Refurbished cell phone deals
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.
Best refurbished iPhone deals
Refurbished iPhone 12 deals
The Apple iPhone 12 mini has 128GB storage capacity. It includes a 5.4 inches screen and 12 MP camera. This refurbished iPhone 12 mini is available from Back Market with T-Mobile network coverage and prices starting from $375.
The Apple iPhone 12 has 128GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.1 inches screen and 12 MP camera. This refurbished iPhone 12 is available from Back Market with Verizon network coverage and prices starting from $395.
Refurbished iPhone 11 deals
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 T-Mobile network coverage and prices starting from $322.
Refurbished iPhone SE deals
Best cheap refurbished iPhones
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 $92.
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, Verizon & T-Mobile network coverage and prices starting from $244.
Cheapest refurbished iPhone prices
| Device | 32GB | 128GB | 64GB | 256GB |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple iPhone 7 Refurbished | $92 | $129 | - | - |
| Apple iPhone 7 Plus Refurbished | $140 | $149 | - | $170 |
| Apple iPhone SE Refurbished | - | $230 | $150 | - |
| Apple iPhone XR Refurbished | - | - | $244 | - |
| Apple iPhone 11 Refurbished | - | $341 | $322 | - |
Best refurbished Samsung phone deals
The Samsung Galaxy S21 has 128GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.2 inches screen and 64 MP camera. This refurbished Galaxy S21 is available from Back Market with AT&T, Verizon & T-Mobile network coverage and prices starting from $339.
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 Verizon network coverage and prices starting from $340.
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 AT&T network coverage and prices starting from $260.
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 $350.
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 $450.
Best cheap refurbished Samsung phones
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 AT&T network coverage and prices starting from $165.
Cheapest refurbished Samsung Galaxy prices
| Device | 128GB | 64GB | 256GB |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy S10e Refurbished | $120 | - | $249 |
| Samsung Galaxy A13 Refurbished | - | $135 | - |
| Samsung Galaxy S10 Refurbished | $165 | - | - |
| Samsung Galaxy S20+ Refurbished | $260 | - | - |
| Samsung Galaxy S10+ Refurbished | $260 | - | - |
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 Android phones to choose from including 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, Gazelle only offers a 30-day warranty, while 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 S8 is when the Samsung Galaxy S9 has been released.
Best bring your own phone plans
| Carrier | Data | Network | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tello 1GB plan | 1GB | T-Mobile | $10/mo |
| Twigby 4GB plan | 4GB | Verizon | $10/mo** $10 Off for 3 Months |
| Lycamobile 12GB plan | 12GB | T-Mobile | $5/mo** Only $5 for First 3 Months |
| US Mobile 15GB plan | 15GB | Verizon & T-Mobile | $20/mo* FREE 10-Day Trial |
| Mint Mobile Unlimited plan | Unltd | T-Mobile | $30/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 family plans to unlimited data plans and everything in between.
There are MVNOs for all major networks - AT&T, T-Mobile, and 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.
