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The best cheap iPhone you can buy in 2024

By Iskra Petrova

Updated: Nov 26, 2024, 5:56 AM

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Apple Picks

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The iPhone 14 and the iPhone 14 Plus held by a person with their displays towards the viewier.

The world of Apple is known to be quite the premium place to buy your new phone... or anything for that matter (remember that $19 polishing cloth?) However, the fact that the base iPhone 16 starts at $799 is not a reason for panic: believe it or not, cheaper iPhones exist!

Before you get your hopes too high though - the Cupertino company doesn't offer a dedicated budget-friendly or "affordable" iPhone, per se. Even the iPhone SE is not actually budget-friendly, but more like for "mid-range" money. The approach you should take if you want a relatively cheap iPhone in 2024 is to go for a slightly older model.

But that's not half as bad as you may be thinking right now! With iPhones, even if you go for a two or three-year old model, it will be up to date with the latest iOS version, and it will still be fast in 2024. This is because iPhones are supported for a minimum of 5 years after their release (and remain fast).

Well, you will have to compromise on some of the flagship features we see these days (like fancy camera lenses or cinematographic video features), but you can still get a reliable, fast and capable iPhone for less money.

We're here to help you with finding the best cheap iPhone that's available right now.

Best cheap iPhones you can buy in 2024, summarized list:

iPhone 14 : lowest priced iPhone we can recommend right now
iPhone 14 Plus: if you want a bigger screen for less money
iPhone 16: best cheap iPhone with Apple Intelligence
Bonus category: the best refurbished iPhone deal right now

iPhone 14

Best lower priced iPhone in 2024 overall

6.7

Apple iPhone 14

The Good

Improved low-light photos, color balance, and dynamic range
Faster graphics subsystem and connectivity options
Bright display
Good battery life
Much cheaper to repair

The Bad

Too wide of a specs and performance gap with the iPhone 14 Pro
Display calibration is lacking
The new penta-core GPU is a battery hog
Slow charging

$560 at eBay $389 at Walmart $580 at Target

Right now, the iPhone 14 is the best cheap iPhone - although at $599, this iPhone isn't exactly cheap, it's the best we can recommend for a lower price. The iPhone 14 was released in 2022, so it will remain supported until at least 2027, which is very important when you're buying a new phone.

The iPhone 14 keeps the familiar design of its predecessor, the iPhone 13, but packs some meaningful upgrades under the hood. The phone has an improved camera system with a new 12MP front-facing camera and a larger main sensor for better low-light performance, thanks to Apple's Photonic Engine.

The 14 also introduced satellite connectivity for emergency SOS messages, making it a handy companion in remote areas. Other features include a more energy-efficient 5G modem and a slightly larger battery. Additionally, repairs are now easier and cheaper than ever - a huge bonus for clumsy users!

Although the iPhone 14 doesn't have fancy extras like a 120Hz display or telephoto lens, it is a reliable choice for you if you want a solid iPhone experience without breaking the bank. Its mix of performance, great cameras, and sleek design makes it a strong contender for the best value iPhone.

Read more: iPhone 14 review

iPhone 14 Plus

If you want a bigger screen

6.8

Apple iPhone 14 Plus

The Good

Huge display
Long-lasting battery
Great performance
Powerful sound

The Bad

Same old design with a notch, no Dynamic Island here
60Hz display refresh rate
No always-on display
Still feels a bit too expensive

$410 at Walmart $680 at BestBuy $729 at Apple

The iPhone 14 Plus is a fantastic choice for you if you want a larger screen without the hefty price of the Pro Max models, and currently starts at $699. It offers a big 6.7-inch OLED display and impressive battery life, making it ideal for streaming, gaming, and browsing. While it lacks the Pro models' fancy features like Dynamic Island or always-on display, it keeps things simple and reliable.

The iPhone 14 Plus is powered by the A15 Bionic chip and delivers smooth performance for everyday tasks and more intensive activities like gaming or video editing. Its dual-camera system captures vibrant photos, handles low light well, and records up to 4K video. Selfies are sharp and benefit from features like Portrait mode.

Thanks to the premium materials, its gorgeous sleek design, and multiple color options, the iPhone 14 Plus feels just as high-end as pricier models. It's durable, water-resistant, and surprisingly light for its size. If you're after a budget-friendly big-screen iPhone, this one hits the sweet spot.

Read more: iPhone 14 Plus review

iPhone 16

Best cheap iPhone with Apple Intelligence

7.3

Apple iPhone 16

The Good

Awesomely powerful chipset
Great and reliable video quality
Great-sounding speakers

The Bad

Outdated display specifications
New camera control button is uncomfortable
Wired charging is still slow

$1401 at eBay $829 at Apple $830 at BestBuy

The iPhone 16 is a solid pick for you if you want Apple's latest tech and Apple Intelligence at a lower price. The iPhone 16 starts at $799, so it is a bit more expensive but is the cheapest iPhone with Apple Intelligence at the moment. While its big promises of AI features will come with future updates, there are some immediate upgrades that stand out.

The new Camera Control button makes taking photos and recording videos easier with quick access and haptic feedback. There's also a more powerful chip, the A18 Bionic, which boosts performance and efficiency. The camera system has seen improvements too, like macro photography and a better ultra-wide camera.

The iPhone 16 keeps up with the premium look and feel with its sleek design, new colors, and beautiful display. Battery life is solid, and charging is faster, especially with wireless charging. Overall, it's a great option for you if you want a relatively affordable iPhone with some exciting features - just keep in mind that some of the best AI tools are still on the way.

Read more: iPhone 16 review

iPhone SE

It's better to wait until March for that one

Render of the upcoming iPhone SE 4. | Image Credit - Jon Prosser x Ian Zelbo

If you're looking for a cheap iPhone, you may be tempted to go for the iPhone SE from 2022. However, our best advice on this is not to do that. The iPhone SE is getting very outdated now, and its next generation is reportedly going to come in March. Basically, it would be better to go for an iPhone 14 or wait until March next year to get the new iPhone SE when it comes out.

The new iPhone SE that will reportedly come out in March is rumored to sport an updated design that looks more similar to the premium models by the company.

Upgrades like a better camera system and improved display specs are also expected for the iPhone SE 4. It's possible that the battery will also get a major boost, and could nearby be double what the current iPhone SE rocks.

Read more: iPhone SE 4 release date predictions, price, specs, and must-know features

Best refurbished iPhone deal right now

Another way to get a cheap iPhone is to go for a refurbished model. Refurbished iPhones are used iPhones that have been renewed to look and work like new. Those are often found discounted at big retailers such as Amazon or Best Buy. Even without a deal, the refurbished iPhones' prices are usually lower anyway.

At the moment, Amazon is offering a renewed iPhone 15, fully unlocked. The device is covered by Amazon’s Renewed Guarantee, ensuring you have 90 days to return it and get a refund or replacement if you’re not satisfied.

Renewed iPhone 15 128GB at Amazon

A renewed iPhone 15 with 128GB in Black is available at a great price at Amazon right now. You can choose an excellent condition or good condition, which is even cheaper.

$32 off (5%)

Buy at Amazon

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Izzy, a tech enthusiast and a key part of the PhoneArena team, specializes in delivering the latest mobile tech news and finding the best tech deals. Her interests extend to cybersecurity, phone design innovations, and camera capabilities. Outside her professional life, Izzy, a literature master's degree holder, enjoys reading, painting, and learning languages. She's also a personal growth advocate, believing in the power of experience and gratitude. Whether it's walking her Chihuahua or singing her heart out, Izzy embraces life with passion and curiosity.