 14 – and can capture full 48MP images for richer, crisper details. Apple also added a handy feature to automatically turn on portrait mode when a person or pet is sensed in the frame, adding more depth. We were shocked by how quickly this worked in practice. The 12 MP TrueDepth selfie camera appears unchanged, offering a quicker aperture and autofocus perfect for FaceTiming.
To make use of the space around the selfie camera, Apple opted to add its Dynamic Island, which was first seen in the iPhone 14 Pro. It usually remains black but can display notifications and statuses. It’s far better than the useless front-facing camera notch from previous generations. The display itself is even a sight to behold with a 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio for deep blacks, insane color accuracy, and a 2,000 nit peak brightness for easy outdoor viewing. Everything viewed on the iPhone 15 looks spectacular, especially HDR content.
3. iPhone 13 Mini (refurbished)
Best Compact Cheap iPhone
iPhone 13 Mini
Cute and compact iPhone with a 5.4-inch OLED Super Retina XDR display and a powerful A15 Bionic chip.
Processor
Apple A15 Bionic
Rear cameras
12MP (wide), 12MP (ultrawide)
Compact, lightweight build
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)
Enjoy a generous 6.1-inch Liquid Retina HD display and 12MP wide and ultrawide cameras without paying an extortionate price.
Processor
Apple A14 Bionic
Rear cameras
12MP (wide), 12MP (ultrawide)
Stunning 6.1-inch Liquid Retina HD
Supports MagSafe charging
Hard to find in new condition
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
Not bothered about 5G? You can save a lot of money when you purchase an iPhone 11 and still indulge in 4K 60fps video recording.
Processor
Apple A13 Bionic
Rear cameras
12MP (wide), 12MP (ultrawide)
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, which just happened thanks to the release of the iPhone 16 and 16 Pro. That means the iPhone 15 is now available for $699 and the iPhone 14 for $599, each dropping $100.
Luckily, the new operating system, iOS 18, announced at WWDC 2024 is 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 iPhones 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, supports 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.
Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to newstips@ign.com.
Kevin Lee is IGN's SEO Updates Editor. Follow him on Twitter @baggingspam.
