Refurbished 5G phone deals in May
Are refurbished phones worth it? If you're looking to upgrade your current handset, but you have a limited budget, a refurbished phone could be right up your street.
Refurbished phones are used phones, but they've been reset and are quality tested before being re-sold. Most are like new. The main difference is the price tag.
Commonly there's a good few hundred off the original retail price, which means upgrading your phone doesn't have to come with a hefty price.
We've compiled some of the best refurbished phones from resellers online to help you find a great deal below.
Apple iPhone 12 Refurbished - $590
Best refurbished 5G iPhones
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 AT&T network coverage and prices starting from $485.
| Device | Storage | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Apple iPhone 12 mini (Refurbished) | 64GB | $485 |
| Apple iPhone 12 mini (Unlocked) | 64GB | $629$27/mo for 24 mths |
| Apple iPhone 12 mini (AT&T) | 64GB | $679$29/mo for 24 mths |
| Apple iPhone 12 mini (T-Mobile) | 64GB | $629$27/mo for 24 mths |
| Storage | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB |
| Screen size | 5.4" |
| Display | Super Retina XDR |
| Resolution | 2340 x 1080 pixels |
| HDR screen | Yes pixels |
| Battery life (video playback) | 15 hours pixels |
| Processor | A14 Bionic Chip pixels |
| 5G | A14 Bionic Chip pixels |
| Cameras | Dual |
| Rear camera | 12MP |
| Camera type | 12MP |
| Front camera | 12MP |
| Video resolution | 4K, FHD, HD |
| Size | 131.5 x 64.2 x 7.4mm |
| Weight | 135g |
| Optical zoom | 2x zoom |
| Night mode | Yes |
| OS | iOS 14 |
| Screen protection | Ceramic Shield |
| Water resistant | IP68 |
| Wireless charging | Yes |
| eSIM | Yes |
| Secure Autdentication | Face ID |
| VoLTE | Yes |
| WiFi calling | Yes |
| GPS | Yes |
Pros
Great compact size
Excellent camera
5G compatible
Brilliant OLED display
Cons
Battery life
No tele lens
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 $590.
| Device | Storage | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Apple iPhone 12 (Refurbished) | 64GB | $590 |
| Apple iPhone 12 (Unlocked) | 64GB | $629$26/mo for 24 mths |
| Apple iPhone 12 (AT&T) | 64GB | $629$26/mo for 24 mths |
| Storage | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB |
| Screen size | 6.1" |
| Display | Super Retina XDR |
| Resolution | 2532 x 1170 pixels |
| HDR screen | Yes pixels |
| Battery life (video playback) | 17 hours pixels |
| Processor | A14 Bionic Chip pixels |
| 5G | A14 Bionic Chip pixels |
| Cameras | Dual |
| Rear camera | 12MP |
| Camera type | 12MP |
| Front camera | 12MP |
| Video resolution | 4K, FHD, HD |
| Size | 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4mm |
| Weight | 164g |
| Optical zoom | 2x zoom |
| Night mode | Yes |
| OS | iOS 14 |
| Screen protection | Ceramic Shield |
| Water resistant | IP68 |
| Wireless charging | Yes |
| eSIM | Yes |
| Secure Autdentication | Face ID |
| VoLTE | Yes |
| WiFi calling | Yes |
| GPS | Yes |
Pros
Attractive design
Fantastic audio quality
5G compatible
Amazing OLED display
Cons
No charger or headphones included
Battery life
Not much camera upgrade
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 $793.
| Device | Storage | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Apple iPhone 12 Pro (Refurbished) | 128GB | $793 |
| Apple iPhone 12 Pro (Unlocked) | 128GB | $899$37/mo for 24 mths |
| Apple iPhone 12 Pro (AT&T) | 128GB | $899$37/mo for 24 mths |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| Screen size | 6.1" |
| Display | Super Retina XDR |
| Resolution | 2532 x 1170 pixels |
| HDR screen | Yes pixels |
| Battery life (video playback) | 17 hours pixels |
| Processor | A14 Bionic Chip pixels |
| 5G | A14 Bionic Chip pixels |
| Cameras | Triple |
| Rear camera | 12MP |
| Camera type | 12MP |
| Front camera | 12MP |
| Video resolution | 4K, FHD, HD |
| Size | 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4mm |
| Weight | 189g |
| Optical zoom | 2x zoom |
| Night mode | Yes |
| OS | iOS 14 |
| Screen protection | Ceramic Shield |
| Water resistant | IP68 |
| Wireless charging | Yes |
| eSIM | Yes |
| Secure Autdentication | Face ID |
| VoLTE | Yes |
| WiFi calling | Yes |
| GPS | Yes |
Pros
Bright and colorful OLED display
Good photo quality
5G compatible
Good quality speakers
Attractive design
Cons
Shorter battery life than iPhone 11
No charger or headphones included
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max has 128GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.7" screen and 12MP camera. This refurbished iPhone 12 Pro Max is available from Back Market with AT&T network coverage and prices starting from $863.
| Device | Storage | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max (Refurbished) | 128GB | $863 |
| Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max (Unlocked) | 128GB | $899$37/mo for 24 mths |
| Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max (AT&T) | 128GB | $899$37/mo for 24 mths |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| Screen size | 6.7" |
| Display | Super Retina XDR |
| Resolution | 2778 x 1284 pixels |
| HDR screen | Yes pixels |
| Battery life (video playback) | 20 hours pixels |
| Processor | A14 Bionic Chip pixels |
| 5G | A14 Bionic Chip pixels |
| Cameras | Triple |
| Rear camera | 12MP |
| Camera type | 12MP |
| Front camera | 12MP |
| Video resolution | 4K, FHD, HD |
| Size | 160.8 x 78.1 x 7.4mm |
| Weight | 228g |
| Optical zoom | 2.5x zoom |
| Night mode | Yes |
| OS | iOS 14 |
| Screen protection | Ceramic Shield |
| Water resistant | IP68 |
| Wireless charging | Yes |
| eSIM | Yes |
| Secure Autdentication | Face ID |
| VoLTE | Yes |
| WiFi calling | Yes |
| GPS | Yes |
Pros
Durable and water resistant
Large OLED screen
5G compatible
Great battery life and fast charging
Photo and video quality
Cons
Expensive
Heavy
No charger or headphones
Cheapest refurbished 5G iPhone prices
| Phone | Storage | Network | Condition | Price | Apple iPhone 12 mini | 64GB | AT&T | Refurbished | $485 | Apple iPhone 12 | 64GB | AT&T | Refurbished | $590 | Apple iPhone 12 Pro | 128GB | AT&T | Refurbished | $793 | Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max | 128GB | AT&T | Refurbished | $863 | Apple iPhone 13 | 256GB | T-Mobile | Refurbished | $899 |
|---|
Best refurbished 5G 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 Verizon network coverage and prices starting from $455.
| Device | Storage | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy S21 (Refurbished) | 128GB | $455 |
| Samsung Galaxy S21 (Unlocked) | 128GB | $799$34/mo for 24 mths |
| Samsung Galaxy S21 (T-Mobile) | 128GB | $799$34/mo for 24 mths |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB |
| Screen size | 6.2" |
| Display | FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 |
| HDR screen | Yes pixels |
| Battery life (video playback) | 15 hours pixels |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 pixels |
| 5G | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 pixels |
| Cameras | Triple |
| Rear camera | 64MP |
| Camera type | 64MP |
| Front camera | 10MP |
| Video resolution | 8K, 4K |
| Size | 151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm |
| Weight | 169g |
| Optical zoom | hybrid 3x zoom |
| Night mode | Yes |
| OS | Android 11, One UI 3.1 |
| Screen protection | No |
| Water resistant | IP68 |
| Wireless charging | Yes |
| eSIM | Yes |
| Secure Autdentication | Fingerprint |
| VoLTE | Yes |
| WiFi calling | Yes |
| GPS | Yes |
Pros
Great design
120Hz refresh rate
Fast performance
Powerful camera
Comfortable size
Cons
Display is a downgrade; only HD
No charger included
No expandable storage
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 T-Mobile network coverage and prices starting from $570.
| Device | Storage | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy S21+ (Refurbished) | 128GB | $570 |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB |
| Screen size | 6.7" |
| Display | FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 |
| HDR screen | Yes pixels |
| Battery life (video playback) | 19 hours pixels |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 pixels |
| 5G | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 pixels |
| Cameras | Triple |
| Rear camera | 64MP |
| Camera type | 64MP |
| Front camera | 10MP |
| Video resolution | 8K, 4K, 1080p |
| Size | 161.5 x 75.6 x 7.8 mm |
| Weight | 200g |
| Optical zoom | hybrid 3x zoom |
| Night mode | Yes |
| OS | Android 11, One UI 3.1 |
| Screen protection | No |
| Water resistant | IP68 |
| Wireless charging | Yes |
| eSIM | Yes |
| Secure Autdentication | Fingerprint |
| VoLTE | Yes |
| WiFi calling | Yes |
| GPS | Yes |
Pros
Supreme 120Hz AMOLED display
Blazing fast performance
Eye-catching design
Top tier zoom feature
Long battery life
Cons
Immensely bulky
Charger is not included
No microSD card slot
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 T-Mobile network coverage and prices starting from $405.
| Device | Storage | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy S20 (Refurbished) | 128GB | $405 |
| Storage | 128GB |
| Screen size | 6.2" |
| Display | QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 3200 x 1440 pixels |
| HDR screen | Yes pixels |
| Battery life (video playback) | 10 hours pixels |
| Processor | Snapdragon 865 pixels |
| 5G | Snapdragon 865 pixels |
| Cameras | Triple |
| Rear camera | 64MP |
| Camera type | 64MP |
| Front camera | 10MP |
| Video resolution | 4K, FHD, HD |
| Size | 151.7 x 69.1 x 7.9mm |
| Weight | 163g |
| Optical zoom | hybrid 3x zoom |
| Night mode | Yes |
| OS | Android 10.0 |
| Screen protection | Protective Film |
| Water resistant | IP68 |
| Wireless charging | Yes |
| eSIM | Yes |
| Secure Autdentication | Fingerprint Sensor, Face Recognition |
| VoLTE | Yes |
| WiFi calling | Yes |
| GPS | Yes |
| Model Number | SM-G981UZAATMB |
| User Manual | Samsung Galaxy S20 User Manual |
Pros
Excellent camera
Brilliant screen
5G Connectivity
Cons
Expensive
Supports slower 5G
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 $450.
| Device | Storage | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy S20+ (Refurbished) | 128GB | $450 |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| Screen size | 6.7" |
| Display | QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 3200 x 1440 pixels |
| HDR screen | Yes pixels |
| Battery life (video playback) | 11 hours pixels |
| Processor | Snapdragon 865 pixels |
| 5G | Snapdragon 865 pixels |
| Cameras | Quad |
| Rear camera | 64MP |
| Camera type | 64MP |
| Front camera | 10MP |
| Video resolution | 4K, FHD, HD |
| Size | 161.9 x 73.7 x 7.8mm |
| Weight | 186g |
| Optical zoom | hybrid 3x zoom |
| Night mode | Yes |
| OS | Android 10.0 |
| Screen protection | Protective Film |
| Water resistant | IP68 |
| Wireless charging | Yes |
| eSIM | Yes |
| Secure Autdentication | Fingerprint Sensor, Face Recognition |
| VoLTE | Yes |
| WiFi calling | Yes |
| GPS | Yes |
| Model Number | SM-G986UZAAVZW |
| User Manual | Samsung Galaxy S20+ User Manual |
Pros
5G Connectivity
Stylish design
Good camera
Great speaker quality
Brilliant display
Cons
Expensive
Fingerprint sensor
No headphone jack
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 T-Mobile network coverage and prices starting from $535.
| Device | Storage | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra (Refurbished) | 128GB | $535 |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| Screen size | 6.9" |
| Display | QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 3200 x 1440 pixels |
| HDR screen | Yes pixels |
| Battery life (video playback) | 13 hours pixels |
| Processor | Snapdragon 865 pixels |
| 5G | Snapdragon 865 pixels |
| Cameras | Quad |
| Rear camera | 108MP |
| Camera type | 108MP |
| Front camera | 40MP |
| Video resolution | 4K, FHD, HD |
| Size | 166.9 x 76.0 x 8.8mm |
| Weight | 220g |
| Optical zoom | hybrid 10x zoom |
| Night mode | Yes |
| OS | Android 10.0 |
| Screen protection | Protective Film |
| Water resistant | IP68 |
| Wireless charging | Yes |
| eSIM | Yes |
| Secure Autdentication | Fingerprint Sensor, Face Recognition |
| VoLTE | Yes |
| WiFi calling | Yes |
| GPS | Yes |
| Model Number | SM-G988UZAATMB |
| User Manual | Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra User Manual |
Pros
Fast performance
Great battery life
Expandable storage
Flexible cameras
5G connectivity
Cons
8K video is too much
No headphone jack
Expensive
Nothing new with design
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 Verizon network coverage and prices starting from $500.
| Device | Storage | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy Note20 (Refurbished) | 128GB | $500 |
| Storage | 128GB |
| Screen size | 6.7" |
| Display | FHD+ Super AMOLED Plus |
| Resolution | 2400 x 1080 pixels |
| HDR screen | Yes pixels |
| Battery life (video playback) | 8 hours pixels |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 Plus pixels |
| 5G | Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 Plus pixels |
| Cameras | Triple |
| Rear camera | 64MP |
| Camera type | 64MP |
| Front camera | 10MP |
| Video resolution | HD, FHD, 4K UHD, 8K |
| Size | 161.6 x 75.2 x 8.3mm |
| Weight | 194g |
| Optical zoom | hybrid 3x zoom |
| Night mode | Yes |
| OS | Android 10 |
| Screen protection | No |
| Water resistant | IP68 |
| Wireless charging | Yes |
| eSIM | Yes |
| Secure Autdentication | Face ID, Touch ID |
| VoLTE | Yes |
| WiFi calling | Yes |
| GPS | Yes |
Pros
Excellent S Pen
Zippy performance
Vibrant display
Attracive design
Solid battery life
Cons
Gets hot
Low-resolution display
Only 60Hz screen
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 $750.
| Device | Storage | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra (Refurbished) | 128GB | $750 |
| Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra (Unlocked) | 128GB | $999$42/mo for 24 mths |
| Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra (T-Mobile) | 128GB | $999$42/mo for 24 mths |
| Storage | 128GB, 512GB |
| Screen size | 6.9" |
| Display | QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED |
| Resolution | 3088 x 1440 pixels |
| HDR screen | Yes pixels |
| Battery life (video playback) | 11 hours pixels |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 Plus pixels |
| 5G | Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 Plus pixels |
| Cameras | Triple |
| Rear camera | 108MP |
| Camera type | 108MP |
| Front camera | 10MP |
| Video resolution | HD, FHD, 4K UHD, 8K |
| Size | 164.8 x 77.2 x 8.1mm |
| Weight | 208g |
| Optical zoom | 5x zoom |
| Night mode | Yes |
| OS | Android 10 |
| Screen protection | No |
| Water resistant | IP68 |
| Wireless charging | Yes |
| eSIM | Yes |
| Secure Autdentication | Face ID, Touch ID |
| VoLTE | Yes |
| WiFi calling | Yes |
| GPS | Yes |
Pros
Dynamic 120Hz display
Great S Pen performance
Powerful zoom camera
Long battery life
Sleek design
Cons
Expensive
Heavy and uncomfortable to hold
Charging is a little slow
Cheapest refurbished 5G Samsung phone prices
| Phone | Storage | Network | Condition | Price | Samsung Galaxy A32 | 64GB | T-Mobile | Refurbished | $168 | Samsung Galaxy A42 | 128GB | Verizon | Refurbished | $182 | Samsung Galaxy A71 | 128GB | AT&T | Refurbished | $198 | Samsung Galaxy A52 | 128GB | AT&T | Refurbished | $306 | Samsung Galaxy S20 FE | 128GB | AT&T | Refurbished | $346 | Samsung Galaxy S20 | 128GB | T-Mobile | Refurbished | $405 | Samsung Galaxy S20+ | 128GB | Verizon | Refurbished | $450 | Samsung Galaxy S21 | 128GB | Verizon | Refurbished | $455 | Samsung Galaxy Note20 | 128GB | Verizon | Refurbished | $500 | Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra | 128GB | T-Mobile | Refurbished | $535 | Samsung Galaxy S21+ | 128GB | T-Mobile | Refurbished | $570 | Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra | 128GB | Verizon | Refurbished | $750 | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra | 128GB | T-Mobile | Refurbished | $763 |
|---|
Refurbished 5G phone benefits
- 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 cell phone 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 5G 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.
Best cheap 5G phone plans
| Carrier | Network | Minutes | Texts | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reach Mobile | T-Mobile | Unltd | Unltd | 2GB | $10** $10 Off First 3 Months |
| Twigby | Verizon | Unltd | Unltd | 5GB | $12.50** 50% Off for 6 Months |
| Mint Mobile | T-Mobile | Unltd | Unltd | 10GB | $20** Buy 3 Months Get 1 Free |
| US Mobile | Verizon & T-Mobile | Unltd | Unltd | 18GB | $25Free Starter Kit with code: MSPUSM |
| Mint Mobile | T-Mobile | Unltd | Unltd | Unltd | $30** Buy 3 Months Get 1 Free |
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 | |
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!
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 purchasing 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
With each cell phone upgrade these days, not much changes, so why shed out thousands of dollars for the latest smartphone. That's why refurbished phones have become so popular.
With a phone that's like new, you can make sure your cell phone is not your most expensive accessory.
You can save more money with a used cell phone. Or check out these affordable options for a brand new handset with MVNOs.
