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Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →For a new iPhone at the lowest listed price, choose the iPhone 17e, which Apple’s US shop lists from $699. If keeping the upfront cost down matters more, Apple lists a Certified Refurbished, unlocked 128GB iPhone 16e for $459. The refurbished option saves $240 at those listed prices, but availability is limited and the listing is for a specific configuration.
Which cheap iPhone should you buy?
| Option | Apple-listed US price | Best fit | Main consideration |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 17e, new | From $699 | You want a new phone and a straightforward purchase | Costs more upfront than the refurbished 16e listing; carrier offers can change what an eligible buyer pays. |
| iPhone 16e, Apple Certified Refurbished, unlocked, 128GB | $459 | You want the lowest documented upfront price and are comfortable buying refurbished | Limited supplies; the price applies to the listed unlocked 128GB configuration. |
Apple’s current US shop also lists the iPhone 16 at $799 and the iPhone 17 at $899, making the 17e the least expensive new model among those shown. Prices and stock can change.
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Is a refurbished iPhone 16e worth the savings?
At Apple’s listed prices, the refurbished 16e costs $240 less than the new 17e. Apple says its certified refurbished phones include a one-year warranty, a new battery and outer shell, manuals and accessories; the 16e listing also states a 14-day return policy. That makes this a lower-cost option with protections stated by Apple, rather than an unknown-condition used-phone listing. Check the live listing and its terms before buying, since refurbished inventory is limited.
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What you get with the refurbished iPhone 16e
- A18 chip and Apple Intelligence support
- 6.1-inch OLED display
- 48MP Fusion camera with optical-quality 2x telephoto
- USB-C connector
- Up to 26 hours of video playback, according to Apple’s specification
These features make the 16e a capable option for everyday use, including for a teenager, if its 128GB storage configuration and refurbished condition suit the buyer. Apple’s comparison page lists the 17e display at 6.06 inches using the standard-rectangle measurement; screen-size figures can differ by measurement method.
#1 Best Overall
- 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%.
How to choose based on your budget
- Choose the iPhone 17e if you specifically want a new phone and are comfortable with its $699 starting price in Apple’s US shop.
- Choose the refurbished iPhone 16e if the $459 listed price is the priority and you are comfortable with certified refurbished stock and its limited availability.
- Compare the full checkout cost if considering a carrier deal. Apple advertises carrier trade-in credits of up to $1,200, but the maximum is not a guaranteed discount: eligibility and terms vary by carrier.
Check the real cost before checkout
Compare the options on the same basis: upfront price, new or refurbished condition, warranty and return terms, and any carrier-credit requirements. Treat a carrier promotion as conditional savings, not as the phone’s unconditional price. Confirm the carrier, qualifying plan, trade-in device and current offer terms before relying on a quoted credit. The prices here are Apple-listed US prices, not a worldwide price comparison.
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%.
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.
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.
