For a new iPhone, the iPhone 17e is the best cheap choice for most buyers: Apple’s current U.S. shop lists it from $699. If the lowest upfront cost matters more and you’re comfortable buying refurbished, Apple lists an unlocked, 128GB Certified Refurbished iPhone 16e for $459. Prices and stock can change.
Which cheap iPhone should you buy?
| Option | Apple U.S. price | Best for | Main trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 17e, new | From $699, as listed in Apple’s current U.S. shop (Apple) | Buyers who want a new phone and a straightforward purchase | It costs more upfront than the listed refurbished iPhone 16e. Carrier promotions may change the effective price. |
| iPhone 16e, Apple Certified Refurbished, unlocked, 128GB | $459, for this specific listing (Apple) | Buyers prioritizing the lowest documented upfront price | Refurbished inventory is limited and the price applies to the listed configuration. |
Apple’s current U.S. shop lists the iPhone 16 at $799 and the iPhone 17 at $899, making the 17e the least expensive new model shown there. Those are Apple’s listed prices, not a guarantee of the lowest price at every retailer or carrier.
Is the refurbished iPhone 16e worth the savings?
For $459, Apple’s Certified Refurbished 128GB unlocked iPhone 16e is $240 less than the listed starting price of a new iPhone 17e. Apple says its refurbished iPhones include a new battery and outer shell, the same one-year warranty as a new iPhone, manuals and accessories, plus a 14-day return policy. The listing is stock-sensitive, so confirm availability and configuration on Apple’s refurbished iPhone page before buying.
The refurbished 16e is not a bare-bones phone: Apple lists an A18 chip, Apple Intelligence support, a 6.1-inch OLED display, a 48MP Fusion camera with optical-quality 2x telephoto, USB-C and up to 26 hours of video playback. These specifications describe the 16e; they do not establish how it compares with the 17e in every feature or real-world task.
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- Fully unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US-Cellular, Cricket, Metro, etc.).
- Inspected and guaranteed to have minimal cosmetic damage, which is not noticeable when the device is held at arm's length.
- Successfully passed a full diagnostic test which ensures like-new functionality and removal of any prior-user personal information.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a charging cable that may be generic.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
What about size and carrier deals?
Screen size
Apple’s comparison page lists the iPhone 17e as 6.06 inches using the standard-rectangle measurement. Actual viewable area is smaller because of the rounded corners. See Apple’s iPhone comparison for the measurement basis.
Trade-in credits
Apple advertises carrier trade-in credits of up to $1,200. “Up to” is a maximum, not a guaranteed discount: carrier, trade-in device, plan and eligibility rules affect the offer. Check the current terms in Apple’s U.S. shop, and compare the amount you actually qualify for with the phone’s price before treating a promotion as a lower-cost option.
Rank #2
- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
- There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length.
- This product is eligible for a replacement or refund within 90 days of receipt if you are not satisfied.
- Product may come in generic Box.
How to choose
- Choose the new iPhone 17e if you want a new device and prefer to avoid refurbished stock. Apple lists it from $699 in its current U.S. shop.
- Choose the refurbished iPhone 16e if the $459 Apple listing is available in the configuration you want and the lower upfront price is your priority. Review the warranty and return terms before checkout.
- Check trade-in eligibility separately. Calculate the effective price only after confirming your carrier’s requirements and the credit you will receive.
For a teenager, either option can make sense: the new 17e is the simpler default, while the refurbished 16e offers a lower Apple-listed price with Apple’s stated warranty and return protections. The right pick depends on budget, available stock and whether refurbished condition is acceptable.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, 800 nits (HBM), 1200 nits (peak), 2532x1170px at 460ppi, 4005mAh Battery
- 8GB RAM, Apple A18 6-core CPU (2 performance + 4 efficiency cores), Apple GPU 4-core, 16‑core Neural Engine
- Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.6, wide, Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9, wide, iOS 18.3.1, upgradable to iOS 18.5
- Connectivity: Global 4G LTE, Sub-6 GHz 5G, LTE, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, USB-C, Wireless Charging (7.5W). (does not have mmWave 5G or MagSafe or physical SIM card) - Dual eSIM Only
- Unlocked for freedom to choose your carrier. Compatible with both GSM & CDMA networks. The phone is unlocked to work with all GSM Carriers & CDMA Carriers Including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Straight Talk., Etc.
Rank #4
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
- Successfully passed a full diagnostic test which ensures like-new functionality and removal of any prior-user personal information.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charging cable.
- Inspected and guaranteed to have minimal cosmetic damage, which is not noticeable when the device is held at arm's length.
Rank #3
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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