Cheap iPhones

How much is the cheapest iPhone (and should you get it)?

Updated on 15 October 2024

Looking for the cheapest Apple iPhone? Here's everything you need to know about iPhone deals and discounts, plus where to buy the cheapest iPhones.

What are the cheapest iPhones?

As of Aug 2024, the cheapest iPhone you can get that’s still supported by current iOS updates is the unlocked iPhone SE (2nd generation 2020) at £90. The best part is, the iPhone SE (2020) will still be supported for at least one more year and can receive the upcoming iOS 18 update. On average, prices for the oldest iPhone models will be the cheapest, but you can find the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR and iPhone 11 in the £150-200 price range.* Before you add the cheapest iPhone you can find to your basket, there are a few important things to keep in mind.

*Prices found on Back Market for verified refurbished iPhone devices. Subject to change.

Not all cheap iPhones are the same

Generally, you’ll only be able to find the cheapest iPhones in used or refurbished condition. Perhaps you’re sceptical about the quality of used iPhones, or maybe you’ve had a bad experience with a second-hand phone in the past (completely understandable, btw). However, it’s important to understand the difference between buying a cheap iPhone used vs buying one refurbished.

Your best option to ensure the best iPhone quality is to make sure you’re buying a refurbished one, which means that it has been repaired and tested to the same performing standard as a new phone. These will often be backed by a guarantee or warranty as well. On the other hand, buying a used iPhone won’t guarantee its performance. You need to be careful that you’re not buying from an unqualified seller. There are plenty of online marketplaces for used tech, but most don’t have any quality control, so the quality can vary wildly.

Before you buy a discounted iPhone online, do a little digging into the marketplace and seller. Check out some reviews, read up on the return policy (if there is one), and find out whether your device comes with any warranties. Trading in your current device can also provide financial benefits and contribute to environmental sustainability when upgrading to a refurbished iPhone.

At Back Market, every seller is thoroughly vetted. They’re industry-leading professionals who are experts at repairing iPhones. Every device comes with a 1-year warranty, plus 30 days to change your mind.

person holding iphone 13 mini

Can I get an iPhone for £300 or less?

Yes, you can buy an iPhone for less than £300, and there are plenty of options for finding a reliable device. Check out these iPhones under £300 where you’ll find great iPhone deals, including models up to the iPhone 12.

If you need a cheaper iPhone, you can even find expertly renewed iPhones for under £200 at Back Market. Buying a refurbished iPhone not only saves you money, it helps save the planet by reducing e-waste and lowering the environmental impact created by new phone production. There’s really no reason to pay full price for a new iPhone when you can choose verified refurbished.

How can I get an iPhone for free?

While we don't know of any above-board ways to get a free iPhone, we do offer trade-in. You can sell your old iPhone here. You'll get cash for your old device (the amount depends on the model and condition of your phone, of course). If you put that money towards your new (or renewed) iPhone, it's almost like getting it for free.

Even if you don't have an old smartphone to trade in, our refurbished iPhone deals are so good that you'll still be saving up to 50% off the price of a new phone.

person using iphone at table

The best budget friendly iPhones right now

A refurbished iPhone 12 is a great budget iPhone that you can find in the £200 range. You'll of course get all the latest iOS updates likely until late 2026 and the A14 Bionic chip still performs well today.  

Depending on your budget and needs, a refurbished iPhone XR, refurbished iPhone 11 Pro/Pro Max or refurbished iPhone 11 are also excellent choices. With iPhone XR, you'll get a large display, long battery life, and Face ID and the iPhone 11 series offers the A13 Bionic chip and notable camera upgrades from previous models. Keep in mind that if you need a budget-friendly iPhone for more than 2 years, both the XR and 11 will probably be supported only up to iOS 18.

What is the cheapest iPhone to buy?

The cheapest iPhone you can find right on Back Market is the iPhone 6s at just £59.* You'll be able to use it for all the simple smartphone functions like online search, text and calling, but you'll be greatly limited by the apps that you can download since this is no longer an iOS supported model.

As mentioned previously in the article, your best option if you're looking for the cheapest supported iPhone model, is the 2nd gen iPhone SE (2020), which is still very affordable under £100.*

*Prices found on Back Market as of Aug 2024. Subject to change.

What are the cheapest iPhones?

Apple launched the iPhone SE as a budget-friendly model. We’re all for affordable tech, but the cheapest iPhone SE will still cost around £429 for the 64 GB model if you buy new. Bump up the storage capacity, and you’re looking at £479 for 128 GB or £579 for 256 GB. What if we told you that you could spend way less money and have plenty of cheap iPhones to choose from? Generally, used iPhones will almost always be cheaper than new iPhones. If you want to save money while upgrading your iPhone, shop for a refurbished device to get the same great Apple technology at a fraction of the cost. Luckily, there’s no need to wait for Black Friday deals because you can find low prices on refurbished iPhones all year long.

Can I get an iPhone for £300 or less?

Yes, you can buy an iPhone for less than £300, and there are plenty of options if you shop renewed. Check out these iPhones under £300 and you’ll find tons of options, including iPhone X, iPhone XR, iPhone SE, and more models. You can even get a refurbished iPhone 11 for under £300. If you need a cheaper iPhone, you can even find expertly renewed iPhones for under £200 at Back Market. Buying a refurbished iPhone not only saves you money, but it also helps save the planet by reducing e-waste and lowering the environmental impact created by new phone production. There’s really no reason to pay full price for a new iPhone when you can choose renewed!

How can I get an iPhone for free?

While we don't know of any above-board ways to get a free iPhone, we do offer trade-in. You can sell your old iPhone here. You'll get cash for your old device (the amount depends on the model and condition of your phone, of course). If you put that money towards your new (or renewed) iPhone, it's almost like getting it for free.

Are refurbished iPhones worth it?

Buying a refurbished iPhone is a great idea, except for when it isn't. Basically, it depends on who you buy it from. One of the challenges that comes with buying a used phone online is that it can be difficult to tell whether a seller is legit. Sure, you can take their word for it, but many online marketplaces don't offer the option to return or exchange a device that doesn't work or isn't what you expected. At Back Market, we've done the legwork for you. All of our phones are professionally repaired by experts and you can rest assured that it will be 100% functional. Every device also comes with a 1-year warranty and 30 days to change your mind. We reduce the risk to make sure buying a refurbished phone is worth it every time.

What is the Best Budget iPhone?

A refurbished iPhone 11 is a great budget iPhone and delivers all the latest iOS features at a low price. The iPhone 11 runs on Apple's A13 Bionic chip and offers notable iPhone camera upgrades compared to earlier models. Depending on your budget and needs, a refurbished iPhone XR is also an excellent choice. With iPhone XR, you'll get a large display, long battery life, and Face ID.

What is the Cheapest iPhone to Buy?

You can find plenty of super cheap used iPhones online, but proceed with caution. Before you add a used phone to your cart, make sure you're purchasing from a professional refurbisher and that you'll be able to resolve any issues if the phone you get isn't what you expected. Apple tends to support devices for a long time, but it's also worth noting that very old iPhone models will eventually be unable to run the latest iOS updates. Currently, the iPhone 8 and newer models are still supported so you have plenty of choices for a cheap iPhone that will stay up-to-date for a long time!

Haziq

Written by HaziqTech Expert for Back Market UK, Ireland & Australia

When not fighting the good fight for environmental sustainability, Haziq loves making reviews of everything and anything tech-related.

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