Is it worth buying a refurbished iPhone?

Yes. You get the same Apple hardware, the same iOS experience, and the same access to every app you already use, at up to 50% less than the new price. Every device on Back Market passes a 100-point professional inspection and comes in four cosmetic grades, so you can pick the condition that works for your budget. Performance isn't part of the trade-off.

Are refurbished iPhones safe to buy?

Buying a refurbished iPhone from Back Market is safe. Every seller must meet a strict quality charter, and devices are monitored through secret shopping and onsite visits to refurbishment centres. If something isn't right after purchase, you're covered by a 12-month seller contractual warranty and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

How long do refurbished iPhones last?

As long as the same model bought new, assuming the battery is in good shape. Battery health is the variable to watch: Premium grade devices come with a battery at 90% capacity minimum, using genuine manufacturer parts. The higher the grade, the more charge cycles you've got ahead of you.

Do refurbished iPhones receive iOS updates?

Yes, exactly like new ones. iOS updates come directly from Apple and are completely unaffected by refurbished status. As long as your model is still supported by Apple, it updates on the same schedule as any other iPhone. No extra steps, no exceptions.

Can I trade in my old iPhone when buying refurbished?

Yes. Back Market's trade-in tool gives you a quote in around 2 minutes. If you're happy with the offer, you ship your phone for free and receive cash straight to your bank account. It's a straightforward way to take more off the price of your next device.

Is buying a refurbished iPhone good for the environment?

Significantly. Choosing a refurbished iPhone over a new one generates 92% less greenhouse gas emissions: roughly 77 kg of CO2e per device, based on an ADEME study. You also produce 89% less e-waste. Since 2014, Back Market customers have collectively helped avoid 2.2 million tonnes of CO2e. Your upgrade doesn't have to cost the planet anything.

Are refurbished iPhones unlocked to all UK networks?

The majority of refurbished iPhones on Back Market are SIM-free and unlocked. That means you're not tied to any carrier: you can pair the phone with whatever SIM, plan, or rolling contract suits you. It's one of the practical upsides of buying refurbished over a carrier-locked new phone. Check the individual listing to confirm the unlock status before purchasing, as it can vary by device.

Refurbished Apple iPhones

Name: Cheap Refurbished iPhones - Deals up to 50% off
Brand: Back Market
Price: 490 GBP
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.3 (1508542 reviews)

Buy a certified refurbished iPhone for less for the same quality as new. Browse our huge selection of affordable iPhone deals to choose from....

Compare devices

42 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.

iPhone 16

(11,839)

Starting at

Refurbished price:£490.00

Versus £699.00 new

+1 more colours

iPhone 15 Plus

(5,152)

Starting at

Refurbished price:£372.00

Versus £799.00 new

+1 more colours

iPhone 16 Plus

(2,639)

Starting at

Refurbished price:£500.00

Versus £799.00 new

+1 more colours

iPhone 15

(32,700)

Starting at

Refurbished price:£356.00

Versus £699.00 new

+1 more colours

iPhone 16 Pro

(12,528)

Starting at

Refurbished price:£588.00

Versus £999.00 new

iPhone 16 Pro Max

(5,823)

Starting at

Refurbished price:£664.00

Versus £1,199.00 new

iPhone 15 Pro

(18,935)

Starting at

Refurbished price:£421.00

Versus £999.00 new

+1 more colours

iPhone 15 Pro Max

(9,211)

Starting at

Refurbished price:£515.00

Versus £1,199.00 new

iPhone 16e

(4,491)

Starting at

Refurbished price:£357.00

Versus £599.00 new

iPhone 14

(45,344)

Starting at

Refurbished price:£219.00

Versus £599.00 new

+2 more colours

iPhone 13

(84,360)

Starting at

Refurbished price:£203.00

Versus £599.00 new

+2 more colours

iPhone 14 Plus

(8,862)

Starting at

Refurbished price:£264.00

Versus £699.00 new

+2 more colours

iPhone 14 Pro

(21,941)

Starting at

Refurbished price:£341.00

Versus £1,209.00 new

+1 more colours

iPhone 13 mini

(24,551)

Starting at

Refurbished price:£202.00

Versus £649.00 new

+2 more colours

iPhone 14 Pro Max

(9,607)

Starting at

Refurbished price:£362.00

Versus £1,199.00 new

+1 more colours

iPhone 13 Pro

(32,162)

Starting at

Refurbished price:£259.00

Versus £949.00 new

+1 more colours

iPhone 13 Pro Max

(16,371)

Starting at

Refurbished price:£321.00

Versus £1,049.00 new

+1 more colours

iPhone 17

(5,314)

Starting at

Refurbished price:£644.00

Versus £799.00 new

+1 more colours

iPhone 17 Pro

(981)

Starting at

Refurbished price:£973.00

Versus £1,099.00 new

iPhone 17 Pro Max

(900)

Starting at

Refurbished price:£1,016.00

Versus £1,199.00 new

iPhone 12

(97,307)

Starting at

Refurbished price:£136.00

Versus £649.00 new

+2 more colours

iPhone SE (2022)

(13,528)

Starting at

Refurbished price:£99.00

Versus £429.00 new

iPhone 11

(120,525)

Starting at

Refurbished price:£112.00

Versus £489.00 new

+2 more colours

iPhone 12 mini

(45,613)

Starting at

Refurbished price:£124.00

Versus £579.00 new

+2 more colours

iPhone 6S

(66,232)

Starting at

Refurbished price:£30.00

Versus £159.00 new

iPhone SE (2020)

(64,768)

Starting at

Refurbished price:£67.00

Versus £289.00 new

iPhone SE (2016)

(30,786)

Starting at

Refurbished price:£29.00

Versus £149.00 new

iPhone 12 Pro

(32,950)

Starting at

Refurbished price:£207.00

Versus £879.00 new

iPhone 12 Pro Max

(14,685)

Starting at

Refurbished price:£233.00

Versus £979.00 new

iPhone XR

(90,651)

Starting at

Refurbished price:£98.00

Versus £399.00 new

+2 more colours

iPhone 11 Pro

(34,981)

Starting at

Refurbished price:£158.00

Versus £639.00 new

iPhone deals

Price drop
iPhone 15 PlusPremium • Blue • 256 GB • Physical SIM + eSIM
(5,152)
Refurbished price:£577.99
Save £37.01
Last lowest price : £615.00
The lowest price for this product in this exact configuration on Back Market in the 30 days prior to 15/06/2026. This reference will update on 22/06/2026.
Price drop
iPhone 15 PlusPremium • Pink • 512 GB • Physical SIM + eSIM
(4,993)
Refurbished price:£662.15
Save £52.85
Last lowest price : £715.00
The lowest price for this product in this exact configuration on Back Market in the 30 days prior to 15/06/2026. This reference will update on 22/06/2026.
Price drop
iPhone 17 ProExcellent • Silver • 512 GB • Physical SIM + eSIM
(946)
Refurbished price:£1,091.00
Save £58.00
Last lowest price : £1,149.00
The lowest price for this product in this exact configuration on Back Market in the 30 days prior to 15/06/2026. This reference will update on 22/06/2026.
Price drop
iPhone 17 Pro MaxExcellent • Silver • 512 GB • Physical SIM + eSIM
(900)
Refurbished price:£1,222.00
Save £89.00
Last lowest price : £1,311.00
The lowest price for this product in this exact configuration on Back Market in the 30 days prior to 15/06/2026. This reference will update on 22/06/2026.
Price drop
iPhone 8 PlusGood • Space Gray • 256 GB • Physical SIM
(29,468)
Refurbished price:£113.00
Save £12.04
Last lowest price : £125.04
The lowest price for this product in this exact configuration on Back Market in the 30 days prior to 15/06/2026. This reference will update on 22/06/2026.
Price drop
iPhone 17 ProPremium • Silver • 1000 GB • Physical SIM + eSIM
(741)
Refurbished price:£1,257.99
Save £76.01
Last lowest price : £1,334.00
The lowest price for this product in this exact configuration on Back Market in the 30 days prior to 15/06/2026. This reference will update on 22/06/2026.
Price drop
iPhone XRFair • Black • 256 GB • Physical SIM + eSIM
(90,646)
Refurbished price:£166.00
Save £36.00
Last lowest price : £202.00
The lowest price for this product in this exact configuration on Back Market in the 30 days prior to 15/06/2026. This reference will update on 22/06/2026.
Price drop
iPhone 11Excellent • Purple • 256 GB • Physical SIM + eSIM
(120,360)
Refurbished price:£224.00
Save £25.92
Last lowest price : £249.92
The lowest price for this product in this exact configuration on Back Market in the 30 days prior to 15/06/2026. This reference will update on 22/06/2026.
Price drop
iPhone 16 ProGood • Desert Titanium • 1000 GB • Physical SIM + eSIM
(12,447)
Refurbished price:£847.00
Save £81.00
Last lowest price : £928.00
The lowest price for this product in this exact configuration on Back Market in the 30 days prior to 15/06/2026. This reference will update on 22/06/2026.

iPhones

How long do refurbished phones last? iPhones, Samsung and more | Back Market

How long do refurbished phones last? About as long as its new counterpart. Here’s what you need to know about refurbished phone longevity and other FAQs.

Customer reviews for Refurbished Apple iPhones

Overall rating

1,508,542 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

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
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
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
Charley L.
Verified purchase
Reviewed 05/11/2025, United Kingdom.
Coming from someone who has never bought a phone second hand, I decided to upgrade from my Samsung S21 to IPhone 15 Pro Max and I’m not going to buy a new phone again. The phone I bought with “good” quality, battery is 86% health but with no scratches, dents or ANY faults, absolutely perfect. I would suggest just researching who the refurbish company is that does the phone and if they’re good or not. Worth it.
iPhone 15 Pro Max 256GB - Blue Titanium - Unlocked
iPhone 15 Pro Max 256GB - Blue Titanium - 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
20/10/2025
Caroline F.
Verified purchase
Reviewed 05/06/2026, United Kingdom.
I have been wanting the iPhone 15 Plus for ages and now I finally have one. I purchased the condition as Excellent and it most definitely is, not a scratch or mark on it and the battery is great too. It runs smoothly and transferred all my data very quickly over from my old iPhone. Delivery was speedy too. Please do protect it though and purchase a case, a screen and camera protector. I’m so happy with it and I will definitely buy from BackMarket again. Pics uploaded and a short video regarding quality 🥰
iPhone 15 Plus 128GB - Pink - Unlocked
iPhone 15 Plus 128GB - Pink - 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
30/05/2026
Bryan A.
Verified purchase
Reviewed 29/03/2026, United Kingdom.
I’m over the moon with my ‘new’ iPhone. This is the 4th refurbished device I’ve had from you and I’ve never been disappointed yet. My previous apps were really easy to transfer from my old iPhone to this one. I couldn’t be more pleased.
iPhone 17 Pro Max 256GB - Deep Blue - Unlocked
iPhone 17 Pro Max 256GB - Deep 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
14/03/2026
Vishal T.
Verified purchase
Reviewed 03/09/2025, United Kingdom.
I recently purchased a refurbished iPhone 15 Pro Max 512GB in excellent condition, and I was initially a bit worried about the quality. However, I was honestly shocked when I received it—the phone looked absolutely brand new, without a single scratch! The delivery was super quick as well, which made the experience even better. This is by far the best refurbished company I’ve ever dealt with. From now on, if I need to buy anything, I’ll definitely be choosing Back Market again, 100% sure.
iPhone 15 Pro Max 512GB - Black Titanium - Unlocked
iPhone 15 Pro Max 512GB - 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
01/09/2025
Zolanch P.
Verified purchase
Reviewed 01/09/2025, United Kingdom.
I bought a premium iPhone 16 on Saturday, and it arrived on Monday. It arrived very well packaged and with all the things that it needed to arrive. Apart from this they sent me a cable and guidelines about how to set up my new iPhone, which I loved it. In the details is love and good customer service. Now I can enjoy of my new iphone, don't be scared of by a refurbished iPhone, they look like new.
iPhone 16 128GB - Black - Unlocked
iPhone 16 128GB - Black - 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
30/08/2025
Lance D.
Verified purchase
Reviewed 26/08/2025, United Kingdom.
I bought this phone for my wife to finally upgrade her old iPhone 8! She didn’t want the latest or a brand-new one, so we went with a refurbished iPhone 15 Pro Max from BackMarket. Honestly, we were blown away — the phone looks excellent and came with 80–90% battery health. Now that we’re expecting our first baby, she’s ready to capture every moment in amazing photo and video quality!
iPhone 15 Pro 256GB - Natural Titanium - Unlocked
iPhone 15 Pro 256GB - Natural 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
11/08/2025

Refurbished iPhone FAQs

Yes. You get the same Apple hardware, the same iOS experience, and the same access to every app you already use, at up to 50% less than the new price. Every device on Back Market passes a 100-point professional inspection and comes in four cosmetic grades, so you can pick the condition that works for your budget. Performance isn't part of the trade-off.
Buying a refurbished iPhone from Back Market is safe. Every seller must meet a strict quality charter, and devices are monitored through secret shopping and onsite visits to refurbishment centres. If something isn't right after purchase, you're covered by a 12-month seller contractual warranty and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
As long as the same model bought new, assuming the battery is in good shape. Battery health is the variable to watch: Premium grade devices come with a battery at 90% capacity minimum, using genuine manufacturer parts. The higher the grade, the more charge cycles you've got ahead of you.
Yes, exactly like new ones. iOS updates come directly from Apple and are completely unaffected by refurbished status. As long as your model is still supported by Apple, it updates on the same schedule as any other iPhone. No extra steps, no exceptions.
Yes. Back Market's trade-in tool gives you a quote in around 2 minutes. If you're happy with the offer, you ship your phone for free and receive cash straight to your bank account. It's a straightforward way to take more off the price of your next device.
Significantly. Choosing a refurbished iPhone over a new one generates 92% less greenhouse gas emissions: roughly 77 kg of CO2e per device, based on an ADEME study. You also produce 89% less e-waste. Since 2014, Back Market customers have collectively helped avoid 2.2 million tonnes of CO2e. Your upgrade doesn't have to cost the planet anything.
The majority of refurbished iPhones on Back Market are SIM-free and unlocked. That means you're not tied to any carrier: you can pair the phone with whatever SIM, plan, or rolling contract suits you. It's one of the practical upsides of buying refurbished over a carrier-locked new phone. Check the individual listing to confirm the unlock status before purchasing, as it can vary by device.

iPhones for sale

Refurbished iPhones for sale on Back Market start at up to 50% less than new. Every device is certified by professional sellers through a 100-point inspection that covers functionality, appearance, and security. You're getting a fully tested, fully functioning iPhone: not a gamble, just a smarter way to buy Apple.

Upgrade smarter, spend less

At Back Market, you can save up to 70% off the price of a new iPhone by buying certified refurbished. Every seller on our marketplace is continuously monitored through secret shopping, onsite visits to refurbishment centres, and customer reviews. OurInnovation Lab sits at the heart of those operations and even develops new refurbishment processes that have become the industry standard.

Why choose a refurbished iPhone over a second-hand one?

Second-hand iPhones are sold as-is, in whatever condition the previous owner left them. There's no guarantee the battery holds a charge or that basic features work as expected.

Refurbished iPhones are different. They've been professionally inspected, cleaned, repaired where needed, and certified before resale. That's the real difference between a second hand iPhone and a refurbished one: accountability, not luck. Read our full breakdown in What is the difference between refurbished and used electronics?

Why buy a refurbished iPhone instead of a new one?

Choosing a refurbished iPhone over a new one avoids 92% less greenhouse gas emissions: roughly 77 kg of CO2e per device, based on the ADEME study. You also generate 89% less e-waste per device. Since 2014, Back Market customers have collectively helped avoid 2.2 million tons of CO2e, based on the same methodology.

Beyond the planet, you're saving real money. Second hand iPhones might seem tempting on price, but cheap iPhones from Back Market come with quality guarantees that a private resale simply can't match. Read more in our article on the environmental impact of refurbished tech.

How does Back Market grade refurbished iPhones?

The grade tells you what the phone looks like on the outside. Not how fast it runs, not how the camera performs, not whether it holds signal. Just cosmetics.

Every device passes the same quality inspection regardless of grade, and ships with a 12-month seller contractual warranty. Here's what each grade actually means:

Premium: virtually no signs of use on screen or body. Only genuine manufacturer parts. Battery at 90% capacity minimum. The closest a refurbished phone gets to new.
Excellent: almost no signs of wear. Body may have very light micro-scratches, but only visible closer than 8 inches away. Screen is scratch-free.
Good: light signs of wear. Body may show micro-scratches, but nothing visible at arm's length (about 20 inches). Screen is scratch-free.
Fair: visible signs of wear. Body may have some scratches or dents that don't affect performance. Screen may show faint marks when the display is on.

Whatever grade you pick, it runs exactly as it should.

What comes with a refurbished iPhone?

Every certified refurbished iPhone sold on Back Market includes a compatible charging cable. To reduce e-waste, wall plugs and headphones are not included. Your purchase also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee and a 12-month seller contractual warranty as standard. The charging cable is covered by that same warranty.

How to get cheap iPhones for even less

Trade in your old smartphone before you buy. Back Market's Trade-in tool gives you an offer in around 2 minutes. If you're happy with it, ship your device for free and get the cash straight to your bank account. Easy way to knock more off an already lower price.

Is Back Market reliable?

We think so, but here's what others say. Read our customer reviews. Every purchase comes with free standard delivery, a 30-day money-back guarantee, and a 12-month seller contractual warranty.

Compare iPhones with other models

Not sure which model fits your needs? Refurbished iPhones on Back Market are Apple at a price that makes sense, tested and graded by professionals, backed by a real warranty. Each one arrives ready to use, with the full Back Market promise behind it.

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How long do refurbished phones last? iPhones, Samsung and more | Back Market

Reviews

Tristan T.

Andrea C.

Aurelie D.

Simon R.

Charley L.

Caroline F.

Bryan A.

Vishal T.

Zolanch P.

Lance D.

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Refurbished iPhone FAQs

Is it worth buying a refurbished iPhone?

Are refurbished iPhones safe to buy?

How long do refurbished iPhones last?

Do refurbished iPhones receive iOS updates?

Can I trade in my old iPhone when buying refurbished?

Is buying a refurbished iPhone good for the environment?

Are refurbished iPhones unlocked to all UK networks?