Refurbished Phones: A Smart Way to Save

When you hear “refurbished,” you may picture a beat-up old phone that is ready to be recycled. Refurbished phones are very different from simply buying “used.”

• Used phones are sold “as is.” You might find them on Craigslist or through a friend. There’s usually no guarantee about the condition, and if something goes wrong, you’re on your own.

• Refurbished phones undergo a rigorous testing, repair, and certification process before being resold. Manufacturers or trusted retailers inspect them, replace broken parts, wipe personal data, and often include a limited warranty.

For example, Apple sells refurbished iPhones directly through its website. These devices get new batteries, new outer shells, and the same one-year warranty that comes with a brand-new phone. Samsung and other manufacturers do the same.

That’s a big difference. With refurbished, you’re essentially buying a phone that looks and works like new—without paying new prices. This is similar to buying a used car that is deemed certified pre-owned.

Like any smart money move, buying refurbished has both advantages and a few trade-offs.

Advantages

• Lower cost: You can save hundreds of dollars compared to a new model.

• Eco-friendly: Reusing devices cuts down on e-waste.

• Recent models for less: You might get last year’s iPhone or Galaxy for far less than this year’s new release.
  

Potential Drawbacks

• Cosmetic wear. Some phones may have small scratches or signs of use.

• Battery life. While many refurbished phones get new batteries, not all do. Performance can vary.

• Shady sellers. Buying from random online marketplaces carries higher risk if the phone hasn’t been inspected or certified.

The bottom line is that the benefits can far outweigh the risks if you shop smart and stick with reputable sources.

Not every refurbished phone is created equal. Before you hand over your money, run through this simple checklist:

The Buyer’s Checklist

• Warranty length. Look for at least 90 days. A full year is even better.

• Return policy. You’ll want at least a 14- to 30-day window to test the phone.

• Seller reputation. Stick with manufacturer programs (Apple, Samsung), big retailers (Best Buy, Amazon Renewed), or certified resellers like Back Market and Gazelle.

• Unlocked status. Choose unlocked phones so you can use them with any carrier. This unlocks the biggest savings potential.

Where to Shop

• Manufacturer sites: Apple and Samsung Certified Refurbished programs.

• Retailers: Best Buy Outlet, Amazon Renewed.

• Specialty resellers: Back Market, Gazelle, Swappa.

• Carriers: Some carriers may sell discounted or refurbished models that stay locked until the phone is paid in full, so proceed with caution.

Buying refurbished is step one. Step two is just as important: pairing that phone with a low-cost plan.

Step 1: Save on the Device

Instead of paying nearly $730 for a brand-new iPhone 14, you could buy a certified refurbished version directly from Apple for about $529. That’s $200 saved right away.

Step 2: Save on the Plan

Here’s where most people miss out. Refurbished phones are often unlocked, meaning you aren’t tied to a big-name carrier. That gives you the freedom to choose budget-friendly options like Mint Mobile or Ultra Mobile.

To show how powerful this two-step strategy is, let’s look at the numbers.

Why this matters: That’s over $1,200 you could keep in your pocket instead of paying it to a major carrier. If you qualify for the Lifeline program, the savings are even bigger.

Many people don’t realize there are federal programs available, such as Lifeline, that help lower their monthly phone or internet bills.

• What it is: Lifeline provides a discount of up to $9.25 per month on phone or internet service for qualifying low-income households.

• Who qualifies: Eligibility is often based on income level or participation in programs like SNAP, Medicaid, or SSI.

• How to apply: You can check eligibility and apply at lifelinesupport.org.

Keep in mind, this isn’t a handout. Lifeline is money you’ve already earned as part of a federal program. Many people qualify and don’t even realize it. Combining Lifeline with a refurbished phone and a low-cost plan can make staying connected truly affordable.

Here’s what those savings could look like for you: Buying a $449 refurbished iPhone and pairing it with a $15 Mint Mobile plan could keep your two-year cost around $809—more than $1,200 less than buying new with a major carrier. 

And if you qualify for programs like Lifeline, your cost could drop even further, bringing the total under $700. That’s money you can redirect toward paying down debt, building an emergency fund, or covering a family vacation.