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 round up the best holiday and Christmas deals currently available for December 2021, as well as cheap bundle offers worth considering.
We look at the best places to buy the iPhone SE (2020), both SIM-free and on contract, identifying which retailers which have the handset in stock, and which offer the best price. If you want to get yourself an iPhone SE, read on for the best deals.
For expert present-giving advice, take a look at our Apple gift guide.
How much does the iPhone SE cost?
Apple’s most affordable iPhone starts at £389/US$399. (You can get it for less if you trade in an older qualifying phone.) It’s currently available in two configurations:
- iPhone SE (2020, 64GB): £399 / $399 / AUD$679
- iPhone SE (2020, 128GB): £439 / $449 / AUD$759
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 64GB iPhone SE for £389/$399 and the 128GB iPhone SE for £439/$449 – you can order from Apple and have it delivered the next day.
Apple isn’t the only place where you can buy the iPhone SE, and you’ll see the lowest prices from other retailers in the automatic pricing table below. Because it’s a relatively cheap device, don’t expect a huge discount. In the past few weeks we’ve seen £384 from AO and £378.97 from Laptops Direct, but both deals appear to have come to an end; we’re back to RRP (or higher!) across the board.
You can also buy the iPhone SE SIM-free from a number of other retailers:
- Affordable Mobiles – Free next-day delivery
- Amazon – Free next-day delivery with Amazon Prime (but stock may be limited, particularly on the cheaper models)
- Argos – 2-day standard delivery available for £3.95
- Carphone Warehouse – Free next-day delivery; buy on contract and get free Apple AirPods
- Currys PC World – £5 next-day delivery or free delivery in 4-5 working days
- E2Save – Free next-day delivery
- John Lewis – Free standard delivery, £6.95 for next-day delivery
- KRCS – Free next-day delivery
- Mobiles.co.uk – Free next-day delivery
- Mobile Phones Direct – Free next-day delivery when ordered before 8pm Monday to Friday
- Very – £3.99 for standard delivery, arrives within 1 day; free delivery with Click & Collect
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 Apple Music and 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. Our iPhone buying guide, meanwhile, offers in-depth advice for those looking to buy or upgrade.
