iPhone

iPhone Refurbished Buying Guide

Find the perfect refurbished iPhone that fits your needs and budget. Our comprehensive guide covers all current models with detailed comparisons, features, and buying recommendations.

Quick iPhone Comparison Chart

Model Screen Size Camera Chip Typical Refurb Price Best For
iPhone 15/15 Pro 6.1" / 6.7" 48MP Main A17 Pro $600-900 Latest features
iPhone 14/14 Pro 6.1" / 6.7" 12MP/48MP A16 Bionic $500-750 Feature/price balance
iPhone 13/13 Pro 6.1" / 6.7" 12MP Dual A15 Bionic $400-600 Best overall value
iPhone 12/12 Pro 6.1" / 6.7" 12MP Dual A14 Bionic $300-500 Budget-conscious
iPhone SE 4.7" 12MP Single A15 Bionic $200-350 Ultra-budget

Detailed Model Breakdown

iPhone 15/15 Pro - Latest & Greatest

Why Buy Refurbished?

  • Save $200-400 compared to new
  • USB-C connectivity (finally!)
  • Action Button on Pro models
  • Improved camera with 2x zoom
  • Titanium build on Pro models

Best For:

Users who want the latest features and plan to keep their phone for 4+ years


iPhone 14/14 Pro - Sweet Spot Choice

Why This Model Rocks:

  • Excellent camera system
  • Great battery life
  • Still very current (2022 release)
  • Significant savings vs iPhone 15
  • Dynamic Island on Pro models

Best For:

Users who want premium features without paying premium prices


iPhone 13/13 Pro - Best Value Champion

Why We Recommend This:

  • Outstanding performance with A15 chip
  • Excellent camera quality
  • Great battery life
  • Will receive iOS updates until ~2028
  • Sweet spot for price vs features

Best For:

Most users - offers the best balance of features, performance, and price


iPhone 12/12 Pro - Budget-Friendly Powerhouse

Still Great in 2024:

  • 5G connectivity
  • MagSafe compatibility
  • Solid A14 Bionic performance
  • Great camera system
  • iOS support until ~2027

Best For:

Budget-conscious users who still want modern iPhone features


iPhone SE - Ultra-Budget Option

Compact & Affordable:

  • Same A15 chip as iPhone 13
  • Touch ID (some prefer over Face ID)
  • Compact 4.7" size
  • Great for first-time iPhone users
  • Lowest price point

Best For:

Users who want iOS experience at the lowest price, or prefer smaller phones


What Grade Should You Buy?

Amazon Renewed uses a grading system to describe the condition of refurbished phones:

Excellent (Like New)

  • Minimal to no signs of wear
  • Screen and body in excellent condition
  • Battery capacity 90%+ of original
  • Best choice if budget allows

Very Good

  • Light signs of use
  • Minor scratches that don't affect functionality
  • Battery capacity 85%+ of original
  • Great value for most users

Good

  • Moderate signs of wear
  • Noticeable but not distracting scratches
  • Battery capacity 80%+ of original
  • Best for budget-focused buyers

Pro Tips for Buying Refurbished iPhones

  • Check the return policy: Amazon offers 90-day returns on Renewed products
  • Verify unlocked status: Make sure the phone works with your carrier
  • Look for recent listings: Newer refurb listings often have better battery health
  • Read reviews: Other buyers' experiences can guide your decision
  • Consider a case: Protect your investment from day one

Ready to Find Your Perfect iPhone?

Browse our curated selection of refurbished iPhones on Amazon Renewed, backed by Amazon's quality guarantee and return policy.

Shop All Refurbished iPhones