The best iPhones to buy refurbished in 2025

21 June 2025


14 mins read


Haziq

Which refurbished iPhone offers the best value for your money? Here’s how to choose the right iPhone for your needs and lifestyle.

Our top refurbished iPhone recommendations at a glance: 

  • Best for professionals and power users: iPhone 15 Pro – The iPhone 15 Pro is a step above the rest and runs on the A17 Bionic chip, making it one of the fastest models out there. This phone is geared towards high-functioning professionals who handle tasks like graphic design, video editing, heavy multitasking, and running complex applications. 

  • Best for advanced creative professionals: iPhone 16 Pro – The iPhone 16 Pro supports the new Wi-Fi 7 standard, with even faster wireless speeds, and coupled with the A18 Bionic chip, you'll have improved photography and videography capabilities. The unparalleled graphics performance is another draw for users who demand the absolute best. 

  • Best for young hustlers: iPhone 14 Pro – The iPhone 14 Pro is a powerhouse with the A16 Bionic chip, offering excellent performance, battery life, and the Dynamic Island feature for multitasking on the go. It's perfect for young hustlers needing a reliable and efficient device to manage multiple tasks. 

  • Best for minimalists: iPhone SE (3rd Generation) – The iPhone SE (3rd Gen - 2022) offers essential features with a compact design and lower price point. It’s ideal for minimal users wanting a straightforward, powerful device without unnecessary extras. 

  • Best for gamers: iPhone 13 Pro Max – With its large 6.7-inch display, A15 Bionic chip, and ProMotion 120Hz refresh rate, the iPhone 13 Pro Max delivers an immersive gaming experience with smooth graphics and responsive gameplay. 

  • Best for social media addicts: iPhone 14 Pro Max – The iPhone 14 Pro Max’s advanced camera system, including ProRAW and ProRes video capabilities, combined with a large, bright display, makes it perfect for content creators and those active on social media. 

  • Best for eccentric musicians: iPhone 14 Pro Max – The iPhone 14 Pro offers impressive audio recording capabilities, including support for spatial audio and Dolby Atmos. Its ability to handle high-quality audio editing apps and accessories makes it a great tool for musicians wanting to experiment and create on the go. 

  • Best for young professionals: iPhone 13 Pro – The iPhone 13 Pro balances performance, camera quality, and design, making it ideal for young professionals who need a versatile and stylish device for both work and personal use. 

  • Best refurbished iPhone for young hustlers. If you’re a young hustler juggling multiple gigs, side projects, or startups, you need a phone that can keep up with your fast-paced life. The iPhone 14 Pro is your go-to device. Equipped with the latest A16 Bionic chip, it’s lightning-fast, ensuring multitasking between apps, managing your calendar, and handling business communications happens seamlessly. The new Dynamic Island feature is a game-changer, letting you stay on top of notifications, calls, and other essentials without disrupting your workflow. 

  • Beyond performance, the iPhone 14 Pro boasts a stunning 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display, ideal for reviewing documents, presentations, and social media updates. The battery life is solid, offering up to 23 hours of talk time, so you won’t find yourself scrambling for a charger in the middle of a busy day. Plus, the camera system is top-notch, allowing you to capture professional-quality photos and videos for your personal brand or business. If you're looking at used and refurbished models, expect to pay around 549 € for a quality device. 

Best refurbished iPhone for professionals and power users 

For the ambitious professional constantly on the move and juggling demanding tasks, the refurbished iPhone 15 Pro is a powerful and cost-effective choice. Still boasting the formidable A17 Pro chip, this device offers exceptional speed and efficiency for multitasking, handling complex applications, and managing intensive workflows. Its advanced GPU gives you smooth performance for graphic-intensive tasks and even mobile gaming during downtime. 

 The innovative Dynamic Island keeps essential notifications and real-time activities front and centre without interrupting your focus. The brilliant 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion technology delivers stunning visuals, perfect for reviewing detailed documents, presentations, and creative content with exceptional clarity and fluidity. While newer, the camera system remains incredibly capable, offering professional-grade photos and videos for showcasing your work or personal brand. The USB-C port provides faster data transfer and enhanced connectivity. On Back Market Ireland, you can find quality refurbished iPhone 15 Pro models starting from 745 €, offering significant value for its high-end capabilities. 

Pros 

Cons 

Powerful A17 Pro chip for demanding tasks 

3x optical zoom is less than the 16 Pro 

Versatile pro-level camera system with USB-C 

USB-C data transfer speed is capped at USB 3.2 Gen 2 

More affordable now as a previous-generation Pro 

No dedicated "Capture Button" for camera control 

Lighter and slightly more compact design 

Wi-Fi 6E is not the latest standard 

Best for advanced creative professionals 

If you are a cutting-edge creative professional who demands the absolute pinnacle of mobile technology to bring your visions to life, the iPhone 16 Pro is your ultimate tool. Fueled by the groundbreaking A18 Pro chip, this device delivers performance for the most demanding creative workflows, from intricate video editing and complex graphic design to advanced 3D rendering and augmented reality experiences. The significantly upgraded GPU unlocks new levels of visual appeal and responsiveness. 

 The larger 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR display with even slimmer bezels gives you an immersive canvas for your creative exploits. The revolutionary Capture Button offers a dedicated and intuitive way to interact with the advanced camera system, featuring a 5x optical zoom telephoto lens and a new 48MP Ultra Wide camera for exceptional versatility and image quality. Capture stunning photos and videos with incredible detail and dynamic range, and leverage features like 4K video recording at up to 120fps. With faster Wi-Fi 7 and improved connectivity, your creative process stays simple. Pre-owned devices start at approximately 910 €. 

Pros 

Cons 

Even more powerful A18 Pro chip for top-tier performance 

Higher price point 

Significantly upgraded telephoto (5x) and ultra-wide cameras 

Slightly larger and heavier than the 15 Pro 

Larger, more immersive display with thinner bezels 

Battery life improvement is incremental 

New customizable Capture Button for enhanced camera control 

Availability and initial stock might be limited 

Best refurbished iPhone for young hustlers  

If you’re a young hustler juggling multiple gigs, side projects, or startups, you need a phone that can keep up with your fast-paced life. The iPhone 14 Pro is your go-to device. Equipped with the latest A16 Bionic chip, it’s lightning-fast, ensuring multitasking between apps, managing your calendar, and handling business communications happens seamlessly. The new Dynamic Island feature is a game-changer, letting you stay on top of notifications, calls, and other essentials without disrupting your workflow. 

Beyond performance, the iPhone 14 Pro boasts a stunning 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display, ideal for reviewing documents, presentations, and social media updates. The battery life is solid, offering up to 23 hours of talk time, so you won’t find yourself scrambling for a charger in the middle of a busy day. Plus, the camera system is top-notch, allowing you to capture professional-quality photos and videos for your personal brand or business. If you're looking at used and refurbished models, expect to pay around 549 € for a quality device. 

Pros 

Cons 

A16 Bionic chip provides top-tier performance for multitasking 

Higher price point, even for refurbished models 

Dynamic Island feature enhances productivity and multitasking 

Slightly smaller screen (6.1-inch) compared to Max models 

Excellent camera system for professional-quality photos and videos 

No major design changes from previous models  

Long battery life (up to 23 hours of talk time)  

May be overkill for users who don't need high-end features 

Shop refurbished iPhone 14 Pro

Best refurbished iPhone for minimalists or tight budgets 

For those who prefer simplicity and minimalism at a great price, the iPhone SE (3rd Generation) is an excellent choice. This model is designed for users who want the essentials—a phone that just works without the bells and whistles. It features the powerful A15 Bionic chip, the same one found in the iPhone 13 series, ensuring fast performance for everyday tasks like browsing the web, messaging, and using apps. The 4.7-inch Retina HD display is compact and easy to use with one hand, making it perfect for those who don’t need a massive screen. 

 Despite its simplicity, the iPhone SE doesn’t skimp on important features. It supports 5G, ensuring fast data speeds for streaming and browsing. The single 12MP rear camera is more than capable of taking great photos, whether capturing memories or snapping quick shots for social media. Plus, Touch ID makes unlocking your phone and making payments easy and secure. A refurbished iPhone SE 3 can be found from €166.95, making it a budget-friendly option for light smartphone users. 

Pros 

Cons 

Compact and lightweight design, ideal for one-handed use 

Smaller 4.7-inch screen may be limiting for media consumption 

A15 Bionic chip delivers excellent performance for basic tasks 

Single 12MP camera lacks advanced features of higher-end models 

Affordable pricing, especially when shopping refurbished 

Design is dated, resembling older iPhone models 

Touch ID for easy and secure access 

Limited battery life compared to other models (up to 15 hours of talk time) 

Best refurbished iPhone for gamers 

Serious mobile gamers need a device that can handle the most demanding titles with ease, and the iPhone 13 Pro Max delivers on all fronts. With its A15 Bionic chip and 5-core GPU, this phone offers exceptional performance, ensuring smooth gameplay even in graphically intensive games. The ProMotion display, with a 120Hz refresh rate, enhances the gaming experience by providing fluid motion and responsiveness, making every swipe and tap feel incredibly natural. The 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display also ensures every detail in your games pops with vibrant colours and deep blacks. 

 Battery life is crucial for gaming, and the iPhone 13 Pro Max excels here, offering up to 28 hours of talk time—perfect for extended gaming sessions without needing to constantly recharge. Additionally, with 5G connectivity, you can enjoy multiplayer games with low latency, even on the move. If you’re considering a refurbished model, expect to pay from 460 €, offering great value for gamers looking for top-tier performance. 

Pros 

Cons 

ProMotion 120Hz refresh rate for smooth and responsive gaming 

Large size (6.7-inch) might be cumbersome for some users 

A15 Bionic chip with 5-core GPU for exceptional gaming performance 

Paying a higher price for the upgraded chip compared to older models 

Excellent battery life (up to 28 hours of talk time) for extended gaming sessions 

Heavier than other models, which might affect portability 

5G connectivity for low-latency online gaming 

No significant upgrades if you're coming from an iPhone 12 Pro Max 

Best refurbished iPhone for social media addicts 

For social media enthusiasts who live for likes, shares, and comments, the iPhone 14 Pro Max is the ultimate tool. This phone boasts an advanced camera system, including a 48MP main sensor and improved low-light performance, ensuring that your photos and videos are always Instagram-worthy. The ProRAW and ProRes video recording capabilities let you shoot and edit professional-grade content directly from your phone—perfect for creating TikToks, Reels, or YouTube videos that stand out. 

 The iPhone 14 Pro Max also features a large 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display, ideal for editing content, watching videos, and engaging with followers. The Dynamic Island feature keeps you connected with notifications and alerts without interrupting your browsing or posting. Plus, with the A16 Bionic chip and 5G support, you’ll never have to worry about lag when streaming or uploading content. Right now, you can find refurbished models for from 620 €. 

Pros 

Cons 

Advanced camera system (48MP main sensor) for high-quality photos and videos 

Higher price tag, particularly if buying new 

Large 6.7-inch display is perfect for content creation and viewing 

Bulky and may be difficult to handle for users with smaller hands 

ProRAW and ProRes video capabilities for professional content creation 

Not a significant upgrade in design from the iPhone 13 Pro Max 

Dynamic Island enhances multitasking on social media platforms 

Shorter battery life than the 13 Pro Max despite similar usage patterns 

Best refurbished iPhone for eccentric musicians or sound buffs 

The iPhone 14 Pro earns its place on our list for musicians who are always on the go, recording ideas, or experimenting with new sounds. This model supports spatial audio and Dolby Atmos, offering an immersive listening experience that’s perfect for musicians who want to hear their music in 3D. The phone’s high-quality microphones and audio recording capabilities make it ideal for capturing song ideas or even live performances with incredible clarity. 

The iPhone 14 Pro also handles high-end audio editing apps like GarageBand and Logic Remote with ease, thanks to its A16 Bionic chip. Whether you’re mixing tracks on the fly or collaborating with other musicians remotely, this phone won’t let you down. The 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display provides a vibrant and detailed interface for all your audio editing needs. If you're shopping from a verified refurbished seller, expect to pay from 549 €. 

Best refurbished iPhone for young professionals

Young professionals need a device that can transition seamlessly between work and play, and the iPhone 13 Pro fits the bill perfectly. With the A15 Bionic chip, this phone delivers fast and reliable performance, whether you’re managing emails, video conferencing, or working on documents. The 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display is ideal for reviewing presentations, browsing reports, or catching up on the latest industry news. 

The iPhone 13 Pro’s camera system is also a standout feature, offering three 12MP cameras (wide, ultra-wide, and telephoto) that are perfect for capturing high-quality photos and videos, whether for work or personal use. The phone’s sleek design and premium build quality also make a strong statement, helping you look professional and put-together in any setting. A refurbished iPhone 13 Pro is one of the more affordable options on this list, typically available from 420 €, making it an excellent choice for young professionals who need a quality device for a lower price. 

Pros 

Cons 

A15 Bionic chip for reliable performance in professional settings 

Smaller battery life (up to 22 hours of talk time) compared to the Pro Max 

Triple-camera system (wide, ultra-wide, telephoto) for high-quality photos 

6.1-inch display might feel small for those who prefer larger screens 

Sleek and professional design that makes a strong impression 

Not the latest model, so lacks some of the newest features 

Refurbished models are more affordable while still offering premium features 

No ProMotion display, so screen refresh rate is limited to 60Hz 

Why refurbished iPhones are the best iPhones 

If you’re buying a new iPhone, your options are somewhat limited. There’s typically a small selection of new models available at any given time, and perhaps only one that truly fits your needs and budget. However, if you explore the used and refurbished iPhone market, you'll find a much wider selection. 

Buying a used iPhone offers many more models to choose from. You’ll find every size, from an iPhone mini to a Pro Max, allowing you to pick the model that has the features you genuinely want and need—whether it’s a headphone jack, home button, or wireless charging. With this wide selection, it can be challenging to decide which used iPhone to buy.

Maybe you’ve taken a test to find out your spirit animal, personality type, or love language—but where's the test for what iPhone you should buy? That’s why we created this list to help you find the best cheap iPhone for your unique needs. 

 💫 Fun Fact: The iPhone 5S was released in 2013 and continued to receive iOS updates until 2019. That’s a very long time for a device to stay cutting-edge. iPhones are updated for much longer than Android phones and, as a result, hold their value better. 

Where is the best place to buy a refurbished iPhone? 

If you’re shopping for a refurbished iPhone, remember that there's a difference between used and refurbished phones. Both are pre-owned and more sustainable than buying a new iPhone, but a refurbished phone is professionally cleaned, repaired, and tested, while a used phone simply means it's pre-owned. 

At Back Market, we strive to make buying refurbished devices a safer and more reliable option. We only work with vetted, trusted sellers to guarantee that every device is 100% functional. Plus, every purchase comes with at least a 12-month warranty and 30 days to change your mind. That’s why we believe Back Market is the best place to buy a used and refurbished iPhone. 

Are you a student? Save an extra €20 on purchases on Back Market with our student discount

Other refurbished iPhones that didn't make this list 

As much as we love all the Apple iPhone models here at Back Market, there are a few that we wouldn't recommend buying today due to their age. In particular, the iPhone 12 and iPhone 11 models are still highly popular on our marketplace in 2025. However, we've left out iPhone X models and older, because they no longer support the latest version of iOS, Apple's iPhone operating system. 

Couldn’t find an iPhone that suits you? If you prefer an Android phone, we also have plenty of refurbished Android deals available! 

Written by Haziq

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