Prices checked 22 September 2026. Listings, stock and mobile tariffs can change quickly. These are snapshots, not endorsements or guarantees of the cheapest deal today.
Some people love their iPhone so much that suggesting another brand feels like offering them a cup of tea made in the microwave. Fair enough: familiar menus, reliable photos, FaceTime and the way an iPhone works with other Apple devices can make changing phones feel like hard work. But loyalty does not mean paying full price, and the newest iPhone is rarely the cheapest way to stay with Apple.
What is the cheapest way to get an iPhone?
On 22 September, Back Market listed an unlocked refurbished 128GB iPhone 13 for £207 before trade-in, while its iPhone 15 listings started at £288. Condition, colour and seller affect the final price: a specific black 128GB iPhone 15 listing was £333. The iPhone 13 is a 2021 model, so its low price comes with older hardware and a shorter remaining useful life; the iPhone 15 has USB-C and may suit someone planning to keep it longer.
Six ways to spend less on an iPhone
1. Keep the phone you already own
If it still works, compare a battery replacement or repair quote with the cost of replacing it. Check battery health in Settings, then look for a SIM-only plan with the data you actually use. Ofcom says SIM-only can be the cheapest option if you are happy with your phone.
2. Buy refurbished, with your eyes open
Check the exact model, storage, cosmetic grade, battery-health guarantee, return period, warranty, network status and the identity of the seller. “Excellent” usually describes appearance, not necessarily a new battery. Ask whether the screen or battery has been replaced and check physical SIM or eSIM compatibility. Keep a copy of the listing and your proof of payment.
3. Compare older new stock with today’s entry model
Retailers clearing sealed older stock may charge less than Apple for the current range. Check the seller, price history and whether the handset is new, unlocked and UK compatible. On 22 September, Apple’s least expensive new iPhone was the iPhone 17e, from £699. That is a reference price, not a claim that no retailer has a cheaper new iPhone.
4. Calculate the entire contract cost
A comparison works best when you choose your data allowance first. Check your recent bills or phone settings to see how much mobile data you use. Unlimited data can be appealing, but paying for it every month makes little sense if you mostly use Wi-Fi. Watch for roaming charges, introductory discounts that expire and the cost of keeping your number or ending an old agreement early.
Add the upfront payment, every monthly payment, scheduled increases and compulsory extras. Compare that figure with a SIM-free handset and separate SIM over the same period and with comparable data.
Also check what happens after the minimum term. A handset can be paid off while airtime payments continue. Ofcom says any scheduled contract price rises must be stated in pounds and pence before sign-up; see its guide to your rights on price rises.
5. Compare trade-in credit with a cash sale
A trade-in can simplify the purchase, but it does not automatically make the new phone cheaper. Calculate the net cost after the credit and compare that with the price at other retailers. If the offer requires a more expensive airtime plan, count those payments too. You can also keep a working old phone as a spare, which may be more useful than a modest trade-in quote.
Get a quote for your actual phone and condition, then compare it with a reputable resale service’s post-inspection offer. Back up your data, sign out of your Apple Account, erase the handset and keep proof of handover. The advertised maximum trade-in figure may not apply to your device.
6. Decide whether you need Pro features
Extra storage, a bigger screen and specialist cameras cost more. If you mainly message, browse, bank and take everyday pictures, a standard or recent refurbished model may be enough. Check update compatibility, battery life and repair costs as well as the sticker price.
Can a no-upfront iPhone contract actually be cheaper?
Yes. A retailer may subsidise a new handset, and a good bundled deal can beat buying the same new model at Apple’s list price plus a SIM. Equally, a £0-upfront deal can cost hundreds more once you count every payment. We checked examples for the new iPhone 17e 256GB on 22 September 2026; compare the same phone and storage rather than mixing in a refurbished handset.
| Route | What you pay | 24-month total |
|---|---|---|
| New phone from Apple + 10GB SIM-only | £699 + 24 × £6 iD Mobile 10GB SIM | £843 |
| New phone from Apple + 100GB SIM-only | £699 + six months at £5, then 18 at £10 on iD Mobile 100GB SIM | £909 |
| Bundled Three/Fonehouse contract, 100GB | £479 upfront; £10/month initially, then £12.30 and £14.60 after stated April rises; £30 code discount assumed | £739.60 |
| £0-upfront Tesco Mobile contract, 3GB | £39.49/month initially, rising to £40.24 and £41.03; device and airtime split | £964.46 |
Sources: Apple’s 17e price; iD Mobile’s 24-month 10GB and promotional 100GB SIM plans; Three/Fonehouse contract listing and its month-by-month breakdown; Tesco Mobile’s 24-month, £0-upfront listing. Calculations use the displayed deal terms and include published in-contract increases and the stated promo code where shown. The promotional SIM and contract listings may change or disappear; check availability and your final checkout total before committing. We have not checked every UK retailer.
Other no-upfront offers are advertised, but availability and monthly prices can change between a comparison page and the retailer’s checkout. Treat £0 upfront as a payment preference, not as proof of the cheapest deal. Check whether the deal is for new customers, whether cashback requires a claim, whether the quoted device is new or refurbished, the data allowance, network coverage, annual increases, credit checks and any early exit or remaining device payments. At the end of the minimum term, ask what airtime charge continues and switch if it no longer suits you.
The refurbished iPhone checklist: what to check before you pay
A low price is useful only if the handset arrives ready to use. Refurbished sellers apply different grading systems, so read the actual listing rather than assuming “good” means the same thing everywhere. Confirm the exact model, capacity, colour, condition and whether any fee is added at checkout. A cheap 64GB model may prove frustrating if your photos and apps already fill most of your current phone.
- Battery: Look for a written minimum battery-health threshold and find out whether it applies on delivery. A cosmetic grade says little about the remaining battery capacity. Price a replacement battery if the listing does not guarantee one.
- Network and SIM: Check that it is unlocked and that its SIM arrangement works for you, especially if you need a physical SIM or travel with a second number.
- Lock and ownership: The handset must be free of another person’s Apple Account and any organisation’s device management. If buying privately, ask to see it erased and ready for setup before handing over money.
- Returns and support: Check the seller’s returns window, warranty terms and who pays return postage. Marketplace listings may be supplied by different businesses even when the checkout looks identical.
- Physical condition: Confirm the screen, cameras, charging port, speakers, Face ID and buttons work. Ask whether replacement parts are genuine or compatible if that matters to you.
Is an iPhone worth it?
It can be. If you use a Mac, iPad, Apple Watch, iCloud or family features, the familiar system may make everyday tasks simpler. Repairing a good iPhone and keeping it for several years can also make sense. And if you prefer iOS, that preference has value: nobody needs to pretend a phone is just a spreadsheet.
Consider the camera, battery, storage, accessibility, expected update life and total cost over the years you will use it. Refurbished iPhones can narrow the price gap with Android. If price matters most and you are open to changing systems, a good budget Android deserves a look.
Common questions about buying a cheap iPhone
Is a refurbished iPhone better value than a new budget iPhone?
Often, but compare what you actually receive. A refurbished older model may give you features you like for less money, while a new entry model has a fresh battery and avoids uncertainty over prior wear. Calculate the total after any likely battery replacement and compare the seller’s support and returns with the new handset’s terms.
Is an iPhone contract cheaper than buying SIM-free?
Sometimes. A contract with a genuine handset discount can be competitive, but a small monthly figure does not tell you the total. Put both routes on the same 24- or 36-month timeline, use similar data allowances, include any rises and upfront fees, then compare. If a contract runs for 36 months, consider whether you would be happy paying for the device for that long.
Should you buy a used iPhone from a private seller?
It can be cheaper, but it takes more checking and offers less practical recourse than buying from an established business. Inspect and test the device, verify that it can be set up with your own account, and avoid paying by a method that leaves you unable to challenge a problem. If the saving over a refurbished business listing is small, the business route may be the easier choice.
When is it worth replacing your current iPhone?
Start with the problem you want solved. A battery that struggles to last the day may justify a repair rather than a new handset. If the phone no longer meets your needs, compare the repair bill with the realistic price of a replacement, how many years you expect to keep it and what you could get for the old device.
Our verdict
Editorial note: Prices were checked on 22 September 2026 and may change. Examples exclude optional accessories, insurance and possible repair costs; the contract comparison includes stated price rises and assumes its cited promotion remains available. For any finance agreement, check the total repayable amount and terms.
