Skip to content

Independent site. Some links are affiliate links and we may earn a commission at no cost to you. How it works

NiceTwiceTech
es
Buying guide

Which iPhone should you buy in 2026? New and refurbished, by budget

From the iPhone SE to the iPhone 18 Pro: which iPhone to buy in 2026 depending on your budget, and when new or refurbished makes more sense.

NiceTwiceTech editorial team 1 min read

Contents
  1. If you want to spend as little as possible
  2. The sweet spot (what we'd recommend to almost everyone)
  3. If you want Apple Intelligence
  4. If you want the latest
  5. New or refurbished?
  6. Before buying a refurbished iPhone
  7. Summary

Choosing an iPhone in 2026 is easier than it looks if you start with how much you want to spend and how many years you'll keep it. Here's our cheat sheet.

If you want to spend as little as possible

The sweet spot (what we'd recommend to almost everyone)

Torn between two? We compare them in iPhone 13 vs iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 vs iPhone 15.

If you want Apple Intelligence

Apple's AI features only work on the iPhone 15 Pro and later. If they matter to you:

If you want the latest

New or refurbished?

  • iPhone from 1–3 years ago → refurbished. You save a lot and it's still more than enough.
  • Current iPhone → usually new. The price gap is small and you get a fresh battery and the full warranty.

More detail in new or refurbished phone?.

Before buying a refurbished iPhone

  1. Check the guaranteed battery health or go for a new battery. We show you how to check it in two minutes.
  2. Go for 128GB minimum: 64GB fills up fast.
  3. Check the listing's warranty.

Summary

Tight budget: iPhone SE or iPhone 12. Best balance: refurbished iPhone 13 or 15. With Apple Intelligence: refurbished iPhone 15 Pro or a new iPhone 16. The latest: iPhone 18 Pro.

Frequently asked questions

Which iPhone is the best value in 2026?

For most people, a refurbished iPhone 13 or iPhone 15. The 13 is the most balanced if you want to spend little; the 15 adds USB-C, the Dynamic Island and a 48MP main camera.

Which iPhone do I need for Apple Intelligence?

Apple Intelligence works on the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max and the iPhone 16 family and later. The standard iPhone 15 isn't supported.

Is the iPhone 18 Pro worth it?

If you want the latest and will keep it for years, yes. If you'd rather save, a one- or two-year-old refurbished model gives you a very similar experience for much less.

This article may contain affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you; it doesn't influence our recommendations. How affiliate links work

Keep reading