Best iPhone deals

Cheap iPhone deals
Find the best value iPhone 15, 14, 13, 15 Pro & Pro Max, SE, 12 & 11 deals

A new iPhone is never ExEconomics, but if you’re determined to get Apple’s latest iPhone 15 and 15 Pro ‒ or its older models including the iPhone 14, 13, 12 and SE 2022 ‒ this guide will take you through the cheapest ways to get one.

Our Cheap Mobile Finder tool compares more than 50 different retailers and resellers, covering all major networks to find your top deal. We’ve the pick of the deals in this guide, but use the tool for loads more options.

The top iPhone need-to-knows

Is it worth signing up for an iPhone contract? Why might it be better to avoid dealing directly with the network? What alternative methods are available for purchasing one? Our essential guide on iPhones will assist you in securing a great deal and highlight key considerations to keep in mind.

1 – Never just go direct to a network – compare ways of buying first

When purchasing a new phone, avoid going straight to your network provider, as this method is typically the most expensive. Instead, explore options through resellers who often provide the same contract deals at significantly lower prices. Alternatively, buying the phone outright and opting for a budget-friendly Sim-only plan can frequently be the most economical choice.

To simplify the process, use our Cheap Mobile Finder tool, which scans thousands of deals from over 60 retailers and resellers to identify the most affordable way to acquire your new iPhone, whether through a contract or by purchasing the phone outright and pairing it with a low-cost Sim.

Also, consider exploring second-hand or refurbished phones. Check out listings on eBay* or directly from your network for refurbished models. You can use our Cheap Mobile Finder to compare these refurbished phones with new ones to find the best deal.

2 – Buying upfront? Spread the cost interest-free with Apple

Apple offers three payment options: two for in-store purchases (iPhone Payments and the iPhone Upgrade Programme), and one for online transactions (iPhone Monthly Payments).

The iPhone Upgrade Programme, which allows you to trade in your device and comes with AppleCare, an extended warranty, and technical support, is often less cost-effective compared to alternative methods. Check out our comprehensive review of the iPhone Upgrade Programme (though the examples are dated, the underlying principles remain relevant).

iPhone Monthly Payments (online)

When buying online with the iPhone Monthly Payments option, you can spread the total cost over 24 months. Regardless of the payment plan you choose, Barclays will conduct a credit check, and you’ll need to qualify for what is essentially an interest-free loan. For instance, the iPhone 15 128GB model will require a monthly payment of £33.29 over 24 months.

iPhone Payments (in store only)

Apple’s iPhone Payments program is their zero-interest financing option, offered for the newest iPhone models in-store. To get started, you make a modest initial payment (currently £69) and then spread the remaining balance across 20 monthly installments without any added interest. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to proceed:

1. Reserve a ‘shopping session’. As there’s limited capacity in stores, it’s best to reserve a ‘shopping session’ online before visiting.
2. Opt for iPhone Payments. Since a credit check is required, please provide your bank details, a valid UK driving license or passport, debit card, and your current mobile number. You must be a UK resident aged 18 or older, hold a UK bank account, and have been living in the UK for at least three years.
3. If accepted (it could take up to an hour), you’ll pay £69 upfront and the rest in 20 monthly instalments. Your loan will be provided by Barclays at an interest rate of 0% APR, with repayment made through monthly direct debits. Failure to maintain these repayments could lead Barclays to take standard measures similar to those of other lenders, potentially impacting your credit history.

Once you’ve got the phone, you’ll then need to find a separate cheap Sim-only deal.

3 – Don’t overestimate how much data you need

If you frequently use less of your monthly allowance for minutes, data, and texts, you might be paying more for your contract than necessary. On the flip side, exceeding your limits can result in substantial extra charges.

According to our most recent data usage survey, 70% of 5,000 participants reported consuming less than 3GB per month. Nevertheless, Ofcom, the regulatory body, suggests that the actual average mobile data usage for 2022 was around 8.1GB per month.

To get a better understanding of your data needs, try our Data Calculator available in the Cheap Mobile Finder tool. Simply enter your data usage (excluding Wi-Fi) and it will provide an estimate of how much data you require.

4 – The 64GB models are generally cheaper and it’s enough storage for most

iPhones are offered in various storage capacities, with options including 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB, depending on the model. Upgrading to a larger storage size typically costs between £50 and £200 if purchasing directly from Apple.

As a general guide, 64GB of storage can accommodate approximately 2,000 apps, 1,600 albums, or 20 HD movies—sufficient for many users.

Unlike many other smartphones, iPhones do not feature memory card slots, so expanding storage is not an option once you’ve made your purchase. Therefore, it’s important to accurately assess your storage needs to avoid overspending on a higher-capacity model ‘just in case’.

You can save space by moving your data to the cloud, which is typically more cost-effective than purchasing a device with additional storage. Check out the section below for guidance on backing up your iPhone at no cost.

For additional expert advice on maximizing your phone’s storage and minimizing expenses, refer to our guide on increasing phone storage.

5 – You can back up your iPhone and its data for free (or cheap)

Experiencing the loss of your data, photos, and contacts can be a real ordeal. Fortunately, backing up and preserving this vital information is simple and often available at no cost.

One of the most prevalent methods is utilizing ‘the cloud’—storing your data on remote servers. This approach not only secures your information but also helps you reclaim storage space on your device.

Back up to Apple iCloud from 99p/month

Apple’s iCloud is the leading method for backing up your iPhone, with the option to schedule automatic nightly backups.

You receive 5GB of complimentary iCloud storage, which generally suffices for a minimal backup covering device settings, home screen layout, app organization, and a portion of app data.

Additional storage plans range from £0.99 per month for 50GB to £54.99 per month for 12TB. Although not free, this can often be more cost-effective compared to purchasing a phone with larger built-in storage.

Other apps to store data on ‘the cloud’ cheaply

Apps such as Dropbox give you 2GB for free, whereas Google Photos and Google Drive give you up to 15GB of free storage. These basic accounts will allow you to transfer content from your phone to ‘the cloud’ – where your files are stored digitally – which can then be securely accessed from any device.

For additional storage, Google offers 100GB for £1.59 per month or £15.99 per year, which can hold approximately 30,000 photos. On the other hand, Dropbox’s most affordable plan provides 2TB of storage at £7.99 per month or £95.88 per year.

Do it the old fashioned way – with a cable

If you don’t want to pay for a ‘cloud service’, you can back up your smartphone the traditional way – via a USB cable and Finder (if using MacOS Catalina or later MacOS) or iTunes (if using Windows or earlier MacOS). Take a look at the step-by-step guide on how to back up data using your computer on Apple’s site.

How to use iCloud to free up space on your iPhone

If you choose to back up your photos/videos to iCloud, you can use it to free up space on your device by selecting the ‘Optimise iPhone Storage’ in your settings.

To do this, click Settings > select your name at the top > tap iCloud > tap Photos > choose Optimise iPhone Storage.

Having your photos/videos in their original, high-resolution form on the cloud frees up space on your phone, but don’t worry, you can still view them on your phone in high-res whenever you like.

Take a look at this step-by-step guide on Apple’s site on how to back up data to the web with iCloud.

6 – Check signal strength where you live/work first

The signal quality you experience will vary based on your location. In major cities and towns, most networks should offer a good 5G [RH] or 4G connection. However, in rural areas, you might face challenges in accessing even 3G. For detailed information on 5G availability, refer to our comprehensive 5G guide.

Each network provides coverage checkers on their websites, though these often present an overly positive view. Ofcom’s latest research on 4G offers the most current and impartial coverage information available. View its mobile checker to see what signal strength is likely to be in your area before taking out a contract with a new network.

7 – Don’t just pluck for the included insurance – you could get it cheaper

Accidents are an inevitable part of life. Given the high value of mobile phones today, losing, damaging, or having one stolen can be quite expensive to replace.

Insurers often capitalize on this fear by charging steep premiums and offering excessive coverage. However, you can secure insurance for your iPhone starting at just £80 per year. For detailed information and top recommendations, check out our comprehensive Mobile Phone Insurance guide.

If your phone’s stolen…

Notify the police immediately and inform your network as soon as possible. Taking these steps is crucial to prevent any unauthorized use of your phone and may also be essential for processing insurance claims.

Watch out for the insurance hard sell during checkout

Retailers and resellers often try to sell their own mobile insurance policies, which usually come with higher costs and varying levels of coverage.

Although you have the right to decline the insurance, the option to refuse may be discreet or not immediately obvious, so be sure to look for it carefully.

If you lose your iPhone, there’s a way to make it ring – even when it’s on silent

Don’t panic if you lose your iPhone and realise you’ve it set to silent. You can use the Find My iPhone service on iCloud to make it ring.

8 – Happy with your provider? Try haggling for a better deal

Negotiating your monthly mobile phone contract can significantly reduce your costs. As your contract approaches its conclusion, your network provider will be eager to retain your business, making it an ideal moment to negotiate. Long-standing customers often have a greater likelihood of achieving a favorable outcome.

According to our most recent survey, the top mobile providers for negotiating are Three, Sky Mobile, and O2. For tips on securing a better deal, check out our Mobile Phone Haggling guide. Keep in mind that negotiating is generally more challenging when it comes to contracts for new phones, especially if you’re interested in the newest models.

Before you call your provider, arm yourself with ‘new customer’ deals

All the offers in our Cheap Mobile Finder are designed for new customers. However, you might leverage these deals to negotiate a better offer with your existing provider.

9 – You could make extra savings with some cashback deals – though be warned…

You can frequently secure additional cashback when you enroll in a mobile contract by using a dedicated cashback website. Instead of registering directly with the network provider or mobile reseller, go through a cashback site. These websites operate through affiliate links to earn revenue, meaning that when they receive payment for your signup, you also benefit financially.

Regrettably, there’s no assurance that you’ll receive cashback, as cashback websites occasionally fail to track ongoing deals. Therefore, it’s usually wiser to choose the best tariff first and consider any cashback as a bonus. To learn more about how these platforms can benefit you and how to optimize your use of them, check out our guide on the Top Cashback Sites.

Retailer cashback. Don’t mix up cashback sites with the cashback you receive directly from a retailer, typically through redemption. This form of cashback can be quite complicated and often involves submitting multiple copies of your monthly bill on specific dates.

Generally, we avoid these offers unless they are processed automatically.

10 – Key things to watch out for when taking out a new contract, incl price rises and credit checks

Now you know the cheapest ways to buy a new iPhone, there are a few final things you need to be aware of…

Prices can rise each year

Mobile network providers have the right to raise your monthly tariff annually, provided their terms and conditions specify this before you agree to their service. This practice is common across major networks such as EE, O2, Three, Virgin Mobile, and Vodafone.

Typically, these increases align with the Retail Prices Index (RPI), a gauge of inflation, and are implemented between February and April each year. However, some companies have recently adjusted their approach by adding a percentage increase on top of inflation. This change has been adopted by several major providers, including EE, Vodafone, O2, and Three.

If your provider raises your monthly fee in a manner not outlined in their terms and conditions, you are entitled to terminate your contract without facing any penalties.

You’ll be credit checked

Most service providers will conduct a credit check, so if you often find it challenging to secure credit, it’s wise to review your credit score before applying for a mobile contract.

ExEconomics.com offers access to your free Experian credit score and report. While it won’t guarantee whether you’ll pass the credit check for a contract, it will provide a general sense of whether you are considered a good or poor credit risk.

If you suspect that you might not pass the credit check or have been declined in the past, you might want to consider choosing a budget-friendly handset and using it with a pay-as-you-go SIM instead.

Some deals are for new customers only

Deals on this site and most comparison platforms are typically aimed at attracting new customers to a network. If you’re an existing customer, even if your current contract has expired, trying to secure the deal may result in an ‘upgrade’ rather than a new contract, which could lead to higher costs.

You can still access the deal by signing up for a completely new contract. However, this means you won’t be able to directly transfer your existing number to the new phone.

There is a workaround, though it involves a few steps. First, secure the deal with a new contract and obtain a free pay-as-you-go SIM card from a different network. Next, transfer your current number to the free SIM, and then move it again to your new contract once it is active. To transfer your number, you’ll need to obtain a porting authorization code from your current provider.

Once your contract is over, switch to avoid overpaying

Most phone contracts that come with a handset involve monthly payments spread over two years, with the handset fully paid off by the end of this period. However, even after the handset is fully paid, many providers continue charging the same monthly rate once the initial contract term concludes, effectively making you pay for the phone again.

To avoid this situation, mark your contract’s end date on your calendar and reach out to your provider one month before it expires. This will allow you to either switch providers or renegotiate your deal. If you’re satisfied with your current phone, consider transitioning to a budget-friendly SIM-only plan, or use our Cheap Mobile Finder to compare SIM-only options. If you prefer staying with your current network, check out our top tips for negotiating a new deal.

Top iPhone 15 deals

The newest flagship, the iPhone 15, made its debut in September 2023. Being the latest top-tier model, it’s expected to come with a hefty price tag, and finding a used one anytime soon is unlikely. With thousands of different configurations available, we’ve curated a list of the most affordable deals that offer sufficient data for most needs, presented in the table below. For additional choices, check out our Cheap Mobile Finder.

Top iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max deals

In September 2023, Apple unveiled its high-end iPhone 15 series. As expected, these premium models come with a hefty price tag, making it crucial to find the best possible deal. With thousands of different configurations available, we’ve compiled a table showcasing the most affordable options with sufficient data for most users. For additional choices, check out our Cheap Mobile Finder.

What is the A17 bionic chip?

The A17 Bionic chip serves as the powerhouse behind the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro Max. This advanced processor enhances auto-correct accuracy, boosts performance, delivers superior graphics, and offers improved machine learning features. It also supports various functions like facial and speech recognition. Notably, its enhanced gaming capabilities stand out compared to earlier models.

Top iPhone 14 deals

The most recent flagship, the iPhone 14, debuted in September 2022. As the latest high-end model, it’s priced at a premium. With thousands of possible configurations available, we’ve compiled a table below featuring the most affordable deals that offer ample data for most users. For additional options, check out our Cheap Mobile Finder.

Top iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max deals

The premium iPhone 14 series made its debut in September 2022. Given its high-end status, these models come with a hefty price tag, making it crucial to find the best deal available. With thousands of configurations to choose from, we’ve compiled a table below highlighting the most affordable options with comprehensive data for most users. For additional choices, check out our Cheap Mobile Finder.

Top iPhone SE 2022 deals

The ‘budget’ iPhone SE made its debut in March 2022 – check out the iPhone SE specs for details. Although iPhones are typically not the most budget-friendly choice, the iPhone SE stands out as a more affordable option compared to other recent models. With thousands of combinations available, we’ve compiled a list of the most cost-effective deals offering sufficient data for most users in the table below. For additional choices, visit our Cheap Mobile Finder.

Top iPhone 13 deals

The iPhone 13 debuted in September 2021—check out its specifications here. With thousands of possible configurations available, we’ve compiled a table showcasing the most affordable models that offer sufficient data capabilities for most users. If you’re looking for additional choices, visit our Cheap Mobile Finder.

Top iPhone 13 Mini deals

Apple’s iPhone 13 Mini, introduced in September 2021, is a compact variant of the iPhone 13 – check out the iPhone 13 Mini specifications. While its reduced screen size makes it somewhat more affordable, it remains a pricey option. With countless combinations available, we’ve compiled a list of the most budget-friendly deals that offer ample data for most users in the table below. For additional choices, explore our Cheap Mobile Finder.

Older iPhone models

If you’re open to choosing a phone that’s a few years old, you can often save a significant amount. Below, we’ve highlighted the most affordable deals for the iPhone 12 (from 2020) and the iPhone 11 (from 2019). With countless combinations available, you can use our Cheap Mobile Finder to pinpoint the best deal for you.

For models older than these, contract deals aren’t particularly competitive at the moment. However, you might find savings by purchasing the phone outright and pairing it with a budget SIM. Check out Sim-free options for the iPhone XR, iPhone 8, and iPhone 7.

Have you thought about getting a refurbished phone?

It’s easier than ever to compare deals for refurbished phones. Our Cheap Mobile Finder has an option to include refurbished phones from more than 15 of the biggest retailers in your results. You can also see our Refurbished Phones guide for more.

Many refurb sellers provide guarantees on their products, meaning you’re covered if there’s a technical fault. Refurbs may work out cheaper when paired with a cheap Sim. See our Top Sim-only Deals for more.

How to complain about your network

The mobile industry doesn’t have the best customer service reputation and while a provider may be good for some, it can be hell for others. Common problems include limited network coverage, slow data speeds, unexpected charges and more.

It’s always worth trying to call your provider to sort the issue first, but if not then you can use free complaints tool Resolver. The tool helps you manage your complaint, and if the company doesn’t play ball, it also helps you escalate your complaint to the free Ombudsman (or CISAS if you’re complaining about Virgin Mobile or Sky Mobile).