.png)
Looking for a good iPhone under $200 in 2025? You’re not alone. As new models get more expensive, budget-conscious shoppers are turning to Certified Used and Refurbished iPhones—especially those that still get the latest iOS updates. But not all sub-$200 iPhones are worth your money.
According to the UpTrade Price Tracker, only a few iPhone models under $200 still support iOS 26, Apple’s newest operating system. That means they’ll remain secure, fast, and compatible with modern apps for years to come. In this guide, we’ll show you the best iPhones to buy under $200, and which ones to avoid—even if the price looks tempting.
If you want a sub-$200 iPhone that still runs Apple’s latest software in 2025, the list is short—but strong. Based on UpTrade’s latest price data and Apple’s iOS support roadmap, we recommend two models:
Both offer excellent value, smooth performance, and guaranteed iOS 26 support—all while staying below the $200 mark when purchased Certified Used or Refurbished. These two models strike the right balance between affordability, performance, and longevity.
In the next sections, we’ll break down why each of these is worth considering—and why you should skip other models like the iPhone XR, XS, or SE 2nd Gen.
The iPhone 11 remains one of the best value smartphones you can buy under $200 in 2025. Originally launched in 2019, it still holds up thanks to its powerful A13 Bionic chip and modern features like Face ID, dual cameras, and a large 6.1-inch display.
iPhone 11 Specs
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.1" Liquid Retina HD (LCD) |
| Chipset | A13 Bionic |
| Rear Cameras | Dual 12MP (wide + ultra-wide) |
| Front Camera | 12MP TrueDepth |
| Biometrics | Face ID |
| Battery Life | Up to 17 hours video playback |
| 5G Support | No |
| iOS Support | iOS 26 (Supported in 2025) |
| Charging | Lightning, Qi wireless charging |
| Price (2025) | As low as $110 Certified Used |
Key highlights
If you prefer a smaller phone or want something ultra-light that still packs a punch, the iPhone SE (3rd Gen) is your best bet under $200. Released in 2022, this compact model uses the same A15 Bionic chip found in the iPhone 13, giving it incredible speed and efficiency for its size.
iPhone SE 3rd Gen Specs
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 4.7" Retina HD (LCD) |
| Chipset | A15 Bionic |
| Rear Camera | 12MP wide |
| Front Camera | 7MP FaceTime HD |
| Biometrics | Touch ID (Home Button) |
| Battery Life | Up to 15 hours video playback |
| 5G Support | Yes |
| iOS Support | iOS 26 (Supported in 2025) |
| Charging | Lightning, Qi wireless charging |
| Price (2025) | As low as $145 Certified Used |
Key highlights:
Not every iPhone under $200 is a good deal—especially in 2025, when long-term software support is critical. Some older models may look tempting due to their low prices, but they come with major drawbacks.
Here are three models you should avoid, even if they fall under the $200 mark:
While still widely available for under $150, the iPhone XR is no longer supported by iOS 26. That means no future software updates or security patches, making it a risky buy.
These premium phones from 2018 are now outdated. Despite strong cameras and OLED displays, they also lack iOS 26 support and are beginning to show performance limitations.
This one’s a gray area. It does support iOS 26 and starts around $130, but it's just not a great value anymore. For around $15–$25 more, you can get the iPhone SE 3rd Gen with a far better A15 chip, 5G support, and longer future updates. Unless you find a 2nd Gen SE for under $100, skip it.
Bottom line: If a phone doesn't support iOS 26, it's already aging out—and not worth your money, even at a discount.
Both the iPhone 11 and iPhone SE 3rd Gen offer excellent value under $200 in 2025. They support iOS 26, have reliable cameras, wireless charging, and fast processors. But they serve very different types of users—especially when it comes to display size, camera needs, and 5G support.
The iPhone 11 gives you a bigger 6.1-inch screen, a dual-camera system with ultra-wide lens, and Face ID. It’s better suited for those who want a more immersive display for video, social media, or casual photography. However, it lacks 5G, which means slower future network speeds as 4G coverage begins to phase out in some areas.
The iPhone SE 3rd Gen, on the other hand, is smaller and more compact, but runs on the A15 chip—a full two generations newer than the A13 in the iPhone 11. It also includes 5G support, making it more future-ready if you care about mobile speeds. Touch ID is a bonus for users who prefer fingerprint access over facial recognition.
| Feature | iPhone 11 | iPhone SE 3rd Gen |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.1" Liquid Retina HD | 4.7" Retina HD |
| Chipset | A13 Bionic | A15 Bionic |
| Rear Camera | Dual 12MP (Wide + Ultra-Wide) | Single 12MP (Wide) |
| Front Camera | 12MP TrueDepth | 7MP FaceTime HD |
| Biometrics | Face ID | Touch ID |
| 5G Support | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Battery Life | Up to 17 hours | Up to 15 hours |
| iOS Support | iOS 26 (Supported in 2025) | iOS 26 (Supported in 2025) |
| Wireless Charging | Yes | Yes |
| Price (2025) | Starting at $110 | Starting at $145 |
Choose iPhone SE 3rd Gen if 5G is important to you, or if you want the fastest performance in a smaller phone.
Choose iPhone 11 if you prefer a bigger screen, better camera versatility, and don’t mind using 4G LTE.
When shopping for budget iPhones under $200, where you buy matters just as much as what you buy. That’s why UpTrade exists—to help you compare Certified Used and Refurbished iPhones from trusted sellers like Apple Refurbished Store, Amazon Renewed, BestBuy Certified, and more.
Here’s why UpTrade gives you an edge:
If you're looking for the best iPhone under $200, UpTrade makes it simple, safe, and affordable.
👉 Check the latest Certified Used iPhone deals at UpTrade: https://uptradeit.com/buy-used-refurbished-apple
In 2025, it’s entirely possible to find a reliable, up-to-date iPhone under $200—but only if you choose the right model.
The iPhone 11 and iPhone SE 3rd Gen are the top two picks worth considering. Both support iOS 26, offer solid performance, and are priced as low as $110 and $145, respectively, when purchased Certified Used / Refurbished. The SE 3rd Gen even includes 5G and the A15 chip, making it one of the most powerful sub-$200 phones you can buy.
Skip the outdated XR, XS, or SE 2nd Gen—none of them offer the same combination of value, performance, and futureproofing.
Let UpTrade help you upgrade smarter. Compare real-time listings and grab the best deal today.
As of 2025, the iPhones under $200 that support iOS 26 are the iPhone 11, iPhone SE 2nd Gen and the iPhone SE 3rd Gen. All are available as Certified Used and Refurbished for as low as $110–$145 on UpTrade.
Yes. The iPhone 11 still runs smoothly in 2025 with its A13 chip, 6.1" display, dual cameras, and support for iOS 26. At prices as low as $110 Certified Used, it’s one of the best-value smartphones on the market.
Yes. The iPhone SE 3rd Gen is one of the only sub-$200 iPhones that supports 5G, making it a great futureproof choice in 2025.
No. The iPhone 11 only supports 4G LTE networks. While it still delivers strong performance and connectivity, it does not support 5G.
Not at all. Despite being released in 2019, the iPhone 11 still supports iOS 26, performs well in everyday use, and remains a great value buy in 2025.
No. Although the iPhone XR and XS are under $200, they do not support iOS 26 and will no longer receive feature updates or long-term security patches. They are not recommended in 2025.
No. Both iPhone XS and XR are not compatible with iOS 26. That means no new features or critical security updates going forward.
While both support iOS 26, the SE 3rd Gen has a faster A15 chip, 5G support, and longer future update life. The price difference is minimal, so we recommend choosing the SE 3rd Gen over the older SE 2nd Gen.
UpTrade helps you compare real-time prices on Certified Used and Refurbished iPhones from trusted sellers like Apple, Amazon, BestBuy, and Gazelle. Visit UpTrade to find the best deal today.
SaleSale© 2025 UpTrade Networks Inc. All Rights Reserved
