Refurbished Phones: The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide

Refurbished phones have come a long way, and in 2025, they’re one of the smartest ways to save big while staying eco-friendly.

You can slash 40-50% off retail prices, get a certified, tested device, and still enjoy flagship-level performance.

• But how do you choose the right one?
• Where should you buy?
• And are refurbished phones really as good as new?

We’ll break down everything you need to know, from top retailers to battery health checks, and even bust some common myths.

What Is a Refurbished Phone?

A refurbished phone is not just a secondhand device. Unlike used phones sold “as-is,” refurbished models go through:

✅ Comprehensive testing to ensure they function properly
✅ Necessary repairs like battery replacements or screen fixes
✅ A full factory reset to remove all previous data
✅ Certification from manufacturers or third-party sellers

The result? A phone that looks and works like new—often at half the price.

How Does a Phone Become Refurbished?

There are a few ways a phone ends up in the refurbished market:

• 🔄 Returns & Trade-Ins – Many phones are returned within the trial period, barely used. These are resold after inspection.
• 📱 Repossessed Phones – Some devices come from unpaid contracts, but they’re fully tested and restored before resale.
• 🔧 Manufacturer Refurbished – Defective models get repaired and resold, often as “Certified Refurbished” with a 12-month warranty.

Why Buy Refurbished Instead of Used?

Buying refurbished is a smarter choice than going for a used phone.

Refurbished devices go through testing, repairs, and certification to ensure they work like new, often with a warranty included.

Used phones, on the other hand, are sold as-is, with no guarantees. If you buy a dud, you’re stuck with it.

If you want a reliable phone at a lower price that has been “reconditioned” and not just reset by some random user, refurbished is the way to go.

Pro Tip: Avoid buying “used” phones from random sellers on eBay or Facebook Marketplace unless you’re 100% sure of their condition. Refurbished is always the safer bet.

Best Refurbished Phones to Buy in 2025

If you’re looking for a high-quality phone at a lower price, refurbished models are the way to go.

But not all refurbished phones are worth buying—especially when it comes to Android devices.

Older Android phones may seem like a great deal, but many stop receiving software updates after just a few years.

Without security patches and new features, they can quickly become outdated and even vulnerable to security risks.

That’s why it’s best to stick with brands known for long-term support: Apple, Google, and Samsung.

• iPhones are the safest bet. Apple provides software updates for about six years, meaning even slightly older models still run smoothly and stay secure. As long as you’re not buying an iPhone that’s more than five or six years old, you’ll get a device with full software support, just like a brand-new model.
• Google Pixel phones offer some of the best Android support with 7 years on its Pixel 8 and Pixel 9 series models. Older models, however, not so much – you’re looking at three to four years max. And the clock starts ticking when the phone is released, NOT when you but it.
• Samsung flagship phones are a similar story to Google; its newer (S23 and up models) get 7 years of support. Older models and cheaper series models get three years, usually tops, and four years of security updates.

This is why we tend to always recommend refurbished iPhones; they last longer, hold their value better, and they’ll be supported for longer with faster, more consistent updates.

Best Places to Buy a Refurbished Phone

When buying a refurbished phone, where you shop matters.

Some retailers offer better warranties, stricter testing, and higher-quality repairs than others.

To get the best deal without sacrificing things like warranties and returns, stick to the following trusted sellers.

The team and I have personally used all of these services over the years and, for the most part, we’ve had zero issues.

Apple’s service is a little on the pricey side for my money. I tend to stick with Gazelle and Reboxed; both are excellent for phones and tablets.

How to Check a Refurbished Phone’s Battery Health

No matter how great a refurbished phone looks, a worn-out battery can make it frustrating to use.

Since batteries degrade over time, always check the battery health before making a purchase.

• For iPhones: iOS has a built-in Battery Health feature (found in Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging). If you’re buying a refurbished iPhone, look for a battery health of at least 85% for decent longevity. Apple’s official refurbished models always come with a new battery, so they’re a safer bet.
• For Android phones: Battery health stats aren’t as easy to check. Some brands, like Samsung and Google, have hidden diagnostics (Samsung Members app, for example), but third-party apps like AccuBattery can give you an estimate. If buying from a certified refurbisher, look for a guarantee that the battery has been replaced or meets a minimum capacity standard (usually 80% or higher).

A weak battery can mean shorter screen time, slower performance, and more frequent charging—so don’t overlook it.

If possible, choose a refurbished phone with a battery replacement guarantee or a warranty that covers battery life issues.

It’s the best way to avoid getting stuck with a phone that dies too soon.

Are Refurbished Phones Safe? Common Myths Debunked

What to Do With Your Old Phone? Trade or Recycle It!

Instead of letting your old phone collect dust, sell or recycle it for extra cash. Here’s where:

♻️ Best Trade-In & Recycling Programs

Pro Tip: Newer models in good condition fetch the highest trade-in values. If your phone is over five years old, recycling may be the better option.

How Much Cheaper Are Refurbished Phones?

On average, refurbished phones cost 40% less than new models.

And that’s pretty cool, right?

If you don’t mind a slightly older model, and you really shouldn’t, you can get flagship performance for half the price.

Final Verdict: Are Refurbished Phones Worth It in 2025?

If you want top-tier specs without draining your wallet, a refurbished phone is a no-brainer.

You get:

• 💰 Massive savings (40-50% off)
• 🔋 Reliable battery life (if tested properly)
• 🔄 Full software updates
• 🔧 A solid warranty (when bought from trusted retailers)

The key? Always buy from a reputable seller and check the phone’s battery health and warranty policy before making the purchase.