Best Refurbished iPhone Under 500 Pounds UK

The best refurbished iPhone under £500 for most UK buyers in 2026 is the iPhone 13, because it offers 5G, strong battery life, Face ID, excellent cameras, modern iOS support and 128GB storage options at a sensible refurbished price.

If you want the best balance of performance, camera quality, iOS support and price, the iPhone 14 is usually the best refurbished iPhone under £500.

Why Buy a Refurbished iPhone Under £500?

Buying a refurbished iPhone under £500 is one of the smartest ways to get Apple quality without paying new flagship prices. You can often get a reliable iPhone with 5G, Face ID, a sharp camera, strong battery health and long-term iOS support for much less than a brand-new model.

In addition, refurbished phones are better value because you are not paying the highest price for a device that loses value quickly after launch. Instead, you can choose a tested, unlocked and SIM-free iPhone that still feels modern for everyday use. If you are still deciding, our guide on brand new vs refurbished phones explains the difference in detail.

A refurbished iPhone under £500 UK buyers can trust should include clear condition grading, warranty cover, battery checks and secure delivery. Therefore, the seller matters just as much as the model you choose, which is why it pays to buy refurbished from a specialist instead of random sellers.

If you are comparing refurbished iPhone deals, focus on value rather than just the lowest price. A cheaper phone with poor battery health, no warranty or locked network status can cost more in the long run.

What You Can Get for Your Budget Under £500

Your budget decides which iPhone generation, storage size and condition grade you can realistically target. However, under £500 gives you more choice than many people expect.

Under £150 (entry iPhones)

Under £150 is best for basic use. You may find older models such as the iPhone 8, iPhone SE 2020 or similar entry-level options in Fair or Good condition.

These phones can still work well for calls, WhatsApp, emails, browsing and light app use. However, you should be realistic about battery life, camera quality, future iOS updates and storage limits. If you are buying for a younger user, our list of the best phones for teens is worth a look.

At this price, 64GB storage is common. Therefore, it is better for light users who do not take many videos or install large apps.

£150–£300 (sweet spot)

The £150–£300 range is the sweet spot for many refurbished iPhone buyers. You can often find models such as the iPhone SE 2022, iPhone 11, iPhone 12 and sometimes iPhone 13 deals depending on condition grade and storage.

This range is ideal if you want better speed, stronger cameras and a more modern experience without stretching to the top of your budget. In addition, some models in this range support 5G, which makes them more future-friendly.

If possible, choose at least 128GB storage. It gives you more room for photos, videos, apps and iOS updates.

£300–£500 (premium picks)

The £300–£500 range is where the best refurbished iPhone under £500 usually sits. You can look at models such as the iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 14, depending on stock, condition grade and storage.

This range gives you better cameras, stronger performance, Face ID, 5G and a more premium design. As a result, it is the best choice if you want a phone that feels current in 2026. If on-device AI features matter to you, see our guide to the best AI phones to buy refurbished in the UK.

For many UK buyers, this budget offers the right balance between price and long-term use. You avoid paying new iPhone prices while still getting a device that feels fast, reliable and stylish.

Best Refurbished iPhones Under £500 (Top Picks)

iPhone SE (2022) — Best Budget Pick

The iPhone SE 2022 is best for you if you want a compact, affordable iPhone with strong performance. It is especially suitable if you prefer Touch ID, a smaller screen and a simple design.

Its key strength is the A15 Bionic chip, which is also used in more premium iPhones. Therefore, it feels fast for everyday tasks, apps, browsing, video calls and social media.

Realistically, the refurbished price often sits well below £500, especially for 64GB and 128GB options. Condition grade can affect the price, with Excellent models costing more than Good or Fair versions.

It fits under £500 easily, making it a sensible choice if you want reliable iOS performance without paying for a large display or advanced camera system. However, it is not the best option if you want Face ID or a modern full-screen design.

iPhone 12 — Best Affordable 5G

The iPhone 12 is best for you if you want an affordable 5G refurbished iPhone with a modern design. It gives you Face ID, an OLED display, MagSafe support and a slim, premium feel.

Its biggest strength is that it brought 5G to the mainstream iPhone range. Therefore, it is a strong upgrade if you are moving from an older iPhone such as the iPhone 8, XR or 11.

Typical refurbished prices usually place the iPhone 12 comfortably under £500, especially in 64GB or 128GB storage. You may pay more for Excellent condition, higher storage or stronger battery health.

It fits under £500 because it is now several generations behind Apple's newest models, yet it still feels modern for daily use. For many buyers, it is the best affordable 5G choice.

iPhone 13 — Best Overall Value

The iPhone 13 is the best overall refurbished iPhone under £500 for most UK buyers. It offers the strongest mix of price, battery life, camera quality, performance and long-term usability.

Its key strengths include 5G, Face ID, a bright Super Retina XDR display, strong battery performance and a capable dual-camera system. In addition, the A15 Bionic chip still feels fast for apps, gaming, photography and everyday multitasking.

Realistic refurbished price context puts many iPhone 13 models below £500, especially when you choose 128GB in Good or Excellent condition. Higher storage versions such as 256GB may cost more, depending on stock and grading.

It fits under £500 because it is no longer the newest iPhone, but it still has the features most people actually need. Therefore, it is often the safest recommendation if you want a refurbished iPhone under £500 UK shoppers can use confidently for years.

iPhone 13 Pro — Best Camera Under £500

The iPhone 13 Pro is best for you if camera quality matters more than getting the newest model name. It is ideal for content creators, small business owners, social media users and anyone who takes lots of photos or videos.

Its key strengths include a Pro camera system, premium stainless-steel design, excellent display quality and strong performance. You also get 5G, Face ID and a more advanced camera setup than the standard iPhone 13.

Realistically, the iPhone 13 Pro can sit close to the upper end of the £500 budget. Lower storage or Good condition models are more likely to fit under £500 than higher storage Excellent-grade versions.

It fits under £500 when you find the right refurbished deal. As a result, it can be one of the best-value camera phones in the refurbished market, especially compared with buying a newer Pro model.

iPhone 14 — Best Newer Mainstream Pick

The iPhone 14 is best for you if you want a newer mainstream iPhone while staying close to the £500 limit. It is a good choice if you want a familiar design, strong battery life, 5G and improved camera processing.

Its key strengths include excellent everyday performance, Face ID, a strong dual-camera system and long iOS support potential. In addition, it feels more recent than the iPhone 12 or iPhone 13, which may matter if you plan to keep it longer.

Typical refurbished prices can vary, and some iPhone 14 models may sit near the top of the under-£500 range. Storage, battery health and condition grade will make a big difference.

It fits under £500 when you choose the right refurbished condition and storage option. If you want a newer mainstream model rather than a Pro camera system, the iPhone 14 is a strong pick. You can browse all refurbished iPhones at Zextons to compare live prices and storage options.

Comparison Table — Best Refurbished iPhones Under £500

How to Choose the Right Refurbished iPhone Under £500

Start with battery health. A refurbished iPhone with strong battery health will feel better day to day, especially if you use maps, social media, camera, video calls or mobile data often. It also helps to understand the lifecycle of a refurbished phone so you know what to expect over time.

Next, check the condition grade. Excellent condition usually means the device looks very clean with minimal signs of use. Good condition may show light marks, while Fair condition can have more visible wear but should still work properly.

Storage is also important. A 64GB iPhone can work for light users, but 128GB is the better choice for most people. If you take lots of photos, record videos or keep many apps, 256GB gives you more breathing room.

Always check whether the iPhone is unlocked and SIM-free. An unlocked refurbished iPhone lets you use your preferred UK network without being tied to one carrier. You can browse refurbished iPhones to compare unlocked options, or explore the wider refurbished collection for other Apple devices.

Finally, look at warranty, returns and testing standards. A cheap refurbished iPhone is only a good deal if it has been properly checked and backed by support.

Why Buy Your Refurbished iPhone from Zextons

Zextons is a strong choice if you want a tested refurbished iPhone from a UK-focused tech store. Every device is checked so you can buy with more confidence, rather than guessing about condition, battery performance or reliability. If you want reassurance, see why it is better to buy from one of the top places for refurbished phones in the UK.

You can browse refurbished iPhones across different models, budgets and grades. This makes it easier to compare options such as iPhone SE 2022, iPhone 12, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 14 in theApple collection.

Zextons also offers an 18-month warranty, which gives you longer cover than many standard refurbished phone sellers. That matters because warranty support is one of the biggest trust signals when buying refurbished tech online.

In addition, Zextons offers unlocked devices, fast UK delivery and Buy Now Pay Later options. Therefore, you can choose a SIM-free iPhone, spread the cost if needed and get your phone delivered quickly.

Another benefit is that a tree is planted with every order. As a result, buying refurbished becomes both a budget-friendly and more sustainable choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best refurbished iPhone under £500?

The best refurbished iPhone under £500 for most UK buyers is the iPhone 13. It offers 5G, Face ID, strong battery life, excellent cameras, smooth iOS performance and good long-term value. It is usually the safest balance between price, features and everyday reliability.

Is a refurbished iPhone under £500 worth it?

Yes, a refurbished iPhone under £500 is worth it if you buy from a trusted seller that tests devices and includes warranty cover. You can get premium Apple features such as 5G, Face ID, strong cameras and iOS support without paying the price of a new iPhone.

Can you get an iPhone 13 for under £500 refurbished?

Yes, you can often get a refurbished iPhone 13 for under £500 in the UK. The final price depends on storage, condition grade and battery health. A 128GB model in Good or Excellent condition is usually one of the best-value choices for most buyers.

Are refurbished iPhones under £500 unlocked?

Many refurbished iPhones under £500 are sold unlocked and SIM-free, but you should always check before buying. An unlocked iPhone lets you use your preferred UK network, change SIM cards easily and avoid being tied to one carrier or contract.

Do refurbished iPhones come with a warranty?

Refurbished iPhones can come with a warranty, but the length depends on the seller. A warranty is important because it protects you if a fault appears after purchase. Zextons offers an 18-month warranty, which gives buyers extra confidence when choosing refurbished devices.

What battery health should I look for?

For a refurbished iPhone, look for strong battery health and clear battery testing information. Higher battery health usually means better daily performance and longer use between charges. If you use your phone heavily, battery condition should be one of your top buying checks.

Is refurbished better than buying new under £500?

Refurbished can be better than buying new under £500 because you may get a higher-quality iPhone for the same budget. Instead of buying a lower-spec new phone, you can choose a tested refurbished iPhone with better cameras, stronger performance, 5G and premium Apple build quality.

Final Verdict

The best refurbished iPhone under £500 in 2026 is the iPhone 13 for most UK buyers. It gives you the right balance of 5G, battery life, camera quality, Face ID, iOS support and everyday performance.

However, the right choice depends on your needs. Choose the iPhone SE 2022 if you want the cheapest reliable option, the iPhone 12 if you want affordable 5G, the iPhone 13 Pro if camera quality matters most, or the iPhone 14 if you want a newer mainstream pick.

Overall, a refurbished iPhone under £500 UK shoppers can trust should be unlocked, SIM-free, clearly graded, tested, covered by warranty and matched to the right storage size. Ready to buy?Shop refurbished iPhones at Zextons and get a premium Apple experience without paying new flagship prices.