Searching for a high-end smartphone, but don’t have an extra $1,000 to spend? You’re not alone. Millions of savvy consumers are turning around and finding that refurbished smartphones match many top-of-the-line features found in brand new models, at a cheaper price. In this guide, we’ll discuss with you seven top refurbished smartphones that offer great performance without putting a dent in your wallet.
Second-hand smartphone sales have boomed over the last few years, with second-hand sales increasing over 15% per year. Why? Practical-minded shoppers have come to understand that they can score flagship devices at 30-60% off the sticker price, and frequently with warranties and quality guarantees that rival what’s available on new purchases.
The Financial Case for Refurbished Smartphones
Before we get to our top picks, we discuss the big question: are refurbished phones actually worth it? The short answer is yes, but with some caveats.
The Money-Saving Reality
So, when you purchase a new smartphone, you’re paying the full retail price plus the manufacturer profit margins. The second you walk out of that store, that phone loses 20% to 30% of its value. Re-manufactured phones avoid this initial devaluation, providing you with cutting-edge tech at realistic prices.
Consider: A flagship phone that goes for $1,000 new might be available refurbished for $400-600, depending on its age, use and condition. That’s a serious chunk of change that you can put to work for other spending goals or for your emergency fund.
Quality Standards Have Improved
The refurbished phones of today are not the sketchy devices of yore. Reputable sellers have very rigorous refurbishment processes that include:
- Complete hardware testing and diagnostics
- Battery replacement or certification
- Genuine and compatible parts replacements, including screens, components and more
- Software updates and factory resets
- Multi-point quality inspections
And most refurbished phones include some sort of warranty, so you can only do so much wrong with a refurb.
Top 7 Refurbished Smartphones of 2025 We Recommend
iPhone 13 Pro – Sweet Spot King
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.1″ Super Retina XDR |
| Processor | A15 Bionic |
| Camera | Triple 12MP system |
| Battery Life (video playback) | 22 Hours |
| Storage Options | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| Refurbished Price Range | $450 – $650 |
The iPhone 13 Pro achieves that ideal balance between modern tech and a price that won’t send your eyes rolling skyward in the refurbished landscape. Launched in 2021, this phone is still faster than many 2024 models and will be supported by iOS updates until at least 2027.
Why It’s Worth Every Penny:
- Buttery smooth ProMotion 120Hz display
- Competing camera system to current flagships
- Great build quality so doesn’t look too old age wise
- Investment value holds in your investment
What to Be Wary Of: Make sure the refurbished device includes the original accessories and has at least 85% battery health. Many sellers also provide battery replacement guarantees, economical for repeated use for a long time.
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra — The Productive King on the Block
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 |
| Camera | Quad 108MP main |
| S Pen | Yes |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| Refurbished Price | $500 – $750 |
It remains the best phone for users who want a large, productivity-focused device. The included S Pen is great for taking notes and drawing on the tablet with precision.
Standout Features:
- 100x Space Zoom camera capability
- S Pen with 2.8ms latency
- Battery that goes all day and keeps you in the moment with fast charging
- Samsung DeX for desktop-like experience
Buyer’s Tip: Make sure to see if the S Pen is part of the deal and is operational. Some of these refurbished models may have aftermarket styluses that lack the same precision.
Google Pixel 7 – The Photography Expert
The Pixel 7 is evidence that you don’t need the latest model to access Google’s amazing computational photography. At its refurb price, it is one of the best camera phones you can get.
Camera Magic Includes:
- Magic Eraser (to get rid of certain objects)
- For accurate skin tone representation – Real Tone
- Night Sight for low-light photography
- Cinematic Blur for professional video
Software Advantages:
- Pure Android experience without bloatware
- Security updates until October 2025
- Google Assistant integration
- Pixel-only perks such as Call Screen
Price Range For Used: $350 – $500
iPhone 12: The Dependable Daily Driver
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.1″ Super Retina XDR |
| Processor | A14 Bionic |
| Camera | Dual 12MP system |
| 5G | Sub-6GHz and mmWave |
| MagSafe | Wireless charging capable |
| Refurbished Price Range | $300 – $450 |
Don’t be fooled by the “older” iPhone 12. It’s still capable of flagship performance — and it’ll let you download iOS updates for years. It’s the ideal way to step into the world of iPhone without breaking the bank.
Why Choose the iPhone 12:
- First iPhone with 5G connectivity
- MagSafe accessories compatibility
- Excellent video recording capabilities
- Proven longevity and software support
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE – The Feature Packed Bargain
Samsung intended its Galaxy S21 FE (Fan Edition) to be a high-quality phone, without being overly expensive. That’s only a better deal in the used market.
Key Highlights:
- 120Hz AMOLED display
- Triple camera system featuring 64MP telephoto
- IP68 water resistance
- Wireless charging and wireless reverse charging
- Samsung One UI with frequent updates
Refurbished: $250 – $400
Good For: Streamers who crave the Samsung flagship experience without the flagship cost.
OnePlus 10T – The Speed Demon
For those looking for raw performance, the OnePlus 10T brings flagship-level speed at midrange refurbished pricing. This phone was designed for power users who want the fastest experience they can get.
Performance Specs:
- Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor
- Up to 16GB RAM
- 150W SuperVOOC fast charging
- OxygenOS based on Android
Gaming and Multitasking:
- HyperBoost Gaming Engine
- Advanced cooling system
- Lag-free multitasking
- High refresh rate display
Price range for refurbished: $400 – $550
iPhone SE (3rd Gen) – The Compact Winner
A lot of people don’t like a big screen. The iPhone SE (3rd Gen) shows that sometimes refurbished prices can mean good things come in small packages.
Compact Advantages:
- Just the right size: Provides plenty of screen room for one-handed use
- A15 Bionic chip (same as iPhone 13)
- Touch ID fingerprint sensor
- Wireless charging capability
- Starting at under $200 refurbished
Ideal For:
- Users upgrading from older iPhones
- Those who prefer smaller phones
- Budget-conscious Apple ecosystem users
- Business users needing reliable communication
You may also like: Smart Refurbished Products to Buy in 2025
Refurbished Smartphones — The Smart Way To Shop!
Check the Seller’s Reputation
Refurbished phone sellers are not all the same. Look for:
- Established retailers with customer reviews
- Straightforward return policies (a minimum of 30 days)
- Warranty coverage
- Detailed condition descriptions
- Original accessories included
Understand Condition Grades
The majority of sellers employ a grading scale:
- Grade A/Excellent: Appears new with no or minimal signs of use
- Grade B/Good: Minor to moderate scratches, fully functional
- Grade C/Fair: Worn but still works perfect
Battery Health Matters
Definitely inquire about battery health or replacement policies. A phone with a 70% battery health might be a bargain until you have to charge it twice a day.
Verify Unlock Status
Make sure the phone is unlocked or is on your carrier. Refurbished phone locked to a carrier can be a pain if you are looking to change providers.
What to Look Out for When Purchasing Refurbished
Red Flags to Watch For
- Prices that sound too good to be true
- Sellers with no return policy
- Phones without original accessories
- Phones and tablets with broken screens or water damage
- Missing or altered serial numbers
Questions to Ask Before Buying
- What’s included with the phone?
- What’s the battery health percentage?
- Has the screen been replaced?
- Is the device carrier unlocked?
- Is there a warranty or a returns policy?
Making Your Refurbished Phone Last
Protection Strategies
After you’ve bagged your refurbished smartphone deal, you want to take good care of your investment.
- Case and Screen Protector: A must since day one
- Frequent Updates: Keep programs up to date for security reasons
- Battery Tips: Avoid extreme (hot/cold) temperatures and overcharging
- Backup Plan: Ensure your data is backed up and regularly maintained to avoid loss
When to Consider Upgrading
When you take good care of it, your renewed phone will run smoothly from 2 to 3 years. Consider upgrading when:
- Battery life becomes inadequate
- Security updates stop
- Performance significantly slows
- Your needs change dramatically
The Environmental Impact Bonus
Opting for refurbished smartphones is not only wise financially; it is environmentally sound. The world is drowning in electronic waste, with millions of old phones tossed annually. By buying refurbished, you’re:
- Reducing electronic waste
- Decreasing demand for new manufacturing
- Lowering your carbon footprint
- Supporting the circular economy
Frequently Asked Questions
Are refurbished phones reliable? Yes if purchased from well known sellers. Refurbished phones have to meet strict testing requirements, and come with warranties equal to those of new devices.
Longevity of refurbished smartphones? A well-done refurbished smartphone typically continues to work for a couple of years with normal use, just like a new phone. The secret is to buy from sellers who either replace the battery or guarantee battery health.
Can I get a refurbished phone under warranty? Most of the legitimate sources also include warranties which are typically 30 days to a year. Some even offer options for long-term warranty so you can have more peace of mind.
Do software updates work on refurbished phones? Yes, a refurbished phone gets the same software updates as a new phone does, if the carrier and/or manufacturer still continue to support it.
What’s the difference between a refurbished phone and a used phone? Refurbished phones have been professionally restored and tested, and may also offer warranties. Pre-owned phones are sold as is without any professional reconditioning.
Were considering refurbished cell phones online safe to buy? Yes, but only from reputable retailers with good reviews and clear return policies. Stay away from marketplace vendors with no ratings or guarantees.
Can I return a refurbished phone if it doesn’t appeal to me? They also tend to give 15-30 day return time frame. Review the return policy prior to buying.
Do refurbished phones have chargers? This varies by seller. Most come with original accessories, although other accessories may be included as well. Be sure to always check what’s included before purchasing.
Making the Smart Choice
Second hand mobile phones are one of the best bargains around today in consumer electronics. With a little planning and some savvy shopping, you can have a top-end device that serves you well for years and save hundreds of dollars in the process.
All seven of the phones we’ve featured have their own strengths and may suit different users, but all represent excellent value in the refurbished space. Whether you opt for the camera greatness of Pixel 7, the productivity of S22 Ultra, or the reliability of iPhone 13 Pro, you’re making a fiscally responsible decision that doesn’t trash quality.
Keep in mind, the best refurbished phone for you is one that satisfies your particular needs at a price that aligns with your budget. Spend time researching sellers, know what you’re buying and take care to protect your investment. Your wallet — and the environment — are much better off for choosing the refurbished path.
The world of smartphones changes at a breakneck pace, though you don’t necessarily have to pay full price in order to stay up to date. Savvy bargain hunters know that yesterday’s best becomes today’s unbeatable bargain in the certified refurbished market. Don’t be fooled in your next smartphone buying decision.
