When it comes to smartphones, the Apple iPhone stands tall as one of the best around, and that's for very good reason. It boasts unparalleled build quality, a gorgeous Retina display, the most powerful processor, the best smartphone camera, an easy-to-use OS, the largest selection of apps, compatibility with other equally well-engineered products like the AirPods and Apple Watches, and so much more. With all of these features, it's no wonder these phones come with a hefty price tag.
Whether you're buying the baseline iPhone 15 , the more feature-rich iPhone 15 Pro , or even an older model, it can set you back quite a bit. Thankfully, there are many ways to get an iPhone at a much lower price than MSRP, but most of them involve signing up for or extending a contract. There are, however, a few deals that come around once in a while that allow you to get an iPhone without a plan.
If you're looking for an inexpensive iPhone and none of these deals interest you, then you might want to consider an iPhone with a low MSRP to begin with. Check out the cheapest iPhones to buy in 2024 .
Refurbished - Excellent Condition
Amazon has a refurbished (in excellent condition) Apple iPhone 14 Plus 512GB smartphone for only $659. That's a pretty big price drop from its $1199 retail price (for the 512GB model). If you've been shopping around for iPhones, you're probably well aware of the fact that it is extremely hard to find a discount on the newer generation of iPhones without signing up for or extending a contract. This deal is the next best thing. Even though it's refurbished, Amazon states that it's "fully functional, and in excellent condition. Backed by the 90-day Amazon Renewed Guarantee." They also state that "this pre-owned product has been professionally inspected, tested, and cleaned by Amazon-qualified vendors."
Apple Store has its own trade-in program. The best thing about it is that you can get a brand new unlocked phone without having to sign up for a contract. You can get up to $630 in trade-in credit depending on your phone. Apple Store only accepts iPhone models and they have to be the iPhone 11 or newer.
Buying a new iPhone doesn't have to put a massive dent in your wallet, either. In this section, we'll point you towards more affordable options that are available.
Verizon Wireless is offering up to $1,000 off an Apple iPhone 15, 15 Pro, or 15 Pro Max when you trade in an eligible smartphone within 30 days of your purchase. You will need to sign up for a new 5G Unlimited plan. If you're already a Verizon customer and you just want to upgrade an existing line, then you'll get up to $440 back with your trade-in. You will get your trade-in value in the form of bill credits over 36 months.
AT&T Wireless is offering up to $1000 off an Apple iPhone 15 Pro or 15 Pro Max when you trade in an eligible smartphone within 30 days of your purchase. You will need to sign up for a qualifying 5G plan. You will get your trade-in value in the form of bill credits over 36 months. Depending on your phone, the trade-in value will either be $1000, $700, or $350.
T-Mobile is offering up to $830 off any Apple iPhone 13, 14 or 15 model when you trade in an eligible smartphone within 30 days of your purchase. You will need to sign up for a Go5G Plus plan. You will get your trade-in value in the form of bill credits over 24 months. That's better than the 36 months payout from Verizon and AT&T.
T-Mobile will straight-up give you an Apple iPhone 13 if you're a new customer who creates a new account. The only catch is that you have to keep T-Mobile service for 24 months.
There are five current-gen Apple iPhone models: the iPhone SE (3rd Gen), iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max. Here's a quick roundup of the differences and you can also check out our recommendations on the best iPhones to buy in 2024 . The iPhone 14 is a generation old but still available for purchase along with the iPhone 13. Those could save you some money compared to buying the newest generation.
The iPhone SE is a compact phone that easily fits in most pockets. It features a smaller 4.7" Retina HD display that's powered by an A15 Bionic chip, the same CPU found in the iPhone 14. It has a simpler single rear 12MP camera. Check out our IGN iPhone SE review .
iPhone 13 comes in an array of eye-catching colors -- something not every iPhone can boast (see the relatively muted color options in iPhone 15 for a comparison). That said, it starts at 128GB and sports a 6.1" display. It runs on the A15 Bionic chip, the same one found in the SE and standard iPhone 14.
This is the most basic of the iPhone 14 models but still a serious upgrade from the iPhone SE. The iPhone 14 boasts a 6.1" Super Retina XDR display and the A15 Bionic chip. It features a dual rear camera system in the form a 12MP main lens and a second ultra-wide lens.
iPhone 15 is available in a 6.1" or 6.7" models (the 6.7" one is the Plus). It has the Dynamic Island on the display instead of the bump from previous models. And it's powered by the A16 Bionic chip, making it downright speedy. It's also the first iPhone to feature a USB-C port instead of a Lightning port. See our iPhone 15 review .
The Apple iPhone 15 Pro features either a high-resolution 6.1" or 6.7" Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion technology and the coveted Always-On feature. In addition, the CPU has been upgraded to an A17 Bionic chip, making it even faster than the base model iPhone 15. The biggest upgrade, however, is the triple rear camera system. It boasts a significantly enhanced 48MP main lens as well as a second ultra-wide lens and a third telephoto lens that offers up to 10x optical zoom. Check out our IGN iPhone 15 Pro review .
For a full history of iPhones, check out our guide to every iPhone generation .