What is the oldest iPhone you should buy in 2024?

In this guide, we go over what older iPhone models are worth buying in 2024 to strike the perfect balance of affordability and functionality.

iPhone 13 and iPhone 15 with icon of a confused man in middle

Not all of us can afford or justify buying the newest iPhones. Maybe you don’t want to spend that much money on the latest model or want an older, cheaper model for your parents or grandparents.

So, let’s determine what’s the best older iPhone to buy in 2024.

Remember that as you move to a new model, some things like processor and camera are bound to improve. So, we won’t talk about these obvious facts and only focus on the highlights.

iPhone 12

Apple no longer sells the iPhone 12 in its stores. However, you can still find it on third-party retailers and Apple’s refurbished store. Additionally, second-hand marketplaces like eBay should have iPhone 12 in abundance and in cheap.

In my opinion, iPhone 12 is the oldest iPhone you should buy today primarily because of the following reasons:

5G: iPhone 12 and later support 5G. Models older than this, i.e., iPhone 11 and earlier, don’t, and you will thus be limited to a slower 4G/LTE connection. Even if you spend most of your time on Wi-Fi, having 5G is amazing when you are out and about.
MagSafe: While older models support wireless charging, iPhone 12 and newer have MagSafe, which not only allows you to wirelessly charge your phone faster at 15W as opposed to 7.5W but also lets you use MagSafe accessories like a wallet, desk stand, and more.
Better display: Older, cheaper models like the iPhone 11 and XR have LCD displays. On the other hand, all models of the 12 series have an OLED Super Retina XDR display that looks sharper and more immersive. Not to forget, these screens also support HDR, a higher contrast ratio, and get brighter if needed.
Ceramic Shield glass: The Ceramic Shield glass on iPhone 12 and later is more protective than the glass on 11 and older. So, if you tend to drop your phone frequently, having a stronger display can save expensive repair costs.

In addition to the above options, you should also remember that the iPhone 12 has a comparatively newer design with a slightly thinner side bezel.

However, this phone is almost four years old now and may not receive more than two major iOS updates. So, if you want an iPhone that gets the latest updates for more than two years, this is probably not the best option.

iPhone 13

If you can up your budget a little, the iPhone 13 can be a fantastic choice because of these reasons:

Still sold by Apple: Apple continues to sell this model in its online and offline stores, making it the cheapest Face ID model in Apple’s current lineup. If you find carrier deals or some offers, you can opt for this model.
Starts at 128 GB: Unlike the iPhone 12 and older models that start at 64 GB, the iPhone 13 starts at 128 GB. If you plan on using this phone for a few years, I think 128 GB is the minimum storage to have.
Better battery life: iPhone 13 models have a better battery life than iPhone 12.
Smaller notch: The Face ID notch on the iPhone 13 is slightly smaller than the 12.

iPhone 14

One of the main highlights of the iPhone 14 is its ability to connect to a satellite in case of emergency when you do not have a cellular signal. So, if you go on a lot of hikes or long road trips, Emergency SOS via satellite and Roadside Assistance via satellite can be a lifesaver.

Secondly, iPhone 14 and newer also have the Crash Detection feature that can get you help if you get into a car crash.

But remember that the iPhone 14 won’t be cheap on either Apple’s site or third-party resellers, and it has the old Lightning connector. So, in my opinion, you should either opt for iPhone 13 or get the iPhone 15 that has USB-C.

But if you don’t mind the Lightning port but need the above-listed emergency features, the iPhone 14 is a good phone that will serve you well for the next few years.

iPhone 15

One of the highlights of the iPhone 15 is that it uses a USB-C port. With one cable, you can charge your iPhone, iPad, Mac, Android phone, newer AirPods Pro, and other devices.

However, this is the most expensive model, and not everyone can afford this.

Wait for iPhone 16

While the new iPhone 16 is still some months away, you can try to hold off until it comes out. Once it launches, the iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 will get price cuts, and then you can snag them for cheaper from Apple or third-party retailers.

Conclusion: Which one should I buy?

While the final choice is yours to make, if it were my money, I would go for the iPhone 13 instead of the iPhone 12.

If USB-C is a must, you can consider waiting until the iPhone 16 and then grab an iPhone 15 at a discounted rate.

If you buy a second-hand iPhone: