If you need to buy a new phone, refurbished is a great option. You know that, clearly, because you’re reading this. You’ll save a lot compared to buying a brand new phone, and going down the refurbished route shouldn’t be scary.
Refurbished phones are available to buy from major retailers (such as Amazon), as well as network operators and dedicated websites such as Back Market, Music Magpie and Envirofone. The big attraction of refurbished phones is that you get a warranty which means peace of mind, something you don’t necessarily get when buying a used phone from the likes of Facebook Marketplace and eBay.
Different grades are available which reflect the phone’s condition. You’ll pay the least if you’re happy to accept the odd scratch or scuff, but because stock comes from people trading in their old phones, availability of specific colours and storage capacities changes all the time.
This means that if you see a deal you like below, don’t hang about: buy it quickly. Below we’ve hand-picked the phones we think represent the best deals right now.
If you want to sell your current phone quickly and easily, it’s worth using Compare & Recycle to see which company will give you the most money for your old one.
Best refurbished phone deals in the UK
Apple iPhone 13 (128GB) – Good condition
1
From: Smart Cellular
Was: £749
Now:
£314.99
(£434.01 off)
The iPhone 13 is now two generations old, meaning it’s dropped significantly in price. However, it’s still a great buy, especially with this refurbished 128GB model in good condition now cheaper than most mid-range phones.
Apple iPhone 12 (64GB) – Good condition
2
From: UR
Was: £799
Now:
£209.95
(£589.05 off)
This refurbished iPhone 12 in good condition is almost £600 cheaper than when it originally launched – it was £799 back in 2020.
Reasons to buy from UR include a free case, glass screen protector, a 12-month warranty and 12 months of insurance against theft and accidental damage.
Samsung Galaxy S22 – 128GB – Excellent condition
3
From: Smart Cellular
Was: £769
Now:
£269.99
(£499.01 off)
Launched in 2022, you can get a refurbished Galaxy S22 for almost £500 less than the original price.
This one is in excellent condition, plus there’s free delivery and an 18-month warranty.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 – Good condition
4
From: Giffgaff
Was: £999
Now:
£249
(£750 off)
The Z Flip is one of the most popular clamshell-style folding phones. This Z Flip 4 from 2022 is in ‘Good’ condition, which means there will be some signs of use, but at 75% less than the original price, it’s great value.
Plus, you get a 12-month warranty and at least 80% of the original battery capacity.
Apple iPhone 12 Pro (128GB) – Good condition
5
From: Back Market
Was: £879
Now:
£286.61
(£592.39 off)
If the iPhone 12 Pro is enough for your needs, and it will be for a lot of people, then this 128GB model in good condition is great value at a fraction of the £999 Apple originally charged for it.
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra – 256GB – Good condition
6
From: Amazon
Was: £1249
Now:
£399
(£850 off)
Samsung’s flagship phone from 2022 still a very desirable handset, and even more so at this price.
This refurbished 256GB model is in good condition and you get a one-year warranty with it.
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max – 128GB – Very good condition
7
From: Music Magpie
Was: £1099
Now:
£399.99
(£699.01 off)
It may now be a few years old, but the iPhone 12 Pro Max is still an excellent phone. And this huge discount from Music Magpie is pretty appealing, especially as the phone is in very good condition and you get a 12-month warranty.
Apple iPhone 12 Mini (64GB) – Good condition
8
From: UR
Was: £699
Now:
£169.95
(£529.05 off)
This price is for a model in good condition, which means noticeable wear and tear, but you’re saving over 75% compared to the iPhone 12 mini’s original RRP.
Plus, UR provides a case, glass screen protector, 12-month warranty and 12 months of insurance against theft and accidental damage.
Where to find refurbished phone deals in the UK (SIM-free)
Here are the best places to browse for a refurbished phone, along with any promotions you might be able to use:
Where to buy refurbished phones on contract
You can also get refurbished handsets on a monthly contract (and sometimes buy them outright) from network operators including:
Where to find refurbished phone deals in the US (SIM-free)
Here are the best places to buy a refurb phone in the US.
What do refurbished grades mean?
Each retailer has its own grading system, which means a ‘Good’ condition phone from one might be in very different condition to a ‘Good’ phone bought from another.
That’s why it’s crucial to read the description of what each grade means on the retailer’s website.
Some start their grading at ‘Good’ (which means the worst condition they sell) and go up to Excellent or Like New.
Back Market
Back Market
Back Market
Others are more honest, calling phones with obvious signs of wear and tear ‘Fair’ condition. Just make sure you read descriptions of exactly what each grade means before buying so you know what to expect from a phone in ‘Fair’ condition.
Refurbished vs second-hand or used – what’s the difference?
There’s a difference between buying refurbished and simply buying second-hand. While refurbished devices are technically pre-owned, they are repaired and reconditioned to work like new. Buying a second-hand phone, however, means you get the device as is, which means the lifespan may not last as long.
Refurbished phones often come with a one-year warranty no matter where you buy from – in fact, we’d urge you to take a look at the warranty policy before you buy. Ensure there is one!
Read our guide to Refurbished vs Used, where we look at which is better and why.
If you’d still prefer to buy new, but are on a budget, read our round-up of the best budget phones.
