Trying to figure out what is the best iPhone under $300 can feel like a treasure hunt, especially with new models constantly hitting the market at eye-watering prices. But here’s the quick tip to finding a fantastic deal: your best bet is absolutely going for a refurbished or a slightly older model. You won’t find a brand-new iPhone 16 or iPhone 15 for this price, but what you can snag is a perfectly capable device that still gets the latest iOS updates, has a decent camera, and will definitely keep you in the Apple ecosystem without breaking the bank. We’re talking about solid options like the iPhone 11, the iPhone XR, and the iPhone SE 2nd Gen, all available for less than $300 if you know where to look.
Many of these budget-friendly iPhones come with robust features that still hold up great in 2025, offering you Face ID or Touch ID, good cameras, and enough processing power for your daily tasks. The trick is to buy smart, focusing on certified refurbished options from reputable sellers who often provide warranties. By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly which models to target, what to look out for, and where to find the absolute best inexpensive iPhone.
Top iPhone Picks Under $300
When you’re searching for the best iPhone under $300, you’re primarily looking at the refurbished market. This is where you’ll find incredible value on models that might be a couple of years old but still perform like champs. Let’s dig into the top contenders that often fall within this price range and why they might be the perfect fit for you.
iPhone 11: The All-Rounder Champion
If you’re asking, “what is a good inexpensive iPhone?”, the iPhone 11 frequently comes up as a top answer, especially in 2025. It’s dropped below the $300 mark in the refurbished market, making it an incredibly appealing option. This phone originally launched in September 2019, featuring Apple’s powerful A13 Bionic chip – the same chip that powers the iPhone SE 2nd Gen. This means you’re getting some serious processing power that can handle most apps, games, and daily tasks without a hitch.
What I really like about the iPhone 11 is its balance of features. It sports a vibrant 6.1-inch Liquid Retina LCD display, which looks great for browsing, watching videos, and scrolling through social media. The display resolution is 1792 by 828 pixels at 326 ppi, and it supports True Tone and wide color P3, making everything on screen look sharp and accurate.
The camera system on the iPhone 11 is another big win. You get a dual 12MP camera setup on the back: a wide lens with an ƒ/1.8 aperture and an ultra-wide lens with an ƒ/2.4 aperture and a 120° field of view. This was one of the first iPhones to introduce Night mode, which is fantastic for low-light photography, and it also has Deep Fusion and next-generation Smart HDR for photos. Seriously, the photos and videos you can capture with this phone are still really impressive, even by today’s standards. For selfies, there’s a 12MP front camera with an ƒ/2.2 aperture that also does 4K video recording.
Battery life on the iPhone 11 is generally quite good, with a 3110 mAh battery that can last you through a full day of moderate use. It also supports wireless charging. In terms of software, the iPhone 11 launched with iOS 13 and is upgradeable to iOS 18.6, meaning it will continue to receive software updates for a few more years, giving you excellent longevity. You can often find a refurbished iPhone 11 with 64GB or 128GB of storage. My recommendation is to try to snag a 128GB model if you can, as that will give you more breathing room for apps and photos.
Finding Your Perfect 65-inch TV Without Breaking the Bank: A 2025 Guide
- Pros: Excellent performance A13 Bionic, dual-camera system with Night mode, solid battery life, good display, still gets iOS updates.
- Cons: LCD display not OLED, older design compared to newer iPhones.
iPhone XR: The Colorful Value Pick
The iPhone XR is another strong contender for the best iPhone under 300 dollars. Launched in October 2018, it quickly became known as Apple’s “affordable flagship” at its release. While it’s a bit older than the iPhone 11, its prices have come down significantly, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious buyers.
The XR features a vibrant 6.1-inch Liquid Retina display, which is essentially an advanced LCD panel. It offers good color accuracy and brightness, and for many, the difference between this and an OLED won’t be a deal-breaker. One of its standout features is Face ID, which allows for secure unlocking and app logins with just a glance.
Under the hood, the iPhone XR packs the A12 Bionic chip, which is still quite capable for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and casual gaming. It uses real-time machine learning to enhance photos, gaming, and augmented reality experiences. It’s not as powerful as the A13 in the iPhone 11, but it’s still more than enough for most people.
For photography, the iPhone XR has a single 12MP wide-angle camera on the back with optical image stabilization and an ƒ/1.8 aperture. Even with a single lens, it does a great job, especially with Portrait mode, Portrait Lighting, and Depth Control. The front camera is a 7MP TrueDepth system, capable of shooting 1080p HD video at 30 fps. Finding the Best 65-inch TV Under $1000: Your Ultimate Guide
Battery life on the iPhone XR is also quite respectable. Apple stated it could last up to one-and-a-half hours longer than the iPhone 8 Plus. It supports wireless charging and is splash, water, and dust-resistant with an IP67 rating. The iPhone XR originally shipped with iOS 12 and is upgradeable to iOS 18.6, giving it good software longevity. You’ll typically find refurbished iPhone XR models with 64GB or 128GB of storage.
- Pros: Good 6.1-inch display, Face ID, still capable A12 Bionic chip, decent single camera with Portrait mode, good battery life, vibrant color options.
- Cons: Single rear camera no ultra-wide, LCD display.
iPhone SE 2nd Generation: The Compact Powerhouse
If you prefer a smaller phone or appreciate the classic iPhone design with a home button, the iPhone SE 2nd Generation, released in April 2020, is an excellent choice for a cheap iPhone. It was originally positioned as a budget phone with a starting price of $399, but refurbished units are now comfortably under $300, with some even as low as $90 for the 64GB option in August 2025.
Don’t let its familiar iPhone 8-like exterior fool you. Inside, the iPhone SE 2nd Gen packs the same A13 Bionic chip as the iPhone 11. This is a huge advantage, as it means you’re getting flagship-level performance from 2019 in a more compact package. This chip makes the phone incredibly snappy for everything from opening apps to playing demanding games.
The display is a 4.7-inch Retina HD LCD with IPS technology, featuring True Tone and wide color gamut P3. It’s a good-looking screen for its size, with a resolution of 1334 x 750 pixels at 326 ppi. For those who miss it, it has the physical home button with Touch ID for secure unlocking.
Camera-wise, it features a single 12MP wide camera with an ƒ/1.8 aperture on the back, similar to the iPhone 8, but enhanced by the A13 Bionic chip for better image processing. It supports Portrait mode with Depth Control, Smart HDR, and can record 4K video at up to 60 fps. The front camera is 7MP with an ƒ/2.2 aperture. While it lacks an ultra-wide lens or Night mode found in the iPhone 11, the photos it takes are still sharp and clear in good lighting. The Ultimate Guide to the Best IEMs Under $100, According to Reddit (2025 Edition)
Battery life is its main compromise due to its smaller size, housing a 1821 mAh battery. It might struggle to make it through a full heavy-use day, but for lighter users or with a quick top-up, it’s perfectly fine. It does support wireless charging. The iPhone SE 2nd Gen launched with iOS 13.4 and is currently on iOS 18.6.2, and is expected to receive iOS updates for a few more years. You can find refurbished iPhone SE 2nd Gen in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB storage options.
- Pros: Very powerful A13 Bionic chip, compact size, Touch ID, good single camera, excellent value.
- Cons: Smaller screen, modest battery life, no ultra-wide camera or Night mode.
iPhone XS / XS Max: OLED on a Budget
If you’re keen on getting an iPhone with an OLED display and don’t mind a slightly older model, the iPhone XS and its larger sibling, the iPhone XS Max, are worth considering. Launched in 2018, these phones brought an improved camera and a stunning OLED screen compared to their predecessors. You can often find these for under $300 in the refurbished market, making them a great way to experience Apple’s premium display tech on a budget.
Both the iPhone XS and XS Max feature the A12 Bionic chip, the same one found in the iPhone XR. This chip is still perfectly capable for most everyday tasks. The real highlight here is the display: a 5.8-inch Super Retina HD OLED for the XS and a massive 6.5-inch Super Retina HD OLED for the XS Max. These screens offer incredible contrast, true blacks, and vibrant colors that an LCD simply can’t match.
The camera system is a dual 12MP setup, with a wide-angle lens ƒ/1.8 and a telephoto lens ƒ/2.4 offering 2x optical zoom. You also get improved Portrait mode with Depth Control and Smart HDR. The front camera is a 7MP TrueDepth camera with Face ID. While it predates Night mode, the camera performance in good lighting is still very strong.
Battery life is decent, with the XS Max offering a noticeably better experience due to its larger size. Both support wireless charging and are water-resistant with an IP68 rating. The XS and XS Max launched with iOS 12 and are upgradeable to iOS 18.6.2, ensuring they’ll continue to receive important updates. Refurbished models are commonly available in 64GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage configurations. The BEST IEMs Under $1000: Your Ultimate Audiophile Upgrade Guide
- Pros: Stunning OLED display XS and XS Max, dual camera with optical zoom, Face ID, premium build quality.
- Cons: Older A12 Bionic chip, no ultra-wide camera or Night mode, potentially shorter future software support than iPhone 11/SE 2nd Gen.
Other Options: iPhone 12 Mini & iPhone 13 Mini If you can stretch the budget slightly
Sometimes you might find the iPhone 12 Mini or iPhone 13 Mini creeping into the sub-$300 or slightly above range, especially if you’re lucky with a deal. These compact phones are fantastic for those who want a smaller form factor without sacrificing too much performance.
The iPhone 12 Mini, with its A14 Bionic chip, offers 5G connectivity and a super compact 5.4-inch OLED display. The iPhone 13 Mini, sporting the even more powerful A15 Bionic chip, also has a 5.4-inch OLED display and boasts better battery life than its predecessor. Both have excellent dual-camera systems, similar to their larger non-Pro counterparts. If you can find one in your budget, the iPhone 13 Mini, in particular, is an incredible deal for its size and power, offering an A15 Bionic chip that’s even in some iPhone 14 models. It’s also expected to receive iOS updates for a good number of years.
- Pros: Very compact, powerful A14/A15 Bionic chips, OLED displays, good cameras, 5G iPhone 12 Mini onwards.
- Cons: Small battery life especially 12 Mini, smaller screen can be limiting for some.
What to Look For When Buying a Refurbished iPhone
Since buying refurbished is the primary way to get the best least expensive iPhone, it’s crucial to know what to keep an eye out for. You want to make sure you’re getting a good deal and a reliable device.
Reputable Sellers and Warranties
This is probably the most important factor. Always buy from a seller with a strong reputation for quality refurbished electronics. Look for places like:
- Amazon Renewed: They offer a guarantee and often have competitive prices on models like the iPhone 11 renewed or iPhone XR renewed.
- Back Market: This platform specializes in refurbished electronics and offers a 1-year warranty and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Swappa: Known for its user-friendly marketplace for used tech, where sellers are vetted, and devices must meet certain criteria.
- Best Buy Pre-Owned/Refurbished: They often have certified pre-owned iPhones with various conditions and warranties.
- Carrier Refurbished Programs: Sometimes carriers like AT&T offer their own refurbished devices with warranties.
Avoid buying from unverified private sellers on platforms like Facebook Marketplace unless you’re confident in your ability to thoroughly inspect the device and understand the risks.
Best Wired Headphones Under $1000: The Reddit-Approved List for Audiophiles
Battery Health
When I’m looking at a used phone, the battery health is one of the first things I check. It significantly impacts how long your phone will last on a single charge. Aim for a device with at least 85-90% battery health. Anything below that, and you might find yourself needing a battery replacement fairly soon, which adds to the overall cost. You can usually check the “Battery Health” in the iPhone settings under “Battery.”
Storage Capacity
We’re all taking more photos and videos, downloading more apps, and using our phones for just about everything. While 64GB might seem like enough, it fills up fast. I’d personally recommend going for an iPhone with 128GB storage if your budget allows. It gives you a lot more flexibility and means you won’t constantly be deleting things to free up space. Some models, like the iPhone 11 and XR, are readily available in 128GB configurations.
Cosmetic and Functional Condition
Refurbished phones come in different grades e.g., “excellent,” “good,” “fair”. “Excellent” usually means minimal to no signs of wear, while “fair” might have more noticeable scratches or dents. Decide what level of cosmetic imperfection you’re comfortable with. More importantly, ensure all functions work perfectly:
- Screen: Check for cracks, dead pixels, or discoloration.
- Buttons: Power, volume, and home button if applicable should all be responsive.
- Cameras: Test both front and rear cameras, including flash.
- Ports: Make sure the charging port and speakers work.
- Connectivity: Test Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular reception.
- Face ID/Touch ID: Ensure biometric security works.
iOS Software Support Longevity
Apple is fantastic at supporting its older devices with software updates for many years. However, eventually, every model reaches its end-of-life for major iOS versions. Generally, iPhones get about 5-7 years of major iOS updates. The Ultimate Guide to the Best Earphones Under 1000 Taka in Bangladesh
- iPhone 11 A13 Bionic: Launched with iOS 13, currently on iOS 18.6, and is still expected to receive iOS updates for a few more years, likely through iOS 19 or even iOS 20.
- iPhone XR / XS A12 Bionic: Launched with iOS 12, currently on iOS 18.6.2, and may see iOS 19, but it’s getting towards the end of major updates.
- iPhone SE 2nd Gen A13 Bionic: Launched with iOS 13.4, currently on iOS 18.6.2, and like the iPhone 11, should get updates for a few more years.
Prioritizing models with longer expected software support ensures you get the latest security patches, features, and app compatibility for a longer period.
Trade-offs of a Budget iPhone
While finding a great iPhone under $300 is definitely doable, it’s important to be realistic about what you’re getting. These phones won’t have all the bells and whistles of the latest and greatest models, and understanding these trade-offs will help manage your expectations.
No Cutting-Edge Features
You’re not going to get features like the Dynamic Island, ProMotion 120Hz refresh rate displays, always-on displays, or the absolute latest camera advancements like ProRes video or advanced cinematic modes. Things like the Action Button or Apple Intelligence features are reserved for much newer and more expensive iPhones. However, for most users, these high-end features aren’t essential for a great daily smartphone experience. The “basic” features on these older iPhones are still incredibly good.
Potentially Shorter Software Support Compared to New Models
As mentioned, older iPhones will eventually stop receiving major iOS updates. While the models we’ve discussed still have some life left in them, a brand new iPhone 16 will naturally get more years of updates than an iPhone 11. This doesn’t mean the phone becomes unusable overnight, but you’ll miss out on new iOS features and eventually, some apps might require a newer iOS version. Security updates, however, often continue for a period even after major iOS updates cease.
Battery Life Might Not Be as Robust
Even with “good” battery health say, 90%, an older iPhone’s battery capacity will naturally be less than a brand-new device. The components are older, and while the battery itself might be in good shape, the underlying technology might not be as efficient as in newer models. This means you might find yourself reaching for a charger more often, especially if you’re a heavy user. Carrying a small portable power bank can easily mitigate this.
Best Headphones Under 1000 Taka in Bangladesh: Your Ultimate Budget Audio Guide
Older Design and Display Technology
While phones like the iPhone 11 and XR have edge-to-edge displays, they still feature thicker bezels and a notch compared to modern iPhones. The iPhone SE 2nd Gen has the classic iPhone 8 design with a forehead, chin, and Touch ID home button. Displays will generally be LCD rather than the more vibrant and power-efficient OLED, with the exception of the iPhone XS/XS Max. These are purely aesthetic or minor performance differences for most people, but something to be aware of.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which iPhone is the best value for money under $300?
In 2025, if you’re looking for the best overall value under $300, the refurbished iPhone 11 is usually your best bet. It offers a fantastic balance of a powerful A13 Bionic chip, a versatile dual-camera system, a good display, and solid software support for a few more years. The iPhone XR is also a great value, especially if you can find one with plenty of storage and good battery health.
Is it safe to buy a refurbished iPhone?
Yes, it can be very safe, provided you buy from a reputable seller or platform that offers warranties and has a clear return policy. Look for sellers like Amazon Renewed, Back Market, or certified pre-owned programs from major retailers. They typically inspect, clean, and often replace components like batteries if necessary, ensuring the phone is in good working order.
What’s the oldest iPhone that still gets iOS updates?
As of late 2024/early 2025, iPhones with the A12 Bionic chip like the iPhone XR and XS and the A13 Bionic chip like the iPhone 11 and SE 2nd Gen are still receiving major iOS updates, specifically iOS 18. While phones like the iPhone X A11 Bionic might be stuck on older iOS versions, the iPhone 11 and SE 2nd Gen are expected to receive updates for a few more years.
Can I get an iPhone 12 or newer for under $300?
While it’s becoming more common to find the iPhone 12 Mini or even the standard iPhone 12 occasionally dipping into the sub-$300 range or just slightly above in the refurbished market, it’s not as consistently available as the iPhone 11 or XR. The iPhone 13 or newer models are generally still priced higher, even when refurbished, typically starting around $400 or more. If you’re lucky, you might snag an iPhone 12 refurbished for a great deal.
What storage size should I look for in a budget iPhone?
For most people, a 128GB storage capacity is recommended if you can find it within your $300 budget. While 64GB models are more common and cheaper, they can fill up quickly with apps, photos, and videos. If you’re a light user and mostly rely on cloud storage, 64GB might suffice, but 128GB offers much more peace of mind and longevity.
Are there any specific features I should prioritize in an inexpensive iPhone?
If you can, prioritize a model with an A13 Bionic chip like the iPhone 11 or SE 2nd Gen for better performance and longer software support. A 6.1-inch display iPhone 11, XR offers a good balance of screen real estate without being too large. If you value photography, the dual-camera system with Night mode on the iPhone 11 is a big plus. If Face ID is important to you, both the iPhone 11 and XR have it.
How to Turn $10,000 USD into Georgian Lari (GEL) Like a Pro
|
0.0 out of 5 stars (based on 0 reviews)
There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to write one. |
Amazon.com:
Check Amazon for The Ultimate Guide Latest Discussions & Reviews: |
Leave a Reply