Want an iPhone for less? You can … and we mean for way less. For a limited time, you can pick up a refurbished second-gen iPhone SE on sale for just $89.99.
What’s that, like two and a half sandwiches these days?
Yes, this budget iPhone is a few years old, so it obviously doesn’t have all the latest features. However, it also doesn’t come with the hefty price tag of recent high-end models.
Is a refurbished iPhone SE worth it?
Inflationary prices make refurbished devices much more appealing than an off-the-shelf upgrade for anybody nervous about sticker shock. And rumors indicate Apple will raise iPhone prices when it unveils new models next week at the Surprise and Shine event.
The good news is, there are some excellent refurbished phones available that won’t destroy your wallet (or send you on a depressing detour through Android Land).
Take this second-gen iPhone SE from 2020. It comes with a grade B refurbished rating, meaning it might show very light signs of wear but still works great. It will run iOS 27 when Apple releases the software this month (although its processor can’t handle Apple Intelligence or the new Siri AI).
Specs that are ‘good enough’
If the AI stuff isn’t a deal-breaker for you, this refurbished iPhone SE could be a solid option. It runs on Apple’s A13 Bionic processor, the same one used in the iPhone 11. Browsing, streaming, gaming and multitasking feel quick and responsive.
The display measures 4.7 inches with Retina HD resolution. True Tone and wide color keep pictures accurate in different types of lighting. Touch ID comes built into the Home Button, so you can unlock the phone and approve purchases with your fingerprint.
The phone’s 12MP rear camera captures detailed photos, Portrait mode shots with Depth Control, and 4K video. Smart HDR balances highlights and shadows automatically.
A 7MP front camera handles selfies and FaceTime calls. Qi wireless charging works with any compatible charging pad. And an IP67 rating means the phone can survive submersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes.
Storage starts at 64GB on these refurbished iPhone SE units (an upgraded model with 128GB costs just $15 more). Either way, you’ll have plenty of room for photos, apps and a fair number of videos without frequent cleanups. If storage is a concern, go with the slightly more expensive model.
The phones come unlocked, so you can activate the phone with any compatible wireless carrier. Their grade B rating means you might see light scuffing on the case or minor scratches on the body. However, nothing will affect daily performance.
Save on a refurbished iPhone SE (second generation)
The price on these iPhone SE refurbs is so low that they’re a perfect option for anyone on a tight budget. They also make great phones for kids or grandparents.
If your current phone is on its last legs, one of these could even work for killing time while you wait for the “regular” iPhone 18 (which Apple reportedly won’t launch until next spring) or even the radically redesigned, nearly all-glass 20th-anniversary iPhone.
After that, you could sell it, pass it on as a hand-me-down or use it for a DIY project.
For a limited time, you can get a grade B refurbished iPhone SE 2 on sale for $89.99. Or step up to the 128GB model for just $104.99. Both models are currently available in black, red or white.
Buy from: Cult of Mac Deals
Prices subject to change. All sales handled by StackSocial, our partner who runs Cult of Mac Deals. For customer support, please email StackSocial directly..
