If you choose an iPhone, you know that you are not getting the cheapest smartphone. An iPhone is just like an expensive car: you choose the brand, design and ease of use and pay a premium price for it. If you are looking for a cheap iPhone, follow these five tips.
This is how you find a cheap iPhone
1. Don’t go for the latest model
It goes without saying that if you want a cheap iPhone, you shouldn’t go for Apple’s latest model. With every release of a new device, a shift takes place: with the appearance of the iPhone 8 (Plus), the price of the iPhone 7 (Plus) fell, while the iPhone 6S became even cheaper. The iPhone 6 is no longer produced by Apple, but is available at various web shops. The iPhone 6 is also widely available as a refurbished separate device.
What makes the slightly older iPhones attractive is the fact that Apple continues to provide them with updates for a long time. For example, the iPhone 5S from 2013 still runs on a recent iOS version. Apple’s support is excellent, ensuring the most important security updates and features. That is different for many Android manufacturers.
Every day we compare all iPhone offers from the best online shops in Dutch. As a result, we know exactly which device (with or without a subscription) is the most competitively priced. Follow the links below for the current offer.
- View all iPhone 8 with subscription offers
- View all iPhone 8 Plus with subscription offers
- View all iPhone 7 with subscription offers
- View all iPhone 7 Plus with subscription offers
- View all iPhone 6S with subscription offers
Buy a refurbished iPhone
A refurbished iPhone is an iPhone that has been used before, but has been cleaned, repaired and, where necessary, provided with new parts. It is therefore a second-hand phone that has been thoroughly checked for defects by the selling party. Apple itself currently only offers refurbished iPads, iPods and Macs, but there are countless parties in the Netherlands where you can go for refurbished iPhones. You usually get a 24-month warranty on the device.
Keep in mind that an iPhone that is handled with care will retain its value for a long time. That is advantageous if you sell the device, but of course disadvantageous if you are looking for an iPhone. Fortunately, more and more parties are offering refurbished iPhones at attractive prices. Do you want to buy a refurbished iPhone? The iPhone 7 is an attractive option:
3. Browse online auction sites
If you have enough time, you can scour online auction sites like Marktplaats and eBay in your search for a cheap iPhone. However, it is important that when you make a purchase, you check whether you are dealing with a reliable seller. Make sure you know who you are talking to and do not have the device shipped. Also check the condition of the device by following our checklist for buying a second-hand iPhone. This way you can be sure that there are no defects and that the phone is SIM-free.
Finally, it is important to check the serial or IMEI number. You can find this via ‘Settings> General> About’ and can use it to check whether a device has been stolen or not. Phone check is a party where you can enter an IMEI number to check if it has been reported stolen or missing. This method is not completely foolproof, but it can prevent a lot of trouble.
Compare prices
The range of iPhones and subscriptions is huge, making it difficult to find the best or cheapest offer. To make your search a little easier, you can use an iPhone buying guide. This price comparison tool checks the best subscriptions and deals daily and gives you the option to filter. This way you can indicate exactly what type of device you want and how much data, text messages and call minutes you need.
5. Calculate your costs over the entire term
You can of course go for a sim-only subscription and buy an iPhone separately, but if you cannot immediately lose hundreds of euros, a subscription is a smarter choice. To find a subscription with an Apple device that best suits your needs, it is best to use a price comparison tool.
However, do not focus solely on bargains and temporary offers, but calculate per subscription how much this will cost you over the entire term (12 or 24 months). That way you can compare subscriptions well and it is possible to determine exactly in which cases a SIM only is more attractive.
Do you have more tips for finding a cheap iPhone? Share them below!