The 25 best refurbished phones brands
Samsung, Apple and Motorola lead our ranking of 25 refurbished phones brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Refurbished Phones brands, ranked
TSCentral is reader-supported: we may earn a commission when you shop through links on this page. It does not affect the ranking.
-
1
Samsung
Galaxy S-series flagships with strong cameras and long-running Android updates make up most of the stock.
Top products: Galaxy S23+· Galaxy S20 FE· Galaxy S24
Website: samsung.com |Brands like Samsung
Popularity 10.0/10
-
2
Apple
Recent iPhones from several generations, with battery health often noted in the condition grade.
Top products: iPhone 16e· iPhone 14· iPhone XR
Website: support.apple.com |Brands like Apple
Popularity 9.2/10
-
3
Motorola
Mid-range Android phones with a strong battery focus, plus folding flip models for shoppers wanting something compact.
Top products: Moto G Power· Razr+· Moto Edge 5G
Website: motorola.com |Brands like Motorola
Popularity 2.3/10
-
4
TCL
TCL's NXTPAPER models use a matte screen that cuts glare for reading outdoors.
Top products: 50 XE· K33 5G· 60 XE NXTPAPER 5G
Website: tcl.com |Brands like TCL
Popularity 1.2/10
-
5
Nokia
Nokia G-series Android phones, sturdy and simple, with a mid-range price point.
Top products: G300 5G
Website: nokia.com |Brands like Nokia
Popularity 0.8/10
-
6
LG
Older LG handsets, many of them from before the company exited the phone market in 2021.
Website: lg.com |Brands like LG
Popularity 0.7/10
-
7
OnePlus
Fast-charging flagship Android phones, typically with a clean, lightly customised software layer.
Website: oneplus.com |Brands like OnePlus
Popularity 0.7/10
-
8
Sonim
XP-series models meet MIL-STD-810 drop tests and carry an IP68 rating for dust and water.
Top products: XP9900
Website: sonimtech.com |Brands like Sonim
Popularity 0.6/10
-
9
Kyocera
DuraForce handsets that survive drops, dust and water, usually sold through US carriers.
Top products: DuraForce Pro 3
Website: global.kyocera.com |Brands like Kyocera
Popularity 0.5/10
-
10
Wiko
Inexpensive Android handsets from a Tinno subsidiary, with simple designs and modest specs.
Website: world.wikomobile.com |Brands like Wiko
Popularity 0.3/10
-
11
Alcatel
Entry-level phones and tablets with simple interfaces, a sensible pick for tight budgets.
Website: alcatelmobile.com |Brands like Alcatel
Popularity 0.3/10
-
12
UMIDIGI
Rugged Bison-series phones with octa-core chips and dual SIM, favoured for outdoor use.
Top products: BISON X10
Website: umidigi.com |Brands like UMIDIGI
Popularity 0.2/10
-
13
ASUS
Zenfone phones with strong performance and clean software, from a company better recognised for PC hardware.
Website: asus.com |Brands like ASUS
Popularity 0.2/10
-
14
Orbic
Simple flip and Android phones, mostly 5G, with large buttons and easy menus for older users.
Website: orbic.us |Brands like Orbic
Popularity 0.2/10
-
15
Sony
Shortly after World War 2, Masaru Ibuka founded the Tokyo Tsushin Kogyo K.K., a telecommunications and engineering corporation. He wanted technology to contribute to Japan’s culture and future. Despite starting small, he never gave up and stressed the importance of...
Website: sony.com |Brands like Sony
Popularity 0.2/10
-
16
Xiaomi
Lei Jun founded Xiaomi to create a customer ROM based on Android. Their goal was to offer more functionality and an interface that is easier to use than Android. The team came up with MIUI, which became an instant success...
Popularity 0.1/10
-
17
Freetel
Freetel, now known as Maya System, is an Asian company based in Tokyo. The leading brand caters to a wide range of digital customers who do not mind splurging on gadgets and electronics. The company was established in 2011 and,...
Popularity 0.1/10
-
18
UNIWA
The mobile brand UNIWA offers all the premium features you might want in a smartphone. It's simple, attractive, and easy to use. It provides all the attributes necessary for a practical phone, going above the competition to have the most...
Website: uniwa.aliexpress.com |Brands like UNIWA
Popularity 0.1/10
-
19
BlackBerry
BlackBerry first made smartphones with a physical keyboard before shifting its focus to secure mobile devices. The current accessories include phone cases, phone covers and car chargers for compatible handsets. These pieces are designed to protect the phone and keep...
Website: helpblog.blackberry.com |Brands like BlackBerry
Popularity 0.1/10
-
20
Honor
Honor, a Shenzhen brand founded in 2013, centers on dual SIM smartphones. Silicone covers, screen protectors and laptops are sold too. Its phones combine recent technology with pricing that its teams aim to keep reasonable.
Website: hihonor.com |Brands like Honor
Popularity 0.1/10
-
21
Xgody
Xgody builds phones and tablets, including cell phones, dual SIM handsets and Android tablets. The Chinese manufacturer also makes GPS units, satellite navigation devices, headphones and IP cameras. The brand says its devices combine advanced technology with simple controls and...
Website: xgody.com |Brands like Xgody
Popularity 0.1/10
-
22
Verizon Wireless
Data plans and talk times are important and are necessary if we want to talk to our loved ones. But the high rates of these plans are known to be the monopoly of various telecom companies, and they have full...
Website: verizon.com |Brands like Verizon Wireless
Popularity 0.1/10
-
23
HTC
HTC, a Taiwanese electronic company, has been creating smartphones with a tint of its own uniqueness. The company also holds the title of designing the world’s first metal body mobile phone and, since then, has been in the pursuit of...
Website: htc.com |Brands like HTC
Popularity 0.1/10
-
24
Blackview
Blackview designs rugged smartphones built to handle outdoor use and harsh conditions, alongside standard smartphones, tablets and accessories such as cases and holders. Several models support dual SIM use. The company focuses on durable, practical devices at accessible prices.
Website: blackview.hk |Brands like Blackview
Popularity 0.1/10
-
25
Coolpad
Coolpad sells phone cases, phone covers and cell phones, including Boost Mobile models. Founded in 2012, the company also sells smartwatches, headphones and other electronic accessories aimed at users who want a stylish everyday device. Its headphones and smartwatches are...
Popularity 0.1/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung | samsung.com | /SamsungUS | samsungmobileusa | @SamsungUS | – |
| Apple | support.apple.com | – | – | @AppleSupport | – |
| Motorola | motorola.com | – | – | – | – |
| TCL | tcl.com | /TheCreativeLifeIndia | tcl_india | @tcl_india | TCL India |
| Nokia | nokia.com | /nokia | nokia | @nokia | nokia |
| LG | lg.com | /LGIndiaPage | lg_india | @lgindia | LGIndiachannel |
| OnePlus | oneplus.com | /oneplusin | oneplus_india | @OnePlus_IN | – |
| Sonim | sonimtech.com | /sonimtechnologies | – | @sonimtech | SonimTechnologies |
| Kyocera | global.kyocera.com | – | – | – | – |
| Wiko | world.wikomobile.com | /WikoWorld | wikoworld | – | UCex3YHtBH2oxDYSId3mAUbw |
When it comes to buying a new phone, the prices for the latest models can be quite overwhelming. For some, choosing a refurbished phone is the best option as they offer the same features as new phones and come at a reduced price. In this buying guide, we will help you weigh the pros and cons of buying a refurbished phone to help you make an informed decision.
What is a Refurbished Phone?
Refurbished phones are phones that have been returned to a retailer or manufacturer, repaired and tested by professionals, and then resold at a lower price than brand new phones. These phones may have some cosmetic damages like scratches or dents, but the internal components have been replaced and the phone is tested to ensure it works like new before it's resold.
Benefits of Buying a Refurbished Phone
There are various benefits of buying a refurbished phone:
- Lower cost: The biggest advantage of buying a refurbished phone is that it is significantly cheaper than buying a brand new phone. Depending on the model, a refurbished phone can be 30-50% cheaper than a new phone.
- Eco-friendly: By buying a refurbished phone, you're helping to reduce electronic waste as you're giving new life to a device that could have ended up being thrown away.
- Warranty: Most refurbished phones come with a warranty, which means that if there is any issue with the phone, you can send it back to the seller for repairs or replacement within the warranty period.
- Same quality: The internal components of most refurbished phones are new and have been tested to ensure they work like new, which means that the phone you receive should work just as well as a brand new phone.
Cons of Buying a Refurbished Phone
While there are many benefits of buying a refurbished phone, there are also some downsides to consider:
- Cosmetic damages: Refurbished phones often come with some cosmetic damages like scratches, dents, or scuffs, which could be a deal-breaker if you're looking for a device that looks brand new.
- No full replacement: Refurbished phones are repaired devices, which means that some parts may still be the original ones. If there is a major issue with the phone that requires a full replacement, you may not be able to get it.
- Older models: Sometimes refurbished phones can be older models, which may not be as powerful or offer the same features as the latest phones on the market.
- Less customization: Some refurbished phones may not be customizable, which means that you may not be able to install the latest software or operating system.
Where to Buy Refurbished Phones
One of the biggest concerns for people considering buying refurbished phones is where to buy them. Here are some options:
- Manufacturer Refurbished: Some phone manufacturers offer refurbished phones directly to customers. For example, Apple offers refurbished iPhones on their website. This is a great option as the manufacturer has tested and repaired the phone, and you can be sure it's not a knock-off.
- Retailer Refurbished: Other retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart offer refurbished phones. Be sure to research the seller and read reviews from past customers before making a purchase to ensure you're getting a quality product.
- Third-Party Refurbishers: There are also third-party refurbishers like Gazelle and Decluttr that specialize in selling refurbished phones. These companies have strict refurbishing standards to ensure that the phones they sell are in good condition and offer warranties.
What to Look for Before Buying a Refurbished Phone
When buying a refurbished phone, there are some things you should consider:
- Refurbishing Standards: Research the refurbishing standard of the company you are buying from. Make sure they have a good reputation and that they test each phone thoroughly before reselling it. Look for companies that provide warranties and customer support to ensure that you're getting a quality product.
- Cosmetic Damages: As mentioned earlier, refurbished phones often come with some cosmetic damages. Ask the seller for pictures of the device before making a purchase to get a good idea of the condition of the phone. If the cosmetic damages are minimal and don't impact the phone's performance, then it may be worth it to buy the device at a discount.
- Battery Life: The battery life of the phone is essential. If the battery life is poor, it may not be worth buying the phone. Request information about the battery life of the device before making a purchase.
- Software: Some refurbished phones may come with outdated software. Make sure the seller confirms that the phone's software is up to date and that it can be updated in the future.
- Compatibility: When buying a refurbished phone, make sure that it is compatible with your carrier. Some phones are carrier-locked, which means that they can only work on certain networks. Check with your carrier to ensure that the device you want to purchase works with their network.
Conclusion
Buying a refurbished phone can be an excellent way to save money and reduce electronic waste. However, it's essential to do your research and consider the pros and cons before making a purchase. Make sure you buy from reputable sellers that provide warranties and customer support, check the cosmetic damages, and ensure that the device is compatible with your carrier. Remember, a refurbished phone can function just as well as a brand new phone, and it's an eco-friendly option that can save you a significant amount of money.
