Best Budget iPhone
Last updated
Buying on a tight budget comes down to one decision: new with a full warranty or refurbished from a graded seller. New gives you a manufacturer guarantee. Refurbished gives you more choice across older models, storage tiers, and condition grades. This page covers the lowest-cost realistic options in both categories, what to expect from each, and what to skip.
Specs from Apple.com · Market prices are not stored on this page; check live listings before deciding
Budget picks
This page does not publish market prices. Compare current listings by condition, storage, battery health, and warranty. The refurb comparisons assume a "Good" or "Very Good" grade from a reputable seller.
| Model | How to compare | Screen | Why consider it |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone SE (3rd gen) — refurb | Compare condition and warranty | 4.7" LCD | Compact option with an A15 chip |
| iPhone 13 — refurb Top pick | Compare condition and warranty | 6.1" OLED | OLED, Face ID, dual camera |
| iPhone 14 — refurb | Compare condition and warranty | 6.1" OLED | Crash Detection; step up from 13 |
| iPhone 15 — refurb | Compare condition and warranty | 6.1" OLED | USB-C, Dynamic Island, 48MP main camera |
| Current entry-level iPhone — new | Compare with current refurb offers | 6.1" OLED | New-phone warranty; compare current specifications |
The picks in detail
1. Refurbished iPhone 13 — best budget overall
Compare live refurbished listings · 6.1" OLED · A15 Bionic · Face ID · Dual 12MP camera
The iPhone 13 launched at $699 in 2021; compare current refurbished listings by condition, storage, and warranty. It has a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, Face ID, a dual 12MP camera system, and an A15 Bionic chip that handles everyday use.
You are buying a two-generation-old flagship that Apple replaced with iterative upgrades rather than a fundamentally different phone. If the live listing fits your budget, it is the model to target. See the full spec breakdown on the refurbished iPhone 13 page.
Find a refurbished iPhone 13 →2. Refurbished iPhone SE (3rd gen) — cheapest possible
Compare live refurbished listings · 4.7" LCD · A15 Bionic · Touch ID · Single 12MP camera
For the lowest budget, the refurbished SE (3rd gen) is the floor. It brings an A15 Bionic chip, Touch ID, and current iOS support inside a body that dates back to 2017. The 4.7-inch LCD screen is adequate but shows its age next to any OLED. There is no Night Mode, ultrawide camera, or Face ID.
It suits a first phone, spare device, or a very limited budget. Compare condition, battery health, and warranty before buying. More context at refurbished iPhone SE (3rd gen).
Find a refurbished iPhone SE →3. iPhone 17e — cheapest new iPhone
6.1" OLED · A18 · Face ID · Single 48MP camera · USB-C
Apple’s current entry-level iPhone pairs a manufacturer warranty with an A18 chip, USB-C, Apple Intelligence support, a 48MP main camera, and battery life rated at about 26 hours of video playback. If you want a warranty and no uncertainty about the phone’s history, compare it directly with refurbished alternatives.
It makes sense if you are buying for someone who will keep the phone five or more years, needs Apple Intelligence features, or has a strong preference for buying new. If you are primarily looking for value per feature, see best iPhone for the money instead.
Step-up options: refurb iPhone 14 and 15
Compare iPhone 14 and 15 by condition and storage · Both OLED, Face ID
If you want USB-C (iPhone 15 and up) or Crash Detection (iPhone 14 and up), both are solid refurbished options. The iPhone 15 also adds Dynamic Island and a 48MP main camera. Compare condition, storage, warranty, and price with a 13 before deciding whether either is worth the step up.
Browse current refurbished listings and condition-grade guidance in the refurbished iPhone guide.
Where to buy a budget iPhone
Refurbished is the primary route. A graded seller can give you a warrantied phone, but condition, battery health, and return terms still matter.
Why refurbished is the real answer
Apple’s current price is the relevant benchmark for a new phone; older models do not typically receive direct price cuts on Apple.com once discontinued. Refurbished markets offer more variation, so compare the model, condition, storage, battery health, and warranty rather than relying on a percentage rule.
Buying refurbished from a graded seller is not the same as buying second-hand from an individual. Graded sellers inspect each unit, replace failing components (battery health is usually guaranteed at 80% or above), and assign a condition grade. "Good" means visible light wear but full function. "Very Good" means minor cosmetic marks. "Excellent" is close to mint. Every listing includes a seller warranty, typically 12 months, and a return window.
The catch is what you do not get: no AppleCare option, no Genius Bar support on day one, and a phone with prior history. For buyers comfortable with an online purchase, those can be acceptable trade-offs when the live listing justifies them.
- •Check the battery health percentage before buying. Anything above 80% is functional; 85–90%+ is good.
- •Buy from a marketplace with a clear grade system and a return policy, not from ungraded bulk lots.
- •A protective case and screen protector are especially worth buying on a refurb — the phone has had one owner already.
What to avoid on a budget
Pro models and the iPhone Air retain more value after launch. If the feature set you want is in a Pro, compare live refurbished listings carefully; a standard model may fit a budget-focused purchase better.
Also avoid ungraded phones without condition descriptions, phones sold without IMEI checks, and any listing that doesn't specify which generation of SE you're getting — the 1st generation SE (2016) and 2nd generation SE (2020) are both too old for reliable use in 2026.
If your budget allows some flexibility and you want to think about the best value rather than the lowest price, that's a different question — see best iPhone for the money. If you're deciding which model to buy first, which iPhone should I buy walks through the full lineup. To see whether trading in your current phone can offset the cost, check iPhone trade-in value.
FAQ
What is the cheapest iPhone worth buying in 2026?
For the lowest-cost current-iOS option, compare a refurbished iPhone SE (3rd generation) from reputable sellers. It has an A15 chip; condition and seller warranty vary. If you prefer new with a manufacturer warranty, compare Apple’s current entry-level iPhone with refurbished alternatives.
Is buying a refurbished iPhone safe?
Yes, when you buy from a graded reseller. Reputable marketplaces like Back Market inspect, repair if needed, and assign a condition grade (Good, Very Good, Excellent) to each phone. Every listing includes a seller warranty, typically 1 year. The main risk with private sellers or ungraded stock is avoided by sticking to graded marketplaces with clear return policies.
What is the best budget iPhone if I want an OLED screen?
The refurbished iPhone 13 is a strong budget pick with an OLED display. It has a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED screen, dual 12MP cameras, Face ID, and runs current iOS. The iPhone SE has an LCD screen, so the 13 is a useful step up if OLED matters; compare condition, storage, battery health, and warranty.
How much can I save buying a refurbished iPhone instead of new?
Refurbished pricing varies with condition, storage, battery health, seller warranty, and supply. The iPhone 13 launched at $699 new; compare current offers against a like-for-like new option instead of relying on a percentage rule.
Want to compare the full refurbished lineup?
Every model graded, priced, and ranked — or find out what your current iPhone is worth before you buy.