Compare Refurbished Cell Phones in 2021

Best refurbished phones in October

The amount of people choosing refurbished phones over new phones continues to climb and for good reason – there are so many benefits in it for you!

Learn what refurbished phones are, how to get the best price on a refurbished phone and all of the benefits you can reap from by making your next phone a refurbished one.

Table of Contents

• Best refurbished iPhones

• Cheapest refurbished iPhones

• Best refurbished Samsung phones

• Cheapest refurbished Samsung phones

• Where to buy refurbished phones

Best refurbished iPhones

Apple iPhone SE Refurbished

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Network

T-Mobile

Storage

64GB

Condition

Refurbished

Price

$329*

MSRP: $399* $70 off

4/5

22 User Reviews

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Device	Storage	Price
Apple iPhone SE (Refurbished)	64GB	$288
Apple iPhone SE (Unlocked)	64GB	$399
Apple iPhone SE (AT&T)	64GB	$399
Apple iPhone SE (T-Mobile)	64GB	$399

Device Specs

Screen Size	4.7"
Screen Resolution	1334 x 750 pixels
HDR Screen	Yes pixels
Processor	A13 Bionic pixels
Internal Memory	64GB, 128GB, 256GB
Operating System	iOS 13
Back Camera	12MP
Front Camera	7MP
HDR for Photos	Yes
Video Resolution	4K, FHD, HD
Wireless Charging	Yes

Voice Commands	Yes
Talk Time	Up to 14 hours
Dimensions	138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3mm
Weight	148g
Splash Proof	IP67
Water Resistant	Yes
WiFi & 4G Calling	Yes
GPS	Yes
SIM Card	Nano
eSIM	Yes

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Compact and lightweight

• Water-resistant

• Amazing A13 chip performance

• Affordable price

• Touch ID

Cons

• Battery capacity

• Night mode is missed

• Only a 5W charger

Apple iPhone X Refurbished

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Network

AT&T

Storage

64GB

Condition

Refurbished

Price

$294

MSRP: $999

4/5

8 User Reviews

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Device	Storage	Price
Apple iPhone X (Refurbished)	64GB	$299

Device Specs

Screen Size	5.8"
Screen Resolution	2436 x 1125 pixels
HDR Screen	Yes pixels
Processor	Apple A11 Bionic pixels
Internal Memory	64GB, 256GB
Operating System	iOS 11
Back Camera	12MP
Front Camera	7MP
HDR for Photos	Yes
Video Resolution	HD, 4K
Wireless Charging	Yes

Voice Commands	Yes
Talk Time	Up to 21 hours
Dimensions	143.6 x 70.9 x 7.7mm
Weight	174g
Splash Proof	IP67
Water Resistant	Yes
WiFi & 4G Calling	Yes
GPS	Yes
SIM Card	Nano
eSIM	Yes
Model Number	A1901
User Manual	Apple iPhone X User Manual

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Fast processor

• Facial recognition

• Excellent screen

• Impressive battery life

Cons

• No fast charging plug included

• Expensive price tag

• No home button

Apple iPhone XS Refurbished

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Network

T-Mobile

Storage

64GB

Condition

Refurbished

Price

$341

MSRP: $999

4/5

5 User Reviews

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Device	Storage	Price
Apple iPhone XS (Refurbished)	64GB	$333

Device Specs

Screen Size	5.8"
Screen Resolution	2436 x 1125 pixels
HDR Screen	Yes pixels
Processor	Apple A12 Bionic pixels
Internal Memory	64GB, 256GB, 512GB
Operating System	iOS 12
Back Camera	12MP
Front Camera	7MP
HDR for Photos	Yes
Video Resolution	HD, 4K
Wireless Charging	Yes

Voice Commands	Yes
Talk Time	Up to 20 hours
Dimensions	143.6 x 70.9 x 7.7mm
Weight	177g
Splash Proof	IP68
Water Resistant	Yes
WiFi & 4G Calling	Yes
GPS	Yes
SIM Card	Nano
eSIM	Yes
Model Number	A1920
User Manual	Apple iPhone XS User Manual

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Great build and durability

• Good speakers

• Improved duel camera

• Faster Face ID

Cons

• Expensive

• Average battery life

• Glass front and back prone to damage

Apple iPhone 11 Refurbished

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Network

AT&T

Storage

64GB

Condition

Refurbished

Price

$344

MSRP: $699

4/5

13 User Reviews

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Device	Storage	Price
Apple iPhone 11 (Refurbished)	64GB	$441
Apple iPhone 11 (Unlocked)	64GB	$499
Apple iPhone 11 (AT&T)	64GB	$499

Device Specs

Screen Size	6.1"
Screen Resolution	1792 x 828 pixels
HDR Screen	No pixels
Processor	A13 Bionic pixels
Internal Memory	64GB, 128GB, 256GB
Operating System	iOS 13
Back Camera	12MP (Dual)
Front Camera	12MP
HDR for Photos	Yes
Video Resolution	4K, FHD, HD
Wireless Charging	Yes

Voice Commands	Yes
Talk Time	Up to 17 hours (video playback)
Dimensions	150.9 x 75.7 x 8.3mm
Weight	194g
Splash Proof	IP68
Water Resistant	Yes
WiFi & 4G Calling	Yes
GPS	Yes
SIM Card	Nano
eSIM	Yes
Model Number	A2111
User Manual	Apple iPhone 11 User Manual

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Tougher and water resistant design

• Great quality speakers

• Good photos from main camera

• Excellent selfie photo and video quality

• Powerful A13 processor

Cons

• No screen update

• Storage starts at 64GB

• Only a 5W charger included

Cheapest refurbished iPhones

Apple iPhone 7 Refurbished

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Network

AT&T

Storage

128GB

Condition

Refurbished

Price

$112

MSRP: $749

4/5

8 User Reviews

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Device	Storage	Price
Apple iPhone 7 (Refurbished)	128GB	$99

Device Specs

Screen Size	4.7"
Screen Resolution	1334 x 750 pixels
HDR Screen	No pixels
Processor	Apple A10 Fusion pixels
Internal Memory	32GB, 128GB, 256GB
Operating System	iOS 10
Back Camera	12MP
Front Camera	7MP
HDR for Photos	Yes
Video Resolution	HD, 4K
Wireless Charging	No

Voice Commands	Yes
Talk Time	Up to 14 hours
Standby Time	Up to 240 Hours
Dimensions	138.3 x 67.1 x 7.1mm
Weight	138g
Splash Proof	IP67
Water Resistant	Yes
WiFi & 4G Calling	Yes
GPS	Yes
SIM Card	Nano
eSIM	No
Model Number	A1660
User Manual	Apple iPhone 7 User Manual

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Water resistance

• Improved screen and battery life

• Powerful dual speakers

• Excellent camera

• Incredible performance

Cons

• No headphone jack

• Poor battery life

• No design change

• Expensive

Apple iPhone 8 Refurbished

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Network

Unlocked

Storage

256GB

Condition

Refurbished

Price

$220

MSRP: $849

4/5

8 User Reviews

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Device	Storage	Price
Apple iPhone 8 (Refurbished)	256GB	$169

Device Specs

Screen Size	4.7"
Screen Resolution	1334 x 750 pixels
HDR Screen	No pixels
Processor	Apple A11 Bionic pixels
Internal Memory	64GB, 256GB
Operating System	iOS 11
Back Camera	12MP
Front Camera	7MP
HDR for Photos	Yes
Video Resolution	HD, 4K
Wireless Charging	Yes

Voice Commands	Yes
Talk Time	Up to 14 hours
Dimensions	138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3mm
Weight	148g
Splash Proof	IP67
Water Resistant	Yes
WiFi & 4G Calling	Yes
GPS	Yes
SIM Card	Nano
eSIM	No
User Manual	Apple iPhone 8 User Manual

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Super fast processor

• Wireless charging

• Good camera

• Storage starts at 64GB

Cons

• Old design

• Disappointing battery life

• No headphone jack

Apple iPhone XR Refurbished

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Network

T-Mobile

Storage

128GB

Condition

Refurbished

Price

$352

MSRP: $799

5/5

7 User Reviews

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Device	Storage	Price
Apple iPhone XR (Refurbished)	128GB	$308

Device Specs

Screen Size	6.1"
Screen Resolution	1792 x 828 pixels
HDR Screen	No pixels
Processor	Apple A12 Bionic pixels
Internal Memory	64GB, 256GB, 512GB
Operating System	iOS 12
Back Camera	12MP
Front Camera	7MP
HDR for Photos	Yes
Video Resolution	HD, 4K
Wireless Charging	Yes

Voice Commands	Yes
Talk Time	Up to 25 hours
Dimensions	150.9 x 75.7 x 8.3mm
Weight	194g
Splash Proof	IP67
Water Resistant	Yes
WiFi & 4G Calling	Yes
GPS	Yes
SIM Card	Nano
eSIM	Yes
Model Number	A1984
User Manual	Apple iPhone XR User Manual

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Great photos and videos

• Face ID

• Wireless charging

• Best iPhone battery life

• Excellent performance with A12 Chip

Cons

• Display is not great

• Lower res screen

• No 3D touch

• No dual lens

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Best refurbished Samsung phones

Samsung Galaxy S20 5G Refurbished

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Network

Verizon

Storage

128GB

Condition

Refurbished

Price

$375

MSRP: $999

4/5

6 User Reviews

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Device	Storage	Price
Samsung Galaxy S20 (Refurbished)	128GB	$440
Samsung Galaxy S20 (Unlocked)	128GB	$699
Samsung Galaxy S20 (AT&T)	128GB	$529
Samsung Galaxy S20 (T-Mobile)	128GB	$699

Device Specs

Screen Size	6.2"
Screen Resolution	3200 x 1440 pixels
HDR Screen	Yes pixels
Processor	Snapdragon 865 pixels
Internal Memory	128GB
Operating System	Android 10.0
Back Camera	12MP, 12MP, 64MP (Triple)
Front Camera	10MP
HDR for Photos	Yes
Video Resolution	4K, FHD, HD
Wireless Charging	Yes

Voice Commands	Yes
Talk Time	Up to 28 hours
Standby Time	Up to 10 days
Dimensions	151.7 x 69.1 x 7.9mm
Weight	163g
Splash Proof	IP68
Water Resistant	Yes
WiFi & 4G Calling	Yes
GPS	Yes
SIM Card	Nano
eSIM	Yes
User Manual	Samsung Galaxy S20 User Manual

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Excellent camera

• Brilliant screen

• 5G Connectivity

Cons

• Expensive

• Supports slower 5G

Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Refurbished

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Network

T-Mobile

Storage

128GB

Condition

Refurbished

Price

$599

4/5

9 User Reviews

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Device	Storage	Price
Samsung Galaxy Note20 (Unlocked)	128GB	$949
Samsung Galaxy Note20 (Verizon)	128GB	$1,199
Samsung Galaxy Note20 (T-Mobile)	128GB	$949

Device Specs

Screen Size	6.7"
Screen Resolution	2400 x 1080 pixels
HDR Screen	Yes pixels
Processor	Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 Plus pixels
Internal Memory	128GB
Operating System	Android 10
Back Camera	12MP Ultra Wide, 12MP Wide-angle, 64MP Telephoto
Front Camera	10MP
HDR for Photos	Yes
Video Resolution	HD, FHD, 4K UHD, 8K
Wireless Charging	Yes

Voice Commands	Yes
Talk Time	Up to 34 hours
Standby Time	Up to 11.8 days
Dimensions	161.6 x 75.2 x 8.3mm
Weight	194g
Splash Proof	IP68
Water Resistant	Yes
WiFi & 4G Calling	Yes
GPS	Yes
SIM Card	nano
eSIM	Yes

Pros & Cons

Pros

Cons

Cheapest refurbished Samsung phones

Samsung Galaxy S8 Refurbished

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Network

Verizon

Storage

64GB

Condition

Refurbished

Price

$102

MSRP: $725

5/5

6 User Reviews

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Device	Storage	Price
Samsung Galaxy S8 (Refurbished)	64GB	$110

Device Specs

Screen Size	5.8"
Screen Resolution	2960 x 1440 pixels
HDR Screen	No pixels
Processor	Snapdragon 835 pixels
Internal Memory	64GB, 128GB, 256GB
Operating System	Android 7.0 (Nougat)
Back Camera	12MP
Front Camera	8MP
HDR for Photos	Yes
Video Resolution	HD, 4K
Wireless Charging	Yes

Voice Commands	Yes
Talk Time	Up to 20 hours
Dimensions	148.9 x 68.1 x 8mm
Weight	155g
Splash Proof	IP68
Water Resistant	Yes
WiFi & 4G Calling	Yes
GPS	Yes
SIM Card	Nano
eSIM	No
Model Number	SM-G950U
User Manual	Samsung Galaxy S8 User Manual

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Excellent camera

• Large and amazing display

• Headphone jack

• MicroSD Support

Cons

• Poor Battery life

• Badly placed fingerprint sensor

• Fragile

Samsung Galaxy S9 Refurbished

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Network

Unlocked

Storage

64GB

Condition

Refurbished

Price

$125

MSRP: $719

5/5

6 User Reviews

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Device	Storage	Price
Samsung Galaxy S9 (Refurbished)	64GB	$125
Samsung Galaxy S9 (Unlocked)	64GB	$399

Device Specs

Screen Size	5.8"
Screen Resolution	2960 x 1440 pixels
HDR Screen	Yes pixels
Processor	Snapdragon 845 pixels
Internal Memory	64GB, 128GB, 256GB
Operating System	Android 8.0 (Oreo)
Back Camera	12MP
Front Camera	8MP
HDR for Photos	Yes
Video Resolution	HD, 4K
Wireless Charging	Yes

Voice Commands	Yes
Dimensions	147.7 x 68.7 x 8.5mm
Weight	163g
Splash Proof	IP68
Water Resistant	Yes
WiFi & 4G Calling	Yes
GPS	Yes
SIM Card	Nano
eSIM	No
Model Number	SM-G960U
User Manual	Samsung Galaxy S9 User Manual

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Good quality speakers

• Quality still and video quality

• Fast processor

• Amazing AMOLED screen

Cons

• No change with design

• Expensive

• Only 720p resolution

Samsung Galaxy S10 Refurbished

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Network

Unlocked

Storage

128GB

Condition

Refurbished

Price

$193

MSRP: $899

5/5

3 User Reviews

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Device	Storage	Price
Samsung Galaxy S10 (Refurbished)	128GB	$193
Samsung Galaxy S10 (Unlocked)	128GB	$499

Device Specs

Screen Size	6.1"
Screen Resolution	3040 x 1440 pixels
HDR Screen	Yes pixels
Processor	Snapdragon 855 pixels
Internal Memory	128GB, 512GB
Operating System	Android 9.0 (Pie)
Back Camera	12MP, 12MP, 16MP (Triple)
Front Camera	10MP
HDR for Photos	Yes
Video Resolution	4K, FHD, HD
Wireless Charging	Yes

Voice Commands	Yes
Talk Time	Up to 34 hours
Standby Time	Up to 3.67 days
Dimensions	149.9 x 70.4 x 7.8mm
Weight	157 g
Splash Proof	IP68
Water Resistant	Yes
WiFi & 4G Calling	Yes
GPS	Yes
SIM Card	Nano
eSIM	No
Model Number	SM-G973U
User Manual	Samsung Galaxy S10 User Manual

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Compact size

• Amazing photo and video quality

• Stunning display

• Reverse wireless charging

Cons

• Fingerprint reader accuracy

• Average battery life

• No auto focus on Ultra wide camera

• Slow charging

Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Refurbished

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Network

Unlocked

Storage

128GB

Condition

Refurbished

Price

$203

MSRP: $1,000

4/5

5 User Reviews

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Device	Storage	Price
Samsung Galaxy Note9 (Refurbished)	128GB	$203

Device Specs

Screen Size	6.4"
Screen Resolution	2960 x 1440 pixels
HDR Screen	Yes pixels
Processor	Snapdragon 845 pixels
Internal Memory	128GB, 512GB
Operating System	Android 8.1 (Oreo)
Back Camera	12MP
Front Camera	8MP
HDR for Photos	Yes
Video Resolution	HD, 4K
Wireless Charging	Yes

Voice Commands	Yes
Talk Time	Up to 22 hours
Dimensions	161.8 x 76.5 x 8.9mm
Weight	201g
Splash Proof	IP68
Water Resistant	Yes
WiFi & 4G Calling	Yes
GPS	Yes
SIM Card	Nano
eSIM	No
Model Number	SM-N960U
User Manual	Samsung Galaxy Note9 User Manual

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Excellent battery life

• High end build

• Great camera performance

• Beautiful 6.4 inch Infinity display

• Good storage options

Cons

• Expensive

• Heavy

• Lacks Android 9.0 Pie

• Too many small upgrades

Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Refurbished

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Network

Verizon

Storage

256GB

Condition

Refurbished

Price

$330

MSRP: $949

5/5

4 User Reviews

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Device	Storage	Price
Samsung Galaxy Note10 (Refurbished)	256GB	$330

Device Specs

Screen Size	6.3"
Screen Resolution	2280 x 1080 pixels
HDR Screen	Yes pixels
Processor	7nm 64-bit Octa-Core Processor pixels
Internal Memory	256GB
Operating System	Android 9.0
Back Camera	16MP Ultra Wide, 12MP Wide-angle, 12MP Telephoto
Front Camera	10MP
HDR for Photos	Yes
Video Resolution	4K, FHD, HD
Wireless Charging	Yes

Voice Commands	Yes
Talk Time	Up to 35.38 hours
Standby Time	Up to 12.6 days
Dimensions	151 x 71.8 x 7.9mm
Weight	168g
Splash Proof	IP68
Water Resistant	Yes
WiFi & 4G Calling	Yes
GPS	Yes
SIM Card	Nano
eSIM	No
Model Number	SM-N970U
User Manual	Samsung Galaxy Note10 User Manual

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Bright OLED screen

• Excellent battery life

• Great sounding speakers

• Great image quality from camera

• Generous 256GB storage

Cons

• No headphone jack

• Night Mode needs work

• Ultra-wide angle camera lacks autofocus

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Refurbished phone benefits

Whether the big phone companies like it or not, new phones just aren't as appealing anymore. The "next big thing" has become lackluster with the reality that there are minimal changes or upgrades between each generation of phone.

If you take an honest look at the differences between the Samsung Galaxy S8 and the Samsung Galaxy S9, you will discover that Samsung ultimately tweaked and fine-tuned their well-working S8 model and slapped a new name on it.

Other reasons people are choosing used and refurbished:

• Saves you money – Buying used/refurbished can give you an amazing quality phone without breaking the bank.
• Gives you the best bang for your buck – Buying a refurbished or used smartphone allows you to spend significantly less than a new phone.
• Repairs aren't costly – Growing third-party-repair stores are able to offer services, such as fixing your cracked screen or adjusting your charging port, at prices much less than replacing your phone altogether.

Considerations when buying a refurbished phone

The refurbished market became the fastest growing smartphone segment in 2017. Only 25% of all pre-owned phones are sold back into the market and of these, only some are refurbished. This results in various grades of refurbished devices that attract different price points.

Because of the diversity in the market, some things you should consider buying refurbished include:

• 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.

Where to buy refurbished phones

1. Backmarket
2. Decluttr
3. Gazelle
4. Glyde
5. Swappa

There's no need to spend hours on end trying to find the best deal on your next mobile device, MoneySavingPro has already done the hard work for you. By reviewing our comparison tool, you will be sure to find a phone that has the best price for you.

But we didn't stop there, we have also scoured the internet to find the best places to buy used cell phones.

Sell your old phone for cash

Another way to put extra money in your pocket is by selling your old cell phone online. While you could trade your phone in with your current carrier, you'll get a much better price selling it on your own.

If your phone is still functioning properly and doesn't have cosmetic damage, you can make major bank!

Switch to a cheaper cell phone plan

Your money-saving doesn't have to stop at buying a refurbished phone. Another surefire way to save money is switching to an MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator).

Simply put, MVNO's are small carriers that lease service and tower storage for the big three – Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile. MVNO companies buy in bulk, so they are able to turn around and sell it to consumers at a much more affordable price.

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Cheap carrier benefits

• Prepaid phone plans with no contracts
• Customizable plans so only pay for what you use.
• High customer service ratings.
• Keep your current number.
• No loss in cell phone coverage.

Best bring your own phone plans

Refurbished cell phones FAQs

Recap

Upgrading your smartphone doesn't have to put a dent in your wallet.

You can save and potentially make money by:

• Buying a used phone from a trusted site.
• Switch to a cheaper cell phone plan from a low-cost carrier.
• Sell your old phone for cash.