Which Refurbished iPhone Should I Buy?

Buying a refurbished iPhone can give you many of the features of a newer Apple smartphone for less than the cost of buying the latest model. But with several generations, screen sizes and Pro models to choose from, deciding which refurbished iPhone is right for you isn't always straightforward.

The best choice depends on your budget, how long you plan to keep the phone, the camera features you need, preferred screen size and how much storage you use.

1. Start with your budget

Your budget is usually the easiest way to narrow down your options.

Older iPhones generally cost less, while newer generations and Pro or Pro Max models command higher prices. A refurbished device can make it possible to choose a higher-specification iPhone while spending less than you might on an equivalent new device.

Don't automatically choose the cheapest model, though. If you're planning to keep your iPhone for several years, spending a little more on a newer generation may give you a longer useful life.

2. Consider how long you want to keep it

Software support is an important consideration when choosing an older iPhone.

Apple supports iPhones with software and security updates for many years, but older models will eventually stop receiving the latest versions of iOS.

If you plan to keep your refurbished iPhone for several years, choosing a more recent generation can therefore be worthwhile.

3. Standard, Pro or Pro Max?

Apple offers different versions of many iPhone generations.

Standard iPhone models are a good choice for most users, providing strong everyday performance, good cameras and the core iPhone experience.

Pro models generally add higher-end display, camera and performance features and can be a good choice if photography, video or premium features are particularly important to you.

Pro Max models typically combine the premium features of the Pro range with a larger display and larger overall handset.

The right option isn't necessarily the most expensive one — it depends on which features you'll actually use.

4. Think about screen size

Screen size can make a significant difference to how an iPhone feels in everyday use.

A smaller phone can be easier to carry and use one-handed, while a larger display can be better for watching video, gaming, reading and viewing photos.

If you're replacing an existing phone, checking its screen size before choosing your next model can give you a useful point of comparison.

Apple provides detailed specifications for previous iPhone generations if you want to compare individual models and screen sizes. Apple

5. Choose the right storage capacity

Storage is another important decision because the internal storage in an iPhone cannot simply be upgraded later.

If you mainly use your phone for calls, messaging, browsing and streaming, a lower storage capacity may be sufficient.

If you take lots of photographs or video, download large games or keep substantial amounts of media on your phone, consider a higher-capacity model.

It's worth thinking about how much storage you'll need in a few years, not just how much you use today.

6. Decide how important the camera is

All relatively recent iPhones offer capable cameras, but camera systems differ considerably between generations and between standard and Pro models.

If you mainly take everyday photographs and videos, you may not need to pay extra for a Pro model.

If photography and video are particularly important to you, compare features such as the available lenses, optical zoom options and specialist camera features before choosing.

For example, Apple's specifications show substantial differences between standard and Pro models within the same generation, so it's worth comparing the features rather than assuming the phones are identical apart from size. Apple

7. Don't forget battery health and condition

The model isn't the only consideration when buying a refurbished iPhone.

Check the cosmetic grade, battery condition, warranty and how the phone has been tested.

At Want a New Gadget, our refurbished iPhones are professionally tested, supplied with a 12-month warranty and have a minimum 80% battery health.

Our Refurbished Phone Grading Guide explains the difference between our Premium, Great and Fair cosmetic grades, while our Battery Health Explained guide explains what battery health means when buying refurbished.

So, which refurbished iPhone should you choose?

There isn't one iPhone that's right for everybody.

If keeping the purchase price down is your main priority, an older supported generation can offer excellent value. If you intend to keep the phone for several years, consider a newer generation with more potential useful life ahead of it.

Choose a Pro model if its additional display, camera or performance features matter to you, and consider a Pro Max if you particularly want a larger display.

Most importantly, compare the features you'll actually use rather than simply choosing the newest or most expensive model.

You can browse all our refurbished and new Apple iPhones to compare the models, storage capacities, colours and grades currently available.

Before buying, you may also find our guides to what to check when buying a refurbished phone, refurbished phone grades, battery health, and how long refurbished phones last useful.