How do I choose the right refurbished smartphone during Black Friday?

Start by identifying your must-have features and budget range – this prevents impulse buying during Black Friday's overwhelming deals. Consider what you actually use your phone for: basic calling and texting means a budget refurbished phone under £200 works great, while photography enthusiasts should focus on models with proven camera quality regardless of age. Don't get caught up in having the newest model – a two-year-old flagship phone often outperforms this year's budget models while costing less refurbished. Check carrier compatibility before buying, especially if you're switching networks. Look for phones that'll receive software updates for at least 2-3 more years. Battery health matters more than minor cosmetic wear – prioritize devices with 80%+ capacity or new batteries. During Black Friday, set a firm budget and stick to it. Remember, the "best" smartphone is the one that meets your needs without breaking your budget, not necessarily the most expensive one.

What's the difference between refurbished, used, and renewed smartphones?

These terms sound similar but mean very different things for quality and reliability. "Refurbished" smartphones have been professionally restored by trained technicians who test functionality, replace worn parts, and ensure everything works like new. "Used" typically means sold as-is by individuals with no testing or repairs – you're gambling on condition and performance. "Renewed" is Amazon's term for their refurbished program, similar to refurbished but with specific Amazon policies. At Back Market, our refurbished phones go through 30+ point inspections, battery health testing, and cosmetic grading. We replace faulty components and provide 1-year warranties. Used phones might work fine, but you're buying them blind with minimal return options. The price difference reflects this risk – refurbished costs more than used but less than new, while offering much better reliability than used devices. For peace of mind and actual customer protection, refurbished is the smart middle ground between used and new.

Do refurbished smartphones have shorter lifespans than new phones?

Not necessarily – a well-refurbished smartphone can last just as long as a new device, sometimes longer because worn components get replaced during refurbishment. The key factors affecting lifespan are build quality, how well the phone was maintained, and what repairs were done during refurbishment. A 2-year-old flagship phone that's been professionally refurbished could outlast a brand-new budget phone with cheaper components. Battery replacement during refurbishment actually gives you a fresh start on what's typically the first component to degrade. Software support matters more than device age – iOS and Android phones receive updates for 4-6 years regardless of when you buy them. The biggest variable is how you treat the phone after purchase. Drop a refurbished phone daily without a case, and it won't last long. Take care of it, and you'll likely get 3-4 years of solid performance. Quality refurbishment levels the playing field between used and new device longevity.

Are there any smartphone brands I should avoid when buying refurbished?

Focus less on avoiding specific brands and more on avoiding poor refurbishment practices. That said, some smartphones refurbish better than others. Premium brands like Apple, Samsung, and Google Pixel tend to age well because they use quality components and receive longer software support. Budget brands might seem like bargains, but parts availability for repairs can be limited, and software updates often stop sooner. Chinese brands like OnePlus and Xiaomi make excellent phones, but US carrier compatibility isn't guaranteed for all models. Avoid smartphones that are already 4+ years old unless you're comfortable with limited software updates and potential part availability issues. The bigger red flag is sellers who don't provide detailed condition descriptions, battery health information, or meaningful warranties. At Back Market, we're selective about which devices and sellers we work with because your experience matters more than having every possible option. Quality over quantity is always the better approach.

How much should I expect to save on refurbished smartphones during Black Friday?

Refurbished smartphones typically offer 30-50% savings off original retail prices year-round, with additional Black Friday discounts adding another 10-20% off those already reduced prices. For example, a phone that launched at £800 might be £400-500 refurbished normally, then drop to £320-400 during Black Friday sales. High-end flagship phones see the biggest savings – you might save £300-500 compared to new prices. Mid-range phones offer solid percentage savings but smaller amounts. The sweet spot is often previous-generation flagship phones that are 1-2 years old – they offer premium features at mid-range refurbished prices. Don't expect refurbished prices to match new phone Black Friday deals on current models, but remember you're getting similar performance for much less money overall. Budget an extra 10-15% for accessories like cases and screen protectors that might not be included. Set a realistic budget before shopping and stick to it – deals can be tempting, but overspending defeats the purpose of buying refurbished.

Black Friday’s not over — but it will be...

Smartphone Black Friday deals

Name: Smartphone Black Friday deals Deals
Brand: Back Market
Price: 388 GBP
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.3 (2158456 reviews)

Black Friday has left the building (see you in 2026)

But hey, refurbished deals don't need a special day. Check out what's available right now:

Shop Refurbished Smartphones Shop Good Deals

Compare devices

23 products

Trade in to get it for less

Today’s purchase could set you back a lot less when you trade in an old device at the same time.

Going fast

Galaxy S24 Ultra

(4,829)

Starting at

Refurbished price:£388.00

Versus £1,357.64 new

+4 more colours

iPhone 15 Plus

(5,516)

Starting at

Refurbished price:£355.00

Versus £799.00 new

+1 more colours

Going fast

Galaxy S25 Ultra

(1,843)

Starting at

Refurbished price:£569.00

Versus £1,249.00 new

+6 more colours

Galaxy S24

(4,185)

Starting at

Refurbished price:£333.00

Versus £695.80 new

+4 more colours

iPhone 16 Pro

(13,408)

Starting at

Refurbished price:£576.00

Versus £999.00 new

iPhone 16 Pro Max

(6,102)

Starting at

Refurbished price:£666.00

Versus £1,199.00 new

Galaxy S25+

(917)

Starting at

Refurbished price:£528.00

Versus £958.39 new

+3 more colours

Galaxy Z Fold6

(908)

Starting at

Refurbished price:£659.00

Versus £1,685.59 new

+4 more colours

iPhone 15 Pro Max

(9,531)

Starting at

Refurbished price:£515.00

Versus £1,199.00 new

Google Pixel 8 Pro

(1,590)

Starting at

Refurbished price:£329.99

Versus £960.91 new

iPhone 16e

(4,769)

Starting at

Refurbished price:£370.00

Versus £599.00 new

iPhone 13

(85,394)

Starting at

Refurbished price:£201.00

Versus £599.00 new

+2 more colours

iPhone 14 Plus

(9,119)

Starting at

Refurbished price:£324.00

Versus £699.00 new

+2 more colours

iPhone 17

(6,188)

Starting at

Refurbished price:£637.50

Versus £799.00 new

+1 more colours

Galaxy S24+

(2,468)

Starting at

Refurbished price:£380.00

Versus £949.36 new

+3 more colours

Google Pixel 8a

(664)

Starting at

Refurbished price:£229.00

Versus £463.65 new

+1 more colours

Galaxy S25 FE

(292)

Starting at

Refurbished price:£309.00

Versus £651.00 new

Galaxy S20 FE 5G

(6,191)

Starting at

Refurbished price:£139.00

Versus £749.00 new

+4 more colours

iPhone 6S

(66,234)

Starting at

Refurbished price:£29.00

Versus £159.00 new

Galaxy A12

(1,921)

Starting at

Refurbished price:£47.00

Versus £229.00 new

Google Pixel 6A

(1,353)

Starting at

Refurbished price:£124.00

Versus £459.00 new

Motorola Moto E15

(10)

Starting at

Refurbished price:£62.88

Versus £89.99 new

Galaxy S26 Ultra

(83)

Starting at

Refurbished price:£829.00

Versus £1,449.00 new

+3 more colours

General

Why is my phone screen black? Fixing guide | Back Market

Phone screens can go black after a bad drop, overheating, malware, or other problems. Learn other reasons why your phone screen is black and how to fix it.

Customer reviews for Smartphone Black Friday deals

Overall rating

2,158,456 verified reviews

Rating details

Accessories
4.2/5
Appearance
4.4/5
Battery
4.1/5
Lens & Camera
4.5/5
Overall performance
4.2/5
Packaging
4.4/5
Shipping
4.5/5

Reviews

Darren D.
Verified purchase
Reviewed 29/06/2026, United Kingdom.
I've been really impressed with the Galaxy S25 Ultra. The performance is excellent, the battery comfortably lasts all day, and the display is outstanding. The camera system is a significant step up from my previous phone, producing fantastic photos in a wide range of lighting conditions without needing to understand lots of camera settings. The S Pen is a useful addition, and the overall build quality feels premium. Despite having so many features, the phone is straightforward to use, which is something I particularly appreciate. Buying a refurbished device was also a great decision. The phone arrived in excellent condition, looked virtually brand new, and performed exactly as expected. It's reassuring to know I've saved money while also making a more environmentally friendly choice. Overall, I would highly recommend both the Galaxy S25 Ultra and purchasing a refurbished model. It's an excellent phone and represents fantastic value for money.
Galaxy S25 Ultra 256GB - Black - Unlocked
Galaxy S25 Ultra 256GB - Black - Unlocked
See item
Condition
Excellent
Almost no signs of wear. The body may have very light micro-scratches. For items with screens, the screen will have no scratches.
Purchased
17/06/2026
Kristeen S.
Verified purchase
Reviewed 24/06/2026, United Kingdom.
Love my new / refurbished iPhone 13 the colour is amazing I took it from the box , you would think it was brand new, not a mark nothing . Absolutely 💯 thank you back market . The price was fantastic & delivery was fast
iPhone 13 128GB - Pink - Unlocked
iPhone 13 128GB - Pink - Unlocked
See item
Condition
Good
Light signs of wear. The body may have light micro-scratches. For items with screens, the screen will have no scratches.
Purchased
10/06/2026
Jessica H.
Verified purchase
Reviewed 03/07/2026, United Kingdom.
Honestly i am gob smacked at how much I saved its literally brand new device battery 100% no cycles really quick delivery im definitely a convert will no longer buy new back market all the way!
iPhone 17 256GB - Sage - Unlocked
iPhone 17 256GB - Sage - Unlocked
See item
Condition
Premium
Close to perfection. The body may have tiny micro-scratches. For items with screens, the screen will be flawless.
Purchased
26/06/2026
Tristan T.
Verified purchase
Reviewed 09/01/2026, United Kingdom.
Back Market Turned a “Refurbished” iPhone 12 Into My Daily Driver—And I’m Genuinely Blown Away I’ll be honest: when people hear “refurbished,” they usually expect compromises. Scuffs. Battery anxiety. That one annoying flaw you can’t unsee. This iPhone 12 from Back Market completely shattered that stereotype. I ordered a Product (RED) iPhone 12, 128GB, and what arrived felt less like a secondhand phone and more like Apple quietly sent me a brand-new unit on the side. Condition: The phone arrived in exceptional condition. The glass is clean, the frame is flawless, and if you told me this device had never been used before, I’d believe you without hesitation. No scratches, no dents, no “refurbished tells.” It looks premium because it is premium. Performance: This is where the iPhone 12 still flexes hard. The A14 Bionic chip is absurdly smooth—apps open instantly, multitasking is effortless, and everything from social media to photo editing runs without a hiccup. This phone doesn’t feel like it’s “keeping up.” It feels like it’s leading. Display & Design: The OLED display is gorgeous. Deep blacks, vibrant colors, and razor-sharp clarity that makes content pop. The flat-edge design still looks modern and feels solid in the hand. And the Product (RED) finish? Stunning. It’s bold, clean, and turns heads without trying. Battery & Reliability: Battery life has been excellent for daily use—calls, streaming, browsing, and content creation. This is the kind of phone you trust to get you through the day without babysitting a charger. The Back Market Experience: This is where the real magic happens. Back Market didn’t just sell me a phone—they delivered confidence. Clear grading, fast shipping, eco-friendly impact, and a device that exceeded expectations in every way. It’s rare to feel like you got more than you paid for, but that’s exactly what happened here. Final Thoughts: If you’re on the fence about refurbished tech, let this be the review that pushes you over. This iPhone 12 proves that smart buying doesn’t mean settling—it means winning. Back Market has officially earned my trust, and this phone has earned its place as my go-to device. This isn’t just a good deal. It’s proof that premium tech, sustainability, and performance can coexist—and absolutely thrive. Highly recommended. No hesitation. No regrets.
iPhone 12 128GB - Red - Unlocked
iPhone 12 128GB - Red - Unlocked
See item
Condition
Excellent
Almost no signs of wear. The body may have very light micro-scratches. For items with screens, the screen will have no scratches.
Purchased
06/12/2025
Brian C.
Verified purchase
Reviewed 21/06/2026, United Kingdom.
This phone I’ve had for a few days, is in great condition. If I didn’t know it was reconditioned I would believe it to be new. I’ve used Back Market before and I would recommend them to anyone looking for a quality handset for a more reasonable price.
Galaxy A57 256GB - Dark Blue - Unlocked
Galaxy A57 256GB - Dark Blue - Unlocked
See item
Condition
Premium
Close to perfection. The body may have tiny micro-scratches. For items with screens, the screen will be flawless.
Purchased
16/06/2026
Andrea C.
Verified purchase
Reviewed 24/11/2025, United Kingdom.
We love the new refurbished iPhone 13. Delivery was super quick and loads of info available to tell us what to do and how. The phone itself was as described, in excellent condition, and works like new. We're so pleased, as this is our first ever iPhone. Thank you Back Market.
iPhone 13 128GB - Midnight - Unlocked
iPhone 13 128GB - Midnight - Unlocked
See item
Condition
Excellent
Almost no signs of wear. The body may have very light micro-scratches. For items with screens, the screen will have no scratches.
Purchased
12/11/2025
Kerry F.
Verified purchase
Reviewed 28/06/2026, United Kingdom.
Phone arrived very quickly. Absolutely perfect. Only thing I had to do was change its location from USA to UK but that was no issue, it was just in device settings (just meant all my auto fill options were USA choices for phone number etc, just factory settings, easy fix) phone is perfect, as described. I actually can’t believe it was so pristine. I always ended up getting a new contract phone when I wanted an upgrade but my partner suggested Backmarket to try. I was very hesitant going for a refurbished phone as it’s not what I’m used to. But not only is the phone perfect, just like brand new, I was able to trade in my previous IPhone 14 Pro. I was given an offer, and expected it to pay out a good bit less as it seemed to too good to be true. But no, got the offer accepted and it just meant technically the price of my phone was incredible. It was very easy to trade in. And I love my new phone.
iPhone 17 256GB - Lavender - Unlocked
iPhone 17 256GB - Lavender - Unlocked
See item
Condition
Premium
Close to perfection. The body may have tiny micro-scratches. For items with screens, the screen will be flawless.
Purchased
16/06/2026
Mahipalsinh C.
Verified purchase
Reviewed 28/05/2026, United Kingdom.
I was worried about phone because spending money in refurbished phone make more risky, this is 3rd time I'm buying product from here my experience was on 2time while buying watch was really bad but this time when i got my z fold in my hand it as incredible and i notice only 1 minor and vere very tiny 1 scratch on scree but i was not much visible until you see deeply rest of other things were like brand new so happy still using phone with no issues.
Galaxy Z Fold7 256GB - Blue - Unlocked
Galaxy Z Fold7 256GB - Blue - Unlocked
See item
Condition
Excellent
Almost no signs of wear. The body may have very light micro-scratches. For items with screens, the screen will have no scratches.
Purchased
24/04/2026
Aurelie D.
Verified purchase
Reviewed 28/05/2026, United Kingdom.
I was skeptic at first, but it came with no scratches and with a battery health of 86% definitely recommended it! Back market is the best for a refurbished phone!! Also I’ve put a screen protector bc I’m clumsy
iPhone 15 Pro Max 256GB - Black Titanium - Unlocked
iPhone 15 Pro Max 256GB - Black Titanium - Unlocked
See item
Condition
Excellent
Almost no signs of wear. The body may have very light micro-scratches. For items with screens, the screen will have no scratches.
Purchased
09/05/2026
Simon R.
Verified purchase
Reviewed 17/05/2026, United Kingdom.
We have been purchasing reconditioned phones the last 5 years, we go sim only contracts, a lot cheaper over the year. The phone was a gift for my wife, she is over the moon with it. The phone is really nice great condition and price to suit. The communication from yourselves is very professional. Thank you for your service. I have let family know about your business. Thank you.
iPhone 15 Plus 128GB - Pink - Unlocked
iPhone 15 Plus 128GB - Pink - Unlocked
See item
Condition
Good
Light signs of wear. The body may have light micro-scratches. For items with screens, the screen will have no scratches.
Purchased
04/05/2026

Start by identifying your must-have features and budget range – this prevents impulse buying during Black Friday's overwhelming deals. Consider what you actually use your phone for: basic calling and texting means a budget refurbished phone under £200 works great, while photography enthusiasts should focus on models with proven camera quality regardless of age. Don't get caught up in having the newest model – a two-year-old flagship phone often outperforms this year's budget models while costing less refurbished. Check carrier compatibility before buying, especially if you're switching networks. Look for phones that'll receive software updates for at least 2-3 more years. Battery health matters more than minor cosmetic wear – prioritize devices with 80%+ capacity or new batteries. During Black Friday, set a firm budget and stick to it. Remember, the "best" smartphone is the one that meets your needs without breaking your budget, not necessarily the most expensive one.
These terms sound similar but mean very different things for quality and reliability. "Refurbished" smartphones have been professionally restored by trained technicians who test functionality, replace worn parts, and ensure everything works like new. "Used" typically means sold as-is by individuals with no testing or repairs – you're gambling on condition and performance. "Renewed" is Amazon's term for their refurbished program, similar to refurbished but with specific Amazon policies. At Back Market, our refurbished phones go through 30+ point inspections, battery health testing, and cosmetic grading. We replace faulty components and provide 1-year warranties. Used phones might work fine, but you're buying them blind with minimal return options. The price difference reflects this risk – refurbished costs more than used but less than new, while offering much better reliability than used devices. For peace of mind and actual customer protection, refurbished is the smart middle ground between used and new.
Not necessarily – a well-refurbished smartphone can last just as long as a new device, sometimes longer because worn components get replaced during refurbishment. The key factors affecting lifespan are build quality, how well the phone was maintained, and what repairs were done during refurbishment. A 2-year-old flagship phone that's been professionally refurbished could outlast a brand-new budget phone with cheaper components. Battery replacement during refurbishment actually gives you a fresh start on what's typically the first component to degrade. Software support matters more than device age – iOS and Android phones receive updates for 4-6 years regardless of when you buy them. The biggest variable is how you treat the phone after purchase. Drop a refurbished phone daily without a case, and it won't last long. Take care of it, and you'll likely get 3-4 years of solid performance. Quality refurbishment levels the playing field between used and new device longevity.
Focus less on avoiding specific brands and more on avoiding poor refurbishment practices. That said, some smartphones refurbish better than others. Premium brands like Apple, Samsung, and Google Pixel tend to age well because they use quality components and receive longer software support. Budget brands might seem like bargains, but parts availability for repairs can be limited, and software updates often stop sooner. Chinese brands like OnePlus and Xiaomi make excellent phones, but US carrier compatibility isn't guaranteed for all models. Avoid smartphones that are already 4+ years old unless you're comfortable with limited software updates and potential part availability issues. The bigger red flag is sellers who don't provide detailed condition descriptions, battery health information, or meaningful warranties. At Back Market, we're selective about which devices and sellers we work with because your experience matters more than having every possible option. Quality over quantity is always the better approach.
Refurbished smartphones typically offer 30-50% savings off original retail prices year-round, with additional Black Friday discounts adding another 10-20% off those already reduced prices. For example, a phone that launched at £800 might be £400-500 refurbished normally, then drop to £320-400 during Black Friday sales. High-end flagship phones see the biggest savings – you might save £300-500 compared to new prices. Mid-range phones offer solid percentage savings but smaller amounts. The sweet spot is often previous-generation flagship phones that are 1-2 years old – they offer premium features at mid-range refurbished prices. Don't expect refurbished prices to match new phone Black Friday deals on current models, but remember you're getting similar performance for much less money overall. Budget an extra 10-15% for accessories like cases and screen protectors that might not be included. Set a realistic budget before shopping and stick to it – deals can be tempting, but overspending defeats the purpose of buying refurbished.

Read our guides

Our recent comparisons

Searches so popular you can't sit with them

Xiaomi POCO X3 Pro iPhone 14 Pro Max Deep Purple Huawei P20 Lite Galaxy Z Fold6 Apple HomePod Nothing Phone Fairphone OnePlus 10 Pro Google Pixel Galaxy A12

Smart shoppers avoid the Black Friday rush and use Back Market

Find the best refurbished devices at 50% off the price of new!

Choose location

Suggested searches

Popular searches

Smartphone Black Friday deals

Black Friday has left the building (see you in 2026)

Trade in to get it for less

Why is my phone screen black? Fixing guide | Back Market

Reviews

Darren D.

Kristeen S.

Jessica H.

Tristan T.

Brian C.

Andrea C.

Kerry F.

Mahipalsinh C.

Aurelie D.

Simon R.

How do I choose the right refurbished smartphone during Black Friday?

What's the difference between refurbished, used, and renewed smartphones?

Do refurbished smartphones have shorter lifespans than new phones?

Are there any smartphone brands I should avoid when buying refurbished?

How much should I expect to save on refurbished smartphones during Black Friday?

How I fell in love through BlackBerry Messenger | Back Market

I swapped my smartphone for a dumbphone for a week and was surprised by the result | Back Market

The rise of dumbphones | Back Market

The underappreciated creativity of laptop stickers | Back Market

A full guide on how to put music on an iPod without iTunes | Back Market

How to replace a single AirPod (where to buy) | Back Market

iPhone 16 vs iPhone 17 comparison

iPhone 16 Plus vs iPhone 17 comparison

iPhone 15 vs iPhone 15 Pro comparison

iPhone 15 vs iPhone 16 comparison

Galaxy A16 5G vs Galaxy S25 comparison