Buying guides
CommercialThe Best Refurbished iPhones to Buy in the UK This Year
From the iPhone 11 to the 16 Pro Max — the refurbished iPhones that are genuinely worth your money this year.
With dozens of iPhone models available on the refurbished market, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. Whether you want the latest features or the best value for money, this guide covers the top refurbished iPhones to buy in the UK right now.
Best overall value: iPhone 13
The iPhone 13 continues to be the smartest buy for most UK shoppers. With Apple's A15 Bionic chip, dual cameras and Face ID, it handles everything modern apps demand at a much lower price than newer models.
Best premium choice: iPhone 15 Pro
If you want flagship performance without paying flagship prices, the iPhone 15 Pro delivers a titanium build, A17 Pro chip and the Action Button. Refurbished prices are roughly 30% below new.
Best budget pick: iPhone 11
The iPhone 11 remains a solid pick for under £200. It still receives iOS updates, has reliable battery life, and a good dual-camera system for casual users.
Best compact option: iPhone 13 Mini
For those who prefer smaller phones, the iPhone 13 Mini gives you Pro-level performance in a one-handed form factor.
Best future-proof buy: iPhone 16 Pro Max
If you want years of updates and the latest Apple Intelligence features, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is worth the investment. We've covered it in detail in our iPhone 16 Pro Max second-hand review.
How to choose the right storage
Most users will be fine with 128GB. Power users storing lots of photos or 4K videos should opt for 256GB or higher. Our buying guides walk you through storage decisions in detail.
Frequently asked questions
Which refurbished iPhone has the longest software support?
Newer models like the iPhone 15 and 16 series will receive iOS updates for the longest time — typically 6-7 years from release.
Are older iPhones still worth buying refurbished?
Yes, models from iPhone 11 onwards still receive updates and run all major apps smoothly.
Eleanor Wright
Senior Editor, Mobile
Part of the Second Hand Phones editorial team — writing honest, useful guides for UK shoppers buying second-hand smartphones.
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