Best iPhone Under $500: Our #1 Picks For EPIC Value In 2021


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Apple’s iPhones are expensive. But if you don’t mind using a slightly older model, you can get a brilliant iPhone for under $500…


New iPhones are pricey. The base model iPhone 12 costs $699.99 for the lowest-storage model. If you want a Pro or Pro Max model, you’re looking well over $1000 – $1200 in most cases.

If you want an iPhone under $500, you basically only have a couple of options: the first is to get the iPhone SE 2020 – that phone retails for less than $450 now.

Or, if you want a proper iPhone, meaning one that looks modern, has FACE ID, and a larger display, as well as things like dual-lens camera modules, then you need to go the refurbished route.

Thanks to the impending release of the iPhone 12s, and the fact that the iPhone 12 range has been out for 12 months, you can now pick up refurbished iPhone 11 models below $500.

And below are the models we’d go for based on a few different types of needs and wants. All of the options listed below are great; they’re all potent handsets with great performance.

Best iPhones Under $500


iPhone 11 – The Best For 99.9% of People

The iPhone 11 is an incredible device. I’ve owned one since it came out and I’m still using it today. The battery life is brilliant, better than the iPhone 12’s by over 4 hours, it has a solid camera, and it has spades of performance, thanks to Apple’s A13 CPU.

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The design is current, modern and in a side-by-side with the newer iPhone 12, you’d be hard pressed to spot a difference. If you just want a reliable phone for not much money, the iPhone 11 is easily the best iPhone you can buy right now under $500.

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iPhone XS Max – The Elder Statesmen

The iPhone XS Max initially launched in 2018, so it is a few years old. This means it is now quite a bit cheaper than it was at launch (it retailed for over $1000 then).

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The iPhone XS Max has an OLED display, plenty of power under the hood, and it still looks as good today as it did when it first landed.

Because of its age, you can now get some truly incredible deals on this fantastic flagship phone. And do not be put off by its age, the iPhone XS Max has enough spec to remain relevant for years to come.

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iPhone XR – Incredible Value For Money

The iPhone XR was positioned as Apple’s first truly accessible iPhone. It came in a range of colors and was the best selling iPhone for three years straight – turns out people like value for money!

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The iPhone XR can now be picked up for under $300 and, like the iPhone XS Max, it still packs plenty of punch when it comes to performance, thanks to Apple’s insanely powerful chipsets.

If you want to keep your costs down, this is the one to go for. The only (slightly) weak aspect of this phone, compared to the iPhone 11 and iPhone XS, is the camera: it uses the same single-lens as the iPhone 8.

If you can deal with that, the iPhone XR is a killer phone at an incredible price point. Ideal if you’re looking to cut some serious costs in 2021 and beyond.

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Or, If You Can Stretch A Little More…

iPhone 11 Pro Max – Well Worth Spending A Little Extra

I didn’t include the iPhone 11 Pro Max above because, well, you cannot buy one for under $500. If you want the iPhone 11 Pro Max, you’ll have to spend around $630-$650.

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The iPhone 11 Pro Max is one of the most impressive flagship phones Apple has ever created. It has a blindingly good camera, the performance is stellar, and it looks beautiful – especially in Midnight Green.

Is the iPhone 11 Pro Max worth the extra money? I think so, yeah. I mean, if you can live with 5G, and you want an Apple flagship for around 60% less than the cost of the iPhone 12 Pro Max, then the iPhone 11 Pro Max is a great option.

It has more performance than you’ll ever need, one of the best cameras on the market, and it will get iOS updates until well into the late-2020s. And at $630, it is more than 60% cheaper than buying a brand new iPhone 12 Pro Max.

Oh, and because the iPhone 11 Pro Max doesn’t run 5G it has properly impressive battery life – it will go five hours longer than the iPhone 12 Pro Max off a single charge.

As I said: if you can live without 5G, this is just about the best option right now when it comes to iPhones.

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Latest Smartphone Releases


  • Xiaomi 15S Pro

    The Xiaomi 15S Pro didn’t come with a flashy launch, but it brings some seriously heavy hardware to the table. A custom 10-core chip, Leica-engineered cameras, and one of the brightest displays on the market

  • Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge

    At just 5.8mm thick, it’s one of the thinnest Android phones ever made—but don’t let the slim profile fool you. This phone is all flagship under the hood.

  • Nothing Phone (3a) Pro

    It’s got the same slick design and OLED display, but adds a periscope zoom camera and a 50MP front-facing shooter.

  • Nothing Phone (3a)

    The Nothing Phone (3a) nails the formula: give people what they actually want, keep the price low, and make it look cooler than anything else in its class.

  • Motorola EDGE 60 Pro

    With a bold design, flagship-like display, and surprisingly refined camera system, it’s one of the most interesting mid-range phones of 2025.

  • Google Pixel 9

    I’ve been using the Pixel 9 for a few weeks now, and honestly? It nails all the basics—and a bit more. Killer stuff all round!

  • Google Pixel 9 Pro

    I’ve used the Pixel 9 Pro as my daily device, and it’s hands-down the best balance of power, practicality, and photography you’ll find on Android right now.

  • OnePlus 13

    I’ve been using the OnePlus 13 as my daily driver for a few months now—and I’ve got to say, it’s easily one of the best Android phones I’ve tested this year.

  • Xiaomi 15 Ultra

    After using the Xiaomi 15 Ultra for over a week, I can confidently say: this phone is an absolute beast. It’s made for camera nerds, power users, and creators.

  • iPhone 16 Pro Max

    If you’ve been holding out for a truly complete iPhone, the 16 Pro Max delivers—hard. After using it daily, I won't be going back…

  • Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

    Big screen, big battery, and even bigger brains—this is the Pixel to get if you want Google’s best hardware and longest support.

  • Google Pixel 9a

    The Pixel 9a brings Google’s flagship-level smarts to a budget-friendly package, and it’s easily one of the best-value Android phones of 2025.

Best SIM-Only Plans & Deals


  • Boost Mobile Unlimited Premium Plan

    Boost’s top-tier option brings the heat: 50GB of premium data, hotspot, North America roaming, global talk & text, and $430 off select devices. All-in at $60/month with no contract.

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    Data: Unlimited (50GB premium speed)

  • Boost Mobile Unlimited+ Plan

    Level up with 40GB of premium data, hotspot access, global calling, and up to $300 in device savings. All for just $50/month. No contracts and flexible phone options included.

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    Data: Unlimited; Speed Caps After 40GB

  • Boost Mobile Unlimited Plan

    Start strong with 30GB of premium data, unlimited everything, and a killer intro offer: just $15/month for the first 3 months, then $25/month forever. No contracts. No fluff. Big value.

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    Data: Unlimited (Speed Caps Over 30GB)

  • iD Mobile 1 Month SIM-Only: 108GB

    Another high-data, low-cost option with no contract. 108GB for just £9, full 5G access, and the same goodies you get with 12-month deals.

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    Data: 108GB

  • iD Mobile 1 Month SIM-Only: 20GB

    The lowest price option. 20GB for £6 with all the same perks as pricier plans. Great if you don’t use much data and want to save every penny.

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    Data: 20GB

  • iD Mobile 1 Month SIM-Only: 110GB

    This plan gives you big data and zero commitment. 110GB for just £10 with all perks intact. If you need more data but want the freedom to cancel, this is the one.

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    Data: 110GB

  • iD Mobile 1 Month SIM-Only: 60GB

    More data, same price. For just £8/month, you get 60GB on a no-strings 1-month rolling plan. Ideal for users who stream often but don’t want long commitments.

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    Data: 60GB

  • iD Mobile 1 Month SIM-Only: 40GB

    Perfect if you want full flexibility. You get 40GB and all of iD Mobile's perks with no lock-in, annual increases, or setup fees. Great for short-term users.

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    Data: 40GB

  • iD Mobile 12 Month SIM-Only: 60GB

    One of the best pound-per-GB plans around. You get 60GB for £8 with £25 cashback, which means you’re effectively paying closer to £6/month. Includes roaming and data rollover.

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    Data: 60GB

  • iD Mobile 12 Month SIM-Only: 108GB

    This deal gets you a healthy 108GB of 5G data for less than a tenner, with no upfront costs and £24 cashback. All the perks are included too: data rollover, roaming, and loyalty rewards.

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    Data: 108GB

  • iD Mobile 12 Month SIM-Only: Unlimited Data

    This iD Mobile plan doesn’t just compete on price, it’s up there with the best of them. Unlimited everything, a year-long lock-in with no price rises, and £42 cashback straight to your pocket. It’s like getting nearly 3 months free.

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    Data: Unlimited, No Speed Caps

  • Mint Mobile 20GB Plan

    If you're looking to save some cash on your bills, this plan is an awesome option. You'll get 20GB of data per month and 20GB hotspot data allowance. For moderate to heavy users, that should be more than enough. I seldom use more than 10GB of data a month, and I'm always using my phone

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    Data: 20GB