Best cheap iPhone in 2025: Our top picks

According to recent estimates, more than 1.382 billion people use iPhones, with Apple shipping 151.3 million iPhones between Q1 and Q3 of 2024. It's clear that many people still prefer using iPhones even though they are somewhat more expensive than their Android counterparts, especially if you’re buying new. However, this doesn’t mean there aren’t cheaper iPhones up for grabs. If you’re looking for an inexpensive iPhone, you’ve come to the right place as we’ve discussed your options below.

Why you can trust our opinion on iPhones 

We get it. Everyone has that one friend or family member who swears by the latest iPhone, and your cousin Dave insists his cracked and barely functioning iPhone 8 still has “plenty of life left”. But we think we've earned our stripes when it comes to knowing the real deal about iPhones, how they age, how they perform, and whether they’re worth your hard-earned money.  

At Back Market, we live and breathe refurbished tech. While other retailers simply sell their wares, we get under the hood, checking everything from battery health and cosmetics to running diagnostics for performance and software to ensure our iPhones are ready for a second or even third act.  

We don’t just sell iPhones; we test them, verify them, and guarantee them, which is why you can trust our opinion on the cheapest iPhones. We’re not here to push the flashiest and priciest model. Our team is here to help you answer the question: what is the cheapest iPhone that will function as it should and be of value to you? We can offer you insights into a selection of the cheapest iPhones we think you’d love to get your hands on.  

Deep dive: These are the three best Apple iPhones 

As you now know, there are more than a billion Apple iPhone users, which is likely because even though iPhones are more expensive than Androids, they still have many benefits. They have a user-friendly iOS operating system, for example, as well as high-quality hardware and software and a strong ecosystem. That’s without even mentioning the brand's reputation for excellence in design and innovation.  

We understand, however, that not everyone has the big bucks to splurge on the latest and greatest iPhone model. That’s why we’ve shared a few of the cheapest iPhones you can buy if you’re interested in a refurbished model. Our refurbished iPhones are well worth considering.  

Apple iPhone 14 Pro – best for creators and power users 

Back Market score: 💗💗💗💗🤍

Product specs 

• Screen size: 6.1 in 

• Resolution: 2556 x 1179 (Super Retina XDR with ProMotion) 

• Chip: A16 Bionic 

• RAM: 6GB 

• Storage: 128 GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB 

• Battery life: Up to 23 hours of video playback 

• Ports: Lightning 

• Weight: 7.27 oz (206 g) 

• Operating system: iOS 17 (upgradable) 

• Camera: Triple rear (48MP main, 12MP ultra-wide, 12MP telephoto), 12MP front 

• Security: Face ID 

Product pros and cons 

Product features and benefits 

We have to say that if the iPhone lineup were a band, the 14 Pro would be the lead vocalist with the best stage presence and mic — it’s just that good. The iPhone 14 Pro is designed for power users, creatives, and mobile multitaskers who expect a lot from their phones.  

With its Apple A16 Bionic chip, you can expect a phone that won’t lag, offer poor performance, or let you down. Whether you use your phone for creating 4K TikToks, editing on the fly, working with intensive applications, or gaming, this phone thrives under pressure.  

It has one of the best camera systems of the lineup with its 48MP studio-level sensor and professional-level photos. Its super-bright OLED display featuring 120Hz ProMotion with its buttery sleekness is nothing to scoff at, either.  

You’ll also be pleased to learn that the Dynamic Island isn’t simply a gimmick — don’t let the haters lead you astray. With Dynamic Island, you can turn your notifications into mini pop-up controls.  It’s also exciting that this iPhone offers impressive storage capabilities, with an option of 256GB of space.  

The only catch? It features an outdated Lightning port. If that’s a dealbreaker, we’ll point you to the 15. For everyone else, the 14 Pro is a high-performance machine dressed in luxury. 

Apple iPhone 15 – best for everyday users who want something new 

Back Market score: 💗💗💗💗🤍

Product specs 

• Screen size: 6.1 in 

• Resolution: 2556 x 1179 (Super Retina XDR) 

• Chip: A16 Bionic 

• RAM: 6GB 

• Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB 

• Battery life: Up to 20 hours of video playback 

• Ports: USB-C 

• Weight: 6.02 oz (171 g) 

• Operating system: iOS 17 

• Camera: Dual rear (48MP wide, 12MP ultra-wide), 12MP front 

• Security: Face ID 

Product pros and cons 

Product features and benefits 

Those looking for an iPhone that offers modern features without crossing even a pinky toe into Pro territory should consider the iPhone 15. This phone built by Apple is a crowd-pleaser, and for good reason. It's minimalistic, capable, and refreshingly current with its USB-C port and other modern features.  

It might not seem like much of a difference, but you’d be surprised by how much less cable clutter there is in your life with this type of port. Then there's the impressive A16 chip that allows the phone to offer users a speedy performance. And, the upgraded 48MP camera — although sans telephoto lens and ProMotion — delivers surprisingly sharp images.  

Additionally, as is the case with the iPhone 14 Pro, the iPhone 15 offers Dynamic Island so you can enjoy interactive alerts and controls. The biggest downside, however, is that this model doesn’t offer a 120Hz refresh rate — only 60Hz — and it lacks the lenses of its Pro siblings. It also has limited storage capabilities.   

With this phone, there are the essentials and a few premium perks, making it a competitive choice for casual users, students, and those who want a future-proof phone — at least for a little while — without the Pro price tag.  

Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max – best for battery life and big-screen fans 

Back Market score: 💗💗💗💗💗

Product specs 

• Screen size: 6.7 in 

• Resolution: 2778 x 1284 (Super Retina XDR with ProMotion) 

• Chip: A15 Bionic 

• RAM: 6GB 

• Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB 

• Battery life: Up to 28 hours of video playback 

• Ports: Lightning 

• Weight: 8.46 oz (240 g) 

• Operating system: iOS 17 compatible 

• Camera: Triple rear (12MP wide, 12MP ultra-wide, 12MP telephoto + LiDAR), 12MP front 

• Security: Face ID 

Product pros and cons 

Product features and benefits 

Looking for an iPhone that offers a bigger display than normal and incredible battery life capabilities? Why not consider buying a refurbished iPhone 13 Pro Max? If there ever was an iPhone that ruled the iPhone kingdom in terms of battery life, it would be this model.  

With the 13 Pro Max, you’ll get up to a whopping 28 hours of video playback, meaning the phone should last you a day or more on a single charge, depending on your usage. Its display is also 6.7 in, making it bigger than the iPhone 14 Pro and 15, which boast 6.1-inch screens.  

Considering its battery life and screen size, it should come as no surprise that the 13 Pro Max is ideal for those who spend a lot of time on their phones, whether for work or play. You can stream, multitask, play games, and do almost everything you need on this phone with its crisp visuals, thanks to the built-in ProMotion technology.  

It also features an A15 chip, so it's not as fast or performance-savvy as the other two models we’ve discussed, but it still satisfies most. However, it is a little bit of a let-down that it features a Lightning port instead of a more modern USB-C. Its design is also a bit clunky compared to newer models, but these are minor complaints.  

Apple iPhone 12 mini – best cheap iPhone for portability

Back Market score: 💗💗💗🤍🤍

Product specs 

• Screen size: 5.4 in 

• Resolution: 2340 x 1080 (Super Retina XDR OLED) 

• Chip: A14 Bionic 

• RAM: 4GB 

• Storage: 64GB, 128GB, 256GB 

• Battery life: Up to 15 hours video playback 

• Ports: Lightning 

• Weight: 5.18 oz (147 g) 

• Operating system: iOS 17 (upgradeable) 

• Camera: Dual rear (12MP wide, 12MP ultra-wide), 12MP front 

• Security: Face ID 

 Product pros and cons

Product features and benefits 

Not everyone needs a beastly machine in their trouser pocket or attached to a lanyard hanging around their neck. If you’re looking for a super compact, affordable phone, you should consider the iPhone 12 Mini. This phone has been designed for one-handed use and slips easily into your pocket, considering it only weighs a little over five ounces.  

Even though the iPhone 12 mini is smaller than the others on this list, it does not lack in the quality department. It boasts a vivid OLED screen, 5G connectivity, and a fast A14 Bionic chip. However, its smaller size makes it unsuitable to power users or those who favor big screens for catching up on emails and scrolling social media.  

The battery also doesn’t last as long as other iPhones, which is unsurprising considering its size. However, these are tradeoffs a minimalist user who favors portability won’t mind. 

Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) – best cheap iPhone for uber budget-conscious buyers 

Back Market score: 💗💗💗🤍🤍

Product specs 

• Screen size: 4.7 in 

• Resolution: 1334 x 750 (Retina HD) 

• Chip: A13 Bionic 

• RAM: 3GB 

• Storage: 64GB, 128GB, 256GB 

• Battery life: Up to 13 hours of video playback 

• Ports: Lightning 

• Weight: 5.22 oz (148 g) 

• Operating system: iOS 17 (upgradeable) 

• Camera: Single rear (12MP wide), 7MP front 

• Security: Touch ID 

Product pros and cons 

Product features and benefits 

If you’re okay with an older phone that still provides value – granted, not on a modern scale – you should have a look at buying a refurbished Apple iPhone SE 3rd Gen. This phone features the same chip found in the iPhone 11, so you can count on it offering fast performance and support for the latest iOS updates.  

However, it’s worth noting that the iPhone SE 3rd Gen doesn’t have the most modern look. It leans heavily on an older iPhone design, but some appreciate its familiarity, especially the home button and touch ID features.  

Since it is an older model, it's best for casual users, kids, or anyone who wants a reliable Apple phone without the bells and whistles or a high price tag. So, if you’re okay with no face ID or ultra-wide lens and want a phone that’s going to get the job done, this is for you. 

The best cheap iPhones compared 

Shopping tips for finding the best iPhone for your needs 

If you’re ready to get your hands on an iPhone and are looking for an affordable option, you should consider buying refurbished. It's one of the best shopping tips we can give you. If you buy refurbished with Back Market, you’re often saving 30% or more compared to buying brand new, and you're doing your part for the planet since refurbished tech is better for the environment.  

You can also try waiting for major shopping events when iPhones will be discounted, like during Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Just be careful, though, as iPhones aren’t always cheaper during these shopping events, and sometimes, the prices are too good to be true. 

In addition, you can consider carrier deals, but note that the discounts these present are often attached to lengthy contracts, so you’re actually not saving much in the long run.  

Moreover, you can look into trade-in programs like the one at Back Market. With our trade-in program, you can trade in your old tech quickly and easily. Once your device is verified, we’ll offer you a fair price. You can then use that cash to buy a refurbished iPhone with a 30-day money-back guarantee and a 1-year warranty.  

The wrap-up on the best affordable iPhones in 2025 

The information in this blog should help you choose an affordable iPhone that meets your needs and expectations. Every choice we discussed can be a good fit, with certain models being better than others for certain types of users.  

The one you choose will depend on your specific needs, but the iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 15, and iPhone 13 Pro Max are all viable options in 2025 thanks to their performance capabilities, battery life, stunning displays, and modern features. If you want to get your hands on a refurbished iPhone that will give you bang for your buck, peruse our selection of high-quality refurbished models at Back Market.