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If you're looking for an iPhone, but don't want to spend a fortune, the iPhone SE (2020) is the handset for you. In this article we dig up the best prices currently available, as well as cheap bundle offers worth considering.
Since the arrival of the iPhone SE in April 2020 Apple has introduced four newer iPhones - and when Apple launched the 12-series handsets it also reduced the UK price of the iPhone SE from £419 to £399. (If you'd like to buy one of those newer handsets, by the way, browse our roundup of the best iPhone 12 deals.)
Alongside the SE and the 12 series, Apple is also still selling the iPhone 11 (we have a roundup of best iPhone 11 deals too). It's the most iPhones Apple has ever sold at one time, in fact.
In this article we look at all the places you can buy the iPhone SE (2020), both SIM-free and on contract. We also point out which retailers have the handset in stock at the best price.
How much does the iPhone SE cost?
Apple's most affordable iPhone starts at £399/US$399. You can get it for £269/US$259 if you trade in an older qualifying phone. It's available in a few different configurations:
- iPhone SE (2020, 64GB): £399 / $399 / AUD$529
- iPhone SE (2020, 128GB): £449 / $449 / AUD$829
- iPhone SE (2020, 256GB): £549 / $549 / AUD$999
In terms of design, it's closest to the iPhone 8, which means a 4.7in screen - not quite as small as the 4in original iPhone SE. The handset is a similar size to the iPhone 12 mini, but with a much smaller screen.
With the iPhone SE you get a 4.7in display with a 12MP rear-facing camera and 7MP front-facing camera, all powered by an A13 Bionic processor. You also get IP67 water and dust resistance. If you want to get into the build quality, speed testing, tech specs and other nitty-gritty, check out our review of the iPhone SE.
Where to buy the iPhone SE (2020) SIM-free
Apple sells the 60GB iPhone SE for £399/$399, the 128GB iPhone SE for £449/$449 and the 256GB model for £549/$549 - you can order from Apple and have it delivered the next day. But Apple's not the only place to buy the iPhone SE and it certainly isn't the cheapest - if any reseller is currently discounting the handset you will see the lower price below.
You can also buy it SIM-free from a number of other retailers:
Where to buy the iPhone SE (2020) on contract
You can pick up the new iPhone SE from a number of different networks.
Deals from O2 include 6 months of Disney Plus for free. The company also offers subscriptions to Audible with some of its bundles.
Other retailers offering the iPhone SE 2020 on contract:
We've also compared the original iPhone SE to the iPhone SE 2 if you want to know what kind of upgrades and differences to expect.
iPhone SE 2 (2020) trade-in discounts
Don't forget you can save when you trade in your old qualifying phone with Apple or other retailers participating in a trade-in programme.
Apple offers up to £130/US$140 off the SE 2 when you trade in your old iPhone. You'll have to select the trade-in option during purchase and answer a few questions about your existing phone model, storage capacity and condition. You'll need to provide your IMEI number as well. Read about Apple's Trade In scheme.
You can get even more money off if you trade-in via Currys PC World, which is offering up to £240 off the iPhone SE when you trade in an older iPhone. Head to Currys to see how much your device is worth.
However, the greatest discount comes from Amazon, which offers up to £400 off in trade-in value. See how Amazon's trade-in process works.
Apple reseller KRCS also offers a trade-in scheme.
iPhone SE (2020) refurbished deals
You can also save on the new iPhone SE 2 when you opt for refurbished.
Although you're buying a device that has been pre-owned, buying refurbished isn't the same as simply buying second-hand - the main difference being that the product has been repaired and rigorously tested to ensure it works just like new. Refurbished devices often come with additional warranty arrangements for peace of mind if you are to run into any issues after purchase.
MusicMagpie is a great source to shop for refurbished deals, although right now its prices are higher than Amazon's. You reduce the rate if you choose to trade-in your old device or old tech for cashback.
When shopping refurbished, look out for Apple Certified Refurbished products. These have been repaired, with parts replaced as needed, and thoroughly tested (and cleaned) to meet the Apple standard. You can find Apple Certified Refurbished iPhones from the Apple Refurbished Store.
Wondering if there's a more affordable option than the SE? We answer the question What is the cheapest iPhone? in a separate article.
