What is the best value iPhone to buy in 2025?

The iPhone 13 and iPhone SE 3rd Gen are considered the best value iPhones in 2025. They offer a strong balance between performance, camera quality, and price—making them ideal for budget-conscious buyers in Australia.

Are older iPhones like the iPhone 11 and 12 still worth buying in Australia?

Yes, refurbished iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 models are still worth buying in 2025. They offer solid performance, decent cameras, and iOS update support, all at a fraction of the cost of newer models like the iPhone 15 or 16.

Which iPhone offers the most features for the lowest price?

The iPhone SE 3rd Gen provides powerful performance with the A15 chip, iOS updates, and a compact design—all at one of the lowest price points. It's ideal if you want essential features without spending much.

How do refurbished iPhones compare to new iPhones in terms of value?

Refurbished iPhones provide similar functionality and performance as new ones but at much lower prices. They’re tested, certified, and often come with warranties, making them a great value option for Aussie buyers in 2025.

How can I choose the right iPhone model based on my budget?

Start by setting a clear budget, then compare models like the iPhone SE for entry-level, iPhone 12 or 13 for mid-range, and iPhone 14 Pro or 15 for premium features. Look at performance, camera specs, and iOS support to get the most value for your money in 2025.

Reviews Buying Guides10 Apr 2025Posted byLiam Harris

7 Best Value iPhones in Australia

We’ve just wrapped up the first quarter of the year, which means it’ll be a few more months before the iPhone 17 hits the shelves. But if you’re not keen on waiting or paying top dollar, now is a great time to grab a high-quality iPhone at a lower price.

Whether you wish to replace your existing phone, make the switch to iOS, or are simply hunting for a smart buy, we’ve rounded up some of the best iPhone phones available in Australia right now. Without further ado, let's get on with it.

What Makes an iPhone a Good Value Option?

If you're wondering which iPhone is the best iPhone, it's all about finding a model that gives you the most bang for your buck, a good mix of solid performance, modern features, and long-term reliability without paying top dollar.

iPhones tend to hold their performance well over time, thanks to Apple’s powerful chips and regular software updates. That means even models from a few years ago can still run smoothly, handle the latest apps, and take great photos — all for a much lower price than the newest release.

Besides, you don’t need the latest iPhone to enjoy top features. Many affordable iPhones still have all the key things you expect from Apple, like high-quality cameras, fast processors, sharp displays, and easy access to the full Apple ecosystem.

And then there’s Apple’s ecosystem. Whether you’ve got a Mac, iPad, AirPods, or Apple Watch, everything works together smoothly. Plus, iPhones get software updates longer than most Android phones, keeping your device current and secure for years.

Some of the standout features of affordable iPhones include:

Camera: Dual or triple-lens systems with features like Night Mode, Portrait Mode, and 4K video.
Chip: Fast A-series processors (A13, A14, A15, etc.) that handle multitasking, gaming, and more.
Design: Sleek, premium builds with durable glass and aluminium frames.
Battery: All-day battery life and power-efficient performance.
iOS Updates: Ongoing support with the latest iOS versions for 4–6 years.

7 Best Value iPhones to Consider in 2025

iPhone 16 Pro Max starts from A$1,799
iPhone 15 starts from A$899
iPhone 14 Pro starts from A$919
iPhone 13 starts from A$569
iPhone 12 starts from A$499
iPhone 11 starts from A$369
iPhone SE 3rd Gen starts from A$299

iPhone 16 Pro Max

The iPhone 16 Pro Max may not be the best budget handset available, but it's undoubtedly one of the best iPhone phones you can get for all-around performance. This model comes with a bunch of upgrades, including a premium battery, a new Camera Control button, iOS 18 features, and some exciting Apple Intelligence tools that make everything smarter and smoother.

It’s also easily the best iPhone for camera, with its impressive 48MP Fusion camera and telephoto lens for sharp, clear shots. So, if you want an iPhone that’s fast, feature-packed, and ready to handle anything, the 16 Pro Max is perfect.

While the brand-new model is priced at about $2,149 for 256GB of memory, you can get a refurbished iPhone 16 Pro Max at a much lower cost and still get all these amazing features.

Key Specifications:

Display: 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR OLED
Processor and RAM: A18 Pro chip and 8GB RAM
Storage: 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB options
Camera: Fusion: 48MP, ƒ/1.78 aperture, Ultra-Wide: 48MP, ƒ/2.2 aperture, Telephoto: 12MP, ƒ/2.8 aperture
Battery Life: Up to 33 hours of video playback

iPhone 15

With the iPhone 16 now out, the iPhone 15 is getting a nice price cut. If you're looking to upgrade from an older iPhone, the refurbished iPhone 15 is worth considering.

It sports some pretty awesome specs like the Dynamic Island, a USB-C port for faster and more convenient charging, and a camera setup that’s sharp and impressive, especially with the improved digital zoom.

If you’re upgrading from an older model, you’ll notice the difference in performance and camera quality.

Key Specifications:

Display: 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED
Processor & RAM: A17 Pro chip with 6 GB RAM
Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB options
Cameras: 48MP main camera, 12MP ultrawide and12MP telephoto (3X optical zoom on Pro, 5X optical zoom on Pro Max)
Battery Life: Up to 20 hours of video playback

iPhone 14 Pro

The iPhone 14 Pro isn’t available from Apple anymore, but the refurbished iPhone 14 Pro gives you another chance to grab it at a great price, often around half the cost of the 16 Pro Max.

Sure, it’s not the newest on the block. You won’t get features like Apple Intelligence, and the screen isn’t as large or smooth. But if you're looking to buy cheap iPhones in Australia that have a compact design and solid performance, the 14 Pro is a sweet deal.

It’s got the same body, screen, and chip as the iPhone 13, and all of that still holds up really well in 2025.

Key Specifications:

Display: 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED
Processor: A16 Bionic chip
Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB options
Camera: 48MP main camera, 12MP ultrawide and 12MP 3x telephoto
Battery Life: Up to 23 hours of video playback

iPhone 13

The iPhone 13 might be a bit older now, but it’s still a solid choice. It’s pretty similar to the iPhone 14, with just a slightly less impressive camera. But if you’re not too fussed about having the latest and greatest camera, it’s a smart pick. Plus, you can still grab it at a good price!

Even though it’s been around for a while, you can still find the refurbished iPhone 13 for sale. This model is perfect if you're after great AV performance without paying top dollar.

Key Specifications

Display: 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED
Processor: A15 Bionic chip
Storage: 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB options
Camera: 12MP main camera and 12MP ultrawide
Battery Life: Up to 19 hours of video playback

iPhone 12

The iPhone 12 was a big step forward for Apple when it came out, introducing cool features like 5G, MagSafe charging, and a Ceramic Shield display. Even in 2025, it’s still a solid and future-proof choice for anyone looking for a premium iPhone at a more affordable price.

With the A14 Bionic chip, a compact size, and the ability to shoot HDR video with Dolby Vision, a refurbished iPhone 12 will offer you great performance and high-quality visuals, all at a great value.

If you want the best value iPhone without spending too much, the iPhone 12 is a great pick.

Key Specifications:

Display: 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED
Processor: A14 Bionic chip
Storage: 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB options
Camera: 12MP, ƒ/1.6 aperture main lens and 12MP, ƒ/2.4 aperture Ultra-Wide camera
Battery Life: Up to 17 hours of video playback

iPhone 11

Ask anyone still using a refurbished iPhone 11 in 2025, and they’ll probably tell you it still does the job just fine. Sure, newer models have some fancy features, but for everyday stuff like texting, snapping pics, and scrolling the web, the iPhone 11 still holds up.

Sometimes, it feels like we have to upgrade, but honestly, if your phone works well, why mess with it? The iPhone 11 is a reliable, no-fuss option that gets things done. It doesn’t have 5G, but for most people, that’s not a deal-breaker, especially when you're looking for the best iPhone price.

Key Specifications:

Display: 6.1-inch Liquid Retina HD
Processor: A13 Bionic chip
Storage: 64GB and 128GB options
Camera: 12MP, ƒ/1.8 aperture main camera12MP and ƒ/2.4 aperture Ultra-Wide lens
Battery Life: Up to 17 hours of video playback

iPhone SE 3rd Gen

Forget the spendy flagship phones. If you're after Apple’s iPhone cheapest phone that still works great, the refurbished iPhone SE 3rd Gen is a solid choice. It’s small, fast, and does everything you need without breaking the bank.

It has the same A15 Bionic chip as the iPhone 13, so it’s super quick. Whether you’re browsing, texting, or watching videos, it’ll handle it all smoothly. Plus, it has Touch ID and a compact design, which is perfect if you love small phones.

Key Specifications

Display: 4.7-inch Retina HD
Storage: 64GB and 128GB options
Processor: A15 Bionic chip (same as iPhone 13)
Single 12MP rear camera
Battery Life: Up to 15 hours of video playback.

Why Refurbished iPhones Are the Smartest Buy

So, why go for Apple refurbished iPhones? The answer is simple. You save money and still get a phone that’s been tested, cleaned, and restored to like-new condition. Here’s why refurbished iPhones are such a great deal:

Price Savings—You can get a high-quality iPhone without paying full price while still enjoying the latest iPhones and prices at a fraction of the cost.
Warranty—Many refurbished iPhones come with a warranty, so you’ve got peace of mind if anything goes wrong.
Tested Quality—Second-hand Phones are thoroughly checked and fixed up to make sure they work just like new.
Eco-Friendly—Buying refurbished helps reduce e-waste and gives phones a second life, which is great for the planet.

Where to Buy Cheap iPhones in Australia

If you want to buy cheap iPhones in Australia, check out Phonebot. We’ve got a great selection of refurbished iPhones at awesome prices. All our iPhones for sale are tested and come with a warranty, so you know you're getting a quality product. Whether you’re after the latest model or something more budget-friendly, we make it easy to find a great deal.

Posted by Liam Harris

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Liam Harris

I’m Liam Harris, a tech writer at Phonebot with a passion for technology. I provide trusted insights on refurbished phones, tablets, and accessories, focusing on quality, sustainability, and affordability. With a solid understanding of the refurbished market, I offer practical tips, product comparisons, and the latest tech updates to help you make informed decisions. My goal is to connect you with high-quality devices that fit your budget and lifestyle. Stay tuned for more on the best in refurbished tech here at Phonebot.

7 Best Value iPhones in Australia

What Makes an iPhone a Good Value Option?