Founder
About Rob
Rob has 15+ years experience running price comparison & review websites that empower consumers to find the cheapest cell phone services, cell phone deals, home phone, and internet providers available. He has been published in Forbes, US News, Entrepreneur, Huffington Post, Inc.
Rob's Expertise
5G wireless networks, cell phone plans, cell phone deals, MVNOs, internet services, tablets, comparison shopping, money saving, reviewing telecom products & services
MoneySavingPro independently researches the products & services to bring you our recommendations. We may earn money when you click our links - disclosure policy.
Fancy getting the best refurbished 5G phone while saving up to $600 a year, per line?
At a time when all your household costs are increasing, your cell phone bill doesn't need to be one of them. At MoneySavingPro we can help you find the refurbished 5G phone you want, on your favorite network, at a much lower cost.
If you've not heard of MVNOs, you're not alone. They're low-cost carriers that operate on the three major US networks, offering the same 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage but with plans starting as low as $10 a month.
Buying a 5G phone directly from a major network may look like a good deal initially but after factoring in the cost of their over-priced unlimited data plans over 3 years, you could end up paying as much as $2,000 more than you need to!
We've compiled a list of the latest refurbished 5G phones from low-cost carriers, so you can find the best phone deal at the cheapest price without sacrificing your wireless service.
Refurbished 5G phone deals
Best refurbished 5G iPhones
Apple iPhone 12 mini
The Apple iPhone 12 mini has 64GB storage capacity. It includes a 5.4 inches screen and 12 MP camera. This refurbished iPhone 12 mini is available from Back Market with AT&T network coverage and prices starting from $304.
Apple iPhone 12
The Apple iPhone 12 has 64GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.1 inches screen and 12 MP camera. This refurbished iPhone 12 is available from Back Market with AT&T network coverage and prices starting from $317.
Cheapest refurbished 5G iPhone prices
| Device | 64GB | 128GB |
|---|---|---|
| Apple iPhone SE Refurbished | $124 | $161 |
Best refurbished 5G Samsung phones
Samsung Galaxy S21+
The Samsung Galaxy S21+ has 128GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.7 inches screen and 64 MP camera. This refurbished Galaxy S21+ is available from Back Market with AT&T network coverage and prices starting from $268.
Samsung Galaxy S20+
- Retailer
- Back Market
- Storage
- 128GB
- Network
- T-Mobile
- Condition
- REFURBISHED
- Price
-
$230 MSRP: $1,199
The Samsung Galaxy S20+ has 128GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.7 inches screen and 64 MP camera. This refurbished Galaxy S20+ is available from Back Market with T-Mobile network coverage and prices starting from $230.
Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra
- Retailer
- Back Market
- Storage
- 128GB
- Network
- T-Mobile
- Condition
- REFURBISHED
- Price
-
$275 MSRP: $1,399
The Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra has 128GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.9 inches screen and 108 MP camera. This refurbished Galaxy S20 Ultra is available from Back Market with T-Mobile network coverage and prices starting from $275.
Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra
The Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra has 128GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.9 inches screen and 108 MP camera. This refurbished Galaxy Note20 Ultra is available from Back Market with AT&T network coverage and prices starting from $459.
Cheapest refurbished 5G Samsung phone prices
| Device | 32GB | 64GB | 128GB |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy A13 Refurbished | $120 | $135 | - |
| Samsung Galaxy S20+ Refurbished | - | - | $230 |
| Samsung Galaxy S21+ Refurbished | - | - | $268 |
Best refurbished 5G phones benefits
Whether you want the latest 5G iPhone or a cheap 5G compatible phone, there's plenty to choose from with low-cost carriers like Visible.
You'll find all the same phones as with the big three, but refurbished cell phones can save you an extra few hundred bucks off the cost of a phone.
If flexibility is important, some refurbished 5G phones are unlocked, so you're not tied to one carrier or network, along with a number of other benefits.
Save money: Low-cost carriers offer the best refurbished 5G phones while saving you up to $600 per year, per line.
Unlimited data plan: There's still the option of unlimited data phone plans, however unlimited doesn't always mean unlimited, so be sure to check the small print.
5G compatible: If you want access to the fast 5G network, there are plenty of refurbished 5G phones to choose from.
Phones for seniors: Discover a range of 5G phones suitable for seniors at affordable prices.
Phones for kids: Refurbished 5G phones offer an affordable way to give your kid access to 5G at a cheap price. And for even more savings MVNOs offer the best family phone plans with multi-line discounts.
Considerations when buying a refurbished 5G phone
Warranty – Some buyback sites that offer pre-owned phones will offer different warranties. For example, Decluttr generously offers a year warranty.
Returns – No need to make a fuss if the refurbished phone you bought doesn't meet your needs - if it comes with a return policy. Typically, buyback sites will offer a 30-day return policy.
Certification – If the refurbished smartphone you're looking into buying is "certified," this means it has undergone various testing for functionality and quality assurance before being sold.
Payment options – Some sites, like Gazelle, offer monthly payment options, which helps make purchasing that smartphone you've been eyeing even more affordable for you.
Buy time – Be sure to get the best deal when a new phone comes out.
Best cheap 5G phone plans
Carrier |
Network | Data |
Price |
|---|---|---|---|
T-Mobile | 1GB |
$10/mo |
|
Verizon | 4GB |
$20/mo |
|
Verizon & T-Mobile | 5GB |
$15/mo |
|
T-Mobile | 10GB |
$20/mo |
|
AT&T & T-Mobile | Unltd |
$25/mo |
T-Mobile vs Mint Mobile comparison
Keep your T-Mobile phone, number & coverage: Save $600 per year
Carrier |
Network Coverage |
4G/5G Data |
Price |
Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
T-Mobile |
T-Mobile 4G & 5G | Unltd* |
$70/mo |
$840/yr |
Mint Mobile |
T-Mobile 4G & 5G |
10GB |
$20/mo |
$240/yr |
*Don't waste money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB |
Savings |
$50/mo |
$600/yr |
|
Refurbished 5G phones FAQs
Are refurbished phones worth buying?
If you're looking to upgrade your phone without the hefty price tag, then a refurbished phone is ideal. With a refurbished phone you'll get a nearly new phone at a discounted rate, all phones are tested before being sold.
What is the least expensive 5G phone?
The least expensive way to get hold of a 5G phone is to purchase a refurbished 5G compatible phone. With sites like Backmarket you'll find refurbished phones at a discounted rate, including all of the latest 5G handsets.
What phone is best for 5G?
It depends whether you're looking for an Android phone like the Samsung Galaxy S21 or an Apple iOS device like the iPhone 12. There's plenty of choice with refurbished 5G compatible phones from sites like Decluttr.
Recap
Whether you're looking for the latest refurbished iPhone or just a cheap 5G phone, Mobile Virtual Network Operators can save you hundreds of dollars a year.
MVNOs, like Visible or Red Pocket Mobile, offer refurbished 5G phones with cheap plans, often with interest-free payments over 12-24 months.
Although the major networks offer to finance over 36 months, being tied into their over-priced unlimited data plans for 3 years could mean wasting as much as $2,000!
Compare deals from low-cost carriers to find the best refurbished 5G phones at the cheapest price.
