Kevin Lee
Guest
Even if iPads were the star of the show at the Apple Let Loose Event, the release of the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro last September has made older generations of iPhones more affordable. And our favorite cheap iPhone is the iPhone SE, which runs on a snappy A15 Bionic chip, offers 5G connectivity, and has a decent feature set. Plus, Apple offers a slew of other budget iPhone models to choose from. If you time it right, you may even score a great iPhone deal on one.
Sure, the cheapest iPhones won’t have the latest chips or the most up-to-date features, but you’re still getting a reliable, long-lasting smartphone for a fraction of the cost. What more could you want? Also, we’d be remiss not to mention Apple’s unbelievably great software update policy that puts the best Android phones to shame. So, you’ll get support for the latest software on these budget smartphones, including iOS 18, which is expected to be announced at WWDC 2024.
Pros
Cons
The iPhone SE is the absolutely cheapest iPhone you can buy new at $429, making it one of the best iPhones to buy. Despite rocking an old design that’s been around since the iPhone 6, this handset features Apple’s A15 Bionic chip, the same processor found in the iPhone 13. That means this phone is lightning-fast, can play every Apple Arcade game with ease, and will connect to 5G networks. The only things that hold back the cheapest iPhone are its small 4.7-inch screen, singular 12MP wide-angle camera and it doesn’t feature MagSafe, though you can still wireless charge this device.
Pros
Cons
The iPhone 14 is about a year and half old now, but it's still a powerhouse of an iPhone. The phone starts with 128GB of storage, and is powered by the incredible Apple A15 chip. Because of this package with a 6-core CPU and a 5-core GPU, there isn't a single app that won't be blown away by the iPhone 14. The best part is that Apple is still selling this phone new, which means 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 totally worth it for the peace of mind, especially if you don't want to shell out hundreds of dollars down the line to replace the phone if you drop it on concrete – we've definitely been there.
Pros
Cons
If you want the latest and greatest from Apple’s iPhone 13, just get yourself the mini version for under $600. 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.
Pros
Cons
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.
Pros
Cons
If you're ok not jumping on the 5G bandwagon just yet, the iPhone 11 might be a great handset for you. For $499 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.
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 [email protected].
Kevin Lee is IGN's SEO Updates Editor. Follow him on Twitter @baggingspam.
TL;DR – The Cheapest iPhones to Buy in 2024
Sure, the cheapest iPhones won’t have the latest chips or the most up-to-date features, but you’re still getting a reliable, long-lasting smartphone for a fraction of the cost. What more could you want? Also, we’d be remiss not to mention Apple’s unbelievably great software update policy that puts the best Android phones to shame. So, you’ll get support for the latest software on these budget smartphones, including iOS 18, which is expected to be announced at WWDC 2024.
1. iPhone SE
Pros
- Same powerful A15 Bionic chip as the iPhone 13
- Compact
Cons
- Singular 12MP wide-angle camera
The iPhone SE is the absolutely cheapest iPhone you can buy new at $429, making it one of the best iPhones to buy. Despite rocking an old design that’s been around since the iPhone 6, this handset features Apple’s A15 Bionic chip, the same processor found in the iPhone 13. That means this phone is lightning-fast, can play every Apple Arcade game with ease, and will connect to 5G networks. The only things that hold back the cheapest iPhone are its small 4.7-inch screen, singular 12MP wide-angle camera and it doesn’t feature MagSafe, though you can still wireless charge this device.
2. iPhone 14
Pros
- Breezy performance
- Offers Apple Care+ support
Cons
- Higher price tag
The iPhone 14 is about a year and half old now, but it's still a powerhouse of an iPhone. The phone starts with 128GB of storage, and is powered by the incredible Apple A15 chip. Because of this package with a 6-core CPU and a 5-core GPU, there isn't a single app that won't be blown away by the iPhone 14. The best part is that Apple is still selling this phone new, which means 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 totally worth it for the peace of mind, especially if you don't want to shell out hundreds of dollars down the line to replace the phone if you drop it on concrete – we've definitely been there.
3. iPhone 13 Mini
Pros
- Compact, lightweight build
- Solid cameras
Cons
- Small screen
If you want the latest and greatest from Apple’s iPhone 13, just get yourself the mini version for under $600. 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
Pros
- Stunning 6.1-inch Liquid Retina HD
- Supports MagSafe charging
Cons
- 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
Pros
- Highly capable processor
- Less boxy design
Cons
- No 5G support
If you're ok not jumping on the 5G bandwagon just yet, the iPhone 11 might be a great handset for you. For $499 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.
Where to 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 [email protected].
Kevin Lee is IGN's SEO Updates Editor. Follow him on Twitter @baggingspam.