Best Budget iPhones for US Buyers

By SpringWangUpdated Research-based guide · How we choose

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Best value new iPhoneiPhone 17e (image: Apple)
Image: Apple

iPhone 17e

$699 Apple list price, 256 GB, unlocked, checked Oct 19, 2026

Apple's least expensive current iPhone, with the A19 chip, 256GB of storage as standard, IP68 and MagSafe charging. It has one rear camera, and GSMArena found charging slow.

Tradeoff: The US model supports eSIM and is not compatible with physical SIM cards.

  • eSIM
  • NFC
  • Wireless charging
See full details
Best for an ultrawide cameraiPhone 16 (image: Apple)
Image: Apple

iPhone 16

$829 Apple list price, 128 GB, unlocked, checked Oct 19, 2026

Adds an ultrawide camera, macro photos and the Camera Control button. GSMArena found its main camera close to the iPhone 17's. It starts with 128GB of storage, half the iPhone 17e's, and unlocked it costs more than the iPhone 17e at Apple's list price.

Tradeoff: The US model uses eSIM and does not support physical SIM cards.

  • eSIM
  • NFC
  • Wireless charging
See full details
Best screeniPhone 17 (image: Apple)
Image: Apple

iPhone 17

$929 Apple list price, 256 GB, unlocked, checked Oct 19, 2026

The only one of the three with a 120Hz display, plus a 6.3-inch screen, two 48MP rear cameras and 256GB as standard. It costs the most.

Tradeoff: The US model uses eSIM and does not support physical SIM cards.

  • eSIM
  • NFC
  • Wireless charging
See full details

Compare the picks

Unknown means we have not confirmed it from a reliable source yet.
SpeciPhone 17eiPhone 16iPhone 17
List price (unlocked)$699 (256 GB), checked Oct 19, 2026$829 (128 GB), checked Oct 19, 2026$929 (256 GB), checked Oct 19, 2026
Security updates untilUnknownUnknownUnknown
OS upgrades promisedUnknownUnknownUnknown
Display6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED (2532 x 1170)6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED (2556 x 1179)6.3-inch Super Retina XDR OLED (2622 x 1206), adaptive up to 120Hz
ChipsetApple A19Apple A18Apple A19
BatteryUnknownUnknownUnknown
Main camera48 MP48 MP48 MP
Weight169 g170 g177 g
Water resistanceIP68IP68IP68
5GYesYesYes
eSIMYesYesYes
Headphone jackUnknownUnknownUnknown
microSD slotUnknownUnknownUnknown
NFCYesYesYes
Wireless chargingYesYesYes
AT&TCompatibleCompatibleCompatible
VerizonCompatibleCompatibleCompatible
T-MobileCompatibleCompatibleCompatible

Which budget iPhone to choose

  • Get the iPhone 17e if you want the newest chip and plenty of storage for the least money, and one rear camera is enough.
  • Get the iPhone 16 if you take wide-angle or close-up photos often, 128GB is enough storage, and the ultrawide is worth paying more than for the iPhone 17e.
  • Get the iPhone 17 if you watch a lot of video or play games and want the smoother 120Hz screen.

All three are rated IP68, support MagSafe wireless charging and use USB-C. None of them takes a physical SIM card in the US.

New, refurbished or used?

No new iPhone fits a $500 budget. If that is your limit, a refurbished iPhone is the realistic route:

  • Apple Certified Refurbished iPhones come with a new battery and outer shell and Apple’s one-year warranty. Selection changes often. Browse Apple’s refurbished iPhones.
  • Store refurbished programs (Amazon Renewed, Best Buy, Walmart, eBay Refurbished) vary in warranty length, battery standards and return windows. Read the listing’s terms, not just the grade.
  • Used from a private seller costs least but carries the most risk: check that the phone is unlocked, not reported lost or stolen, and not tied to someone else’s Apple Account.

Whichever you choose, check the battery health (Settings > Battery > Battery Health) and pick the newest model you can afford, because newer iPhones stay supported longer. Our refurbished vs new guide has a full checklist.

Unlocked or carrier iPhone?

Carrier deals can make a new iPhone look cheaper, but they usually lock the phone to that carrier until it is paid off. Read unlocked vs carrier-locked phones before you sign up.

Android alternatives under $500

If you do not need iOS, $500 buys a lot more phone on Android: the Nothing Phone (4a) Pro adds a 3.5x zoom camera, and the Galaxy A37 5G has IP68 and six promised Android upgrades. See the best budget smartphones for more.

FAQ

What is the cheapest new iPhone in 2026?
The iPhone 17e is Apple's least expensive current iPhone. No new iPhone sells for less than $500 at Apple's list price.
Is an unlocked iPhone more expensive at Apple?
For some models, yes. Apple's advertised prices for the iPhone 16 and iPhone 17 include a $30 discount that requires activating with AT&T, T-Mobile or Verizon at checkout. Choosing "Connect to any carrier later" costs $30 more, and that unlocked price is the one our phone pages show.
Do these iPhones take a physical SIM card?
No. US models of the iPhone 16, iPhone 17 and iPhone 17e are eSIM only. Make sure your carrier supports eSIM; all major US carriers do.
Is a refurbished iPhone worth it?
Often, if it comes from a seller with a real warranty and a stated battery condition. Apple's own Certified Refurbished iPhones include a new battery and outer shell and a one-year warranty.
How long will Apple update these iPhones?
Apple does not publish an end date for iOS or security updates, so our phone pages show it as Unknown. Newer models will reach the end of support later than older ones.
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