Technology
Best refurbished phone deals in July 2024
If you need to buy a new phone, refurbished is a good option. You clearly know that because you’re reading this. You’ll save a lot compared to buying a brand new phone, and it shouldn’t be scary to go the refurbished route.
Refurbished phones can be purchased from major retailers (such as Amazon), as well as from network operators and specialty websites such as Back Market, Music Magpie and Envirofone. The big appeal of refurbished phones is that you get a warranty that means peace of mind, something you don’t necessarily get when you buy a used phone from the likes of Facebook Marketplace and eBay.
There are different grades available that reflect the condition of the phone. You’ll pay the least if you’re happy to accept a scratch or scratch, but because inventory comes from people trading in their old phones, the availability of specific colors and storage capacities is constantly changing.
This means that if you see a deal you like below, there’s no need to wait: buy it soon. 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 (128 GB) – Good condition
1
From: Smart Cellular
Was: £749
Now:
£314.99
(£434.01 discount)
The iPhone 13 is now two generations old, which means it has dropped significantly in price. It’s still a great buy, though, especially since this refurbished 128GB model in good condition is now cheaper than most mid-range phones.
Apple iPhone 12 (64GB) – Good condition
2
From: UR
Was: £799
Now:
£219.95
(£579.05 discount)
This refurbished iPhone 12 in good condition is almost £600 cheaper than when it originally launched – in 2020 it was £799.
Reasons to buy from UR include free case, glass screen protector, 12 month warranty and 12 month insurance against theft and accidental damage.
Samsung Galaxy S22 – 128 GB – Excellent condition
3
From: Smart Cellular
Was: £769
Now:
£259.99
(£509.01 discount)
Launching in 2022, you can get a refurbished Galaxy S22 for over £500 less than the original price.
This one is in excellent condition, plus free shipping and an 18 month warranty.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 – Good condition
4
From: Giffgaff
Was: £999
Now:
£249
(£750 discount)
The Z Flip is one of the most popular clamshell-style folding phones. This 2022 Z Flip 4 is in ‘Good’ condition, which means there will be some signs of use, but at 75% less than its original price, it’s a great value.
In addition, you get a 12-month warranty and at least 80% of the original battery capacity.
Apple iPhone 12 Pro (128 GB) – Excellent condition
5
From: Achtermarkt
Was: £879
Now:
£345
(£534 discount)
If the iPhone 12 Pro is enough for your needs, and for many it will be, then this 128GB model in good condition is great value at a fraction of the £999 Apple originally charged for it.
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max – 128 GB – Very good condition
6
From: Music Magpie
Was: £1,099
Now:
£419.99
(£679.01 discount)
It may be a few years old now, but the iPhone 12 Pro Max is still an excellent phone. And this huge discount from Music Magpie is quite attractive, especially since the phone is in very good condition and you get a 12-month warranty.
Apple iPhone 12 Mini (64GB) – Good condition
7
From: UR
Was: £699
Now:
£169.95
(£529.05 discount)
This price is for a model in good condition, which means noticeable wear, but you’ll save more than 75% compared to the original MSRP of the iPhone 12 mini.
Additionally, UR offers a case, glass screen protector, 12 months warranty and 12 months insurance against theft and accidental damage.
Where to find deals on refurbished phones in Great Britain (SIM-free)
These are the best places to look for a refurbished phone, along with any promotions you might be able to take advantage of:
Where can you 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 deals on refurbished phones in the US (SIM-free)
These are the best places to buy a refurbished phone in the US.
What do revised grades mean?
Each retailer has its own rating system, which means that a phone in ‘Good’ condition from one retailer may be in a very different condition than a phone purchased in ‘Good’ condition from another retailer.
That’s why it’s crucial to read the description of what each number means on the retailer’s website.
Some start their rating with ‘Good’ (which means the worst condition they sell) and move up to Excellent or Like New.
Back Market
Back Market
Back Market
Others are more honest and call phones with obvious signs of wear and tear ‘Fair’. Make sure you read the descriptions of what exactly each number means before purchasing so you know what to expect from a phone in reasonable condition.
Refurbished versus second-hand or used – what’s the difference?
There is a difference between buying refurbished and simply buying second hand. Although reconditioned appliances are technically second-hand, they are repaired and overhauled so that they work like new. However, buying a used phone means you get the device as is, so its lifespan may not last as long.
Refurbished phones often come with a one-year warranty, wherever you buy them. In fact, we recommend that you read the warranty policy before purchasing a device. Make sure there is one!
Read our Refurbished vs Used guide, where we look at what’s 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.
