The Best Budget iPhone
You don’t need to spend $1,000 to get a great Apple experience. Discover the best cheap refurbished iPhones that still deliver excellent performance.
Why it's the best budget pick:
The iPhone 12 represents the biggest “jump” in modern iPhone history. It introduced the flat-edge design, 5G connectivity, MagSafe, and an OLED screen (a massive upgrade over the iPhone 11’s LCD). At current refurbished prices, it offers an unbeatable mix of modern features for under $400.
- OLED Display: Deep blacks and vibrant colors.
- 5G Ready: Future-proofed for modern cellular networks.
- MagSafe: Access to Apple's magnetic accessory ecosystem.
Great Alternatives
Depending on your specific budget and needs.
The Absolute Cheapest
iPhone SE (2020)
From $199
If you just need a working iPhone for the absolute lowest price, the SE (2020) is it. You get the classic home button (Touch ID) and a chip that is still fast enough for daily tasks. Perfect for kids or as a backup phone.
Best Compact Budget
iPhone 13 Mini
From $489
Apple stopped making “Mini” phones, making the 13 Mini highly sought after. It’s slightly pricier than the 12, but offers double the base storage (128GB) and significantly better battery life in a tiny form factor.
Rules for Buying on a Budget
Check iOS Support
Don't buy anything older than an iPhone 11. Older phones will stop receiving security updates soon.
Accept Cosmetic Flaws
Buying a phone graded "Fair" or "Good" saves you $50-$100. Just put a case on it to hide the scratches.
Beware "Too Cheap"
If a deal on Facebook Marketplace looks too good to be true, it's probably stolen or iCloud locked.