Best Refurbished iPhones Under £300 UK (2026)

If you're hunting for the best refurbished iPhone under £300 in the UK, you've already made one of the smartest tech decisions of 2026. A refurbished iPhone gives you genuine Apple hardware — the same chip, the same camera, the same software support — at a fraction of the new price. The tricky part is knowing which model gives you the most for your money. In this guide, we break down the top picks so you can choose with confidence.

Why Buy a Refurbished iPhone Under £300?

New iPhones in the UK typically start at £699 and rise well beyond £1,000 for Pro models. A professionally refurbished iPhone, graded and tested by specialists, delivers the same Apple experience for a fraction of the cost. Here's why refurbished makes sense:

• Genuine Apple performance — refurbished iPhones run the same iOS software and receive the same security and feature updates as brand-new devices.
• Significant savings — models like the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 are now available refurbished for well under £300, saving you hundreds of pounds versus buying new.
• Eco-friendly choice — extending the life of a smartphone reduces electronic waste and lowers your carbon footprint.
• Warranty included — reputable UK refurbishers back every device with at least a 12-month warranty, giving you the same peace of mind as buying new.

Best Refurbished iPhones Under £300 UK — Quick Comparison

1. iPhone 13 — Best Overall Refurbished iPhone Under £300

The refurbished iPhone 13 is our top pick for most UK buyers in 2026. Launched in September 2021, it remains one of the most capable iPhones available at this price point — and with refurbished units now sitting comfortably under £260, it delivers extraordinary value.

Key Specs

• 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display
• Apple A15 Bionic chip (the same processor found in the iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 Pro)
• Dual 12MP camera system with sensor-shift optical image stabilisation
• 5G connectivity
• Up to 19 hours video playback — a significant jump over the iPhone 12
• Compatible with iOS 18 and future Apple updates

Why We Recommend It

The A15 Bionic chip inside the iPhone 13 is still one of the fastest mobile processors available in 2026, comfortably outperforming many current Android flagships costing twice the price. Battery life is a standout: real-world testing consistently delivers a full day of mixed use, often with charge to spare. The dual-camera system, with its sensor-shift OIS, captures sharp, stable photos in low light that once cost over £800 to access.

Who It's Best For

The refurbished iPhone 13 is ideal for everyday users who want a fast, reliable iPhone with a great camera and strong battery life — without exceeding £300. You can browse the full range of refurbished iPhone 13 models at refurb-phone.com, available in multiple storage sizes and condition grades, all network unlocked and backed by a 12-month warranty.

2. iPhone 14 — Best Features Near the £300 Mark

If your budget stretches to around £280–£299, the refurbished iPhone 14 is worth the extra investment. Released in September 2022, the iPhone 14 shares the A15 Bionic chip with the iPhone 13 but adds genuinely useful safety features and a front-camera upgrade.

Key Specs

• 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display
• Apple A15 Bionic chip
• Dual 12MP cameras with improved low-light photography via a larger sensor
• Emergency SOS via satellite — contact emergency services even without mobile signal
• Crash Detection — automatically calls for help after a serious car accident
• Autofocus front camera for sharper selfies and video calls
• 5G connectivity

Why We Recommend It

The raw processing power is identical to the iPhone 13, so you won't notice a performance difference in day-to-day use. What you gain are the safety features: Emergency SOS via satellite and Crash Detection are genuinely life-saving additions that give the iPhone 14 an edge for safety-conscious buyers. The autofocus selfie camera is also a welcome upgrade if you use FaceTime or shoot a lot of video.

Who It's Best For

Drivers, solo travellers, parents buying a phone for a teenager, or anyone who values emergency safety features alongside a premium camera. Explore the full selection of refurbished iPhone 14 devices at refurb-phone.com — every unit is tested, graded, and covered by a 12-month UK warranty.

3. iPhone 12 — Best Budget Refurbished iPhone Under £200

Working with a tighter budget? The refurbished iPhone 12 is a compelling option at around £130–£180 — a genuinely flagship-quality experience for an entry-level price tag.

Key Specs

• 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display
• Apple A14 Bionic chip
• Dual 12MP cameras with Night Mode and Deep Fusion
• 5G connectivity
• MagSafe support for magnetic wireless charging and accessories
• Ceramic Shield front glass for improved drop resistance

Why We Recommend It

The A14 Bionic chip handles everything from social media and streaming to photography and gaming with ease. You get an OLED display, 5G, Night Mode cameras, and MagSafe — features that launched at over £799 — for well under £200. Apple continues to support iOS on the iPhone 12, so it will receive security updates and new features for years to come.

Who It's Best For

Budget-conscious buyers, students, first-time iPhone owners, or anyone switching from Android who wants to experience iOS without a large upfront cost.

4. iPhone SE (2022) — Best Compact iPhone Under £200

Not everyone wants a large screen. The refurbished iPhone SE (2022) is built around a pocket-friendly 4.7-inch design, packing Apple's A15 Bionic chip and 5G into the smallest and most affordable iPhone available.

Key Specs

• 4.7-inch Retina HD LCD display
• Apple A15 Bionic chip — the same processor as the iPhone 14
• Single 12MP rear camera with Smart HDR 4
• 5G connectivity
• Touch ID home button — physical fingerprint sensor
• Wireless charging support

Why We Recommend It

Despite its compact dimensions, the A15 Bionic makes the SE one of the fastest phones available under £200, easily outrunning most similarly priced Android handsets. One-handed use is effortless, and the physical Touch ID home button is a feature many Apple fans miss on modern Face ID iPhones. The trade-off is the 4.7-inch LCD screen, which lacks the brightness and contrast of the OLED displays on the iPhone 12, 13 and 14, and the single camera limits creative versatility.

Who It's Best For

Anyone who prefers a small, lightweight phone; users upgrading from an older iPhone SE or iPhone 8; and elderly users who find larger smartphones unwieldy. The Touch ID home button is also popular among those who prefer fingerprint authentication over Face ID.

What to Look for When Buying a Refurbished iPhone Under £300

Not all refurbished iPhones are created equal. Keep these five factors in mind before you buy:

• Condition grade — grades like "Excellent" or "Like New" indicate minimal visible wear. "Good" grade devices typically show light surface marks but function perfectly and cost less.
• Battery health — look for a battery health of 80% or above. Many specialist UK refurbishers replace batteries below this threshold as standard before sale.
• Network unlocked — always buy a SIM-free, unlocked iPhone so you can use any UK network or switch providers without restriction.
• Warranty — a 12-month warranty is the UK industry standard. Be cautious of sellers offering anything shorter.
• Returns policy — look for at least a 14-day return window, giving you time to test the device thoroughly on arrival.

Why Buy from refurb-phone.com?

At refurb-phone.com, every refurbished iPhone is professionally tested, clearly graded, and shipped with a minimum 12-month warranty and free UK delivery. All devices are network unlocked and ready to use on any SIM from day one. Whether you're after a refurbished iPhone 12, 13, 14, or SE (2022), you'll find our complete range on the site with transparent condition grades and competitive UK pricing. Don't pay new-device prices — get the same Apple experience for less.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to buy a refurbished iPhone under £300?

Yes, absolutely — provided you buy from a reputable UK refurbisher that tests every device, grades its condition clearly, and backs it with a warranty. At refurb-phone.com, every phone undergoes a thorough diagnostic check before it's listed for sale, so you can shop with confidence.

What is the best refurbished iPhone for under £200 in the UK?

The refurbished iPhone 12 is the best choice for most buyers under £200, offering an OLED display, 5G, Night Mode camera, and MagSafe support. If you prefer a compact design, the iPhone SE (2022) is the best alternative and also carries Apple's A15 Bionic chip.

How long will a refurbished iPhone 13 last?

The iPhone 13, powered by the A15 Bionic, will comfortably handle several more years of iOS updates and daily use. Apple typically supports iPhones for 6–7 years from release date, so the iPhone 13 should receive updates and remain fast well into the late 2020s.

Does a refurbished iPhone come with a charger?

Most UK refurbishers, including refurb-phone.com, include a compatible charging cable with every device. Check the individual product listing to see exactly what's included in the box before you order.