How Much Can You Actually Save on a Refurbished iPhone?

On a refurbished iPhone, you can typically save £150 to £400 compared to the current new price, depending on the model and grade.

The iPhone 15 Pro Max 256GB is a strong example: a phone that launched at over £1,199 can be found refurbished in Grade A condition for significantly less, with identical performance and full iOS update support still ahead of it.

The iPhone 15 256GB is our pick for most buyers on a tighter budget. It delivers the same Dynamic Island design, USB-C charging, and A16 chip as the Pro, but at a lower entry price both new and refurbished. Savings on the base iPhone 15 typically run 40% to 60% below new retail.

For a deeper look at how long these devices stay fully supported, see our breakdown of iPhone software longevity and iOS update lifespans. That context matters when you are working out the real value of a purchase.

iPhone Refurbished Savings at a Glance

How Much Can You Save on a Refurbished Samsung Galaxy?

Samsung’s flagship range delivers some of the biggest refurbished savings in absolute terms. The Galaxy S25 Ultra 256GB launched at over £1,200, but refurbished pricing makes it genuinely accessible for buyers who want a top-tier Android experience without the full retail outlay. Savings of £300 to £500 are realistic on the Ultra.

The Samsung Galaxy range also benefits from seven years of software and security updates on recent S-series models, which strengthens the long-term value argument considerably. You are not just saving money today. You are buying a phone with years of supported life still ahead.

Did You Know? According to Statista, the global refurbished smartphone market is on track to surpass $100 billion by 2026. The biggest driver is buyers who want flagship-grade hardware at mid-range prices, which is exactly what a well-chosen refurbished Galaxy or iPhone delivers.

How Much Can You Save on a Refurbished Google Pixel?

Refurbished Pixel 9-series phones typically come in 25–35% below new retail pricing. The Pixel 9 Pro 256GB is the standout option: Google’s seven-year update commitment means you are buying into a long support runway, and the computational photography is genuinely class-leading at any price.

Savings versus new RRP typically sit in the £150 to £300 range.

The Pixel 9 256GB is the entry point for buyers who want Google’s AI features and clean Android experience without stretching to Pro pricing. Refurbished, it represents one of the better value-for-money propositions in the Google Pixel range right now.

Worth being honest here: Pixel hardware has had some reliability quirks on older models, including thermal performance and display longevity. The Pixel 9 series has improved significantly, but it is worth buying from a retailer with a solid returns policy. Our guide to the best refurbished phone sites covers which retailers we trust and why.

Does the Grade You Choose Affect Your Savings?

Yes, and significantly. Refurbished grading directly affects both price and condition, so understanding it is key to getting the right deal. Here is how the tiers typically break down:

1. Grade A (Excellent): Near-new cosmetic condition, fully tested, battery health typically 85% or above. Best value for most buyers. Savings of 20–35% versus new.
2. Grade B (Good): Minor cosmetic wear, light scratches, fully functional. Bigger savings of 35–45%, but you will notice the cosmetic difference up close.
3. Grade C (Fair): Visible wear, possible scuffs or marks. Savings can hit 50%, but I would only recommend this grade if cosmetics genuinely do not matter to you and you have confirmed battery health is still usable.

For most people, Grade A is the right call. The price difference between Grade A and Grade B is often small, and you get a phone that looks and feels close to new.

Tech Tip: Before you buy any refurbished phone, ask for the battery health percentage. On iPhone, you can check it yourself under Settings > Battery > Battery Health. For Android, some retailers provide a diagnostics report. A battery at 85% or above will serve you well for another two to three years of normal use. Below 80%, you will feel it within months.

What Is the Best Premium Refurbished Phone for the Money Right Now?

Right now, the three strongest premium options in our database are the iPhone 15 Pro Max, the Galaxy S25 Ultra, and the Pixel 9 Pro. Each represents the best of its respective ecosystem, and all three are available right now as vetted, unlocked refurbished stock.

We focus exclusively on these three brands because they offer the longest software support windows, the most consistent hardware quality, and the strongest resale values.

If budget is the primary driver, the iPhone 15 256GB and Pixel 9 256GB both offer flagship-adjacent performance at a noticeably lower price point. For a full comparison of the best value options across all three brands, see our affordable refurbished phones guide.

And for every question you might have about buying refurbished, the KYM refurbished phone FAQ hub has you covered.

Know Your Mobile Verdict

The savings on premium refurbished smartphones are real, consistent, and worth taking seriously. Whether you go Apple, Samsung, or Google, you are looking at 20–40% off flagship pricing for a device that performs identically to a new one out of the box. The key is buying Grade A, verifying battery health, and sticking to vetted stock from retailers you can trust.

Check the latest refurbished phone deals to see current pricing across all three brands.

Pro Tip: The best time to buy a refurbished flagship is three to six months after the new model launches. The previous generation drops sharply in refurbished price, but loses almost nothing in real-world usability. Buying an iPhone 15 Pro Max the month the iPhone 16 Pro Max launched was one of the smartest value moves of the year.

Explore more: Browse the full range of premium used handsets and buying guides at the KYM refurbished smartphones hub.