Top 10 iPhones Under £500 UK – 2026 Deals at LowPricePhones

Looking for the best iPhone deals under £500 in the UK in 2026? You’re in the right place.

At LowPricePhones, we’ve analysed current UK market prices, seasonal discounts, refurbished offers, and SIM‑free deals to bring you the top 10 iPhones you can buy for under £500 this year.

With rising flagship prices, finding a premium Apple device within budget can feel difficult — but 2026 deals make it possible. Whether you want strong performance, great cameras, long iOS support, or solid resale value, there are excellent options available right now.

Let’s explore the best iPhone deals under £500 in the UK.

Why Buy an iPhone Under £500 in 2026?

You might think £500 won’t get you a powerful iPhone — but that’s no longer true.

Here’s what you can expect:

• A14, A15, and even A16 Bionic chips
• Excellent camera performance
• 4K video recording
• 5G connectivity
• iOS updates for several years
• Strong resale value
• Premium build quality

Many of these models were originally priced between £699 and £1,099 at launch — meaning you’re getting flagship performance at mid-range prices.

Now let’s get into the top picks.

1. iPhone 13 – Best Overall iPhone Under £500

Average UK Deal Price (2026): £449–£499

The iPhone 13 remains the best value iPhone under £500.

Why It’s Worth Buying:

• A15 Bionic chip (still extremely fast)
• Dual 12MP camera system
• Excellent video recording
• 5G support
• Long battery life

Performance remains smooth in 2026, and it still handles gaming, multitasking, and photography effortlessly. If you want the safest, most balanced choice — this is it.

LowPricePhones verdict: Best overall deal.

2. iPhone 13 Mini – Compact Powerhouse

Average Price: £399–£449

Prefer smaller phones? The iPhone 13 Mini is perfect.

Key Highlights:

• Same A15 chip as iPhone 13
• Compact 5.4-inch display
• Lightweight design
• Great camera performance

It’s ideal for one‑handed use and fits easily in pockets. Performance is identical to the standard iPhone 13.

Best for users who want power in a smaller size.

3. iPhone 12 Pro – Premium Feel for Less

Average Price: £449–£499 (Refurbished Excellent Condition)

The iPhone 12 Pro brings flagship materials at a mid-range price.

Why It Stands Out:

• Stainless steel frame
• Triple-camera system with LiDAR
• 6GB RAM
• ProRAW photography

Even in 2026, it feels premium. If you want a “Pro” experience under £500, this is a strong pick.

4. iPhone 14 – Newer Design Under Budget

Average Price: £479–£499 (Deals & Refurbished)

The iPhone 14 looks similar to the iPhone 13 but includes subtle improvements.

Features:

• A15 chip (5-core GPU version)
• Crash Detection
• Improved low-light photography
• Excellent battery life

If you find it under £500, it’s one of the best modern iPhone deals available.

5. iPhone 12 – Budget-Friendly & Reliable

Average Price: £329–£399

Still a popular choice in 2026.

Why Consider It:

• A14 Bionic chip
• OLED display
• 5G support
• Strong camera system

For under £400, this is one of the cheapest ways to get a reliable 5G iPhone.

6. iPhone SE (3rd Gen) – Cheapest New iPhone Option

Average Price: £299–£349

If budget is tight, this is the most affordable iPhone option.

Highlights:

• A15 Bionic chip
• Compact design
• Touch ID
• 5G support

Performance is excellent, but the design is older with thicker bezels. Still, it’s powerful for the price.

7. iPhone 12 Pro Max – Big Screen Bargain

Average Price: £499 (Refurbished)

Want a larger display?

Why It’s Great:

• 6.7-inch OLED screen
• Triple camera system
• Excellent battery life
• Premium build

If you find it just under £500 in excellent condition, it’s fantastic value.

8. iPhone 11 Pro – Still Capable in 2026

Average Price: £299–£379

While older, it still performs well for everyday tasks.

Features:

• A13 Bionic chip
• Triple cameras
• OLED display
• Solid battery life

Best for light users who don’t need the latest features.

9. iPhone 13 Pro (Occasional Deals)

Average Price: Around £499 (Limited Refurb Deals)

Sometimes available under £500 during major sales.

Why It’s Special:

• 120Hz ProMotion display
• Triple camera with telephoto
• A15 chip
• Premium stainless steel build

If you spot it under £500 — grab it quickly.

10. iPhone 14 Plus (Flash Deals)

Average Price: Just Under £500 (Rare Offers)

Large screen lovers should watch for flash sales.

What You Get:

• 6.7-inch display
• Excellent battery life
• A15 chip
• Modern design

Deals are limited but worth checking regularly at LowPricePhones.

SIM-Free vs Refurbished – What’s Better?

At LowPricePhones, we recommend:

• SIM-free new models for long-term reliability
• Refurbished “Excellent” condition for maximum savings

Always buy from trusted UK retailers offering:

• Warranty (minimum 12 months)
• Battery health guarantee (85%+)
• Return policy

Refurbished models can save you £100–£250 compared to new devices.

Are iPhones Under £500 Still Worth It in 2026?

Absolutely.

Apple’s long software support means even older models continue receiving iOS updates for years. Performance remains strong thanks to Apple’s powerful chips.

For most users — social media, photography, video, browsing, streaming — these devices are more than enough.

Quick Comparison Table

FAQs – iPhone Deals Under £500 UK 2026

1. What is the best iPhone under £500 in 2026?

The iPhone 13 offers the best balance of performance, camera quality, and battery life.

2. Is refurbished iPhone safe to buy?

Yes, if purchased from trusted UK sellers with warranty and battery health guarantees.

3. Will these iPhones get iOS updates?

Most models listed (iPhone 12 and newer) should continue receiving updates for several years.

4. Is iPhone 11 still worth buying?

For light users, yes. But for better longevity, choose iPhone 12 or newer.

5. Are contract deals cheaper than SIM-free?

Sometimes upfront cost is lower, but always compare total 24‑month cost.

6. Which iPhone under £500 has best battery life?

iPhone 13, iPhone 14 Plus, and iPhone 12 Pro Max offer the strongest battery performance.

Final Verdict – Best iPhone Deal Under £500 in UK 2026

At LowPricePhones, our top recommendation is the iPhone 13. It delivers the best combination of price, performance, camera quality, and long-term value.

If you want:

• Premium feel → iPhone 12 Pro
• Compact phone → iPhone 13 Mini
• Cheapest option → iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
• Big screen → iPhone 12 Pro Max

The good news? In 2026, you don’t need to spend £1,000 to get a powerful iPhone.

Keep checking LowPricePhones for the latest UK deals, flash discounts, and verified lowest prices — because the best offers don’t stay live for long.