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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
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Are you looking for the best-refurbished phone? We can help you find the best deal 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 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 new 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 phones from low-cost carriers, so you can find the best phone deal at the cheapest price without sacrificing your wireless service.
Refurbished cell phone deals
Best refurbished iPhone deals
Refurbished iPhone 12 deals
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.
Refurbished iPhone 11 deals
Apple iPhone 11
The Apple iPhone 11 has 64GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.1 inches screen and 12 MP camera. This refurbished iPhone 11 is available from Back Market with AT&T network coverage and prices starting from $274.
Refurbished iPhone SE deals
Apple iPhone SE (2nd Gen)
*$50 off
- Retailer
- Tello
- Storage
- 64GB
- Network
- T-Mobile
- Condition
- REFURBISHED
- Price
-
$299* MSRP: $349
The Apple iPhone SE (2nd Gen) has 64GB storage capacity. It includes a 4.7 inches screen and 12 MP camera. This refurbished iPhone SE (2nd Gen) is available from Tello with T-Mobile network coverage and prices starting from $299.
Best cheap refurbished iPhones
Apple iPhone 7
The Apple iPhone 7 has 32GB storage capacity. It includes a 4.7 inches screen and 12 MP camera. This refurbished iPhone 7 is available from Back Market with AT&T network coverage and prices starting from $72.
Apple iPhone 8
*$40 off
- Retailer
- Tello
- Storage
- 64GB
- Network
- T-Mobile
- Condition
- REFURBISHED
- Price
-
$239* MSRP: $279
The Apple iPhone 8 has 64GB storage capacity. It includes a 4.7 inches screen and 12 MP camera. This refurbished iPhone 8 is available from Tello with T-Mobile network coverage and prices starting from $239.
Apple iPhone XR
The Apple iPhone XR has 64GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.1 inches screen and 12 MP camera. This refurbished iPhone XR is available from Back Market with AT&T network coverage and prices starting from $185.
Cheapest refurbished iPhone prices
| Device | 32GB | 128GB | 64GB |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple iPhone 7 Refurbished | $72 | $115 | - |
| Apple iPhone SE Refurbished | - | - | $124 |
| Apple iPhone 7 Plus Refurbished | $124 | $128 | - |
Best refurbished Samsung phone deals
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.
Best cheap refurbished Samsung phones
Samsung Galaxy S10
The Samsung Galaxy S10 has 128GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.1 inches screen and 16 MP camera. This refurbished Galaxy S10 is available from Back Market with T-Mobile, Verizon & AT&T network coverage and prices starting from $160.
Cheapest refurbished Samsung Galaxy prices
| Device | 32GB | 128GB | 64GB |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy A03s Refurbished | $105 | - | - |
| Samsung Galaxy A13 Refurbished | $120 | - | $135 |
| Samsung Galaxy S10e Refurbished | - | $120 | - |
Best refurbished Android phone deals
Best refurbished phones benefits
Whether you want one of the latest 5G phones or just a cheap cell phone, there's plenty to choose from with low-cost carriers like Red Pocket Mobile.
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 phones are unlocked, so you're not tied to one carrier or network, along with a number of other benefits.
Save money: MVNOs offer the best-refurbished 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.
iPhone deals: Whether you're looking for the latest Apple iPhone or a cheap iPhone SE, you'll find the best refurbished iPhones with low-cost carriers.
Android phones: There's a range of refurbished Samsung phones, Motorola, and Nokia cell phones.
Phones for seniors: Choose from a selection of phones suitable for seniors at affordable prices, including basic cell phones or popular flip phones.
Phones for kids: Refurbished phones offer an affordable way to get your kid the phone they want 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 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. For example, the best time to buy a Samsung Galaxy S9 has been released.
Best bring your own phone plans
Carrier |
Network | Data |
Price |
|---|---|---|---|
T-Mobile | 1GB |
$10/mo |
|
T-Mobile | 2GB |
$20/mo |
|
T-Mobile | 4GB |
$15/mo |
|
Verizon & T-Mobile | 15GB |
$20/mo |
|
AT&T & T-Mobile | Unltd |
$25/mo |
Bring your phone to a cheaper carrier
If you're buying an unlocked phone in order to switch carriers you'll be happy to know you can save up to 50% off your cell phone bill by going with an MVNO.
Mobile Virtual Network Operators - MVNOs - are smaller carriers that buy or lease extra space on the big three networks. Lower overhead allows them to sell service to you at a lower cost than you'd pay a major wireless carrier.
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 |
|
MVNO benefits
Cheap cell phone plans.
Service on the same reliable 4G LTE & 5G networks you're used to.
Freedom from contracts, credit checks, and overage fees - cancel at any time.
Custom plans so you only pay for what you need.
Bring your own phone and number.
MVNOs offer all the same options as the big guys. Choose exactly what you need - from unlimited data plans and everything in between.
There are MVNOs for all major networks - Verizon.
Best refurbished phones FAQs
What are refurbished phones?
A refurbished phone is a pre-owned phone that's been repaired to a good as a new state ready for resale. A refurbished phone goes through thorough testing before being put up for sale.
Are refurbished phones good?
Refurbished phones are a great affordable option if you want to upgrade your current handset but don't want to be tied into a long contract or you're on a budget. You can find all the latest handsets at discounted prices.
Where to buy refurbished phones?
There are plenty of trusted resellers online where you'll find some great deals on refurbished phones. Decluttr and Backmarket are two popular sites.
Recap
Whether you're looking for a refurbished iPhone or just a cheap cell phone, Mobile Virtual Network Operators can save you hundreds of dollars a year.
MVNOs, like Visible or Mint Mobile, offer refurbished 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 cell phones at the cheapest price.
