[DigitalToday reporter Yoonseo Lee (이윤서)] As iPhone prices become more burdensome, consumers are increasingly prioritising practical choices that weigh performance and usability within their budgets rather than insisting on the newest model. Against that backdrop, IT media outlet 9to5Mac on April 12 (local time) compiled five "value-for-money iPhones" for 2026 by price range.

First, the iPhone 15 Pro was classified as the most suitable model for users who want a ProMotion display, Apple Intelligence and a telephoto camera. It is equipped with an A17 Pro chip. The 128GB version is about $487 on Amazon, or roughly 720,000 won. If it is within budget, it can be the best overall choice.

The iPhone 15 was presented as an alternative for using a USB-C port and Dynamic Island at the lowest price. A 48-megapixel camera and relatively long battery life are also strengths. It was also cited as the last iPhone to support a side mute switch. The 128GB version is $389, or about 576,000 won, but the iPhone 15 Plus with double the storage capacity is about $408, or roughly 604,000 won, which could be a burden on a budget.

For those who prefer a small smartphone, there is the iPhone 13 mini. It has an A15 Bionic chip, and its 800-nit OLED display and camera performance do not lag behind. However, the charging port uses Lightning. The market price for the 128GB version is about $230, or roughly 340,000 won. For those who prefer an iPhone mini, it can still be the best option.

For consumers who prefer a large screen, the iPhone 14 Plus is suitable. It is the cheapest among relatively recent iPhones, and its camera performance and battery life are strengths. The 128GB version is about $309, or roughly 458,000 won. If top-end features are desired, an alternative is the iPhone 13 Pro Max, which has a ProMotion display, a telephoto camera and a stainless steel finish, with the 128GB version priced around $409, or about 606,000 won.

The iPhone SE 3 is the lowest-priced entry model. It supports an A15 chip and 5G, which is sufficient for basic functions, but its exterior is older, including a 4.7-inch LCD, a home button and a single rear camera. Even so, it is relatively competitive on price, with the 64GB version at about $129, or roughly 190,000 won, and the 128GB version at about $179, or roughly 265,000 won. If an iPhone is needed as a secondary phone, it is effectively the cheapest choice.

This recommended list targeted demand for maintaining a certain level of performance and functions despite the burden of buying the latest iPhone as a new product. The options were divided: iPhone 15 Pro for top-end features, iPhone 15 for those who value USB-C, iPhone 13 mini for a small phone, iPhone 14 Plus for a large screen, and iPhone SE 3 if price is the top priority.

Differences by model were also clear. Apple Intelligence support and pro-grade camera functions were strengths of the iPhone 15 Pro, while the iPhone 15 led in the shift in charging standards and the latest design elements. By contrast, the iPhone 13 mini and iPhone SE 3 each have clear advantages in compact size and ultra-low price, but they also carry limitations such as a Lightning port or an older design. As a result, demand in the 2026 refurbished iPhone market is expected to split by priorities such as USB-C, screen size, camera and price, rather than whether it is the latest model.