Cheapest iPhones: Where & How They’re Sold

The world’s cheapest iPhones are sold through the official refurbished and clearance channels of Apple and its authorized resellers, where older models like the iPhone SE (2nd generation) or iPhone 11 can drop to $150–$250 USD. You enter your region and budget, and the calculator below converts the local price into a per-year cost of ownership, helping you compare a cheap older iPhone against a pricier new one.

Formula

Cost per year = Purchase price ÷ Expected years of use

Where:

• Purchase price – the total amount you pay for the iPhone (in USD, or any currency as long as you stay consistent).
• Expected years of use – how long you plan to keep the phone before replacing it.
• Cost per year – the annualized cost, which lets you compare phones with different upfront prices and lifespans.

Worked Example

Using the default values: a $200 iPhone that you keep for 3 years.

1. Step 1: Write down the purchase price: $200.
2. Step 2: Write down the expected years of use: 3 years.
3. Step 3: Divide: $200 ÷ 3 = $66.67 per year.

The calculator returns $67 per year (rounded to the nearest dollar).

Why Older iPhones Are So Cheap

Apple drops support for older models after about 5–7 years of software updates. Once a phone no longer receives the latest iOS, its resale value plummets. The cheapest iPhones on the market are typically:

• Refurbished units – returned under warranty, repaired, and resold by Apple or certified resellers.
• Clearance stock – new old-stock models that retailers discount to free up warehouse space.
• Carrier trade-in leftovers – phones that were traded in and then sold in bulk to third-party refurbishers.

In developing markets, you can find iPhone 6s or iPhone 7 models for under $100, but these are often heavily used, have worn batteries, and may not support the latest apps.

Where to Find the Cheapest iPhones

The lowest prices are rarely on Apple’s main storefront. You need to check:

• Apple Refurbished Store – official, with a one-year warranty, but stock rotates quickly.
• Amazon Renewed – third-party sellers with a 90-day return policy; prices vary daily.
• Back Market – a marketplace dedicated to refurbished electronics, with grades from “Fair” to “Excellent”.
• Local classifieds (Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace) – often the cheapest, but no warranty and higher risk of scams or stolen phones.
• Carrier stores – sometimes sell older models at a steep discount when you switch plans, but the total cost over the contract may be higher.

A common misconception is that the cheapest iPhone is always the best deal. A $150 iPhone 6s may fail to run the latest apps, while a $250 iPhone SE (2nd gen) will receive updates for years. The calculator above helps you see the long-term cost.

How to Choose a Cheap iPhone That Lasts

Not all cheap iPhones are equal. Here are the factors that matter most:

• Battery health – anything below 80% will need a replacement soon (about $50–$70).
• iOS support – check Apple’s official list of supported devices. As of 2025, iPhone 8 and older are unsupported.
• Storage – 16GB or 32GB models are nearly unusable today; aim for 64GB minimum.
• Activation lock – always check that the phone is not tied to someone else’s Apple ID.
• Warranty – a 90-day warranty is standard for refurbished; avoid “as-is” sales unless you’re experienced.

Common Problems with Cheap iPhones

Even from reputable sellers, budget iPhones can have issues:

• Battery degradation – the most common issue; replace it early to avoid unexpected shutdowns.
• Screen burn-in – on OLED models, old images may leave permanent marks.
• Water damage – refurbishers may not test for this; check the SIM tray’s liquid contact indicator (it turns red if wet).
• Aftermarket parts – some third-party screens or batteries lack original quality, causing touch issues or faster drain.

Always run a full diagnostic (battery health, camera, speakers, Wi-Fi, cellular) before paying.

Comparing Cheap iPhones vs. New Android Phones

At the same price point, a new Android phone (like a Moto G or Samsung A-series) will have a newer processor, longer battery life, and a warranty. The iPhone’s advantages are:

• Longer software update support (even an older iPhone gets updates longer than most budget Androids).
• Better resale value – you can resell a 3-year-old iPhone for a decent amount.
• Access to the Apple ecosystem (iMessage, AirDrop, Apple Pay).

If your priority is the lowest upfront cost, a new Android is often cheaper. If you want an iPhone specifically, a refurbished model is the way to go.

Hidden Costs to Watch For

The sticker price is not the final cost. Factor in:

• Battery replacement – $50–$70 if health is below 80%.
• Screen repair – $100–$200 if the glass is cracked.
• Accessories – cheap iPhones often come without a charger or cable.
• Tax and shipping – can add 10–20% to the price.

Use the calculator to include these in your per-year cost. For example, a $200 iPhone with a $60 battery replacement over 3 years costs $260 ÷ 3 = $87 per year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to buy a cheap iPhone from eBay?

It can be, but only from sellers with high ratings and a clear return policy. Avoid listings with stock photos, no IMEI number, or prices far below market. Always ask for the battery health percentage and a photo of the “About” screen.

What is the absolute cheapest iPhone model I can buy in 2025?

The iPhone 6s or iPhone 7 can be found for $50–$100, but they no longer receive iOS updates and many apps won’t run. The cheapest usable model is the iPhone SE (2nd gen) or iPhone XR, typically $150–$250 refurbished.

Do refurbished iPhones come with a warranty?

Apple’s refurbished store includes a one-year warranty. Amazon Renewed and Back Market usually offer 90 days to one year. Private sellers typically offer none, so you take the risk.

How can I check if a used iPhone is stolen?

Ask for the IMEI number and check it on a free IMEI checker. Also, go to Settings > General > About and see if the phone is signed out of the previous owner’s Apple ID. If you can’t disable “Find My iPhone”, don’t buy it.

Is a cheap iPhone better than a new budget Android?

It depends. If you value iOS and long-term updates, a refurbished iPhone is better. If you want a fresh battery and warranty, a new Android at the same price is often more reliable. Use the calculator to compare cost per year.

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in price | Purchase price | USD | 200 | 0 | 5000
in years | Expected years of use | years | 3 | 1 | 10
out per_year | Cost per year | USD/year | price / years | 0