Apple makes some of our absolute favorite phones on the market, and you don’t have to break the bank to get your hands on one. While the iPhone 14, the latest and greatest model in Apple’s flagship lineup, starts at $799, those who are after a more affordable option can snag the third-gen model of the budget-friendly iPhone SE series, which starts at just $429. And with tons of great offers from both carriers and retailers, there’s a good chance you can get one in your pocket for even less. We’ve rounded up some of the best deals and discounts available right now below.
One of the biggest upgrades to the newest version of the iPhone SE is that it supports 5G, so you’ll be able to get faster data speeds while out and about (if you’re in a 5G-compatible area). Apple upgraded the processor to its A15 Bionic chip, and the iPhone SE has the same tough glass that’s used on the iPhone 14 series. The SE has the same overall size and design as the previous model, which means there’s a Touch ID sensor on the front. A 12-megapixel camera on the back is even more powerful, thanks to the A15 processor.
Read more: Best iPhone SE Case for 2022
How much does the iPhone SE cost?
Base pricing for the iPhone SE (2022) starts at $429 (£419, AU$719) for the base model with 64GB of storage. You can bump that up to 128GB for $479 or 256GB for $579.Â
Watch this: Apple’s 2022 iPhone SE Is Equal Parts New and Old
What colors does the iPhone SE come in?
The iPhone SE is available in midnight (black), starlight (white) and Product Red.
Best iPhone SE deals
While the newest version of the iPhone SE doesn’t get quite the same amount of attention as the iPhone 14, there are still plenty of great deals to take advantage of. Below, you’ll find our roundup of the best offers out there to help you snag the iPhone SE for less.
If you prefer to buy your new iPhone right from the source, you can do that with the iPhone SE. Apple has all the carrier models along with the unlocked one. And if you’re looking to ditch your old phone to switch to the new SE, Apple is offering up to $630 off with an eligible trade-in. With a base price of $429, that means that you could theoretically get the new SE totally free but bear in mind that the trade-in value for older phones is much lower than that $630 figure. If your trade-in value exceeds the cost of your new phone, you’ll receive an Apple Gift Card for the remainder. If your trade-in doesn’t cover the full cost, you can pay the remaining cost in full, or split it into 24 months of interest-free payments when you use an Apple Card during checkout.
Though Best Buy isn’t offering any straightforward discounts on unlocked models of the iPhone SE at the moment, you can save up to $650 with an eligible trade-in. You’ll also get some added bonuses, like four free months of Apple Music and News Plus, as well as three free months of Apple TV Plus (for new subscribers).Â
Best Buy is offering some carrier discounts. AT&T customers can knock $100 off the starting price with a new line and same-day activation. And customers who use T-Mobile as their carrier can save up to $215 in monthly bill credits on their new iPhone SE. Just note that you’ll have to add a new line of service and choose the 24-month installment plan to get the discount. T-Mobile customers will also get an extra $100 in savings, on top of the usual value, when they trade in a used device. There aren’t any deals for Verizon customers, though they can still take advantage of Best Buy’s trade-in program.Â
While Verizon deals on upgrading existing lines are pretty slim right now, there is a great offer available if you’re looking to add a new line of service. When you buy an iPhone SE on a new line with any unlimited plan, you can save $430, which gets you the 64GB model for free. Just note that the discount will be applied in the form of monthly credits over a three-month period, even if you buy the phone outright.Â
Other promos at Verizon include $560 off an iPad and $300 off an Apple Watch SE with your iPhone SE purchase, though you’ll need to add a line of cellular service for these devices. Verizon is also offering $70 off a pair of Beats Fit Pro earbuds with the iPhone SE.Â
Save over 50% on the cost of the iPhone SE at AT&T when you purchase on an installment plan, which drops the price down of $5 per month for 36 months. The deal requires a new or upgraded line on an eligible unlimited plan and the discount will be provided via bill credits.Â
T-Mobile is offering deals to new and existing customers right now. New customers can save $215 via monthly bill credits when adding a new line of service on an eligible service plan. And both new and existing customers can save hundreds with an eligible trade-in. People who have or switch to a Go5G Plus plan can get the iPhone SE for free, and those on a regular Go5G plan can still save up to $350 with an eligible trade-in. Trade-ins on other service plans can save you up to $200.Â
Spectrum is another carrier that has the 2022 iPhone SE available for purchase, though the deals there are pretty slim. The only offer available is an extra $100 on top of the estimated value of your device with a qualifying trade-in and a new line of service.
Metro has the best prepaid offer of any retailer or carrier out there at the moment. When you purchase an iPhone SE at full retail price and switch your existing number over to Metro’s $40-per-month unlimited data plan, you’ll get an instant $330 rebate. Meaning you’re getting the iPhone SE for a single $100 purchase, rather than discounted via monthly credits. Those who don’t have a number to switch over can still save $100 with the activation of a new line on a qualifying Metro plan. If you’re looking to purchase your phone outright, this is the best offer you’ll find, though you’ll have to actually go to the store in person to claim it.
Note: Because Metro is owned by T-Mobile, this offer is not available to those switching their number from an existing T-Mobile plan.