Best Refurbished Phones UK 2026

The Best Refurbished Phones in the UK Right Now (2026)

The refurbished phone market in the UK has matured significantly. Quality is higher, prices are more competitive, and the selection has never been better. Whether you want the best iPhone available refurbished, the top Samsung, or the best value mid-range Android, this guide has you covered.

Best Overall: iPhone 14 Pro

The iPhone 14 Pro introduced Apple's Dynamic Island (replacing the notch), the 48MP main camera, and the always-on display. Refurbished, it now sits at a price point that makes it one of the best value premium phones available.

Why it's great:

• A16 Bionic chip — still among the fastest mobile processors available
• 48MP main camera with exceptional low-light performance
• 120Hz ProMotion display — smooth and responsive
• Always-on display (the first iPhone to have it)
• iOS 18 supported — 2+ more years of updates ahead
• Build quality: surgical-grade stainless steel and ceramic shield glass

Refurbished price guide: £550–£700 (128GB), £620–£750 (256GB)

Best for: iPhone users who want the best camera available under £700 refurbished.

Best Android: Samsung Galaxy S23

The Galaxy S23 is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy — a custom-tuned chip that makes it one of the most efficient and performant Android phones ever made. Battery life is genuinely impressive for the size.

Why it's great:

• Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (fastest Android chip of its generation)
• 50MP main camera with excellent night mode
• Compact 6.1" — genuinely usable one-handed
• All-day battery in a compact body (unusual combination)
• 5 years Android updates committed by Samsung
• IP68 water resistant

Refurbished price guide: £400–£550

Best for: Android users who want the best possible performance in a compact package.

Best Value: iPhone 12 Pro

The iPhone 12 Pro introduced 5G to Apple's Pro lineup, the 12MP telephoto lens, and ProRAW photography. Now several years old, it's available refurbished at prices that represent outstanding value.

Why it's great:

• A14 Bionic — still fast for all everyday tasks
• Triple camera with LiDAR scanner
• MagSafe compatible
• iOS 18 supported
• Premium surgical steel and glass build

Refurbished price guide: £280–£380

Best for: iPhone buyers on a tighter budget who want a premium-build Pro model.

Best Budget Android: Samsung Galaxy S21 FE

The Galaxy S21 FE (Fan Edition) offers a modern, capable Android experience at a price that opens up refurbished smartphones to a much wider audience.

Why it's great:

• Snapdragon 888 — still genuinely fast
• 120Hz AMOLED display
• 5G standard
• Triple camera system
• IP68 water resistant

Refurbished price guide: £150–£220

Best for: Anyone who wants a modern 5G Android phone under £200.

Best iPhone Value: iPhone 13

The iPhone 13 remains one of the best all-around smartphones available refurbished. The A15 Bionic chip is fast enough for everything for the next several years, and camera quality is excellent — particularly in low light with Cinematic Mode for video.

Why it's great:

• A15 Bionic chip
• Improved battery vs iPhone 12 (noticeably longer)
• Cinematic Mode video recording
• Compact 6.1" size
• iOS 18 compatible

Refurbished price guide: £350–£450 (128GB)

Best for: The best balance of price, performance, and longevity in the iPhone range.

Best for Camera: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

If camera versatility is your top priority, no phone matches the S23 Ultra. The 200MP main sensor, 10x optical zoom, and built-in S Pen make it the most capable camera phone in the Android world.

Why it's great:

• 200MP primary sensor
• 10x optical zoom + 100x Space Zoom
• S Pen built-in for notes and precision
• 6.8" 120Hz QHD+ display
• 5000mAh battery

Refurbished price guide: £650–£850

Best for: Photography enthusiasts, content creators, power users.

Full Comparison

iPhone vs Samsung — Which Should You Choose?

This is the biggest decision. Both are excellent — the right choice depends on your ecosystem and priorities.

Choose iPhone if:

• You already use an iPad, MacBook, or Apple Watch
• You prefer a simpler, more controlled software experience
• You want the best video recording
• You value long software support (Apple supports iPhones for 5–6 years)

Choose Samsung if:

• You prefer more control over your Android experience
• You use Google services heavily
• You want more camera zoom versatility
• You want a larger screen or the S Pen
• Budget is a priority (Samsung refurbs often cheaper than equivalent iPhone)