Best iPhones Under $300 in 2026: My Budget Shortlist
The iPhone 13, iPhone 12 and SE (2022) offer different ways to spend $300. Compare storage, screens and condition before buying used.
The iPhone 13 is where I would start with a $300 budget. You get an OLED display, dual cameras, 5G and 128GB of starting storage—a useful combination for everyday use without moving into more expensive Pro models.
Getting a sound example within the budget is the important part. The iPhone 12 leaves more room to spend on condition or storage, while the SE (2022) suits someone who wants a smaller Home button phone. Each offers a different way to make the money count.
My quick pick: Start with the iPhone 13 if the final bill fits. The iPhone 12 is the better fallback when you need room for tax or a healthier battery. Choose the SE (2022) only if you prefer its small Home button design.
Quick comparison
| Model | Price reference | Useful features | Main compromise |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 13 | US$295 average listing | 128GB base; OLED; sensor-shift main camera | 60Hz; Lightning; fixed-focus selfie camera |
| iPhone 12 | US$219 average listing | OLED and 5G at a lower used price | 64GB base; compare battery cost |
| iPhone SE (2022) | US$159 average listing | A15, 5G and Touch ID | Small LCD; one rear camera |
US used listing averages, 7 October 2026, before tax and delivery. Storage, carrier and condition vary. New retail prices are labelled separately; an average is not a guaranteed offer.
iPhone 13: a balanced everyday option
The iPhone 13 brings together a 6.1-inch OLED display, A15 chip, 5G and 128GB of starting storage. That combination is why I recommend this option for someone buying one phone to handle messaging, photos, navigation and entertainment.
Its main camera has sensor-shift stabilisation, and there is an ultrawide for a wider scene. You also get 4K Dolby Vision recording. Those are useful tools for everyday pictures and clips, even though you are missing a dedicated telephoto camera and ProMotion.
My hesitation is the price of the actual unit. A $295 average is not a $295 guarantee for an unlocked 128GB handset in good condition. If shipping and tax take it over $300, it belongs outside a strict total budget unless the seller reduces the price.
I would accept cosmetic wear before accepting unclear battery condition or broken Face ID. A case can cover marks on the back. It cannot make a faulty camera or authentication system work properly.
iPhone 12: the option that leaves more money in your pocket
The iPhone 12 is worth comparing when the 13 stretches your budget too far. It still gives you a 6.1-inch OLED, 5G and dual rear cameras. At the $219 marketplace average, there is a more comfortable gap below the spending ceiling.
That gap could help you buy a better-condition phone or a higher storage option. The entry model has 64GB, so compare capacity carefully before treating two listings as equivalent. I recommend paying a sensible premium for enough storage rather than buying a phone that is already too limited for your needs.
The 13 has the newer chip and improvements including sensor-shift stabilisation on its main camera. If the final price difference is small for comparable units, I would move to the 13. If the 12 is substantially cheaper, it has a clearer reason to exist on this list.
Battery condition needs particular attention on a handset of this age. Ask for recent information and test charging during the return window, instead of assuming the launch battery rating describes a used phone in 2026.
iPhone SE (2022): spend less if small is what you want
I recommend considering the SE for someone who actively likes a compact Home button iPhone. Its A15 and 5G support mean it is not merely the cheapest old handset in the shop. The $159 average also leaves a meaningful portion of the budget unspent.
However, I do not recommend it simply because it is newer than the iPhone 12. The 4.7-inch LCD, single rear camera and lack of Night mode change the experience more noticeably than a model year in a listing.
If you mostly make calls and use a few lightweight apps, that trade can be sensible. If you watch a lot of video or take photos at night, the larger dual-camera options deserve the extra attention. Your own routine should settle this comparison.
How I would choose between two listings
Put the storage, carrier status, battery information, warranty and delivered price beside each other. Then compare the model. A very cheap phone with unknown history is not equivalent to a tested unit with a return window.
All three are included in Apple's current iOS 27 compatibility list. Still, check the requirements of the apps I rely on and avoid a seller's promise of an exact number of future updates. Buy the phone for what it can do now.
Compare the hardware in our iPhone 13 specifications page before choosing storage and accessories.
My verdict
The iPhone 13 offers the most balanced starting point in this shortlist, with its OLED display, dual cameras and 128GB base storage. I recommend checking it first, provided the final price fits your budget and the condition is good.
The iPhone 12 is worth choosing when it leaves a meaningful saving or gives you better storage and condition. The SE (2022) suits someone who specifically wants a smaller Home button phone. Each has a place here; the best value depends on what you need.
Frequently asked questions
Is the iPhone 13 always under $300?
No. The $295 figure is an October 7 marketplace average across listings. Storage, condition, carrier status and checkout charges can put a particular phone above $300.
Should I buy an iPhone 12 or 13?
For a small price gap and comparable condition, I would favour the 13. A much cheaper 12 can make sense, especially if it offers more usable storage.
Do these phones support 5G?
Yes, the iPhone 12, iPhone 13 and SE (2022) support 5G. Check the regional model and your network before importing.
For a complete recording setup, read our iPhone content creation guide under $500.