If you need to buy a new phone, a refurbished one is a great option. You know that 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, the 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
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra – Good condition
The Galaxy S24 Ultra is the best phone you can buy right now. But rather than paying the full £1,249 asking price, you can get this refurbished model in ‘Good’ condition for 44% less. It’s still in full working order and with at least 80% battery capacity.
Google Pixel 8 – Fair condition
Last year’s Pixel 8 is still an excellent phone which Google will support until 2030.
Get this refurbished version in ‘Fair’ condition for 56% less than it cost at launch. The phone is still in full working order and has a minimum of 80% battery capacity.
Samsung Galaxy S24 – Good condition
Get one of Samsung’s excellent 2024 flagships for less than the price of many mid-range phones. This regular Galaxy S24 is available with a 40% discount on this ‘Good’ condition model, which is guaranteed to still be in full working order and with at least 80% battery capacity.
Apple iPhone 15 – Fair condition
The iPhone 16 range is out now, but you can get some big savings on Apple’s 2023 phones. In particular, the impressive regular iPhone 15 is available with £219 off, provided you’re happy with ‘Fair’ condition.
Apple iPhone 14 Pro – Good condition
The iPhone 14 Pro debuted Apple’s ‘Dynamic Island’, which hasn’t changed since. It remains an excellent choice in 2024, and you can get this refurbished model in ‘Good’ condition with a 60% discount.
OnePlus 11 – Fair condition
The OnePlus 11 was one of the best phones of 2023. We praised its value for money at the £799 asking price for the 256GB, but how about getting it in ‘Fair’ condition for 45% less?
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 – Fair condition
Want a flip phone for less than £500? If the Nubia Flip 5G doesn’t take your fancy, a refurbished model (in full working order) of the impressive Galaxy Z Flip 5 is available with a hefty discount.
The discount linked above is the 256GB model, but you can also get the 512GB version for £419.99.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 – Fair condition
Following the arrival of the Galaxy Z Fold 6, now is the time to get its very capable predecessor, especially with over £1,000 off. It’s in ‘Fair’ condition, meaning there’ll be some “minor signs of wear and tear”, but it’s still fully functional.
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:
- MusicMagpie – also rents phones from £8.99 per month for 12 months
- Amazon Renewed (Also look out for Amazon Warehouse deals)
- Reboxed – use code MACWORLD15 for £15 off (or sign up to the newsletter)
- Back Market – This is a marketplace for hundreds of sellers
- Aznu – Save £10 by signing up to the newsletter
- Envirofone
- UR – 12 months’ free insurance for the phone, plus free accessories including a screen protector and case
- BT Shop
- Handtec – (use code ENDSSOON for £15 off when you spend over £150)
- 4Gadgets
- Smart Cellular
- Smartfone Store
- Refurb-Phone
- The Big Phone Store
- Laptops Direct
- Appliances Direct
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.
- Apple Refurbished
- Amazon Renewed
- decluttr
- Back Market
- Gazelle
- Refurb.me – comparison website for refurbished phones
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
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.
Author: Anyron Copeman, Mobile Editor, Tech Advisor
Anyron is Mobile Editor at Tech Advisor, where he’s been a mainstay of the editorial team since 2019. In his current role, Anyron is responsible for all smartphone, tablet and mobile network coverage on the site. A BA Journalism graduate, he has experience with a wide range of consumer tech products and services, including smartphones, tablets, foldables, wearables and more.