Best Refurbished Phones For 2025

If you’re looking to save money on your next smartphone, a refurbished phone is hands-down one of the best options.

But let’s clear something up first: refurbished phones are not the same as used phones.

Used phones can be sold by anyone—think Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist—without any checks or guarantees.

Refurbished phones, on the other hand, come from trusted retailers like Amazon, Gazelle, or Reboxed and undergo professional testing and certification before being sold.

What Makes a Phone Refurbished?

A phone becomes refurbished for several reasons:

• Unsold Inventory: Sometimes, stores go out of business, and their stock (including brand-new phones) gets sold off to refurbishers.
• Unpaid Contracts: If someone can’t keep up with their phone payments, the carrier may repossess the device and pass it on to refurbishment programs.
• Returned or Faulty Devices: Phones returned due to defects or minor faults are repaired by manufacturers (like Apple or Samsung) and resold as refurbished.

Regardless of how they end up refurbished, these phones are fully tested, cleaned, and restored to top working condition.

But because they’ve been unboxed or lightly used, they legally can’t be sold as “new.”

That’s great news for you—because you get a device that looks and works like new for way less money.

Why Refurbished Phones Are Better Than Used Ones

• Rigorous Testing: Refurbished phones are professionally inspected and repaired. Retailers like Gazelle perform a 30-point inspection covering everything from Wi-Fi connectivity to camera quality.
• Data Wiped & Factory Reset: All previous data is erased, and the software is updated to the latest version.
• Warranties & Returns: Refurbished phones come with warranties and return policies. Used phones sold by individuals? Not so much.
• Transparent Grading: You’ll know exactly what condition the phone is in, whether it’s like new or has minor cosmetic flaws.

How Much Can You Save With a Refurbished Phone?

Refurbished phones are typically 30–50% cheaper than buying new.

For example:

• Refurbished iPhone 14 Pro Max: $694 (unlocked) on Gazelle vs. $1,099 new at launch.
• Refurbished iPhone 13 Pro Max: $434—still a powerhouse device but for much less.
• Refurbished Google Pixel 7a: A great mid-range Android phone for hundreds less than newer models.

Want to save even more? Consider buying carrier-locked refurbished phones.

They usually cost less than unlocked versions.

For instance, a locked iPhone 13 Pro Max for AT&T might cost $529, while the unlocked version is $694.

iPhone vs. Android: Which Refurbished Phone Is Better?

iPhones tend to offer better long-term value. Apple supports its phones with software updates for 7–8 years, while most Android brands offer only 2–3 years of updates.

Exceptions include newer Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy flagships, which now offer longer support.

If you want a phone that stays secure and updated for years, a refurbished iPhone is hard to beat.

But if Android is more your style, stick with newer models from Google or Samsung to get the best experience.

Eco-Friendly and Budget-Friendly

Buying refurbished isn’t just smart for your wallet—it’s smart for the planet. Every year, about 9,000 phones are discarded every second, contributing to massive e-waste.

Smartphones contain toxic materials like lead, mercury, and cadmium that harm the environment.

By choosing a refurbished phone, you’re helping reduce this waste and supporting a more sustainable tech industry.

It’s a win-win: you save money and help the planet.

Turn Your Old Phone Into Cash

Got an old phone collecting dust? Many refurbished phone retailers will buy back your old device.

Companies like Gazelle and SellCell offer cash for your used phones, even older models.

Or you can trade it in with carriers like Verizon or T-Mobile to get $300–$1,000 off your next upgrade.

What to Consider Before Buying a Refurbished Phone

1. Brand & Model: Choose brands with strong long-term support, like Apple, Google, or Samsung.
2. Age of the Device: Newer models mean longer software support.
3. Condition Grade: Higher-grade phones look nearly new but cost more. Lower grades have cosmetic flaws but work perfectly.
4. Warranty & Return Policy: Always buy from retailers offering warranties and hassle-free returns.

Where to Buy Refurbished Phones

• Amazon Renewed – Huge selection with warranties.
• Gazelle – Trusted refurbisher with detailed product testing.
• Reboxed – UK-based retailer known for quality and eco-friendly packaging.
• Samsung Re-Newed – Certified pre-owned Samsung devices.

Final Thoughts: Is a Refurbished Phone Worth It?

Absolutely. A refurbished phone gives you the premium experience of a new device without the premium price tag.

You get a reliable, thoroughly tested phone that often comes with a warranty, all while saving money and helping the environment.

Ready to make the switch? Check out the best refurbished phone deals and start saving today.