Best Cheap iPhones in August
Apple iPhones are well known for their longevity and tendency to hold their value. It's no wonder you love your iPhone - even if you don't love the price tag.
Good news - you don't have to sink over $1000 into your beloved Apple device.
In this guide we'll show you where to find the best iPhone deals - for a fraction of retail prices - along with some clever ways to save even more money on your cell phone costs. Stay tuned!
Apple iPhone SE Unlocked - $149*
Apple iPhone 12 mini Unlocked - $479*
Apple iPhone 12 Unlocked - $579*
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Unlocked - $749*
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max Unlocked - $849*
Apple iPhone 11 Unlocked - $349*
Apple iPhone 11 Pro Unlocked - $649*
Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max Unlocked - $749*
Apple iPhone 8 Refurbished - $157
Apple iPhone XR Refurbished - $270*
Apple iPhone X Refurbished - $274
Best iPhone SE deals
Apple iPhone SE Unlocked
| Device | Storage | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Apple iPhone SE (Refurbished) | 64GB | $360 |
| Apple iPhone SE (Unlocked) | 64GB | $149 |
| Apple iPhone SE (AT&T) | 64GB | $149 |
| Apple iPhone SE (Verizon) | 64GB | $399 |
| Apple iPhone SE (T-Mobile) | 64GB | $359 |
Screen Size | 4.7" |
Screen Resolution | 1334 x 750 pixels |
HDR Screen | Yes pixels |
Processor | A13 Bionic pixels |
Internal Memory | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB |
Operating System | iOS 13 |
Back Camera | 12MP |
Front Camera | 7MP |
HDR for Photos | Yes |
Video Resolution | 4K, FHD, HD |
Wireless Charging | Yes |
Voice Commands | Yes |
Talk Time | Up to 14 hours |
Dimensions | 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3mm |
Weight | 148g |
Splash Proof | IP67 |
Water Resistant | Yes |
WiFi & 4G Calling | Yes |
GPS | Yes |
SIM Card | Nano |
eSIM | Yes |
Pros
Compact and lightweight
Water-resistant
Amazing A13 chip performance
Affordable price
Touch ID
Cons
Battery capacity
Night mode is missed
Only a 5W charger
Best iPhone 12 deals
Apple iPhone 12 mini Unlocked
| Device | Storage | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Apple iPhone 12 mini (Unlocked) | 64GB | $479 |
| Apple iPhone 12 mini (AT&T) | 64GB | $479 |
| Apple iPhone 12 mini (Verizon) | 64GB | $729 |
| Apple iPhone 12 mini (T-Mobile) | 64GB | $729 |
Screen Size | 5.4" |
Screen Resolution | 2340 x 1080 pixels |
HDR Screen | Yes pixels |
Processor | A14 Bionic Chip pixels |
Internal Memory | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB |
Operating System | iOS 14 |
Back Camera | Dual 12MP |
Front Camera | 12MP |
HDR for Photos | HDR |
Video Resolution | 4K, FHD, HD |
Wireless Charging | Yes |
Voice Commands | Yes |
Dimensions | 131.5 x 64.2 x 7.4mm |
Weight | 135g |
Splash Proof | IP68 |
Water Resistant | Yes |
WiFi & 4G Calling | Yes |
GPS | Yes |
SIM Card | nano |
eSIM | Yes |
Pros
Great compact size
Excellent camera
5G compatible
Brilliant OLED display
Cons
Battery life
No tele lens
Apple iPhone 12 Unlocked
| Device | Storage | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Apple iPhone 12 (Unlocked) | 64GB | $579 |
| Apple iPhone 12 (AT&T) | 64GB | $579 |
| Apple iPhone 12 (Verizon) | 64GB | $829 |
| Apple iPhone 12 (T-Mobile) | 64GB | $829 |
Screen Size | 6.1" |
Screen Resolution | 2532 x 1170 pixels |
HDR Screen | Yes pixels |
Processor | A14 Bionic Chip pixels |
Internal Memory | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB |
Operating System | iOS 14 |
Back Camera | Dual 12MP |
Front Camera | 12MP |
HDR for Photos | HDR |
Video Resolution | 4K, FHD, HD |
Wireless Charging | Yes |
Voice Commands | Yes |
Talk Time | Up to 20 hours |
Dimensions | 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4mm |
Weight | 164g |
Splash Proof | IP68 |
Water Resistant | Yes |
WiFi & 4G Calling | Yes |
GPS | Yes |
SIM Card | nano |
eSIM | Yes |
Pros
Attractive design
Fantastic audio quality
5G compatible
Amazing OLED display
Cons
No charger or headphones included
Battery life
Not much camera upgrade
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Unlocked
| Device | Storage | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Apple iPhone 12 Pro (Unlocked) | 128GB | $749 |
| Apple iPhone 12 Pro (AT&T) | 128GB | $749 |
| Apple iPhone 12 Pro (Verizon) | 128GB | $999 |
| Apple iPhone 12 Pro (T-Mobile) | 128GB | $999 |
Screen Size | 6.1" |
Screen Resolution | 2532 x 1170 pixels |
HDR Screen | Yes pixels |
Processor | A14 Bionic Chip pixels |
Internal Memory | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
Operating System | iOS 14 |
Back Camera | 12MP |
Front Camera | 12MP |
HDR for Photos | HDR |
Video Resolution | 4K, FHD, HD |
Wireless Charging | Yes |
Voice Commands | Yes |
Dimensions | 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4mm |
Weight | 189g |
Splash Proof | IP68 |
Water Resistant | Yes |
WiFi & 4G Calling | Yes |
GPS | Yes |
SIM Card | nano |
eSIM | Yes |
Pros
Bright and colorful OLED display
Good photo quality
5G compatible
Good quality speakers
Attractive design
Cons
Shorter battery life than iPhone 11
No charger or headphones included
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max Unlocked
| Device | Storage | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max (Unlocked) | 128GB | $849 |
| Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max (AT&T) | 128GB | $849 |
| Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max (Verizon) | 128GB | $1,099 |
| Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max (T-Mobile) | 128GB | $1,099 |
Screen Size | 6.7" |
Screen Resolution | 2778 x 1284 pixels |
HDR Screen | Yes pixels |
Processor | A14 Bionic Chip pixels |
Internal Memory | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
Operating System | iOS 14 |
Back Camera | 12MP |
Front Camera | 12MP |
HDR for Photos | HDR |
Video Resolution | 4K, FHD, HD |
Wireless Charging | Yes |
Voice Commands | Yes |
Dimensions | 160.8 x 78.1 x 7.4mm |
Weight | 228g |
Splash Proof | IP68 |
Water Resistant | Yes |
WiFi & 4G Calling | Yes |
GPS | Yes |
SIM Card | nano |
eSIM | Yes |
Pros
Durable and water resistant
Large OLED screen
5G compatible
Great battery life and fast charging
Photo and video quality
Cons
Expensive
Heavy
No charger or headphones
Best iPhone 11 deals
Apple iPhone 11 Unlocked
| Device | Storage | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Apple iPhone 11 (Refurbished) | 64GB | $468 |
| Apple iPhone 11 (Unlocked) | 64GB | $349 |
| Apple iPhone 11 (AT&T) | 64GB | $349 |
| Apple iPhone 11 (Verizon) | 64GB | $599 |
| Apple iPhone 11 (T-Mobile) | 64GB | $599 |
Screen Size | 6.1" |
Screen Resolution | 1792 x 828 pixels |
HDR Screen | No pixels |
Processor | A13 Bionic pixels |
Internal Memory | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB |
Operating System | iOS 13 |
Back Camera | 12MP (Dual) |
Front Camera | 12MP |
HDR for Photos | Yes |
Video Resolution | 4K, FHD, HD |
Wireless Charging | Yes |
Voice Commands | Yes |
Talk Time | Up to 17 hours (video playback) |
Dimensions | 150.9 x 75.7 x 8.3mm |
Weight | 194g |
Splash Proof | IP68 |
Water Resistant | Yes |
WiFi & 4G Calling | Yes |
GPS | Yes |
SIM Card | Nano |
eSIM | Yes |
Model Number | A2111 |
User Manual |
Pros
Tougher and water resistant design
Great quality speakers
Good photos from main camera
Excellent selfie photo and video quality
Powerful A13 processor
Cons
No screen update
Storage starts at 64GB
Only a 5W charger included
Apple iPhone 11 Pro Unlocked
| Device | Storage | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Apple iPhone 11 Pro (Refurbished) | 64GB | $695 |
| Apple iPhone 11 Pro (Unlocked) | 64GB | $649 |
| Apple iPhone 11 Pro (AT&T) | 64GB | $649 |
| Apple iPhone 11 Pro (Verizon) | 64GB | $899 |
| Apple iPhone 11 Pro (T-Mobile) | 64GB | $899 |
Screen Size | 5.8" |
Screen Resolution | 2436 x 1125 pixels |
HDR Screen | Yes pixels |
Processor | A13 Bionic pixels |
Internal Memory | 64GB, 256GB, 512GB |
Operating System | iOS 13 |
Back Camera | 12MP Ultra Wide, Wide, Telephoto |
Front Camera | 12MP |
HDR for Photos | Yes |
Video Resolution | 4K, FHD, HD |
Wireless Charging | Yes |
Voice Commands | Yes |
Talk Time | Up to 18 hours (video playback) |
Dimensions | 144 x 71.4 x 8.1mm |
Weight | 188g |
Splash Proof | IP68 |
Water Resistant | Yes |
WiFi & 4G Calling | Yes |
GPS | Yes |
SIM Card | Nano |
eSIM | Yes |
Model Number | A2160 |
User Manual |
Pros
Fast charging battery
Quality stereo speakers
Amazing video quality
Fast A13 processor
Cons
Ultra wide camera lacks autofocus
Very expensive
No headphone jack
Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max Unlocked
| Device | Storage | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max (Refurbished) | 64GB | $695 |
| Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max (Unlocked) | 64GB | $749 |
| Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max (AT&T) | 64GB | $749 |
| Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max (Verizon) | 64GB | $999 |
| Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max (T-Mobile) | 64GB | $999 |
Screen Size | 6.5" |
Screen Resolution | 2688 x 1242 pixels |
HDR Screen | Yes pixels |
Processor | A13 Bionic pixels |
Internal Memory | 64GB, 256GB, 512GB |
Operating System | iOS 13 |
Back Camera | 12MP Ultra Wide, Wide, Telephoto |
Front Camera | 12MP |
HDR for Photos | Yes |
Video Resolution | 4K, FHD, HD |
Wireless Charging | Yes |
Voice Commands | Yes |
Talk Time | Up to 20 hours (video playback) |
Dimensions | 158 x 77.8 x 8.1mm |
Weight | 226g |
Splash Proof | IP68 |
Water Resistant | Yes |
WiFi & 4G Calling | Yes |
GPS | Yes |
SIM Card | Nano |
eSIM | Yes |
Model Number | A2161 |
User Manual |
Pros
Beautiful screen
Improved battery life
Flexible triple camera system
High quality build
Cons
Nothing new on iOS 13
Ultra wide camera lacks detail
Phone size
Compare the cheapest iPhone prices
Model | Condition | Memory | Compatibility | Price | New | 64GB | AT&T | $349 | New | 64GB | AT&T | $649 | New | 64GB | AT&T | $749 | New | 64GB | AT&T | $579 | New | 64GB | AT&T | $479 | New | 128GB | AT&T | $749 | New | 128GB | AT&T | $849 | New | 64GB | AT&T | $149 | New | 64GB | Verizon | $499 |
|---|
Best refurbished iPhone deals
Apple iPhone 7 Refurbished
| Device | Storage | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Apple iPhone 7 (Refurbished) | 32GB | $102 |
Screen Size | 4.7" |
Screen Resolution | 1334 x 750 pixels |
HDR Screen | No pixels |
Processor | Apple A10 Fusion pixels |
Internal Memory | 32GB, 128GB, 256GB |
Operating System | iOS 10 |
Back Camera | 12MP |
Front Camera | 7MP |
HDR for Photos | Yes |
Video Resolution | HD, 4K |
Wireless Charging | No |
Voice Commands | Yes |
Talk Time | Up to 14 hours |
Standby Time | Up to 240 Hours |
Dimensions | 138.3 x 67.1 x 7.1mm |
Weight | 138g |
Splash Proof | IP67 |
Water Resistant | Yes |
WiFi & 4G Calling | Yes |
GPS | Yes |
SIM Card | Nano |
eSIM | No |
Model Number | A1660 |
User Manual |
Pros
Water resistance
Improved screen and battery life
Powerful dual speakers
Excellent camera
Incredible performance
Cons
No headphone jack
Poor battery life
No design change
Expensive
Apple iPhone 8 Refurbished
| Device | Storage | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Apple iPhone 8 (Refurbished) | 64GB | $157 |
Screen Size | 4.7" |
Screen Resolution | 1334 x 750 pixels |
HDR Screen | No pixels |
Processor | Apple A11 Bionic pixels |
Internal Memory | 64GB, 256GB |
Operating System | iOS 11 |
Back Camera | 12MP |
Front Camera | 7MP |
HDR for Photos | Yes |
Video Resolution | HD, 4K |
Wireless Charging | Yes |
Voice Commands | Yes |
Talk Time | Up to 14 hours |
Dimensions | 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3mm |
Weight | 148g |
Splash Proof | IP67 |
Water Resistant | Yes |
WiFi & 4G Calling | Yes |
GPS | Yes |
SIM Card | Nano |
eSIM | No |
User Manual |
Pros
Super fast processor
Wireless charging
Good camera
Storage starts at 64GB
Cons
Old design
Disappointing battery life
No headphone jack
Apple iPhone XR Refurbished
| Device | Storage | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Apple iPhone XR (Refurbished) | 64GB | $305 |
| Apple iPhone XR (Unlocked) | 64GB | $499 |
Screen Size | 6.1" |
Screen Resolution | 1792 x 828 pixels |
HDR Screen | No pixels |
Processor | Apple A12 Bionic pixels |
Internal Memory | 64GB, 256GB, 512GB |
Operating System | iOS 12 |
Back Camera | 12MP |
Front Camera | 7MP |
HDR for Photos | Yes |
Video Resolution | HD, 4K |
Wireless Charging | Yes |
Voice Commands | Yes |
Talk Time | Up to 25 hours |
Dimensions | 150.9 x 75.7 x 8.3mm |
Weight | 194g |
Splash Proof | IP67 |
Water Resistant | Yes |
WiFi & 4G Calling | Yes |
GPS | Yes |
SIM Card | Nano |
eSIM | Yes |
Model Number | A1984 |
User Manual |
Pros
Great photos and videos
Face ID
Wireless charging
Best iPhone battery life
Excellent performance with A12 Chip
Cons
Display is not great
Lower res screen
No 3D touch
No dual lens
Apple iPhone X Refurbished
| Device | Storage | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Apple iPhone X (Refurbished) | 64GB | $274 |
Screen Size | 5.8" |
Screen Resolution | 2436 x 1125 pixels |
HDR Screen | Yes pixels |
Processor | Apple A11 Bionic pixels |
Internal Memory | 64GB, 256GB |
Operating System | iOS 11 |
Back Camera | 12MP |
Front Camera | 7MP |
HDR for Photos | Yes |
Video Resolution | HD, 4K |
Wireless Charging | Yes |
Voice Commands | Yes |
Talk Time | Up to 21 hours |
Dimensions | 143.6 x 70.9 x 7.7mm |
Weight | 174g |
Splash Proof | IP67 |
Water Resistant | Yes |
WiFi & 4G Calling | Yes |
GPS | Yes |
SIM Card | Nano |
eSIM | No |
User Manual |
Pros
Fast processor
Facial recognition
Excellent screen
Impressive battery life
Cons
No fast charging plug included
Expensive price tag
No home button
Compare the cheapest refurbished iPhone prices
Model | Condition | Memory | Compatibility | Price | Refurbished | 64GB | T-Mobile | $431 | Refurbished | 64GB | T-Mobile | $613 | Refurbished | 64GB | Unlocked | $695 | Refurbished | 16GB | AT&T | $62 | Refurbished | 16GB | Verizon | $87 | Refurbished | 32GB | AT&T | $70 | Refurbished | 16GB | AT&T | $120 | Refurbished | 32GB | AT&T | $86 | Refurbished | 32GB | Verizon | $167 | Refurbished | 64GB | Unlocked | $157 | Refurbished | 64GB | Unlocked | $234 | Refurbished | 64GB | Verizon | $238 | Refurbished | 64GB | Unlocked | $274 | Refurbished | 64GB | AT&T | $270 | Refurbished | 64GB | Verizon | $308 | Refurbished | 64GB | AT&T | $423 |
|---|
Refurbished iPhone benefits
The best way to save money on an iPhone is to look to the secondhand market. It just makes sense - the used iPhone marketplace is on fire right now, offering incredible prices whether you're looking for the best iPhone SE deals or the best iPhone X deals.
Aside from avoiding sticker shock (the iPhone XS Max goes for as much as $1450 - what?!) there are plenty of reasons to shop used and refurbished smartphones for your next iPhone upgrade:
Serious savings: Depending on the model year, you can save more than 50% off your new-to-you iPhone.
Great bang for the buck: Used Apple products are a particularly good value because of their longevity. The newest iOS works even on the iPhone 5S. That means you can have all of your favorite apps and functions without being forced into the newest - and most expensive - iPhone model.
Peace of mind: Buying a used smartphone used to be a huge gamble. You had to buy on auction sites or local used marketplaces like Craigslist, which opened you up to possible stolen or locked devices. Now you can just buy from a reliable seller site and rest assured that your iPhone is free and clear to be used on your cell phone plan.
Own your iPhone - and your freedom: Refurbished iPhone prices are affordable enough to pay in full. This will allow you to avoid being tied to your wireless provider, which means you're free to switch carriers if you find a better deal on your plan.
Considerations when comparing iPhone deals
Here are some factors you should take into consideration as you browse the different seller sites:
Warranties: Trustworthy sellers offer protection via a limited time guarantee or warranty. You'll see anywhere from 30 days - like with Gazelle - to one year from Decluttr.
Return policy: This is another layer of assurance you get when you buy from the best phone sellers. Read the fine print before you buy so that you know how long you have to return your iPhone should there be an issue with it.
Device compatibility: Dependable refurbished phone sellers offer unlocked smartphones that are ready to be activated on your cell phone plan. You'll get the best functionality if you stick to phones made for your carrier, though. If you like the T-Mobile network, look for the best T-Mobile iPhone deals. Likewise with the other networks: shop the best Verizon iPhone deals if you're on the Verizon network, etc.
Certified pre-owned iPhones: Certified devices are similar to refurbished in that they have been rigorously inspected and tested to ensure they're in good working condition. They may not have undergone - or needed - repair, however.
Timing: Older model iPhone prices go down when a new generation is released.
Payment plans: Some sellers offer third-party iPhone financing. There will be interest, though, so the financially savvy option is to pay in full at the time of purchase.
Sell your old iPhone for cash online
Sell your phone online and put money back in your pocket. iPhones hold their value better than other smartphones.
It's tempting to trade your iPhone at your local store for trade-in credit, but you won't get as much money you'll get in cash selling it online.
Switch to a cheaper iPhone plan
If you're watching your budget you might want to cut your wireless costs across the board. There are a couple of other effective ways to do so:
If you've ever considered switching to an MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) like Red Pocket or US Mobile, maybe it's time to take another look.
MVNOs rent space on the big four networks - AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon - and resell it to you at a discount. They can do this because these smaller providers have lower overhead and marketing costs. This can enable you to slash your monthly cell phone bill by up to $600 per year!
T-Mobile vs Mint Mobile Plan Comparison
Keep your T-Mobile phone, number & coverage: Save $540 per year
Carrier | Network Coverage | 4G LTE Data | Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T-Mobile 4G LTE | Unltd* | $60/mo | $720/yr | |
| T-Mobile 4G LTE | 4GB | $15/mo | $180/yr | |
| *Don't waste money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB | Savings | $45/mo | $540/yr | |
MVNO benefits
Cheaper plans
Same great 4G LTE and 5G service on the networks you love
Custom plan options
High customer service ratings
Bring your own phone and keep your number
Why not add to your savings? You get to keep the same great coverage you already enjoy, without the premium prices the major networks charge.
Best cheap iPhone plan deals
Carrier | Network | Minutes | Texts | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
T-Mobile | Unltd | Unltd | 1GB | $7.50** 25% Off for 6 Months | |
AT&T | Unltd | Unltd | 2GB | $15** 25% Off for 3 Months | |
T-Mobile & Verizon | Unltd | Unltd | Unltd | $25** $20 Off for 3 Months | |
T-Mobile | Unltd | Unltd | 10GB | $20** $60 for 3 Months Service | |
AT&T | Unltd | Unltd | 6GB | $22.50** 25% Off for 3 Months |
iPhone deals FAQs
Where is the best place to buy an iPhone?
Buying an iPhone online can give you more bang for your buck. With MVNOs there's options for unlocked iPhones which means you're not locked to one carrier or network which can save you money in the long run.
Is it better to buy an iPhone from Apple or your carrier?
The cost will not vary greatly across the board for an Apple iPhone, however buying directly from a carrier often means the phone is locked to that carrier's network, unlike an unlocked version from Apple directly. However MVNOs offer many unlocked iPhone options.
Who has the best deal on iPhone 12?
Prices for iPhones don't vary greatly, but you'll find some great deals on the iPhone 12 with MVNOs. They provide the best value and you're able to opt for an unlocked phone.
Recap
It's never been easier to save money on your wireless expenses.
Get the best cell phone deal by comparing prices for multiple carriers in one place.
Switch to a cheaper cell phone plan.
Sell your old iPhone for cash.
Deal of the Month: Pure Talk - $250 Off iPhone 12