Should You Buy a Refurbished or New Budget Phone?

By SpringWangUpdated Research-based guide · How we choose

A new budget phone gives you a full warranty, a fresh battery and the maximum years of software updates. A refurbished phone gives you a better model for the same money, with some uncertainty about battery and condition. Here is how to decide.

The short answer

  • Buy new if you want the longest software support, a full manufacturer warranty, or features only recent models have.
  • Buy refurbished if you want a higher-end phone (better camera, faster chip, better screen) for a budget-phone price, and you buy from a seller with a real warranty and return window.

The one thing people forget: software support

A phone is only safe to use while it gets security updates. A refurbished phone that launched three years ago has used up three years of its support. Before buying, check when the model stops getting updates:

  • Samsung publishes the number of Android upgrades and years of security updates per model.
  • Motorola lists security update end dates per model in its support center.
  • Apple does not publish an end date, but supports iPhones for several years. A newer model will be supported longer.

As a rule of thumb, aim for at least two more years of security updates.

Checklist before you buy refurbished

  1. Seller and warranty. Who refurbished it, how long is the warranty, and who honors it?
  2. Return window. At least 14 days, and preferably 30, so you can check the battery and screen.
  3. Battery. A stated minimum battery health or a replaced battery. Battery wear is the most common problem with older phones.
  4. Grade. Grades (Excellent, Good, Fair) describe looks, not function, and every seller defines them differently.
  5. Unlocked and clean. Unlocked for your carrier, not reported lost or stolen, and not tied to someone else’s account (Apple Account or Google account).
  6. Exact model. The US model, with the storage you want. Some refurbished listings are international versions that miss US network bands.

Where to buy refurbished

  • Apple Certified Refurbished iPhones come with a new battery and outer shell and Apple’s one-year warranty. See Apple’s refurbished iPhones.
  • Amazon Renewed, Best Buy, Walmart and eBay Refurbished sell phones from many refurbishers. Warranty length and battery standards vary by program and seller, so read each listing’s terms.

When new is the better buy

Current budget phones often come with long support promises. Samsung promises six Android upgrades for the Galaxy A17 5G, and Motorola lists security updates for the Moto G Power (2026) through January 2029. If you keep phones for four years or more, a new phone like these can cost less per year than an older refurbished flagship.

See our picks for the best phones under $300 and the best budget iPhones.

FAQ

Is a refurbished phone as good as new?
It can be close, but quality depends on who refurbished it. Phones refurbished by the manufacturer, such as Apple Certified Refurbished, are the most consistent. Store programs vary by seller and grade.
What warranty should a refurbished phone have?
Look for at least 90 days, and prefer a year. Check who honors the warranty (the store, the refurbisher or the manufacturer) and how long the return window is.
What battery health is acceptable?
On an iPhone, Apple shows battery health as a percentage in Settings. Many buyers look for 85% or higher. Some programs guarantee a minimum; others do not state it, so ask before buying.
Are refurbished phones unlocked?
Not always. Listings for a specific carrier may be locked. Look for "unlocked" in the title and check compatibility with your carrier.
Is refurbished better value in 2026?
Often. New budget phone prices rose during 2026, which widened the gap. A refurbished higher-end phone can beat a new budget phone, as long as it still has a few years of software updates left.
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