The best refurbished smartphones in 2024

Are you ready to upgrade your phone but cringe at the latest flagship prices? Don't despair! The world of refurbished smartphones offers a treasure trove of incredible devices at a fraction of the cost. But navigating this market can be tricky, with options ranging from near-mint flagships to budget-friendly workhorses.

Refurbished smartphones are a good way to have a quality product without paying too much. They are also more eco-responsible since they avoid the production of a new device. Discover our complete selection of the best-refurbished phones here.

In recent years, the price of very high-end smartphones has skyrocketed. So much so that now, flagship phones from Apple, Samsung, and other Xiaomi easily exceed 1,000 euros. In response to this inflation, many companies offer a service to refurbish mobile phones: this is the principle of refurbishment. The opportunity for you to get the best smartphones of 2024 (but above all, from previous years) at a lower cost!

Purchasing a refurbished smartphone, however, requires some precautions. There are certified companies that are authorized to repackage products from major brands. For greater reliability and ease of possible exchanges with customer service, we advise you to choose companies based in France (read the fine print carefully!). 

When a smartphone goes through the reconditioning process, certain elements, notably the battery or the screen, can be replaced. The product is then put back on sale at a price corresponding to its condition. This allows you to get a high-end phone for less. On average, the price of models is 30 to 50% lower than when they were released.

The refurbished one is therefore a good compromise between the new and the used smartphone. On entry-level and mid-range models, however, it is not of much interest overall. Find out in advance about the number of updates offered by the manufacturer: our guide to sustainable smartphones will help you see more clearly.

If you want to control your budget, here is a selection of dedicated guides by price:

The best refurbished iPhones

In the refurbished smartphone section, iPhones are popular. The American company's products come out at a high price and investing in an alternative state is the right way to save money. Above all, the regularity of updates at Apple is a guarantee of confidence. An iPhone benefits from approximately 7 years of software support. Below, you'll find the three best-refurbished iPhones to buy.

The recent iPhone: Apple iPhone 12

Since its release, the iPhone 12 has been a real popular success for Apple. The model is even available even cheaper in its reconditioned version. It introduces a completely new design, with elegant finishes and quality materials. With flat edges, the grip is slightly modified but remains pleasant.

Among the strengths of this model, the internal power, with the Apple A14 Bionic processor, is once again one of the best on the market. Above all, the big strong point of this iPhone 12 is the good management of its autonomy. It is easily possible to last a day and a half for standard use.

Overall, the services offered, whether on screen or even in photography, are of a very high level.

The best refurbished iPhone: Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max

The iPhone 11 Pro Max marks a new generation of Apple smartphones. This generation introduces some elements such as the presence of four versions, from mini to Pro Max. The latter, more richly endowed, was released for 1,259 euros. A premium price for a smartphone with an attractive technical sheet.

As always with Apple, performance is at a very high level with the A13 Bionic processor and a very solid configuration. No application will be able to resist the smartphone. This generation has also made considerable progress in autonomy management. The iPhone can thus last all day without weakening.

Of course, in all compartments, this smartphone is capable of offering splendid services with a well-made Retina screen as well as a powerful camera.

Apple's inexpensive laptop: Apple iPhone SE 2020

Certainly, in the refurbished iPhone section, the iPhone 8 may seem interesting. But if you want a more modern version of the phone, the iPhone SE 2020 is a good solution. This version of the phone offers a much more recent technical sheet, giving it a place of choice in our refurbished selection.

Unlike the two other models mentioned above, this smartphone highlights an old-school design, with marked borders and the presence of a button that falls under the thumb. Otherwise, the A13 chip offers good performance, even if multitasking can be laborious with the 3 GB of RAM. Overall remains very good.

Be careful though with the quality of the photo sensor which is hardly at night compared to current standards.

Choosing a refurbished Samsung Galaxy smartphone

Apple's eternal rival, the Korean manufacturer is also popular in the refurbished devices section. Samsung is one of the few Android brands to offer software support over a long period. Purchasing a high-end product can therefore be economically interesting.

Still relevant: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra

Are you looking for a smartphone worthy of the best on the market without paying a huge price? We recommend one that was arguably the best Samsung smartphone in 2021: the Galaxy S21 Ultra. This begins with a fairly imposing design in hand with a contribution of prestigious materials.

The primary quality of the smartphone is its touch screen. The AMOLED interface is one of the most advanced even though the product was released a few years earlier. The 6.8-inch panel is capable of displaying a very good quality image and even powerful mobile games. With the Exynos 2100, you won't have to worry about classic games.

Its only real weak point is its autonomy, which is a little tight, but above all not compensated by a possible fast charge. It is possible to find the smartphone in good condition for around 619 euros.

A smaller Galaxy: Samsung Galaxy S20 

Samsung's S20 range was released in 2020, but still has some great assets. The base model, the S20, is a good option if you want to treat yourself to a high-end Galaxy at a lower cost.

As always with Samsung, it is the 6.2-inch Amoled touch screen which is the star of the phone, in particular thanks to its excellent brightness and 120 Hz. The internal power was there a few years ago, and the chip still does the job. The smartphone camera is very effective, whatever the conditions. Night mode is just as effective.

However, a weak point reveals itself. The autonomy of the Galaxy S20 is still struggling and cannot pass the bar of one day of use. A real snub for a smartphone of this standing, even if some may overlook it.

The recent and compact Galaxy: Samsung Galaxy S22

Want a newer Galaxy? No problem, the 2022 S22 series is available as reconditioned, although it is still sold new.

This smartphone will appeal to those looking for a compact format, thanks to its 6.1-inch screen. The overall design is splendid and the handling is perfect. The One UI 4 interface is very pleasant to use daily, and what's more, you will benefit from another 3 years of software support and 4 years of security updates.

But it is especially in photography that the S22 excels: the wide-angle, ultra-wide-angle, and x3 telephoto lenses provide beautiful shots and offer great versatility. We will regret a slightly short autonomy and a lack of power for 3D games, but apart from that, it is an excellent phone.

Other refurbished Android smartphones

Among Android manufacturers, tracking updates depend on the manufacturers. On this point, Samsung and Oppo are the best performing, with 4 years of major updates. Google offers three years of updates.

The premium Android phone: Oppo Find X5 Pro

The Find X5 Pro has absolutely everything to please, starting with a sublime, bright screen with faithful colors. The vast 6.7-inch panel is LTPO and can therefore oscillate between 1 and 120 Hz. Also a hit in the photo, with beautiful portraits. There's nothing to complain about performance either, you can run the latest 3D games without any worries thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 and 12 GB of RAM.

The autonomy, just ok with one day, is saved by very fast charging at 80W. However, with the disappearance of Oppo on the French market, it is becoming more and more complicated to fully recommend it to you.

If you want a powerful premium for less than 700 euros on Android, this is a very good option.

Google's refurbished mobile: Google Pixel 6

Google and the availability of its smartphones is a complicated story. If the American manufacturer likes to offer high-end products, the duration of the sale of products in its catalog is reduced to a minimum. Refurbished allows you to find the Pixel 6, released in 2021, at an attractive price.

For smartphone enthusiasts gifted with photography, the Pixel 6 is a real gem. Indeed, the photo part is excellent in all areas thanks to precise software processing. Portrait, night mode… The Pixel 6 can do it all. You also benefit from the Pixel experience thanks to the very clean interface. The square design leaves no one indifferent.

Of course, we could criticize it for having a somewhat low power already upon its release compared to other models sold at a similar price.

Why and how to choose a refurbished smartphone?

Are refurbished phones reliable?

In the sector, there is everything. Our first advice is therefore to turn to certified and recognized companies, based in France. For example, Apple only allows a few brands to recondition its iPhones. Of course, each reseller offers a warranty for a refurbished smartphone. Please note that the legal minimum is 6 months, but some sites offer up to 24 months. Generally speaking, you can refer to the states indicated. Do not hesitate to do some research in advance regarding the company that reconditions the phone that interests you, to gather opinions.

Where does a refurbished phone come from?

A phone that arrives in a reconditioning workshop can have several origins. Refurbishers buy smartphones in particular from mobile operators, who recover them via trade-in offers offered to consumers. The other major source is company telephone fleets, which are regularly renewed.

What are the different states of reconditioned?

Recently, a legal framework surrounds the mention of reconditioned, prohibiting resellers from using terms such as “like new”. The term “reconditioned” has had an official definition since February 2022 (decree no. 2022-190 of February 17, 2022). Refurbished smartphones must therefore have passed various tests to check their condition. They must then have been repaired if necessary.

If all companies have their names, here is something to give you a general idea.

• Perfect condition: the phone works to its full potential. The screen has no scratches while very slight damage may be found on the smartphone.

• Good condition: the phone will have no software issues and its risk of malfunction is minimal. The shell and screen may show signs of wear or even scratches.

• Good condition: The phone has been returned to working order. Its design, however, shows signs of past use with scratches.

The law has regulated the market, but it is still necessary to pay attention to everything that is written. Now, remanufacturers must refurbish the product if necessary before putting it back on sale.

Where can I buy my refurbished phone?

This is a crucial point. BackMarket, Fnac, Darty, and Amazon… all are resellers of reconditioned phones and intermediaries. So, more than the e-commerce platform, it is the choice of the company that reconditioned the phone that will matter. So take a good look at which workshop is responsible for the reconditioning and find out about it before ordering.

Otherwise, we recommend that you order directly from the sites (or go to the store if possible) from workshops specializing in reconditioning. Among the reliable French refurbishers, we will cite for example YesYes, Largo, Smaaart, and Remade (iPhone only). Recommerce is also a reliable player, although be aware that they outsource operations in Eastern Europe.

How long does a refurbished smartphone last?

Currently, there is no quantifiable data on the lifespan of a smartphone. The only clue to rely on is the duration of software monitoring for each manufacturer. In the best case, this concerns flagships and other high-end models. These durations are of course counted from the original release of the phone.

• Apple: the manufacturer promises 7 full years of software support for its iPhones.

• Samsung: The company recently committed to offering 4 major versions of Android for its phones.

• Oppo and OnePlus: both entities offer three years of system updates.

• Google: until very recently, the manufacturer had three years of updates. The Pixel 6 will benefit from 5 years without interruption.

This ranking is only indicative. Experience with refurbished may vary.