Best refurbished phones in 2022
Looking for a refurbished cell phone? We can help you find a great 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 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 cell phones from low-cost carriers, so you can find the best phone deal at the cheapest price without sacrificing your wireless service.
Best refurbished iPhones
The Apple iPhone 13 mini has 128GB storage capacity. It includes a 5.4" screen and 12MP camera. This refurbished iPhone 13 mini is available from Back Market with AT&T network coverage and prices starting from $500.
The Apple iPhone 13 has 128GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.1" screen and 12MP camera. This refurbished iPhone 13 is available from Back Market with AT&T network coverage and prices starting from $487.
The Apple iPhone 13 Pro has 128GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.1" screen and 12MP camera. This refurbished iPhone 13 Pro is available from Back Market with T-Mobile network coverage and prices starting from $721.
The Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max has 128GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.7" screen and 12MP camera. This refurbished iPhone 13 Pro Max is available from Back Market with AT&T network coverage and prices starting from $730.
Refurbished iPhone 12 deals
The Apple iPhone 12 mini has 64GB storage capacity. It includes a 5.4" screen and 12MP camera. This refurbished iPhone 12 mini is available from Back Market with T-Mobile network coverage and prices starting from $299.
The Apple iPhone 12 has 64GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.1" screen and 12MP camera. This refurbished iPhone 12 is available from Back Market with AT&T network coverage and prices starting from $350.
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro has 128GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.1" screen and 12MP camera. This refurbished iPhone 12 Pro is available from Back Market with AT&T network coverage and prices starting from $469.
Refurbished iPhone 11 deals
The Apple iPhone 11 has 64GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.1" screen and 12MP camera. This refurbished iPhone 11 is available from Back Market with AT&T network coverage and prices starting from $265.
The Apple iPhone 11 Pro has 64GB storage capacity. It includes a 5.8" screen and 12MP camera. This refurbished iPhone 11 Pro is available from Back Market with AT&T network coverage and prices starting from $284.
The Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max has 64GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.5" screen and 12MP camera. This refurbished iPhone 11 Pro Max is available from Back Market with AT&T network coverage and prices starting from $390.
Refurbished iPhone SE deals
Apple iPhone SE Refurbished
*$50 off
The Apple iPhone SE (2nd Gen) has 64GB storage capacity. It includes a 4.7" screen and 12MP 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
The Apple iPhone 7 has 128GB storage capacity. It includes a 4.7" screen and 12MP camera. This refurbished iPhone 7 is available from Back Market with AT&T network coverage and prices starting from $75.
The Apple iPhone 8 has 64GB storage capacity. It includes a 4.7" screen and 12MP camera. This refurbished iPhone 8 is available from Back Market with AT&T, Verizon & T-Mobile network coverage and prices starting from $105.
The Apple iPhone X has 256GB storage capacity. It includes a 5.8" screen and 12MP camera. This refurbished iPhone X is available from Back Market with AT&T network coverage and prices starting from $199.
The Apple iPhone XR has 64GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.1" screen and 12MP camera. This refurbished iPhone XR is available from Back Market with Verizon network coverage and prices starting from $189.
The Apple iPhone XS has 64GB storage capacity. It includes a 5.8" screen and 12MP camera. This refurbished iPhone XS is available from Back Market with AT&T network coverage and prices starting from $208.
Cheapest refurbished iPhone prices
| Phone | MSRP | Price | Apple iPhone 6S Refurbished | $649 | $65 | Apple iPhone 7 Refurbished | $749 | $75 | Apple iPhone SE Refurbished | - | $85 | Apple iPhone 6S Plus Refurbished | $949 | $91 | Apple iPhone 8 Refurbished | $699 | $105 | Apple iPhone 7 Plus Refurbished | $869 | $120 | Apple iPhone 8 Plus Refurbished | $949 | $140 | Apple iPhone XR Refurbished | $749 | $189 | Apple iPhone X Refurbished | $1,149 | $199 | Apple iPhone XS Refurbished | $999 | $208 | Apple iPhone XS Max Refurbished | $1,099 | $232 | Apple iPhone 11 Refurbished | $699 | $265 | Apple iPhone 11 Pro Refurbished | $999 | $284 | Apple iPhone 12 mini Refurbished | - | $299 | Apple iPhone 12 Refurbished | - | $350 | Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max Refurbished | $1,099 | $390 | Apple iPhone 12 Pro Refurbished | - | $469 | Apple iPhone 13 Refurbished | - | $487 | Apple iPhone 13 mini Refurbished | - | $500 | Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max Refurbished | - | $549 |
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Best refurbished Samsung phones
The Samsung Galaxy S21 has 128GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.2" screen and 64MP camera. This refurbished Galaxy S21 is available from Back Market with T-Mobile network coverage and prices starting from $235.
The Samsung Galaxy S21+ has 128GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.7" screen and 64MP camera. This refurbished Galaxy S21+ is available from Back Market with AT&T network coverage and prices starting from $304.
The Samsung Galaxy S20 has 128GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.2" screen and 64MP camera. This refurbished Galaxy S20 is available from Back Market with Verizon network coverage and prices starting from $198.
The Samsung Galaxy S20+ has 128GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.7" screen and 64MP camera. This refurbished Galaxy S20+ is available from Back Market with Verizon network coverage and prices starting from $222.
The Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra has 128GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.9" screen and 108MP camera. This refurbished Galaxy S20 Ultra is available from Back Market with AT&T network coverage and prices starting from $275.
The Samsung Galaxy Note20 has 128GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.7" screen and 64MP camera. This refurbished Galaxy Note20 is available from Back Market with AT&T network coverage and prices starting from $265.
The Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra has 128GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.9" screen and 108MP camera. This refurbished Galaxy Note20 Ultra is available from Back Market with Verizon network coverage and prices starting from $400.
Best cheap refurbished Samsung phones
The Samsung Galaxy S7 edge has 32GB storage capacity. It includes a 5.5" screen and 12MP camera. This refurbished Galaxy S7 edge is available from Back Market with AT&T network coverage and prices starting from $57.
The Samsung Galaxy S8 has 64GB storage capacity. It includes a 5.8" screen and 12MP camera. This refurbished Galaxy S8 is available from Back Market with Verizon network coverage and prices starting from $100.
The Samsung Galaxy S9 has 64GB storage capacity. It includes a 5.8" screen and 12MP camera. This refurbished Galaxy S9 is available from Back Market with AT&T network coverage and prices starting from $100.
The Samsung Galaxy S10 has 128GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.1" screen and 16MP camera. This refurbished Galaxy S10 is available from Back Market with AT&T network coverage and prices starting from $120.
The Samsung Galaxy Note9 has 128GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.4" screen and 12MP camera. This refurbished Galaxy Note9 is available from Back Market with AT&T network coverage and prices starting from $129.
The Samsung Galaxy Note10 has 256GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.3" screen and 16MP camera. This refurbished Galaxy Note10 is available from Back Market with T-Mobile network coverage and prices starting from $190.
Cheapest refurbished Samsung Galaxy prices
Best refurbished Android phones
The Samsung Galaxy A12 has 32GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.5" screen and 48MP camera. This refurbished Galaxy A12 is available from Back Market with AT&T network coverage and prices starting from $100.
The Samsung Galaxy A32 has 64GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.5" screen and 48MP camera. This refurbished Galaxy A32 is available from Back Market with T-Mobile network coverage and prices starting from $110.
The Samsung Galaxy A42 has 128GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.6" screen and 48MP camera. This refurbished Galaxy A42 is available from Back Market with Verizon network coverage and prices starting from $104.
The Samsung Galaxy A52 has 128GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.5" screen and 64MP camera. This refurbished Galaxy A52 is available from Back Market with T-Mobile network coverage and prices starting from $115.
Where to buy refurbished phones
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.
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 phones.
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.
Best cheap cell phone plans
| Carrier | Data | Network | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| US Mobile 500MB plan | 500MB | Verizon & T-Mobile | $5* FREE 10-Day Trial |
| Tello 1GB plan | 1GB | T-Mobile | $10 |
| Twigby 4GB plan | 4GB | Verizon | $10** $10 Off for 3 Months |
| Mint Mobile 10GB plan | 10GB | T-Mobile | $20** 3 Months FREE: $60 for 6 mths service |
| Mint Mobile unlimited data plan | Unltd | T-Mobile | $30** 3 Months FREE: $90 for 6 mths service |
Bring your own phone to a cheaper carrier
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, MVNOs 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.
T-Mobile vs Mint Mobile comparison
Keep your T-Mobile phone, number & coverage: Save $660 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 | 4GB | $15/mo | $180/yr |
| *Don't waste money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB | Savings | $55/mo | $660/yr | |
MVNO 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.
Refurbished phones FAQs
What is the average cost of a refurbished phone?
The average cost depends on the phone model, but you can save around 15% off the retail cost of the original price.
What does a refurbished phone mean?
It's a used phone that's been put back to factory settings and has gone through testing. It's often checked and verified before being resold.
Are refurbished phones worth it?
They're a great option if you're looking to upgrade your handset at a discounted price. Most refurbished phones are quality checked before being sold and some come with a 6 or 12-month warranty.
Which is better used or refurbished cell phones?
Refurbished phones are repaired to be like new, whereas used phones are not repaired so will be available at a much cheaper cost and are sold as seen.
Recap
Whether you're looking for the latest iPhone or just a cheap cell phone, MVNOs like Visible can save you hundreds of dollars a year with a refurbished phone and cheap plans.
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!
With a refurbished phone you'll get a nearly new phone while saving a few hundred bucks on the retail cost.
Compare phones from low-cost carriers to find the best refurbished phones at the cheapest price.
