Which cheap iPhone should you buy? SE vs XR vs 12 mini
Want an iPhone without paying iPhone 16 prices? A refurbished older model is the cheapest way in. We stock four popular budget iPhones, all graded Pristine, fully tested, unlocked and covered by a 12-month warranty. Here's how they compare and which one suits you.
The four cheap iPhones at a glance
| Model | Screen | Unlock | 5G | Our price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone SE (2020) 64GB | 4.7-inch | Touch ID (home button) | No | £88.99 |
| iPhone XR 64GB | 6.1-inch | Face ID | No | £111.99 |
| iPhone SE (2022) 64GB | 4.7-inch | Touch ID (home button) | Yes | £120.99 |
| iPhone 12 mini 128GB | 5.4-inch OLED | Face ID | Yes | £179.99 |
Prices were correct when we wrote this guide; the product pages always show the current price.
iPhone SE (2020): the cheapest way into iOS
The iPhone SE (2020) is small, light and has the familiar home button with Touch ID. Its A13 chip is still quick for everyday apps, messaging, maps and photos. It's a great first iPhone, a sensible choice for a child or an older relative, or a reliable backup phone.
Worth knowing: the 4.7-inch screen is small by today's standards, there's a single rear camera, and no 5G.
iPhone XR: the biggest screen for the money
The iPhone XR gives you a large 6.1-inch display and Face ID for not much more than the SE. It's comfortable for video, browsing and reading.
Worth knowing: the XR no longer gets the newest version of iOS. It still works well and most apps keep working for a while, but if you want the latest features for years to come, choose one of the phones below.
iPhone SE (2022): the small iPhone that lasts longer
The iPhone SE (2022) looks almost the same as the 2020 model, but inside it has the much faster A15 chip and 5G. That newer chip means it should keep getting software updates for longer, which makes it better value over time.
Worth knowing: same small 4.7-inch screen and single camera as the 2020 SE.
iPhone 12 mini: the most modern of the four
The iPhone 12 mini packs a sharp 5.4-inch OLED screen, Face ID, 5G, a dual camera, MagSafe and 128GB of storage into a phone that's smaller than the SE. It has the best camera and display here.
Worth knowing: the small body means a smaller battery, so heavy users may want to charge during the day.
Which should you buy?
- Tightest budget, simple use: iPhone SE (2020).
- You want a big screen for as little as possible: iPhone XR.
- Small phone you'll keep for years: iPhone SE (2022).
- Best camera and screen in a pocket-size phone: iPhone 12 mini.
If your budget stretches further, the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 are big steps up in battery life and camera. See all refurbished iPhones and iPads.
What you get with every XTEC Renewed iPhone
- Graded Pristine: no visible scratches or marks (how we grade)
- Battery health of at least 85%
- Fully tested, data wiped and unlocked to any UK network
- Charger in the box and a 12-month XTEC warranty
- Free UK delivery and 30-day returns
Not sure which to pick? Message us on WhatsApp (07599 803768) or email info@xtecuk.com and we'll help.