If you need to buy a new phone, a refurbished one is a good option. You know that because you’re reading this. You’ll save a lot compared to buying a brand new phone, and it shouldn’t be scary to go the refurbished route.
Refurbished phones can be purchased from major retailers (such as Amazon), as well as from network operators and specialty websites such as Back Market, Music Magpie and Envirofone. The big appeal of refurbished phones is that you get a warranty that means peace of mind, something you don’t necessarily get when you buy a used phone from the likes of Facebook Marketplace and eBay.
There are different grades available that reflect the condition of the phone. You’ll pay the least if you’re happy to accept a scratch or scratch, but because inventory comes from people trading in their old phones, the availability of specific colors and storage capacities is constantly changing.
This means that if you see a deal you like below, there’s no need to wait: get it soon. Below, we’ve hand-picked the phones we think represent the best deals right now. Black Friday season is just around the corner, but some of these deals might not last until then, so it’s worth going for it if you see a deal you like.
If you want to sell your current phone quickly and easily, it’s worth using Compare & Recycle to see which company will give you the most money for your old one.
Best refurbished phone deals in the UK
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra – Good condition
1
From: Giffgaff
Was: £1,249
Now:
£699
(£550 discount)
The Galaxy S24 Ultra is the best phone you can buy right now. But instead of paying the full asking price of £1,249, you can get this refurbished model in ‘Good’ condition for 44% less. It is still fully functional and has at least 80% battery capacity.
Google Pixel 8 – Fair condition
2
From: Achtermarkt
Was: £699
Now:
£319
(£380 discount)
Last year’s Pixel 8 is still an excellent phone that Google will support until 2030.
Buy this revised version in ‘Fair’ condition for 54% less than at launch. The phone is still fully functional and has a battery capacity of at least 80%.
Samsung Galaxy S24 – Excellent condition
3
From: Achtermarkt
Was: £799
Now:
£482.71
(£316.29 discount)
Get one of Samsung’s excellent 2024 flagships for less than the price of many mid-range phones. This regular Galaxy S24 is available with a 39% discount on this ‘Excellent’ model, which is guaranteed to still work fully and has a battery capacity of at least 80%.
Apple iPhone 15 – Fair condition
4
From: Achtermarkt
Was: £799
Now:
£538.30
(£260.70 discount)
The iPhone 16 range is out now, but you can save big on last year’s phones. In particular, the impressive regular iPhone 15 is available for £260 off, provided you’re happy with its ‘fair’ condition.
Apple iPhone 14 Pro – Good condition
5
From: Giffgaff
Was: £1,099
Now:
£479
(£620 discount)
The iPhone 14 Pro debuted with Apple’s ‘Dynamic Island’, which hasn’t changed since. In 2024, it remains an excellent choice and you can get this refurbished model in ‘Good’ condition at a significant discount.
OnePlus 11 – Fair condition
6
From: Achtermarkt
Was: £729
Now:
£429
(£300 discount)
The OnePlus 11 was one of the best phones of 2023. We praised its value for money with the asking price of £799 for the 256GB, but what about getting it in ‘reasonable’ condition for £300 less?
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 – Fair condition
7
From: 4gadgets
Was: £1,049
Now:
£399.99
(£649.01 discount)
Do you want a flip phone for less than €500? If you don’t like the Nubia Flip 5G, a refurbished model (in full working order) of the impressive Galaxy Z Flip 5 is available at a significant discount.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 – Fair condition
8
From: 4gadgets
Was: £1,748
Now:
£739.99
(£1008.01 discount)
After the arrival of the Galaxy Z Fold 6, now is the time to purchase its highly capable predecessor, especially with over £1,000 off. It is in ‘fair’ condition, meaning there will be some “minor signs of wear”, but it is still fully functional.
Where to find deals on refurbished phones in Great Britain (SIM-free)
These are the best places to look for a refurbished phone, along with any promotions you might be able to take advantage of:
Where can you buy refurbished phones on contract?
You can also get refurbished handsets on a monthly contract (and sometimes buy them outright) from network operators, including:
Where to find deals on refurbished phones in the US (SIM-free)
These are the best places to buy a refurbished phone in the US.
What do revised grades mean?
Each retailer has its own rating system, which means that a phone in ‘Good’ condition from one retailer may be in a very different condition than a phone purchased in ‘Good’ condition from another retailer.
That’s why it’s crucial to read the description of what each number means on the retailer’s website.
Some start their rating with ‘Good’ (which means the worst condition they sell) and move up to Excellent or Like New.
Back Market
Others are more honest and call phones with obvious signs of wear and tear ‘Fair’. Make sure you read the descriptions of what exactly each number means before purchasing so you know what to expect from a phone in reasonable condition.
Refurbished versus second-hand or used – what’s the difference?
There is a difference between buying refurbished and simply buying second hand. Although reconditioned appliances are technically second-hand, they are repaired and overhauled so that they work like new. However, buying a used phone means you get the device as is, so its lifespan may not last as long.
Refurbished phones often come with a one-year warranty, wherever you buy them. In fact, we recommend that you read the warranty policy before purchasing a device. Make sure there is one!
Read our Refurbished vs Used guide, where we look at what’s better and why.
If you’d still prefer to buy new but are on a budget, read our round-up of the best budget phones.
