Best cheap iPhones

Buying an iPhone doesn’t need to be expensive. And it isn’t with Envirofone. Our line-up is packed with like-new iPhones for all budgets and needs. Perhaps you’re searching for a newer iPhone with advanced specs and a best-in-class camera, like the iPhone 12 or 13 Mini? You’ll get them cheaper here. After a simpler handset? Get acquainted with the iPhone XS, iPhone 8, and iPhone SE 2020 below, where we’ll give you the lowdown on all our budget-friendly iPhones.

Related blog: Upgrading Devices For New Year

How to save money on an iPhone

Want to get a brilliant iPhone and save money while you’re at it? Here are our top tips, for getting an iPhone for less.

1. Firstly, you can save dosh by buying an older model. Many older iPhones are more affordable and boast advanced tech with the latest OS updates readily available.
2. You can also save cash by not buying directly from Apple. Instead, why not buy a refurbished device from an outlet like Envirofone? We’re cheaper than buying first-hand, with like-new iPhones available for just £55.
3. You could sell your old iPhone and put the money towards a newer model. At Envirofone, we’ll also give you 12% extra if you do.
4. Finally, purchasing a smartphone outright allows you to save money on contracts too, as many SIM-only deals offer better value for money. Lovely stuff.  

Which iPhones are the best value for money?

There’s a phone for everyone in our budget iPhone line-up. From older gems to the latest releases, you’ll find your next device at an affordable price below.

iPhone XS

Developed with Super Retina OLED technology, the iPhone XS has one of the brightest and most colourful displays on the market. It was one of the first phones to utilise water resistance technology (up to 2 metres)—perfect if you’re accident-prone.  

The XS goes one better than its younger sibling, the iPhone X. Its speakers are wider in sound, and its A12 Bionic Chip is more powerful for seamless streaming and browsing. On the slightly more negative side, the XS’s 2658 MaH batter isn’t the best but provides more juice than older iPhones.

Camera-wise, a refurbished iPhone XS promises stunning wide-angle shots, thanks to its 12MP dual-lens snapper. Better still, depth control and portrait mode provide reliable optical image stabilisation, while a front-facing camera offers high-quality video calling, selfies, and quick phone unlocking.

• Display size: 5.8 inches, 84.4 cm2 (~82.9% screen-to-body ratio)
• Storage: 64GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM, 512GB 4GB RAM
• Battery: Li-Ion 2658 mAh, non-removable (10.13 Wh)
• Resolution: 1125 x 2436 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~458 ppi density)
• Camera: 12 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS
  12 MP, f/2.4, 52mm (telephoto), 1/3.4", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS, 2x optical zoom
• Software: iOS 12, upgradable to iOS 16.4.1

Pros:	Cons:
Great for durability Great speakers Brilliant depth in portraits	Expensive Needs more storage

Shop our iPhone XS deals. Prices start from £179.99.

iPhone SE 2020

After a pocket-friendly phone? Enter Apple’s iPhone SE 2020. The stylish smartphone fits in your hand like a pack of cards for seamless on-the-go tapping. It also houses a bright and responsive Retina HD display, while its supercharged A13 Bionic chipset promises speedy browsing and gaming.

Its 12 MP single sensor snapper with advanced image processing takes decent pictures, especially in good light. Like the iPhone XS, you can find better batteries elsewhere, but it should last a full day with moderate use. It also supports fast charging, so if you’re running low, plug it in for 30 minutes for 50% more battery. 

The Specs

• Display size: 4.7 inches, 60.9 cm2 (~65.4% screen-to-body ratio)
• Storage: 64GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 256GB 3GB RAM
• Battery: Li-Ion 1821 mAh, non-removable (6.91 Wh)
• Resolution: 750 x 1334 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~326 ppi density)
• Camera: 12 MP, f/1.8 (wide), PDAF, OIS
• Video: 4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, HDR, OIS, stereo sound rec.
• Software: Apple A13 Bionic (7nm+)

Pros:	Cons:
Good battery Wireless charging Water-resistant	Older screen tech Camera can underperform

Shop our iPhone SE 2020 deals. Prices start from £105.

iPhone 12

If you need power from your Apple device, the iPhone 12 is just the ticket. Under the hood, a 14 Bionic chipset and 116-core Neutral Engine handle trillions of operations every second, making it one of the fastest phones available. There’s also a sleek 6.1-inch edge-to-edge Super Retina XDR OLED for ultra-crisp screen time.

Around the back, dual 12 MP rear cameras take beautiful shots from dusk to dawn. One drawback is that its camera game isn’t much better than the iPhone 11. But on the plus side, there’s MagSafe support, meaning you can charge your phone wirelessly. Plus, you’re future-proofed with 5G compatibility—something you won’t find on the iPhone XS.

• Display size: 6.1 inches, 90.2 cm2 (~86.0% screen-to-body ratio)
• Storage: 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM
• Battery: Li-Ion 2815 mAh, non-removable (10.78 Wh)
• Resolution: 1170 x 2532 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~460 ppi density)
• Camera: 12 MP, f/1.6, 26mm (wide), 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS
  12 MP, f/2.4, 13mm, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/3.6"
• Software: iOS 14.1, upgradable to iOS 16.4.1

Pros:	Cons:
Excellent camera Great battery life Fast charging	60Hz display Poor storage capacity

Shop our iPhone 12 deals. Prices start from £294.99.

iPhone 13 mini

Small but mighty. The iPhone 13 Mini has the same A15 Bionic chip as the iPhone 14 Pro, delivering some of the fastest processing speeds. Its smart 13.2cm x 6.4cm frame features a stunning 5.4” Super Retina XDR OLED display with a 2,340 resolution to light up your favourite apps with vivid colour.

It’s packed with cameras too, with a dual-lens 12 MP to the back and a 12 MP selfie snapper. All of which take high-quality pics in light and dark, up close and at a distance. One minor qualm is that its screen has a 60Hz refresh rate, less than other phones at its price point. Chances are you won’t notice though, as screen interaction is super smooth. To top it off, the iPhone 13 Mini supports fast charging, 5G connectivity and up to 19 hours of video playback.

• Display size: 4.7 inches, 60.9 cm2 (~65.4% screen-to-body ratio)
• Storage: 64GB 2GB RAM, 128GB 2GB RAM, 256GB 2GB RAM
• Battery: Li-Ion 1821 mAh, non-removable (6.96 Wh)
• Resolution: 750 x 1334 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~326 ppi density)
• Camera: 12 MP, f/1.8, 28mm (wide), PDAF, OIS
• Software: iOS 11, up to iOS 16.4.1

Pros:	Cons:
Bright display Plenty of storage	No telephoto zoom lens Poor screen quality

Shop our iPhone 13 Mini deals. Prices start from £469.99.

iPhone 8

From just £99, the iPhone 8 offers many of Apple’s nifty tech, including added back glass protection, wireless charging, and a 12 MP rear camera for high-quality pics. You’ll also get all the perks of iOS 16, so you can still enjoy the latest apps and updates. As you’d imagine, with the iPhone 8 in its more senior years, processing speeds aren’t as speedy as newer generations, and you’ll miss out on Face ID unlocking. But if you’re after a cheaper device to get you by, then it could be the phone for you.

• Display size: 4.7 inches, 60.9 cm2 (~65.4% screen-to-body ratio)
• Storage: 64GB 2GB RAM, 128GB 2GB RAM, 256GB 2GB RAM
• Battery: Li-Ion 1821 mAh, non-removable (6.96 Wh)
• Resolution: 750 x 1334 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~326 ppi density)
• Camera: 12 MP, f/1.8, 28mm (wide), PDAF, OIS
• Software: iOS 11, up to iOS 16.4.1

Pros:	Cons:
Wireless charging Great performance Plenty of storage	Not as water-resistant The single camera is poor

Shop our iPhone 8 deals. Prices start from £99.99.

Choosing the best iPhone

Which iPhone is the one for you? Well, it depends on which features you need. If you’re on the hunt for a cheap phone and can sacrifice some of Apple’s newer tech, then the iPhone SE 2020 or the iPhone 8 are ideal. But if you want to squeeze more from your smartphone and need faster processing speeds and top-notch cameras, why not give the iPhone 12 or 13 Mini a whirl? And there's always the super sleek iPhone XS for a handset that sits somewhere in between. Whatever you decide, rest assured you’ll receive it in like-new condition from Envirofone.

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Why buy a refurbished iPhone from Envirofone?

You’ll save money with Envirofone. That’s because every refurbished device we sell is cheaper than buying it first-hand. Worried that buying second-hand means second-rate? Don’t be. All our iPhones have been checked inside and out to ensure tip-top performance when they arrive at your door. And hey, we’ll even throw in a 12-month warranty and free next-day delivery, too. The icing on the cake? Buying from Envirofone also means you’re also helping the planet, as we recycle gadgets instead of throwing them into landfills.

So, what’re you waiting for? Find your next refurbished iPhone today.