7 EPIC iPhone 18 Alternatives You Can Buy Right Now For Much, Much Less

Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are expected to arrive in September 2026 with new A20 Pro chips, variable-aperture cameras and, in the case of the Pro Max, a much larger battery.

They will also cost a fortune too, thanks to AI and its incessant thirst for memory (it’s gobbling up the global supply and driving up prices).

Current forecasts place the iPhone 18 Pro somewhere between $1,199 and $1,399, while the Pro Max could start between $1,299 and $1,499. Apple’s foldable iPhone may sail beyond $2,000.

Or you could buy a refurbished iPhone 16 Pro Max for as little as $770.96.

That gets you a 6.9-inch 120Hz ProMotion display, A18 Pro processor, excellent battery life, titanium body and three-camera system with 5x optical zoom. It remains an absolute powerhouse, but costs hundreds of dollars less than the expected iPhone 18 Pro range.

Go back one more generation and the value gets even better. Refurbished iPhone 15 Pro prices currently start at $523, with some 512GB and 1TB models selling at discounts of 47% to 56% against their original prices.

These aren’t tired old iPhones on their last legs. They’re recent Apple flagships with years of iOS and security support left.

Best iPhone 18 Alternatives Right Now

If I were choosing from this list, the standout deal would be the 1TB iPhone 16 Pro Max at $850.

That was originally a $1,599 phone. You’re getting Apple’s 2024 flagship with a vast amount of storage for $749 less than its original price.

The iPhone 15 Pro 1TB at $659 is arguably even more ridiculous. It is smaller, older and has 3x rather than 5x optical zoom, but it still gives you a titanium body, 120Hz ProMotion display, A17 Pro processor and Apple Intelligence support.

Why These Refurbished iPhones Are So Cheap

Refurbished prices fall much faster than the phones become obsolete.

Apple releases new iPhones every year, retailers clear older stock and buyers trade in devices to upgrade. That creates a growing supply of recent used and refurbished models.

The price drops because the phone is no longer the latest model, not because it has suddenly become slow or useless.

This is particularly apparent with Pro iPhones.

A two or three-year-old Pro model can still include:

• 120Hz ProMotion display
• Always-on display
• Premium titanium construction
• 48MP main camera
• Dedicated optical telephoto camera
• LiDAR scanner
• ProRAW photography
• ProRes video
• Fast Apple silicon
• MagSafe
• USB-C
• Face ID
• Apple Intelligence support

The new iPhone will perform better in benchmarks. That doesn’t mean you’ll notice a huge difference while browsing, messaging, using maps, taking normal photographs or watching video.

You’re effectively buying yesterday’s flagship for today’s mid-range money.

What Does Refurbished Actually Mean?

A refurbished iPhone is a previously owned device that has been inspected, tested and prepared for resale.

Depending on the seller and condition grade, it may have:

• Minor marks on the frame
• Light scratches
• A replacement battery
• A replacement screen
• New external parts
• Original Apple components
• Third-party replacement components

The exact condition, battery standard, warranty and replacement-part policy depend on the retailer supplying the phone.

That is why the price alone shouldn’t be your only consideration.

Before buying, check:

• Cosmetic grade
• Battery-health guarantee
• Warranty length
• Return window
• Whether the device is unlocked
• Whether parts are genuine or compatible replacements
• Water-resistance policy
• Included accessories
• Seller reviews

Every phone listed here is unlocked, so it isn’t tied to a particular US carrier.

Why Apple’s Long Software Support Makes Refurbished iPhones Work

Apple’s software support is one of the main reasons buying refurbished makes sense.

The company doesn’t provide the same fixed support promise for every iPhone. Historically, however, iPhones have often received major iOS versions for around six or seven years from their original release, followed by additional security fixes in some cases.

That means the useful support period is measured from launch, not from the day you buy the refurbished phone.

The iPhone 15 Pro launched in 2023. The iPhone 16 range followed in 2024.

Based on Apple’s previous record, both should have several years of major software and security support remaining. The iPhone 16 has more of its expected support life ahead because it is a year newer.

You’re not buying an unsupported relic. You’re buying a recent flagship after someone else has absorbed the nastiest part of its depreciation.

How Much Could You Save Against The iPhone 18?

Official iPhone 18 prices have not been announced.

Current reporting suggests that the new 2nm A20 chips, memory and other components will cost Apple more. Some forecasts place the Pro models up to $200 above the iPhone 17 Pro range.

Possible US starting prices are:

These are estimates, not official Apple prices.

Even using the lower forecasts, the refurbished savings are hard to ignore.

A refurbished 1TB iPhone 15 Pro currently costs less than some new mid-range Android phones.

It also costs less than the standard iPhone 18 is expected to cost when that phone eventually arrives in spring 2027.

Best Overall: Refurbished iPhone 16 Pro Max

The iPhone 16 Pro Max is the closest direct alternative to the coming iPhone 18 Pro Max.

It already has:

• 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display
• Adaptive ProMotion up to 120Hz
• Always-on display
• A18 Pro processor
• 48MP main camera
• 48MP Ultra Wide camera
• 12MP 5x Telephoto camera
• LiDAR scanner
• ProRAW
• ProRes video
• USB-C
• MagSafe
• Apple Intelligence support
• Titanium frame
• Up to 1TB of storage

The expected iPhone 18 Pro Max will be better.

It should receive the A20 Pro chip, variable aperture, a new modem and a substantially larger battery. Its telephoto system may also gather more light.

But you need to ask yourself whether those improvements are worth another $500 to $700.

For most users, the iPhone 16 Pro Max already does everything they’re likely to ask of it.

Best iPhone 16 Pro Max Deal

The cheapest option is the iPhone 16 Pro Max 256GB in Natural Titanium for $770.96.

That saves $428.04 against its original $1,199 price.

It is the model I’d choose if you want a large screen, excellent battery life and full Pro camera system without drifting towards four-figure pricing.

View the iPhone 16 Pro Max 256GB deal →

Best High-Storage Deal

If you record lots of video or keep large games and media libraries, look at the 1TB Natural Titanium model for $850.

That represents a $749 saving, or 46%, against its original price.

The Desert, Black and White Titanium 1TB versions are also available at $875, each showing a 45% saving.

At those prices, paying $770.96 for 256GB versus $850 for 1TB is almost a non-decision. The additional $79.04 buys four times the storage.

Get the 1TB iPhone 16 Pro Max for $850 →

All Refurbished iPhone 16 Pro Max Deals

The two 512GB models priced at $982 and $999 make little sense while the 1TB versions remain available for $850 to $875.

Stock and pricing can change, but based on the current list, skip those.

Best Compact Pro Alternative: Refurbished iPhone 15 Pro

The iPhone 15 Pro is the stronger option if you don’t want a 6.9-inch phone pulling your trousers down.

Its 6.1-inch body is much easier to use with one hand, yet it retains the features that made it a Pro model:

• 6.1-inch OLED display
• ProMotion up to 120Hz
• Always-on display
• A17 Pro processor
• 48MP main camera
• 12MP Ultra Wide
• 12MP 3x Telephoto
• LiDAR
• ProRAW
• ProRes
• USB-C
• Titanium frame
• Apple Intelligence support

The iPhone 18 Pro will be faster, use a larger 6.3-inch display and should introduce the variable-aperture main camera.

The iPhone 15 Pro still handles normal applications effortlessly and gives you a dedicated telephoto camera, something the standard iPhone 18 is not expected to include.

Prices start at just $523.

Best Cheap iPhone 15 Pro

The 128GB iPhone 15 Pro in Natural Titanium costs $523.

That is $476 below its original price.

If you use cloud storage and don’t record huge amounts of video, it is an extremely strong deal.

View the $523 iPhone 15 Pro deal →

Best iPhone 15 Pro Storage Deal

The 1TB iPhone 15 Pro in Blue Titanium costs $659.

That is a saving of $840, or 56%, against its original price.

It costs only $20 more than the 512GB Black Titanium model and less than several 256GB versions.

If it remains in stock at that price, it is easily the best iPhone 15 Pro deal in the list.

Get the 1TB iPhone 15 Pro for $659 →

All Refurbished iPhone 15 Pro Deals

The 1TB Blue Titanium model at $659 is cheaper than several 256GB and 512GB versions.

Unless you strongly dislike the colour, that is the obvious high-storage choice.

Best Standard iPhone 18 Alternative: Refurbished iPhone 16

The regular iPhone 16 is the straightforward option.

It doesn’t have the Pro models’ 120Hz display or dedicated telephoto camera. It does have:

• A18 processor
• Apple Intelligence support
• 48MP main camera
• 12MP Ultra Wide camera
• 2x optical-quality crop zoom
• Macro photography
• Action button
• Camera Control
• USB-C
• MagSafe
• Face ID
• Compact 6.1-inch body

The standard iPhone 18 should receive a faster and more efficient A20 chip. It is also expected to carry over the 6.3-inch 120Hz display introduced with the iPhone 17.

That gives the iPhone 18 a clear display advantage.

However, the refurbished iPhone 16 starts at $564. The standard iPhone 18 is expected to start somewhere around $799 to $899 when it arrives in spring 2027.

You could save at least $235 and get the phone immediately.

Best 128GB iPhone 16 Deal

The Pink and White versions cost $564, while Black and Ultramarine cost $565.

At a difference of one dollar, choose the colour you actually want.

View the iPhone 16 128GB in Pink for $564 →

Best 256GB iPhone 16 Deal

The 256GB Black iPhone 16 costs $615.

That is only $51 more than the cheapest 128GB model.

Doubling the storage for $51 makes it the best overall iPhone 16 deal.

Get the iPhone 16 256GB for $615 →

All Refurbished iPhone 16 Deals

The 512GB standard iPhone 16 costs almost exactly the same as the cheapest 256GB iPhone 16 Pro Max.

At that point, buy the Pro Max unless you specifically want a smaller and lighter phone.

iPhone 16 Pro Max Versus iPhone 18 Pro Max

The iPhone 18 Pro Max should win on battery life, camera flexibility, AI headroom and sustained performance.

The iPhone 16 Pro Max wins rather convincingly on price.

If you mostly use your phone for photos, social media, video, messaging, maps and browsing, the older model already provides more power than you’re likely to need.

iPhone 15 Pro Versus iPhone 18 Pro

The iPhone 18 Pro will be considerably more capable on paper.

It could also cost more than twice as much as the cheapest refurbished iPhone 15 Pro.

The A17 Pro remains a fast processor, while the phone’s 120Hz display, telephoto camera and Pro video features still place it above many current mid-range devices.

The biggest reasons to wait are the variable-aperture camera, stronger zoom system and better battery efficiency.

If none of those sounds worth another $600-plus, the decision is fairly easy.

iPhone 16 Versus Standard iPhone 18

The expected 120Hz display is the standard iPhone 18’s biggest everyday advantage.

You’ll see the difference whenever you scroll or move around iOS.

The A20 should also improve battery efficiency, but normal app performance won’t suddenly make the A18 feel slow.

If a high-refresh display matters, wait or buy one of the refurbished Pro models instead. If it doesn’t, the iPhone 16 is a safe way to save at least a couple of hundred dollars.

Which Deal Would I Actually Buy?

My first choice would be the 1TB iPhone 16 Pro Max in Natural Titanium for $850.

This is the phone I actually use; I bought mine earlier this year after my iPhone 13 finally died. It’s more than anyone will ever need from a phone too.

Just check out these specs and features you get for more or less the same price as a base model iPhone:

• 6.9-inch ProMotion display
• Excellent battery life
• 5x optical zoom
• A18 Pro performance
• Apple Intelligence
• Four times the storage of the base version
• $749 saving against its original price

• If I wanted a smaller phone, I’d buy the 1TB iPhone 15 Pro in Blue Titanium for $659.
• If I wanted to spend as little as possible, I’d choose the 128GB iPhone 15 Pro in Natural Titanium for $523.
• And if I didn’t care about ProMotion or optical zoom, I’d take the 256GB Black iPhone 16 for $615.

When You Should Wait For The iPhone 18

Wait if you specifically want:

• Variable-aperture camera
• A20 Pro performance
• Much larger Pro Max battery
• Latest 48MP telephoto system
• More powerful on-device AI
• Smaller Dynamic Island
• Maximum possible remaining support life
• A brand-new battery
• Apple’s first foldable iPhone

The iPhone 18 Pro range should be excellent.

The question isn’t whether it will be better. Of course it will.

The question is whether its improvements will be worth an additional $500, $700 or even $1,000 for the way you use a phone.

When You Should Buy Refurbished Now

Buy one of these alternatives if:

• Your current phone needs replacing now
• You want Pro features without Pro launch pricing
• You don’t care about variable aperture
• You want 1TB of storage without paying $1,500
• You prefer the smaller 6.1-inch iPhone 15 Pro
• You’d rather avoid possible iPhone 18 price increases
• You want to own the phone outright
• You don’t need the very latest chip

The iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro Max all support Apple Intelligence and should continue receiving updates for years.

That takes much of the risk out of buying a recent refurbished model.

Are These Really Better Value Than The iPhone 18?

Yes, provided you’re comfortable buying refurbished.

The iPhone 18 Pro will have newer technology. The Pro Max should last longer between charges, take better photographs in some conditions and process demanding AI workloads more quickly.

But a $523 iPhone 15 Pro or $770.96 iPhone 16 Pro Max gives you most of the experience people associate with a flagship iPhone:

• Fast performance
• Excellent cameras
• Bright OLED display
• Premium construction
• Long software support
• Strong accessory support
• Reliable applications
• Good resale value

The iPhone 18 Pro Max could cost close to twice as much as the cheapest iPhone 16 Pro Max deal listed here.

It won’t be twice the phone.

Final Verdict

The iPhone 18 range will bring better chips, more efficient hardware and new camera technology.

If you always buy the latest iPhone and keep it for five or six years, waiting may make sense.

For everyone else, these refurbished prices are extremely hard to beat.

• The iPhone 16 Pro Max is the best direct iPhone 18 Pro Max alternative. It gives you a 6.9-inch 120Hz display, powerful A18 Pro chip, great battery life and 5x zoom for as little as $770.96.
• The iPhone 15 Pro is the value winner. Prices start at $523, while the 1TB version available for $659 represents a 56% saving against its original price.
• The standard iPhone 16 is the safer choice for someone who simply wants a modern, dependable iPhone without Pro features. Prices start at $564.

All three cost much less than the comparable iPhone 18 models are expected to cost.

And because Apple supports its phones for so long, buying a recent refurbished flagship doesn’t mean settling for something outdated. It means letting the first owner take the depreciation hit.

You can also compare the wider range of refurbished Apple iPhones, browse our phone collections or use the Phone Finder to find a model based on your budget, storage and preferred screen size.