Best Refurbished Phones to Buy in 2025

If you’re shopping for a new phone this year, opting for one of the best refurbished phones can save money and reduce electronic waste. Refurbished phones can be a fantastic deal, getting you top performance at a fraction of the price of a new phone. How do you know which used phones are worth buying, though? 

This guide covers the best refurbished phones you can buy in 2025. We chose these based on value, performance and software update support. Our picks range from budget picks to foldable phone bargains and everything in between.

1. iPhone 13/13 Mini

The iPhone 13 and 13 Mini are still top-tier picks for refurbished buyers in 2025. Both phones feature Apple’s powerful A15 Bionic chip, which ensures fast performance and excellent energy efficiency and longevity. Whether you’re taking high-quality photos, recording 4K video or running the latest apps, the iPhone 13 lineup handles it all with ease. 

The standard iPhone 13 also boasts excellent battery life, while the Mini stands out as one of the last truly compact premium smartphones on the market, ideal for small hands or tight pockets. These models are expected to receive iOS updates through at least version 19 or 20, meaning you’ll continue to enjoy the latest Apple features for years. 

With Face ID, a bright OLED display and full MagSafe support, the iPhone 13 and 13 Mini are well-rounded and future-proof — ideal for everyday users, creators and Apple fans who want a long-lasting phone under $500.

2. Samsung Galaxy S23/S23+

Released in early 2023, the Samsung Galaxy S23 and S23+ are among the newest phones you can now find refurbished, making them a wise long-term investment in 2025. 

These models build on the S22 series with even better battery life, a stronger Gorilla Glass Victus 2 body, improved night photography and Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, which is faster and more power-efficient. 

They also launched with Android 13 and are expected to receive updates through Android 17 or beyond. With more refurbished units now entering the market, you can get the latest tech, excellent cameras and years of software support at a reduced price compared to buying new. 

So, if you want a near-new phone experience with long-term software support, the Samsung Galaxy S23 or S23+ might be for you.

3. iPhone 12/12 Pro

If you want a modern iPhone without paying more than $800, a refurbished iPhone 12 or iPhone 12 Pro is a great alternative. The iPhone 12 series is from 2020, so these phones still have more or less a couple of years of software updates ahead of them.

You have a few models to choose from here, all of which are great buys in 2025: the iPhone 12, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max and 12 Mini. The Mini is virtually identical to the regular iPhone 12, only it has a smaller screen. The iPhone 12 Pro and Pro Max have some noticeable hardware upgrades compared to both the 12 and 12 Mini, particularly when it comes to the camera.

All around, any of the iPhone 12 models are great mid-range phones for budget-conscious Apple fans who still want the iPhone’s signature sleek design and high-end performance in 2025. Even the most expensive model, the 12 Pro Max, can be refurbished for less than $500. 

For such a reasonable price, you get 5G — an A14 chip that handles everything from gaming to multitasking, and a gorgeous Super Retina XDR display. The 12 Pro even includes a LiDAR scanner and a stainless steel body for a more premium feel.

If you want to upgrade your older iPhone or switch from Android without breaking the bank, any phone in the iPhone 12 lineup will give you good value for your money.

4. Google Pixel 6/Pixel 7

If you’re after amazing photography and clean software, the Pixel 6 and 7 are still two of the best Android phones you can get, especially when refurbished. Thanks to Google’s industry-leading computational photography, both phones offer impressive camera performance. 

The Pixel 6 is a great value pick with a distinctive design and solid performance, while the Pixel 7 refines the experience with better battery life and AI-powered tools like Photo Unblur and Clear Calling. Both phones run Google’s clean Android interface without bloatware and get updates directly from Google, including monthly security patches and OS upgrades for years. 

Google’s custom Tensor chips also deliver smooth performance and unlock exclusive AI features, making Pixel phones ideal for photography lovers, Android purists and anyone who values consistent software support.

5. Samsung Galaxy S22/S22 Ultra

Samsung and Android fans can get a great deal on a used Galaxy S22 or S22 Ultra. This is one of the best refurbished phones in 2025 and one of the most modern you can get at a budget-friendly price. With the S22 Ultra, you can even get the much-loved S Pen for note-taking or drawing, and superior zoom capabilities! 

Additionally, if you’re looking for Android performance with flagship polish, the Samsung Galaxy S22 and S22 Ultra are still excellent in 2025. With vibrant AMOLED displays, smooth 120Hz refresh rates and premium build quality, these phones feel modern and powerful. 

Samsung’s One UI software is one of the most polished Android experiences available. Whether you’re a gamer, content creator or just want an Android phone that does it all, the S22 series remains a strong choice.

The Galaxy S22 lineup also delivers impressive camera performance across the board, with sharp detail, vibrant colors and great low-light results. If the camera is a top concern for you, it’s definitely worth considering an S22 Ultra. If you don’t care about the included S Pen, go for the slightly smaller S22 instead.

6. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4

Foldable phones are one of the most interesting developments in the smartphone market in the past few years. You don’t need to break the bank to try one out anymore, though. The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 is one of the best refurbished phones you can buy in 2025, especially if you’re looking for a foldable. 

This phone offers the fun and portability of a compact clamshell design while unfolding into a full-sized smartphone screen. It is much sturdier than earlier generations and includes water resistance, which is rare in foldable phones. 

It’s also perfect for TikTok fans, selfie lovers or anyone who wants to enjoy Flex Mode, which lets the phone stand independently for hands-free use. The Flip4 isn’t just fun — it’s functional too, with great performance and access to Android’s latest features thanks to Samsung’s strong update commitment.

Notably, the Flip4 offers some upgrades from the previous generation Flip3 for less than $400. This phone originally retailed for about $1000 when it was released in 2022. In 2025, you can get it for less than half that price. The Flip4 is a great device, and as a flagship phone, it will give you better performance than most new phones at this price. 

What to Look for in a Refurbished Phone

Buying a refurbished phone can save money and reduce electronic waste while still getting you a great device. However, not all refurbished phones are worth buying. For instance, an iPhone 6 might seem like a great deal, but phones from before roughly 2018 are not worth buying in 2025. There’s a critical reason for this: software updates.

Software Updates

Phone manufacturers don’t support their devices forever. Eventually, a phone’s hardware can no longer support new software updates. So, when you buy a refurbished phone, you need to ensure it’s modern enough to have at least a couple of years of software updates left. So, that iPhone 6S that costs less than $100 might seem like a bargain, but it can’t support anything later than iOS 15. 

The oldest phone on this list, the iPhone 12/12 Pro, will continue receiving software updates from Apple through 2025. Generally, you want a refurbished phone with at least two more years of support like this. This will ensure you balance a good price with functionality. 

Battery Health

Refurbished phones have been used before, so the battery might no longer be at 100% capacity. If you’re buying from a reputable refurbisher, they often replace degraded batteries. Still, check the battery health rating — especially for iPhones, which show this in Settings. Aim for a battery health of at least 85%, or make sure the refurbisher guarantees a battery replacement.

Warranty and Return Policy

Always check for a warranty or return policy, even from trusted sellers. A 90-day warranty is a standard among quality refurbishers, but some offer longer. If the phone arrives with issues like screen glitches or charging problems, a solid return policy can save you from a costly mistake.

Water Resistance (or Lack Thereof)

Some refurbished phones may have lost water resistance due to previous repairs or wear. While it’s not always listed, be cautious — especially if the phone has been opened. Don’t assume water resistance is still intact unless the refurbisher explicitly confirms it.

Refurbished Phone Retailers

Software updates should be a top consideration when choosing what refurbished phone model to look for. When shopping for an individual phone to buy, your top priority should be seller reliability. Unfortunately, it’s easy to get scammed or get a low-quality device on the used phone market. However, there are some trustworthy refurbished marketplaces, including: 

• BackMarket
• Gazelle
• Best Buy
• Direct from Apple or Samsung 

Many people turn to Amazon first when shopping for one of the best refurbished phones. Sometimes Amazon can be a great place to get a good deal. You do need to be careful, though. 

Look at the profile for the individual seller you are considering buying a device from (product reviews on Amazon contain purchases from a mix of sellers for the same item). Carefully investigate the seller’s recent reviews and return policy before buying. When using Amazon to buy a refurbished phone, it’s also a good idea to purchase a protection plan, just in case. 

Carrier Compatibility

Finally, before buying a refurbished phone, you should always double-check that it is compatible with your phone carrier. The safest and easiest solution is to get an “unlocked” phone, which means the phone can work with any carrier. Luckily, most refurbished phones are fully unlocked, so this shouldn’t be a problem. However, it’s always a good idea to check before buying. 

Refurbished Grades

Many sellers use a grading system to describe a phone’s cosmetic condition:

• Grade A: Like new, minimal to no signs of use.
• Grade B: Light scratches or minor dings.
• Grade C: Noticeable wear, but still functional.

Be sure to check what the grades mean for that seller, since not every company uses the same criteria.

Security Updates vs. OS Updates

Even if a phone no longer gets full OS updates, some manufacturers continue to provide security updates. For example, Samsung now offers up to seven years of security patches on many of its recent phones. Check both timelines if you’re on the edge of the update window.

Go for a Refurbished Phone in 2025

Shopping refurbished is a great way to save money on your next smartphone. You want to ensure you’re still getting good value for your money, though. The phones on this list are among the very best refurbished phones you can buy in 2025. They balance a great price with at least two more years of manufacturer software updates.

Original Publish Date 12/16/2023 — Updated 5/27/2025