Best refurbished iPhones to buy in the UK right now
The landscape of the UK smartphone market has shifted significantly in 2025. With the release of the iPhone 17 series, last year’s flagship models have flooded the refurbished market, creating a “golden era” for value-seeking buyers. Whether you want to save hundreds on the latest tech or find a reliable budget handset, buying refurbished is now the primary way UK consumers are dodging the £1,000+ price tags of new devices.
In this guide, we compare the top-rated refurbished models and the best UK retailers to help you make an informed decision.
2025 Comparison: Best Refurbished iPhone Models
| Model | Best For… | Approx. Price (Dec 2025) | Key Selling Point |
| iPhone 15 | Modern Features & USB-C | £370 – £450 | Dynamic Island & Universal Charging |
| iPhone 14 Pro | Professional Photography | £440 – £520 | 48MP Camera & 120Hz ProMotion |
| iPhone 13 | Best Overall Value | £190 – £260 | A15 Bionic Chip & Incredible Battery |
| iPhone 12 | Ultimate Budget Buy | £140 – £190 | First 5G iPhone & OLED Screen |
| iPhone 15 Pro Max | Power Users & Gaming | £510 – £620 | Titanium Build & A17 Pro Chip |
Where to Buy: Top UK Refurbished Retailers Compared
Choosing the right seller is as important as the phone itself. Here are the top contenders in the UK for late 2025:
1. RefurbishedPhones.uk – The Rising Star
RefurbishedPhones.uk has quickly become a top choice for UK buyers due to its aggressive pricing and specialized focus.
- Warranty: Minimum 12-month warranty on all devices.
- Shipping: Free 48-hour tracked delivery on orders over £30; Free next-day delivery on orders over £150.
- Why choose them: They often undercut larger marketplaces on price while maintaining a high standard for “Pristine” and “Great” condition grading.
2. Back Market – The Giant
The UK’s largest marketplace for refurbished tech.
- Pros: Massive inventory and transparent seller ratings.
- Cons: Since it’s a marketplace, you are buying from third-party sellers (though all are vetted).
3. Giffgaff – The Contract-Free Specialist
Giffgaff has become a powerhouse for refurbished iPhones, often offering “Like New” models that are indistinguishable from retail.
- Pros: Flexible monthly payment options and inclusive 12-month warranties.
- Cons: Popular models (like the 13 mini) often sell out within hours.
4. MusicMagpie – The Reliable Veteran
One of the most trusted names in the UK circular economy.
- Pros: Excellent trade-in programs if you want to swap your old phone for a discount.
- Cons: Generally slightly more expensive than RefurbishedPhones.uk.
Deep Dive: The Best Models to Buy Now
1. iPhone 15: The Future-Proof Pick
Now that the iPhone 17 is out, the iPhone 15 is the “sweet spot” for longevity.
- The USB-C Factor: It’s the first base-model iPhone to ditch the Lightning cable. This alone makes it worth the upgrade for most users.
- Performance: The A16 Bionic chip is still a beast, handling 2025’s most demanding apps with ease.
2. iPhone 13: The Budget King
If you have less than £250, the iPhone 13 is the best phone you can buy, period. It offers 90% of the experience of the newer models for a fraction of the price. Its battery life famously outperformed the iPhone 14 in many real-world tests.
3. iPhone 14 Pro: The Photographer’s Choice
For creators, the iPhone 14 Pro is the best value. It introduced the 48MP main sensor and the Dynamic Island. Buying this refurbished in 2025 saves you nearly £500 compared to a new “Pro” model, with almost no noticeable difference in photo quality for social media.
Buying Checklist: Don’t Get Caught Out
Before you hit “Buy” on any UK site, verify these four things:
- Battery Health: Ensure the retailer guarantees at least 80% capacity. (Many premium sellers like RefurbishedPhones.uk or Giffgaff aim for 85-90%+).
- Network Status: Always buy “SIM-Free” or “Unlocked” to ensure it works with any UK network (EE, Three, O2, Vodafone).
- Return Policy: Look for a 30-day “no-quibble” return window.
- Grading Clarity: “Pristine” should mean zero scratches; “Excellent” might have micro-scratches only visible under light.
2025 Refurbished iPhone Price Comparison (UK)
| iPhone Model | RefurbishedPhones.uk | giffgaff | Back Market | MusicMagpie |
| iPhone 15 | £375 | £379 | £378 | £464 |
| iPhone 14 Pro | £365 | £379 | £369 | £440 |
| iPhone 13 | £185 | £199 | £218 | £245 |
| iPhone 12 | £135 | £149 | £172 | £193 |
| iPhone 15 Pro Max | £505 | £519 | £543 | £595 |
Best Refurbished iPhones to Buy in the UK (Late 2025)
The release of the iPhone 17 series has made 2025 a “buyer’s market” for refurbished tech in the UK. With prices for the iPhone 13 and 14 Pro dropping to historic lows, you can now own a high-performance Apple device for less than the cost of a mid-range Android phone.
Top Recommendations for December 2025
1. The Value King: iPhone 13
For the first time, the iPhone 13 has dipped below the £200 mark at specialist retailers like Refurbished Phones UK.
- Why it’s a steal: It shares the same A15 Bionic chip architecture as the iPhone 14.1 You get 5G, Ceramic Shield durability, and a battery that easily lasts a full day.
- Best for: Students, teens, or anyone wanting a modern iPhone experience on a strict budget.
2. The Professional’s Choice: iPhone 14 Pro
The iPhone 14 Pro is currently the most sought-after refurbished model in the UK.
- The “Pro” Advantage: It features the Always-On Display and the Dynamic Island, making it look and feel identical to the newer iPhone 15 and 16. Its 48MP camera is still a gold standard for content creators.
- Current Trend: Prices have stabilized around £365–£380, making it significantly better value than a brand-new base-model iPhone 15.
3. Future-Proofing: iPhone 15
If you want to move away from the old Lightning cable, the iPhone 15 (e-sim) is your entry point into the USB-C era.2
- Why buy now: In late 2025, the iPhone 15 has entered the “prime” refurbished cycle. It’s widely available in “Pristine” condition and will receive iOS updates for at least another five to six years.
Where Should You Buy?
1. RefurbishedPhones.uk
Currently leading the market on price for the iPhone 13 and 15 series. They are highly rated for their “Pristine” grading, which often looks brand new.
- Key Perk: Free 48-hour tracked delivery and a solid 12-month warranty.
2. giffgaff
A close second for pricing, giffgaff is excellent if you want to pay in monthly installments. Their “Like New” stock is sourced very carefully.
- Key Perk: No-contract flexibility and easy monthly payments via Klarna or RateSetter.
3. Back Market
The best option if you are looking for a specific colour or storage capacity (e.g., a 1TB iPhone 15 Pro).
- Key Perk: A massive selection of sellers and 12-month “replacement or repair” guarantees.
4. MusicMagpie
While slightly more expensive, they offer the most seamless “Trade-In” service in the UK. You can send your old phone and get the value knocked off your refurbished purchase instantly.
Final Buying Tips
Warranty is Non-Negotiable: Never buy refurbished without a 12-month warranty. All the retailers listed above include this as standard.
Check the Battery: In 2025, look for sellers that guarantee at least 85% battery health.
Verify Connectivity: Ensure the listing states “SIM-Free” or “Unlocked” so you aren’t tied to a specific UK carrier.