Apple's iPhone SE (2020) has proven very popular since it debuted last year, especially with some of the sweet deals that are available on it. As many hoped, the latest iPhone SE provides an extremely affordable way to get some stellar specs along with the best that iOS has to offer in a cheaper, smaller form factor than Apple's flagship phones.
The phone might look a lot like the iPhone 8 on the outside, because it is essentially identical, but it's been reworked internally with some excellent upgrades. That means it's a phone that should last for many years to come making it an even better buy.
Apple's iPhone SE (2020) takes on the now-classic design of the iPhone 8, maintaining the 4.7-inch Retina HD LCD display with True Tone. It also keeps the same aluminum and glass construction allowing for Qi wireless charging and retains the Touch ID sensor that so many iPhone users are familiar and comfortable with, eschewing the new Face ID sensor found on the more expensive iPhone 11 models.
It has been updated drastically on the inside, though, taking parts from the iPhone 11 line like the latest A13 Bionic chipset and adding an improved 12-megapixel, 4K60 wide-angle camera. It comes in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB capacities and black, white, and Product Red colors.
Whether you're looking for the cheapest way to get a brand new iPhone in your hand or want to pack as much tech into the one-handed form factor the iPhone SE offers as possible, look no further than this guide. We're tracking iPhone deals from all the major retailers and carriers so you can get the best bang for your buck and we update the deals here regularly so you're always seeing the best prices and promotions.
Best Cheap Apple iPhone SE (2020) Deals
Apple's 2020 iPhone SE is the latest entry-level model in the lineup and retails for just $399. That's already super affordable considering how powerful it is, but that's not to say you can't still make a saving on one. Whether it's via a gift card deal, a trade-in, bill credits, or a direct price drop, there are many ways to reduce the cost of your next iPhone purchase.
Best Cheap Apple iPhone SE (2020) Carrier Deals
The major carriers have all got great deals for the iPhone SE if you don't want to buy it outright. You could score the new iPhone SE for free with a trade-in or for as low as $5 per month on an installment plan or get a prepaid Mastercard to bolster your savings. Check out the deals below.
iPhone SE Price Tracking
Unlike other Apple products, iPhone pricing tends not to fluctuate all that much. Apple sets the retail price and other stores tend to stick to that, especially if you're buying the phone outright. Where the savings tend to crop up are in carrier- or retailer-specific promotions that offer discounts in the form of bill credits, trade-ins, or gift cards. We keep tabs on all of these deals at the places our readers regularly shop, so you can be sure to find the best deal for your circumstances.
When new products are launched or around the holidays or Black Friday, these deals are often more plentiful as sellers compete for buyers' dollars so right now is a great time to get your order in for the iPhone SE with the variety of offers available right now.
If you don't need something brand new, refurbished devices are the way to go. When purchased from a reputable seller like Apple or Best Buy you can save a good amount and get hardware that looks and performs like new, though the latest products don't end up on sale as refurbished for a while after their release.
iPhone SE vs. iPhone 12 vs. iPhone 12 Pro: Which should you buy?
Given the different features — and drastically different prices — of the current lineup of iPhone models, your needs and budget both play a role in what iPhone is right for you That being said, today's line of iPhone devices share a lot of specs following the release of the 2020 iPhone SE, so you might surprise yourself with how little you have to spend for a great experience.
The iPhone SE (2020) is the most affordable iPhone in the current lineup, so if price is your main determining factor then this is the model you should be looking at. It starts at $399 which gets you the 4.7-inch device with 64GB of internal storage and a 12-megapixel camera. For most people, this will be plenty of space and a plenty good-enough camera for day-to-day usage. Anyone upgrading from an iPhone 6, iPhone 7, or iPhone 8 will feel instantly at home on the new device with the same form factor and Touch ID fingerprint sensor. Running the A13 Bionic chip (the same as the iPhone 11 series) the phone is really powerful and should last for many years of software updates. For the budget-conscious, or even most iPhone buyers, the new iPhone SE is a no-brainer.
If you want a larger, edge-to-edge screen and Apple's Face ID security, then the iPhone 12 series (or even the iPhone 11 or iPhone XR that Apple still sells) is for you. The iPhone 12 starts at $699 and comes in a bunch of gorgeous colors to suit your style. It comes in a 5.4-inch mini size or the regular 6.1-inch size and now has Apple's Super Retina XDR display. It also adds an ultra-wide camera on the back that can help you get more creative with your photography.
For the top specs, you want to check out the premium iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max. The Pro line gains a third rear camera for telephoto shots and comes with a stunning OLED display in 6.1- or 6.7-inch sizes and a stainless steel construction. You can also get it with as much as 512GB of internal storage. But these premium features come with premium prices that run from $999 to $1,399.
