The Cheapest iPhone Available

Australia loves the Apple iPhone. Industry estimates indicate that about 40% of Aussies who own a phone, own an Apple, which is almost higher than anywhere else in the world. 

The only problem with iPhones is that there are so darn expensive. The most recent batch, the iPhone 8 and iPhone X, all cost well over $1000, with the top model (iPhone X 256GB) costing a whopping $1829. Yikes.

Apple is also famous for not discounting its models over throughout the year. So the iPhone 8 and iPhone X are just as expensive now as they were on launch day. While the lure of the shiny and new can be hard to resist, you need to exercise a bit of self-control if you want a new iPhone and a bargain at the same time.

The truth is that while Apple improves the iPhone each year, the differences are just not worth the hundreds and extra dollars you need to pay. The computers get a little faster, and the cameras get tweaked, but overall, an iPhone is an iPhone is an iPhone. At the end of the day, you get all the same apps, which means you can do all of the same things, and this is the most important thing to consider.

iPhone SE

The pint-sized Apple iPhone SE is the cheapest iPhone you can buy on a plan, and for most people, this is more than enough for everything you'll use your phone for. It has the same power and components as the iPhone 6s, just in a smaller, pocket-friendly size and shape.

If you choose the iPhone SE, you'll get the phone and 2 years of phone service for less than the cost of a newer model. It’s a bargain that’s hard to go past.

iPhone 7 Plus

The smaller iPhone SE isn't for everyone, and if you prefer your phones to be bigger, the iPhone 7 Plus is your best bet. It has a big 5.5-inch screen and a 12-megapixel camera; just like the newer iPhone 8 Plus. It's only last year's model so you'll find everything feels as snappy and fast, you just won't pay as much.

If you keep your eyes peeled you might still find an iPhone 6s or iPhone 6s Plus, but stock is unreliable these days. Depending on the price difference, you'd be better to get the iPhone 7 either way. 

Lease the iPhone 8

If you have to have the latest and greatest, consider leasing the new iPhone 8 rather than buying it on a contract. Telstra and Optus both offer lease plans for newer phones, and you will save a bunch of money in the long term.

Lease deals are exactly what they sound like. You take the phone home, use it, and then you have the choice to return it after 12-months and get something else. Or you can choose to hang on to the phone and pay out the balance at the end of two years to keep the phone for good.

Joseph Hanlon is the publisher at Australia's most comprehensive telco comparison site WhistleOut.

As a result of services provided by us, WhistleOut Pty Ltd may pay The FiftyUp Club a portion of any fee of that they receive from their providers. These fees may be based on either referrals to third parties or on application or approval for products from third party providers.