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The best cheap iPhone deals and prices for December 2021

You'll find all of this week's best iPhone deals all neatly laid out right here on everything from the brand new iPhone 13 to the venerable iPhone 11. In short, there are plenty of options on the market for Apple fans right now and this page is chock-full of handy recommendations from our experts that can save you plenty of hard-earned cash.

Editor's note: this week's iPhone deals roundup contains many offers from the Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales that are still available. We're currently recouping some time off after covering these events, so please excuse if some offers are slightly incorrect / no longer still available - normal service will resume early next week!

iPhone deals: jump links

iPhone deals hero image — (Image credit: Future)

Which iPhone are you looking for?
1. iPhone 13 and 13 Mini
2. iPhone 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max
3. iPhone 12 and 12 Mini
2. iPhone 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max
3. iPhone 11 and 11 Pro
4. iPhone SE
6. Older iPhones
8. Tips and FAQ

If you're here for the very latest and greatest, then the good news is you'll find a ton of great options on the iPhone 13 series here including multiple options to bag a free device with a trade-in. Of course, these iPhone deals aren't quite as cheap as those found on the older models, but since we've got both rounded up here at your fingertips it's easy to determine which series is best for you. If you're really on a budget too, even better news still is there are actually options to pick up a free device right now with the latest iPhone SE promotions at leading carriers.

With such long-lasting popularity and premium features, these phones often come with higher price tags than cell phone deals on their Android rivals. Luckily, there are iPhone deals everywhere if you know where to look, and, if you're willing to do a little bit of legwork in comparing retailers, you'll also find some surprisingly affordable iPhone prices.

We've gone through the laborious steps of searching all the best retailers to save you all that effort. Below you'll find our top picks this week, as well as breakout sections for each of the current iPhone models. Further down still you'll find a handy comparison chart featuring all the latest plans from the big carriers, as well as our handy tips for scoring the best iPhone deal.

There's a new iPhone! iPhone 13 deals now available

Today's best iPhone deals at a glance

Free iPhone 13: with eligible trade-in and unlimited line at Verizon and AT&T
Free iPhone 12 mini (no trade): with eligible unlimited plan at Verizon
Cheap iPhone 12 (no trade): ~~$20.28~~ $15/mo with unlimited plan at AT&T
Free iPhone 13 Pro Max: with switch, eligible trade-in and new unlimited line at Verizon
Mint Mobile: iPhone 12 Mini with 6-months of free data
Visible: $200 gift card and Apple HomePod mini for new customers (no contract)
Apple trade-in: save up to $790 on a new iPhone with a trade
Apple refurb: save up to $280 on an unlocked device at Apple

Which is the best iPhone deal for me?

Best all-round: iPhone 13
Most powerful: iPhone 13 Pro Max
Best cheap iPhone: iPhone SE
Also great value:iPhone 13 Mini
Best older iPhone:iPhone 12

iPhone 13 & 13 mini deals

See our main iPhone 13 deals and iPhone 13 mini deals page for more

The latest flagship from Apple

Apple iPhone 13 boxout image — (Image credit: Apple)

The iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini are the two new 'standard' 2021 flagships from Apple, retailing for $799 and $699 respectively. That's actually the same as last year's 12-series devices and at first glance, the new 2021 models look strikingly similar. One look at the specs sheet, however, and you'll see there's a whole host of improvements under the hood to justify that price tag.

Firstly, a new Apple A15 Bionic processor means these are easily the most powerful mobile devices yet from the company. In fact, Apple claims that these latest chips provide a level of power that's a whopping 50% more than the closest rivals from other companies. It's not just that chip that's new either, improvements to the screen (now brighter), battery, and camera lens mean these devices aren't just merely iterative upgrades over last year's models - even if they do look very similar.

Also new is an upgraded storage capacity, which now starts at 128GB on both models - not the 64GB that we've come accustomed to on previous models. If you've already got an iPhone 12 that might not be enough to sway you into an upgrade, but for some, that's going to be a nice bonus indeed and well worth the $100 extra versus the iPhone 12's newly reduced price.

iPhone 13 Pro & 13 Pro Max deals

See our main iPhone 13 Pro deals and iPhone 13 Pro Max deals page for more

The 120hz OLED iPhone

Apple iPhone 13 Pro boxout image — (Image credit: Apple )

The iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max are the two new 'premium' options for Apple fanatics in 2021. No surprises here - these are pricey phones for discerning buyers indeed with an eye-watering introductory retail price of $999 and $1,099 respectively. As you'd expect, however, you're getting some wild power and the very latest

Like the iPhone 13 and 13 mini, Apple has carried over the same design language from the 12-series devices with the Pro models but packed them with new components. A new A15 Bionic processor with a 5-core GPU means you'll be blazing through any number of apps and particularly games with these devices. The 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max are also the first Apple device's to feature a variable 120Hz refresh rate display - finally! No more playing catch up to those big Android flagships.

Key improvements have also been made to the battery life and camera system. The latter is of particular note since the iPhone 12 Pro already had one of the best smartphone cameras around. Now you'll be able to enjoy a new 'cinematic mode' for better depth and Dolby Vision in video capture, plus better low light performance and several new filters which Apple is calling 'Photographic Styles'.

iPhone 12 & 12 mini deals

See our main iPhone 12 deals and iPhone 12 Mini deals page for more

Now retailing for $699

iPhone deals apple sales cheap price — (Image credit: Apple)

The iPhone 12 is still a strong choice for 2021 - especially after the release of the 13-series has yielded a hefty upfront price cut of $100 on both the 12 and 12 mini. These devices now retail for $699 and $599 respectively, great prices for a device that's still fully 5G capable and pretty much virtually identical design-wise to the 13.

2020 was a first for Apple in that it essentially released two 'standard' flagship iPhones to consider. This small but mighty new iPhone 12 Mini essentially still packed in that 5G connectivity and all the new tech under the hood but rocked a smaller 5.4-inch display and comes in at $599 - $100 cheaper than its bigger sibling.

Key upgrades included a brand new Apple A14 chipset, which the company itself claims is 40% faster than the A13 on the previous range. Apple also claims that the new Ceramic Shield glass on the front display and rear panel too is significantly tougher than any glass it's previously used on any iPhone. There's also a new MagSafe charging system that's intended to make wireless charging a lot less finicky - it's essentially an in-built magnet within the phone that'll make your device stick to the pad.

Both the iPhone 12's and iPhone 12 Pro's also have a few camera upgrades, although the most premium stuff is of course reserved for the 12 Pro. If you're interested in these top-of-the-line devices, simply scroll down for more information.

If you'd like to read more, check out our iPhone 12, and iPhone 12 Mini reviews.

iPhone 12 Pro & 12 Pro Max deals

See our main iPhone 12 deals and iPhone 12 Pro Max deals page for more

Serious iPhones for avid photgraphers

iPhone deals 12 Pro max apple sale — (Image credit: Apple)

The iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max were the latest, greatest, and most powerful devices to come from Apple in 2020. The bad news? You guessed it, these are pretty pricey phones indeed coming in at $999 and $1099 respectively, although thankfully these aren't just iterative improvements over last year's iPhone 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max.

Alongside that new squared-off glass back design and A14 Bionic chip that are shared with the 12 and 12 Mini, the 12 Pro series rock a gorgeous stainless steel chassis and a whole bevy of camera upgrades that prove Apple is gunning for that phone photography enthusiast crowd.

A wider aperture lens' and the addition of a new LiDAR scanner are sure to be to the delight of many avid photographers, as is the Pro's support of Dolby Vision HDR - the very first smartphones in the world to do so. They're also the first Apple devices to support Apple's 'Apple ProRAW' format for stills, which means you'll have plenty of scope for editing those snaps using your photo editing software of choice.

If you'd like to read more, check out our iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max reviews.

iPhone 11 & 11 Pro deals

See our main iPhone 11 and 11 Pro deals pages for more

Now older, but still fantastic

best phone deals sales cellphone smartphone unlocked prepaid — (Image credit: Apple)

The iPhone 11 range might not be the latest generation of flagships from Apple, but they're still worthy of consideration - especially if you spot an iPhone deal to your liking.

The standard iPhone 11 launched at a starting price of $699 / £699, surprisingly affordable for a new iPhone and right in that Goldilocks zone for most people. Inside it features some small, albeit worthwhile iterative improvements over the previous iPhone XS - namely a larger battery, beefier processor, and a dual-camera lens.

The iPhone 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max are even more powerful still, and are still good choices for power users, even though they're mostly discontinued now. Interestingly, the iPhone 11 Pro is actually the smallest of the trio, while the 11 Pro Max features the traditional phablet sizing you find on the most premium models. Both these iPhones feature three back cameras, as opposed to the two on the standard iPhone 11, and upgraded OLED screens. These upgrades do however come with an eye-wateringly high price - $999 / £1,049 in the case of the iPhone 11 Pro, and $1,099 / £1,149 for the 11 Pro Max.

If you'd like to read more, check out our iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max reviews.

iPhone SE deals

See our main iPhone SE deals page for more

Apple's latest budget phone

Verizon deals upgrade phone switch — (Image credit: Apple)

The new iPhone SE is Apple's second generation edition to the hugely popular budget range of iPhones. While Apple hasn't traditionally been known for its value (normally the territory of the best android phones), this new budget iPhone packs in a whole range of up to date components.

A powerful A13 Bionic chip means this fresh new budget iPhone is fully capable of 4k video capture, sports a new portrait mode, supports wireless charging, and even features that good old fashioned Touch ID biometric fingerprint sensor.

Apple has kept the cost down on this new device by re-using the old iPhone 8 chassis, dropping down to a single camera lens, and slimming down the battery -which are sensible cuts for most users. You're of course still getting that powerful processor, and thanks to those downgrades, these devices launched for just $399 / £419.

Want to know a bit more about this fantastic budget iPhone? We've put this phone through its paces in our iPhone SE (2020) review.

Older iPhone deals

We've included a small selection of today's best deals on older iPhone deals just down below. Before you jump, however, know that a lot of these devices will most likely be refurbished, either by Apple itself or by a third party vendor. Therefore, be cautious before you jump in and snap one up. Read the reviews and be prepared to use the retailer warranty in case the phone isn't up to scratch.

iPhone XR deals
iPhone XS deals and iPhone XS Max deals
iPhone X deals
iPhone 8 deals and iPhone 8 Plus deals
iPhone 7 deals and iPhone 7 Plus deals

iPhone deals FAQ

best iphone deals prices sales — (Image credit: Future)

Should I get an iPhone 12 or an iPhone 13?

This one's a toughie. Both essentially feature the same design (at least outwardly) and 5G capability, which makes them both a great pick for pairing up with a speedy data plan from Verizon or AT&T.

Price-wise, the iPhone 12 now retails at $699 - an absolute bargain and a whole $100 cheaper than the new iPhone 13. That said, you'll get a better CPU, a better screen, more battery life, and double the storage capacity (on the base model) with the iPhone 13 versus the 12. Is that worth the $100 upcharge? The answer is probably yes in our eyes.

Should I upgrade to the iPhone 13?

Where thing's get a little cloudy, however, is If you've already got yourself an iPhone 12 and are wondering if it's worth the upgrade. On paper, the iPhone 13 does look like quite an iterative upgrade all around but we'd say it's worth it - especially if your contract renewal is coming up and you can get a good deal on the latest device. Trade-in rates can range anywhere from $700 to $800 for an iPhone 12 in good working order so it's definitely worth considering that upgrade if you're willing to part with it.

Does Apple have any 5G iPhone deals?

Yes, both the iPhone 13-series and 12-series range support 5G compatibility - great news if you've been eying up one of the above iPhone deals from major carriers like AT&T and Verizon. Both offer the majority of their promotions as tie-ins for their 5G unlimited data plans, so you'll have super-smooth streaming and performance all the way.

Are refurbished iPhone deals any good?

Looking to bag a cheap iPhone? Refurbished could well be the way to go. When you invest in a refurbished iPhone, you're looking to save a good few hundred dollars. Everything from the iPhone 11 Pro to the iPhone XR can be found through refurbs.

There is a certain stigma about refurbished iPhone deals. People expect a phone covered in fingerprints and weird marks you can't quite place. Luckily, most of these issues don't actually occur on refurbished devices.

The large majority of second-hand phones have simply been bought and returned in a few weeks. Also, most iPhone deals coming to you refurbished have a 12 month warranty.

How can I get cheap iPhone deals?

iPhone deals aren't exactly notorious for their affordability, however, there are still a few ways to land a smaller price tag with Apple. The most obvious option is to go for this week's iPhone SE deals, which, while not an older device (well, relatively speaking), currently offers the best balance of price and features.

But, if you want your cheap iPhone to look, feel, and act like a flagship - things get a little bit harder. You won't, for example, get the latest iPhone 12 handsets for cheap right now, and even the now older iPhone 11 is still carrying a premium. You may, however, get lucky on the now superseded iPhone XS, which was actually offered at AT&T for just $1 a month for Black Friday 2020.

Another option is to keep an eye out for a refurbished iPhone. Generally speaking, discounts range in the $100 - $200 ballpark, depending on the age of the device, with plenty of options for unlocked devices. Despite the common objections, refurbished iPhones aren't broken or dirty, in fact, they are usually just returned within 2 weeks of their purchase.

What is the best iPhone right now?

This really is a completely subjective question and completely depends on what you need from your phone contract. However, there is definitely a few key iPhones, out-performing in certain areas.

iPhone 13: The next flagship from Apple. Essentially a refinement of the 12-series, inside it's packing a super powerful new processor, a better battery, and a few cameras upgrades too. This is going to be the #1 iPhone for most people.

iPhone 13 Mini: A slightly shrunken, more palm-friendly version of the main iPhone 13 flagship for 2021. It's just as powerful, has the same camera, but is a little cheaper. If you prefer smaller phones, this is the one for you.

iPhone 13 Pro: The 2021 iPhone for people who want... more. It's got a stainless steel chassis, a better camera, and a few processor upgrades over the standard iPhone 13, while essentially being the same size.

iPhone 13 Pro Max: The biggest (and most expensive) of the new 2021 iPhone 13 series. It's essentially just an upscaled version of the iPhone 13 Pro - which isn't a bad thing with its lush 120Hz display.

iPhone 12: A new squared-off edge design, processor and new 5G compatibility are the main features for 2020's Apple device, the iPhone 12. Is it a refinement or a huge step forward? It's a fantastic phone for sure, but now the iPhone 11 is cheaper, it's not a straightforward purchase decision.

iPhone 12 Mini: A shrunken, more palm-sized friendly version of the latest iPhone 12. It's got the same basic design, processor, and upgrades as the 12, just with a smaller screen. It's also $100 cheaper at launch, so it's a really tempting offer, especially if you prefer the more pocket-sized devices.

iPhone 12 Pro: Apple's 2020 flagship, the now older iPhone 12 Pro has a few key camera upgrades inside that are sure to be of particular interest to keen photographers alongside a stainless steel chassis.

iPhone 12 Pro Max: The biggest and meanest iPhone from 2020. It's essentially a bigger-screen version of the iPhone 12 Pro but it does have an ever so slightly bigger sensor on its camera, which means it'll get a 5x telephoto zoom as opposed to the 4x on the standard 12 Pro.

iPhone 11: Like the previous iPhone XR the iPhone 11 had one sole goal - bring high-end Apple specs at a more affordable price. For the majority of people wanting a new iPhone this is still a great option, not least now it's much cheaper.

iPhone SE: This will be the handset for anyone who is looking for Apple on a budget. The iPhone SE is a 2020 device taking the iPhone 8's style and design and filling it with some newer and more powerful specs. It includes 4K video, the iPhone 11's A13 Bionic chipset and more.

iPhone XS: It is now much older, but the iPhone XS still offers a lot of what Apple's most recent phones can do but without the head-splitting price tag.

iPhone XR: Same premise as the iPhone XS - it is a cheaper option for Apple fans than the iPhone 11 and still offers an excellent phone. And, offering a bigger battery than the iPhone XS, you'll be able to power through the day with ease.

When is the best time to buy iPhone deals?

Like a lot of the other questions here, there isn't an exact answer but there are certain times that can offer better prices on Apple's phones.

- New releases: Like all other phones, when a new iPhone comes out we frequently see the other devices in Apple's arsenal come down in price. Apple generally releases phones in the August to October time window, so that's often a good time to upgrade.

- Black Friday : The yearly mega sale, Black Friday, can be the perfect time to get iPhone deals. Every year we see phones come crashing down in price and we'll be shouting out the best offers to grab when the time comes this year.

- Amazon Prime Day : Amazon's impressive sale for Prime Subscribers, we almost always see a load of cheap iPhones appear during this two day sale - as long as you're looking for an unlocked or prepaid device.

- Absolutely any day: Realistically, there isn't any specific time or place that is best for getting a new iPhone deal. There are price cuts, promotions and major discounts every day and you just have to catch them as they happen. Luckily, our iPhone deals round-up is here, freshly updated and aims to offer all the best from across the web.

What is the cheapest iPhone?

Right now, the cheapest iPhone you can get is the new 2020 iPhone SE. Yes, the iPhone 7 and 6s will see prices go slightly lower but realistically, for all-round value, the iPhone SE is going to be the best choice.

It can be found with bills below $30 a month or $380 upfront while holding some strong specs on the inside. While it does look identical to the iPhone 8, it is a surprisingly powerful phone for the money.

You might also want to check out the best iPhone 11 Pro deals, or if you want something different, the best Samsung Galaxy S20 FE deals.

Alex is deals editor at Future PLC and an all-around expert at one thing - saving readers as much cash as possible while scoring them the best products for their needs. With content that's always packed full of helpful information, no-nonsense expertise, and of course deals, Alex has also written for other leading sites such as T3 and GamesRadar. At work, you'll find him mostly covering computing, gaming, and advising people on how to save on their cell phone plans. Outside of work, you'll find him playing guitar, indulging his love for music, or down at the local climbing gym mostly hanging off boulders far too difficult for his abilities.