The best iPhone SE deals for December 2024

If you're an Apple fan on a budget, this week's best iPhone SE deals should be your first port of call. Not only is the device the cheapest in the current range from Apple, but it's been around for a while now - meaning most carriers are readily offering excellent iPhone SE deals across the board. Both prepaid and major carriers are have great options right now and we've listed and compared them all just below.

iPhone SE 2022 deals: quick links

Apple iPhone SE 2022 on orange background

(Image credit: Future)

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1.
This week's best deals
2. Mini-review

Retailing for $429 puts the new iPhone SE 2022 just a tad more expensive than its 2020 predecessor - which retailed for $399. While that's a bummer for those who were hoping this palm-friendly device was going to get cheaper, there's a lot going on under the hood with this new entry that's looking to justify that extra cost.

Primarily, a huge processor upgrade to the latest Apple A15 Bionic chip means that this small but mighty device is now (almost unbelievably) matching the iPhone 13 flagship when it comes to outright power. Not only is it super speedy, but having the latest Apple silicone allows better battery life, the latest iOS 15, and enables the device to squeeze out a few improvements to its single 12MP camera.

For those looking for a robust palm-friendly design that harkens back to older smartphone designs, it's a fantastic choice. Even better still, this week's iPhone SE 2022 deals allow you to pick it up for way cheaper than the iPhone 13 and other more expensive Apple devices.

If you'd like to read more about this device, head on down to the bottom of the page for a full specs breakdown and mini-review. Also worth checking out is our main iPhone deals page, where we directly compare this device against its more expensive siblings.

Apple iPhone SE 2022 deals

Apple iPhone SE 2022: free with unlimited plan at Verizon

Apple iPhone SE 2022: free with unlimited plan at Verizon

Verizon's been offering the iPhone SE 2022 for free alongside a new line on an unlimited data plan for a while now and it remains one of the strongest options out there right now since you don't need to trade-in any device to be eligible. While the iPhone 15, iPhone 16, and other devices are also available for free with similar promotions right now they usually require a line on one of the pricier unlimited plans rather than 'any' plan.

Apple iPhone SE 2022: $1.99/mo with an unlimited data plan at AT&T

Apple iPhone SE 2022: $1.99/mo with an unlimited data plan at AT&T
AT&T is currently offering the iPhone SE for just $2 per month alongside an unlimited data plan - a very strong option considering you don't even need the usual trade-in criteria to be eligible. This is, so far, the cheapest we've seen this device at the carrier so it's highly recommended if you want a decent phone on a budget. If you're looking to trade, we'd also highly recommend going for a more premium device - such as the iPhone 16 series, which are available with trade-in rebates of up to $1,000 off.

Apple iPhone SE (refurbished): starting at $150 at Back Market

Apple iPhone SE (refurbished): starting at $150 at Back Market
The best source for refurb (and discounted) iPhone SE deals in general is Back Market. This site not only has a wide range of stock at great prices but you'll also get one full year of warranty and a device that's guaranteed to work by professionals. These devices are also fully unlocked so they should work with any carrier.

Apple iPhone SE 2022$379.99 now $149.99 with new plan at Total by Verizon

Apple iPhone SE 2022: was $379.99 now $149.99 with new plan at Total by Verizon
One of the cheapest iPhone SE 2022 deals you'll find anywhere on the market right now is over at Total by Verizon. This prepaid carrier is giving the device away for just $149 right now, although you will need to be porting your number over from another carrier to be eligible. You'll also need to be on either the $50/mo or $60/mo unlimited plan to get this deal, which aren't the cheapest possible plans at Total. They are, however, still much cheaper than the parent companies unlimited plans.

Apple iPhone SE 2022: $379.99$179 with a plan at Straight Talk

Apple iPhone SE 2022: $379.99 $179 with a plan at Straight Talk
Straight Talk is one of the easiest ways and cheapest ways to get yourself a new iPhone SE without paying full or trading in. Right now, all you need is a new line at the carrier and you'll be entitled to an iPhone SE for just $180, which is a fair price considering how cheap this carriers plans are. While we've seen the carrier offer the device for just $99 previously, the fact that the device unlocks after 2 months on a plan means this is still a really great option.

Apple iPhone SE 2022: get up to $650 off with a trade-in at Apple

Apple iPhone SE 2022: get up to $650 off with a trade-in at Apple
The best, cheapest, and only route available to those looking for an unlocked device is to go via Apple itself. While there aren't any discounts on the official store, Apple runs its own trade-in program that can be useful for getting a discount while offering a convenient way to get rid of your old device. Right now, the maximum saving is $600 but you won't get anywhere near that unless you're handing over a very highly valued device - you'll only get $80 for a second-generation iPhone SE for example.

iPhone SE 2022 deals: what you need to know

Apple iPhone SE 2022: specs

Apple iPhone SE 2022 in Midnight, Starlight, and Product Red

(Image credit: Apple)

OS: iOS 15 | Screen size: 4.7-inch Liquid Retina| Resolution: 750 x 1334 | CPU: Apple A15 Bionic | Memory: 4GB | Weight: 144g |Storage: 64 / 128 / 256| Battery: N/A | Rear camera: 12MP wide | Front camera: 7MP

So, it's here - Apple's new budget iOS device - is it worth it? Well, first off, if you're looking for a resoundingly powerful device for under $500 then the answer is definitely yes. The Apple A15 Bionic chip in this device is not only the same powerful processor that's found in the more premium iPhone 13 device, but it'll easily outperform most rival mid-range devices from Samsung, Google, and the like.

With the latest tech under the hood, not only are you getting super zippy performance with this small device, but you'll unlock 5G capabilities, more algorithmic-based improvements for your camera, and, on the whole, much improved battery life all around. It's quite simply a fully featured, modern iPhone for a fraction of the price of the latest iPhone 13.

Having such a powerful chip under the hood comes with a compromise, however. By far the biggest drawback of the iPhone SE 2022 is that it features essentially the same basic design as the 2020 model - which itself was based on the iPhone 8. Aside from improvements to toughen up the screen, this means you're still getting those chunky bezels and smaller 4.7-inch display. Considering even mid-range devices from the competition offer bezel-less displays and generally much bigger displays, the iPhone SE 2022 does look dated in comparison.

If you're cool with this then it's all good - this will be a great device for your needs. Not only does the new chip massively extend the life-cycle of this device thanks to its support for 5G, but Apple has guaranteed software updates for many years to come. Out the box, the iPhone SE 2022 also comes with the latest iOS 15 operating system.

Alex Whitelock
Deals Editor

Alex is TechRadar's deals editor, specializing in getting our readers the bang bang for the buck on the tech that we know and love. He's a dab hand at covering retailer events like Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day having over seven years of e-commerce experience at Future PLC; including bylines at our sister sites T3 and GamesRadar. Alex's expertise touches on most areas of TechRadar but he has a particular love for phones, laptops, and cameras, being an avid photographer. Outside of work, you'll find him indulging his love for street and travel photography, at home working on music, or down at the local climbing gym.