Everyone wants a new phone, but not everyone wants to pay full price for one. Buying the most popular models can cost you hundreds of dollars and inflict major pain on your wallet.
Luckily, it is possible to get a device you want, in a way that won’t break the bank, by purchasing a refurbished phone that’s been revamped and is ready for a new home. Let’s get into the details about refurbished phones, including how to buy one and whether it’s the right choice for you.
What Is a Refurbished Phone?
A refurbished phone is a phone that was previously owned and is resold to a new customer by a wireless carrier, phone manufacturer, or retailer. The phone may have had some sort of issue, like a hardware glitch or build defect, and was returned for repairs. Or the previous owner might have simply decided they no longer liked the phone shortly after purchase. In any case, a refurbished phone has been repaired, tested, and cleaned to a like-new condition.
Many people hear the words “refurbished'' or “pre-owned” and automatically assume there is something wrong with the phone or that it won’t work as well as a new device. However, that’s not true! Refurbished phones are almost always certified and covered by a warranty from their dealer. They are tested for functionality and parts are replaced if needed. Typically the only sign a refurbished phone even had a previous owner is light cosmetic damage, such as a scratch on the screen. But remember, if there is cosmetic damage it will barely be noticeable on a refurbished phone. Any major damage that impacts the usability of a phone, like a spiderweb of cracks across the screen, is repaired or will disqualify the device from being refurbished at all.
Are refurbished phones cheaper?
Since refurbished phones are technically used devices, they cannot be sold for the same high prices that brand-new phones cost. This is why refurbished phones are so cheap. But while shopping around for a refurbished phone, you might notice one dealer offering a single model of phones for multiple prices.
This is because refurbished phones are priced based on their condition. Since they are pre-owned, it is possible there is some light cosmetic damage to the device. How noticeable that damage is impacts the grade and price the dealer assigns. The refurbished phones in the best condition are practically indistinguishable from a new phone. They will have no cosmetic damage and some are completely rebuilt. While these devices are in pristine condition, they will also have the highest price as a result. As the condition of the phone declines, so does the cost. Some refurbished phones have moderate wear, such as scratches on the screen, scuffs on the phone’s shell, or a lower performing battery. However, remember these phones are still fully functional and have the added benefit of being even cheaper!
Are refurbished phones too expensive?
Are refurbished phones still too expensive for your budget? See if the cheapest cell phones available right now are a better fit for you, or whether you qualify to get a free cell phone through government assistance programs.
What is an unlocked refurbished phone?
While many people purchase refurbished phones because they are cheaper, others want them because of the freedom those phones offer by being unlocked. An unlocked phone is a device that is not tied to any specific carrier. You have the freedom to pick the carrier you want as long as your device is compatible with the technology that carrier uses. Refurbished phones purchased directly from a manufacturer or retailer often come unlocked. This is a great option for someone who wants the freedom to frequently switch carriers while searching for the best price. They are also great for people who travel abroad and want to use foreign networks instead of paying expensive international roaming rates to U.S. carriers.
Refurbished phones aren’t the only kind of phones that are unlocked. The phone you currently own can probably be unlocked too! But before you pop out your SIM card and start shopping around, it’s important to make sure you meet the requirements under your current carrier needed to unlock the device. Once you have an unlocked device, you have the freedom to shop around and find the cheapest phone plan to meet your needs.
Pros and Cons of Refurbished Phones
Pros:
- Refurbished phones can get you great devices at a steep discount.
- When purchased from a reputable source they are safe. They are tested for functionality and are covered by a warranty.
- Many refurbished phones are unlocked, meaning they can be paired with the carrier of your choice.
- There are plenty of places to buy one.
Cons:
- It is a pre-owned phone. There may be scratches or marks on the phone if purchasing a well-used model.
- Not every part will be replaced. For example, one part that is often not replaced is the battery. This has led some refurbished phones to suffer from poorer performing battery life.
- May not come with the same accessories as new phones, such as headphones or a charging cord.
- Limited by the pre-owned stock of the dealer. They can only sell what has been returned and refurbished. There are more customization options available with a new device.
Where to Buy Refurbished Phones
There are more places to find a refurbished phone than you think! Almost all carriers offer them as an option with their phone plans. You can also purchase them directly from the phone’s manufacturer or from a third-party retailer.
Major carriers
Buying directly from a carrier is the most convenient way to purchase a refurbished device. It will automatically come connected to the carrier’s network, so you don’t have to worry about installing a SIM card. These phones also often feature payment plans, called “installment agreements,” to help you pay off the full cost of the phone over the course of smaller monthly payments that get wrapped into your overall cell phone bill. This is a great option if you want a newer-model refurbished phone, but can’t afford the full price upfront. However, this option will come with the drawback of being locked in with that carrier until the device is paid off.
The Big Three carriers (Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile) all offer refurbished devices both online and in their stores. You can often get newer models for a hundred or two less than their typical selling price, depending on the model and condition that you choose. For example, here are some of the most popular Galaxy models through Verizon, of which there may be refurbished models to choose from:
Galaxy S26 5G 256GB
- 6.3 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 10MP, 12MP
- Front Camera: 12MP
Galaxy A37 5G 128GB
- 6.7 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 8MP, 5MP
- Front Camera: 12MP
Galaxy S26 5G 512GB
- 6.3 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 10MP, 12MP
- Front Camera: 12MP
Galaxy S26+ 5G 256GB
- 6.7 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 10MP, 12MP
- Front Camera: 12MP
Galaxy S26 Ultra 5G 256GB
- 6.9 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 200MP, 10MP, 50MP, 50MP
- Front Camera: 12MP
Wondering what other devices Samsung has to offer? Compare the latest flagship devices from Samsung.
Prepaid carriers
It is important to remember that there are a lot of carriers out there other than the Big Three. These smaller carriers, called mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs), offer great deals on phones that operate on the big carrier networks, without the big carrier costs. And because they’re typically prepaid phones, you’ll find a lot of refurbished options to help keep prices even lower. Our favorite MVNOs, like Visible Wireless, often offer excellent deals on refurbished iPhones, Galaxies, and more. Buying a refurbished phone from Visible could save you big bucks on top of having access to their lower-cost plans and Verizon’s nationwide network.
Moto G 5G (2025) 128GB
- 6.7 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 2MP
- Front Camera: 16MP
Moto G Power (2025) 128GB
- 6.8 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 8MP
- Front Camera: 16MP
Galaxy A26 5G
- 6.7 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 8MP, 2MP
- Front Camera: 13MP
Edge (2025) 256GB
- 6.7 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 50MP, 10MP
- Front Camera: 50MP
Galaxy A37 5G 128GB
- 6.7 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 8MP, 5MP
- Front Camera: 12MP
You can find almost any older model in refurbished form if you are willing to shop around. If you aren’t sure which iPhone is right for you, check out our research on which models we think are best.
Phone manufacturers
Purchasing a refurbished phone directly from the manufacturer, like Apple or Samsung, is also an option. Because they are the company that makes the phone, you can feel comfortable knowing that any repairs to the phone are done by experts using official parts. These phones will usually come unlocked since they aren’t tied to a carrier.
If you want a refurbished phone that is almost brand new, purchasing directly from the manufacturer is a great option. Manufacturers often restore all devices to a like-new condition, replace all parts, and repackage the device in a new box with accessories. This means that manufacturers typically have the highest quality refurbished devices but they also come with the highest sticker price. You will still save money on a refurbished phone purchased through a manufacturer, but your savings likely won’t be as much as if you purchased from a carrier or retailer.
- Apple covers all their refurbished devices with a Certified Refurbished Promise that essentially rebuilds the phone. During that process, all their devices receive genuine Apple replacement parts, a new battery, and a new outer shell. They also come in a new box with all the accessories and cables that normally come with a new phone. Finally, Apple’s refurbished phones come with free returns and are covered by a one-year warranty.
- Samsung offers refurbished phones through its Certified Re-Newed Smartphone program. All their phones come with certified Samsung parts, a new battery, and a new SIM card. They ship their phones in a new box and are covered by the same one-year warranty that applies to all of Samsung’s new products.
Retailers
Retailers offer another great avenue for snagging a refurbished phone. There are a lot of different options in this category, from big electronics retailers like Best Buy to online marketplaces like Amazon and eBay. There are also dozens of smaller online marketplaces that can offer great deals for even lower prices than well-known sites.
However, the less popular a site, the more research you should do to ensure the phone is up to your standards. Always read reviews of the sites and sellers you consider buying from. Some sellers may try to disguise a used phone as a refurbished one. Others may not offer returns or warranties on their devices. A good rule of thumb to follow for any smaller retail site is to be skeptical. If a deal sounds too good to be true, it might just be.
- Best Buy is one of the best retail options for buying a refurbished device. They have a wide selection of phones from multiple brands. They also guarantee the phone is functional and ship it with the correct type of charging cable. Best Buy’s refurbished phones are also unlocked, so this is a great choice for anyone looking for a deal on an unlocked phone.
- Amazon is another solid option for refurbished phones. They have a certified “renewed” program for their devices. However, unlike many other sellers, Amazon does not offer several different grades of refurbished phones. All their phones are listed as being in “excellent” condition. This has led to trouble for some customers who were shipped phones that had more cosmetic damage than they were expecting. Luckily, Amazon also offers a generous renewed guarantee that allows all refurbished purchases to be returned or replaced within 90 days if customers are unsatisfied with the device.
- eBay is another great place to purchase refurbished phones. They offer phones in multiple conditions including “certified refurbished,” which is like new. Certified refurbished phones on eBay are refurbished directly by the manufacturer or a manufacturer-approved vendor. eBay also offers one to two year warranties on all their devices.
Things to Look out for in Refurbished Phones
Make sure it's unlocked
When shopping for refurbished phones, it is important to note whether the phone you want is unlocked or not. Remember that unlocked phones offer the freedom to pick your own carrier. However, that may not be the best option for everyone. Some people may want a phone that is locked to a specific network because carriers can offer payment plans making it easier to purchase the phone. If you live in an area that is mainly served by one carrier or don’t frequently travel internationally, a locked phone might be a better choice for you.
Check for “refurbished” phones vs. “used” phones
In your quest to find the perfect refurbished phone, you may come across “used” phones on online marketplaces like eBay or Amazon. This is a major red flag.
While all refurbished phones are pre-owned, that does not mean they fall under the “used” description. Refurbished phones have gone through a strict testing process to make sure they are 100% functional. Any defective parts are replaced and software issues fixed. They are also typically backed up with a warranty that will replace or refund the phone.
Used phones do not have these same protections. They are sold in “as is” condition. There is no guarantee that these phones are completely functional and they may not work on your network of choice. While used phones may be even cheaper than refurbished phones, it is a gamble with less protections in place if something goes wrong.
It is always safer to purchase a certified refurbished phone from a reputable dealer than potentially lose your hard-earned money on a defective used phone.
Should You Buy a Refurbished Phone?
Refurbished phones offer a great way to get a phone you’ll love at a cheaper price. They are good devices that have been repaired and tested to ensure they work. These phones can also come unlocked, giving you the freedom to shop around for different carriers or easily take your phone abroad.
If these points are appealing to you, then you should absolutely consider buying a refurbished phone! However, if you want the absolute newest devices, or don’t like the idea of owning a pre-owned phone, getting a refurbished phone may not be the best option for you. Check out the latest and greatest devices on the market to find a phone that fits your fancy.
Moto G 5G (2025) 128GB
- 6.7 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 2MP
- Front Camera: 16MP
Moto G 5G (2026) 128GB
- 6.7 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 2MP
- Front Camera: 32MP
Galaxy A26 5G
- 6.7 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 8MP, 2MP
- Front Camera: 13MP
Moto G Power (2025) 128GB
- 6.8 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 8MP
- Front Camera: 16MP
Edge (2025) 256GB
- 6.7 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 50MP, 10MP
- Front Camera: 50MP
Refurbished Phones: FAQ
Can refurbished phones be trusted?
Yes! Refurbished phones have been repaired and reset to essentially be like a new phone. As long as they are sold by a reputable dealer you can feel confident purchasing one.
What are the disadvantages of a refurbished phone?
Not every part is replaced when a phone is refurbished. One of the parts that is often not replaced is a phone’s battery, which leads to some refurbished phones having a lower-performing battery life compared with new devices. You are also limited in the customization options for refurbished phones. Dealers can only offer what has been returned, and in many cases do not offer the newest model as a refurbished option.
What is the difference between a refurbished phone and an original phone?
The difference between a refurbished phone and an original phone is that a refurbished phone has been repaired or rebuilt. Because of that, it cannot sell for the same price as a new/original device. Otherwise, the technology in the phone and operating system are exactly the same.
Max McCaskill
Sr. Staff Writer
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