The cheapest iPhones to buy in 2024

Apples iPhones still be one of best smartphones worth the investment thanks to their reliable performance, solid construction and impressive software update policy that ensures best android phones shame. Unfortunately, the latest models released in fall 2023, iPhone 15 AND iPhone 15 Procome at a high price, but there are plenty of capable older iPhones out there. Just look at our favorite budget iPhone, the iPhone SE, which runs on the swift A15 Bionic processor while maintaining a compact footprint, and there are plenty of others great deals on iPhone be conquered.

TL;DR – Cheapest iPhones to Buy in 2024

Of course, saving money and opting for an older iPhone will involve some sacrifices, as you won’t be able to enjoy the latest processors, the best cameras, or all the latest features like Apple’s AI tool, Apple Intelligencecoming this fall. Despite that, these budget-friendly phones will work seamlessly with Apple’s iOS 18, announced on World Press Conference 2024and have no problem completing everyday tasks, scrolling through social media, and even delicate gaming. Check out our five favorites below.

It’s vital to note that some of our picks are refurbished. Luckily, Apple, Amazon, and Best Buy all have solid refurbished programs that can save you a ton of money, but always double check the return policy before you buy

1.iPhone SE

Best budget-friendly iPhone

This 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, with hefty bezels, a Touch ID home button, and a uninteresting IPS display. However, the compact design makes the phone fit perfectly in your pocket, and navigating the screen with one hand is absolutely a breeze.

The iPhone SE shines brightest inside. At the helm is the Apple A15 Bionic processor with a six-core CPU, quad-core GPU, and 16-core Neural Engine, the same chip found in iPhone 13. That’s probably more power than this phone needs, which means super-fast performance for almost any task. It’s even capable of gaming, but given the matte screen and leisurely pixel response time, the iPhone SE isn’t best gaming phone option.

The iPhone SE’s other features are relatively standard. The single rear and front cameras deliver pointed photos that outperform many budget Android phones, and the battery should last a full day or more with delicate employ. Streaming videos, playing Apple Arcade Gamesor doing heavier tasks drains the battery faster and the phone gets a little warmer – not a huge surprise. There’s even 5G support for better network speeds on the go.

2.iPhone 14

The best cameras in a budget-friendly iPhone

iPhone 14

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Equipped with the Apple A15 processor, a 6-core CPU and a 5-core GPU, this slightly obsolete iPhone is still a real powerhouse.

The iPhone 14 is almost 2 years elderly now, but it’s still an iPhone powerhouse. The phone has 128GB of storage and is powered by Apple’s incredible A15 chip. With that 6-core processor and 5-core GPU package, there’s not an app the iPhone 14 can’t impress with. The best part is that Apple is still selling this phone as up-to-date, which means you can pair it with Apple Care+, so you don’t have to worry about your screen cracking or your phone getting stolen. Getting this option will make it a bit more high-priced, but it’s definitely worth it for peace of mind, especially if you don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars in the future replacing your phone if you drop it on concrete – we’ve definitely been there.

3. iPhone 13 Mini (Refurbished)

The best compact budget-friendly iPhone

iPhone 13 Mini

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Beautiful and compact iPhone with a 5.4-inch OLED Super Retina XDR display and a powerful A15 Bionic processor.

If you want Apple’s latest and greatest iPhone 13, just get yourself a mini version for under $400. The iPhone 13 Mini is a bit smaller than Apple’s other phones, with just a 5.4-inch screen, but if you have smaller hands, you might find the more compact phone beneficial. It still includes Apple’s A15 Bionic chip, 5GB of storage, and a 12MP wide-angle and 12MP ultra-wide-angle camera for the best iPhone visuals.

4. iPhone 12 (Refurbished)

The best budget-friendly iPhone for swift performance

iPhone 12 (refurbished)

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Enjoy a airy 6.1-inch Liquid Retina HD display and 12-megapixel Wide and Ultra Wide cameras without paying a hefty price tag.

The iPhone 12 is strenuous to find in up-to-date condition these days, but its A14 Bionic chip still packs a ton 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, as well as the 12-megapixel wide-angle and ultra-wide-angle cameras. You still get the up-to-date conveniences of the iPhone, like 5G connectivity and MagSafe. If your carrier still offers this phone or you don’t mind buying a refurbished phone, the iPhone 12 is a solid budget option.

5. iPhone 11 (Refurbished)

The best ultra budget-friendly iPhone

iPhone 11

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Don’t mind 5G? You can save a lot of money by getting the iPhone 11 and still enjoy 4K 60fps video recording.

If you don’t mind jumping on the 5G bandwagon just yet, the iPhone 11 could be a great phone for you. For under $250, you get a phone with the still-powerful A13 Bionic processor and a gorgeous-looking 6.1-inch Liquid Retina HD display. You also get two 12-megapixel wide-angle and ultra-wide cameras that can shoot 4K 60fps video. The rounded shape may be a bit old-school, but it’s easier to hold for those who don’t like the boxy shape of the latest iPhones. You’ll have a strenuous time finding this phone brand up-to-date, though, so you’ll have to settle for a refurbished model.

New iPhones Will Make Everything Else Cheaper

When Apple releases up-to-date iPhones, almost every older model gets a further price drop. Apple will almost certainly release the iPhone 16 this year, probably in the fall of 2024 – and we also got a sneak peek of iOS 18 at WWDC 2024. The up-to-date iPhone will obviously be very high-priced, but if you don’t mind buying an older model like the iPhone 14 or soon-to-be iPhone 15, you can expect a huge price drop around that time.

Luckily, the up-to-date operating system will be compatible with every iPhone model on this list, so you don’t have to miss out on up-to-date features just because you didn’t purchase the latest product.

Where to buy refurbished iPhones

While a up-to-date iPhone can be high-priced, you can save a lot of money by purchasing a refurbished device. Apple has its own official store for refurbished iPhones, and they come with an extensive warranty. 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 offer AND Amazon.

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Kevin Lee is the SEO Updates Editor at IGN. Follow him on Twitter @baggingspam.