Best Refurbished Phones Under £300 in the UK

Quick answer: The best refurbished phone under £300 for most UK buyers in 2026 is the Google Pixel 8 (best all-rounder, great camera). For Apple, the iPhone 11 is the safest pick; for Samsung, the Galaxy S21 5G gives you a former flagship feel. All three can often be found refurbished under £300 depending on condition and stock.

If you want a reliable smartphone without overspending, £300 is one of the best budgets for buying refurbished in the UK. At this price you can often get a former flagship or a strong upper-mid-range phone — with a better camera, smoother performance and a more premium feel than many brand-new budget handsets at the same money.

It's also a great time to buy. Now that the Samsung Galaxy S26, Google Pixel 10 and iPhone 17 are the current flagships, slightly older models like the Galaxy S21, Pixel 8 and iPhone 11 have dropped in price on the refurbished market — while still feeling fast and modern for everyday use.

In this guide we've picked the best refurbished phones under £300 for different types of buyer — whether you want the best refurbished iPhone, the best refurbished Android phone, the best Samsung, the best camera or the best all-rounder for everyday use. Every phone here is unlocked, and most support 5G, so you get a future-ready handset on any UK network. We've also included practical advice on what to check before you buy, so you can shop with confidence and real value.

Quick comparison table

*Refurbished prices move with condition and stock — treat "under £300" as typical, not guaranteed.

At a glance: which refurbished phone should you buy?

Ready to save on your next phone?

✓ 18-month warranty ✓ Free UK next-day delivery ✓ Fully tested & graded devices ✓ 30-day returns

Browse refurbished phones under £300 →

Best refurbished phones under £300 (top picks)

Google Pixel 8 — best overall

The Pixel 8 is the best all-round pick for most buyers because it blends camera quality, everyday speed, clean Android software and a flagship feel without the flagship price. It's ideal if you want one phone that does a bit of everything well and takes consistently strong photos. Google's computational photography still punches well above this price, and the software feels modern and uncluttered.

Best for: buyers who want the strongest all-round Android option under £300. Shop refurbished Google Pixel at Zextons →

Apple iPhone 11 — best refurbished iPhone

The iPhone 11 remains one of the safest refurbished iPhone buys under £300. It still delivers a smooth iPhone experience, dependable performance and a camera that's more than good enough for everyday photos, video, social media and messaging. It's the easiest recommendation for anyone who wants an affordable iPhone without dropping to a much older or more compromised model.

Best for: UK shoppers who want Apple, simplicity and reliable day-to-day performance. Worth knowing: it's an older model with no 5G, so if you want a smaller body or a newer chip, consider the iPhone SE 2022 instead. Browse refurbished iPhones at Zextons →

Samsung Galaxy S21 5G — best Samsung

The Galaxy S21 5G is the pick if you want a more premium Samsung experience under £300. It gives you genuine former-flagship positioning — a bright, high-refresh display, 5G and a balanced all-round setup that feels distinctly more high-end than cheaper budget alternatives.

Best for: buyers who want Samsung, a premium feel and a reliable all-round Android phone. Worth knowing: on older flagships, battery condition matters more, so always check the device grade and battery health before buying. Shop refurbished Samsung phones at Zextons →

Google Pixel 8 (GrapheneOS) — best for privacy

If privacy and security are your priority, a Pixel 8 running GrapheneOS is a standout option. GrapheneOS is a hardened, de-Googled version of Android that strips out Google tracking while keeping the Pixel's excellent hardware and strong camera. It's the choice for privacy-conscious buyers who actively want a Google-free phone.

Best for: privacy-focused users who are comfortable with a de-Googled setup. Worth knowing: this is not a beginner phone — it ships without the Google Play Store and Google services by default, so it suits people who know they want GrapheneOS specifically. If you just want the best everyday value, the standard Pixel 8 above is the simpler choice. Shop refurbished Pixel at Zextons →

Apple iPhone SE 2022 — best compact phone

If you want something small, simple and easy to use one-handed, the iPhone SE 2022 is still one of the best compact refurbished phones in this budget. It pairs a familiar Apple experience with newer Apple silicon (the A15 chip), so it feels fast and responsive day to day despite its smaller size and classic design.

Best for: users who want a compact iPhone, Apple familiarity and solid responsiveness. Worth knowing: the smaller screen and battery won't suit everyone, especially heavy video watchers. Browse refurbished iPhones including the SE 2022 →

Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus — best big screen

If your budget stretches to it, the Galaxy S21 Plus is a great big-screen option. It offers a larger, more spacious display than the standard S21 while keeping that premium Samsung flagship character — ideal if you watch a lot of video or simply prefer a bigger handset.

Best for: big-screen users who still want strong value. Worth knowing: higher condition grades can push it over £300, so it's most likely to fit the budget in Good condition or when on offer. See Samsung refurbished deals at Zextons →

Expert recommendation from Zextons

After testing, grading and selling thousands of refurbished phones, our team's everyday picks under £300 are simple: the Pixel 8 for Android buyers who want the best all-round phone and camera, the iPhone 11 for Apple buyers who want dependable value, and the Galaxy S21 5G for anyone who wants a premium Samsung feel. Across all of them, we'd always tell a buyer to prioritise strong battery health and a clear condition grade over the lowest possible price — on a former flagship, that's what makes the difference between a phone that feels new for years and one that disappoints in months.

Refurbished vs second-hand: what's the difference?

People often search for a "second hand" or "used" phone when a refurbished one is really what they want — and the difference matters. A used phone is typically sold as-is by a private seller, with no testing, no warranty and no guarantee on battery health or network lock. A refurbished phone has been professionally inspected, tested, cleaned and graded, then sold unlocked with warranty cover. You pay a little more than a private sale, but you remove almost all of the risk — which is why refurbished is the safer way to buy a former flagship under £300.

How we chose these phones

We selected these refurbished phones based on what matters most to UK buyers shopping under £300: everyday performance, camera quality for the money, battery practicality, software relevance, value in the refurbished market, brand trust and resale reputation, and availability from a reputable UK seller. We prioritised devices that balance real-world usability with price, across iPhone, Samsung and Google Pixel.

What to check before buying a refurbished phone in the UK

1. Battery condition.

Battery health makes a big difference to how an older phone feels day to day. A tired battery can look fine on paper but disappoint in real use — always check the stated battery health.

2. Condition grade.

Check whether the phone is Excellent, Good or Fair and that the cosmetic condition matches your expectations. A clear, consistent grading system is a sign of a trustworthy seller — see what our grading terms mean.

3. Storage.

A very cheap phone isn't a bargain if the storage is too small. 128GB suits most people; think about your photos, apps and videos and how long you want to keep it.

4. Network compatibility.

Make sure the phone is unlocked and suitable for your UK network so you can use any SIM.

5. Warranty and returns.

One of the biggest benefits of buying refurbished from a trusted retailer is the protection that comes with it. Zextons includes an 18-month warranty plus free UK next-day delivery — exactly the reassurance buyers want when choosing refurbished over private resale.

People also ask

Which refurbished phone has the best camera under £300?

The Google Pixel 8 has the best camera under £300, thanks to Google's computational photography — it consistently produces sharp, well-balanced photos that beat most phones at this price. The iPhone 11 and Galaxy S21 are also strong if you prefer Apple or Samsung.

Is the Galaxy S21 better than the iPhone 11?

It depends on your ecosystem. The Galaxy S21 5G has the edge on raw specs — a higher-refresh display and 5G — while the iPhone 11 wins on long-term software support and Apple ecosystem simplicity. For Android fans the S21 is the better phone; for Apple users the iPhone 11 is the safer buy.

Is the iPhone 11 still worth buying in 2026?

Yes. The iPhone 11 still runs the latest iOS and handles everyday tasks — messaging, social media, photos, streaming — comfortably. With newer iPhones now flagship, its refurbished price has fallen, making it one of the best-value Apple phones under £300. It just lacks 5G.

Which phones under £300 are easiest to repair?

Older, high-volume flagships like the iPhone 11 and Galaxy S21 are the easiest to source parts for, simply because so many were made. That said, buying refurbished from a seller with a long warranty matters more than self-repairability for most people — it means repairs are covered without you opening the phone.

What's the best refurbished phone for students on a budget?

The iPhone 11 and Pixel 8 are the strongest student picks — both are reliable, well-supported and hold up for years of everyday use, note-taking, social media and streaming, without stretching the budget.

What is the best refurbished Android phone under £300?

The Google Pixel 8 is the best refurbished Android phone under £300 for most people, with the cleanest software and best camera. If you prefer Samsung, the Galaxy S21 5G is the strongest Android alternative for a premium, former-flagship feel.

What is the best refurbished phone for everyday use?

For everyday use the Google Pixel 8 and iPhone 11 are the safest choices — fast enough for messaging, browsing, banking, maps, photos and streaming, with dependable battery life and long software support. Both feel modern day to day despite their lower refurbished price.

What refurbished phone is best for social media?

For social media, the Pixel 8 stands out — its camera produces great photos and video for posting, and its bright screen makes scrolling and streaming enjoyable. The iPhone 11 is the best pick if your social life runs through iMessage, FaceTime and Apple apps.

Are these refurbished phones unlocked and do they support 5G?

Yes — these refurbished phones are sold unlocked and SIM-free, so they work on any UK network. The Galaxy S21, Galaxy S21 Plus and Pixel 8 all support 5G; the iPhone 11 and iPhone SE 2022 are 4G only. Most are available in 128GB, which suits the majority of buyers.

What's the best value refurbished smartphone right now?

Right now the best value refurbished smartphone under £300 is the Google Pixel 8 — you get a recent flagship camera and clean software for a fraction of the new price. The iPhone 11 is the best-value Apple option, and the Galaxy S21 5G the best-value premium Samsung.

What is the best refurbished phone under £300 in the UK?

For most buyers the Google Pixel 8 is the best all-round choice — it balances camera quality, everyday performance and value very well. The iPhone 11 is one of the safest Apple picks and the Galaxy S21 5G is a strong Samsung choice.

Is a refurbished iPhone under £300 worth buying?

Yes, especially if you want Apple's familiar experience without paying current flagship prices. The iPhone 11 and iPhone SE 2022 are both realistic refurbished options for this budget depending on stock and condition.

What is the best Samsung refurbished phone under £300?

The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is one of the strongest Samsung options in this range if you want a more premium experience rather than a basic budget handset.

Are refurbished phones safe to buy in the UK?

They can be a very good choice when bought from a retailer that offers clear grading, warranty protection and tested devices. Look for transparent condition grading and a warranty — both signs of a trustworthy refurbished seller.

Should I buy an older flagship or a newer mid-range phone?

It depends on what matters most. Older flagships often feel more premium, while newer mid-range phones can offer better battery efficiency or longer remaining support. Under £300 refurbished, the best answer usually comes down to condition, battery health and price rather than age alone.

Where is the best place to buy a refurbished phone in the UK?

The best place to buy a refurbished phone in the UK is a specialist that tests every device, grades its condition clearly and backs it with a warranty — rather than a private seller or random marketplace listing. Look for transparent grading, unlocked handsets and clear returns. Zextons covers all of these with an 18-month warranty and free UK next-day delivery.

What is the best second-hand phone to buy in 2026?

In 2026 the best "second-hand" phones are refurbished former flagships like the Google Pixel 8, iPhone 11 and Samsung Galaxy S21 — but buying refurbished rather than used means the phone is tested, graded and warrantied instead of sold as-is, so you get the low price without the risk.

How do I compare refurbished phone deals between sellers?

Compare on total value, not just the headline price: check the condition grade, the stated battery health, whether the phone is unlocked, the storage size and the length of the warranty. A slightly higher price with an 18-month warranty and verified battery health is usually the better deal than the cheapest listing.

Why buy your refurbished phone from Zextons

Buying refurbished should save you money without leaving you uncertain about quality. Zextons backs every device with strong trust signals: an 18-month warranty on refurbished devices, free UK next-day delivery, expert grading, UK-based support and a wide choice across Apple, Samsung, Google Pixel and more. That combination suits shoppers who want both value and confidence. You can also read more about the life of a refurbished phone and why buying certified refurbished is a smart choice — and see genuine Zextons customer reviews before you buy.

Conclusion

The best refurbished phone under £300 in the UK depends on what matters most to you, but the sweet spot is clear: a phone that still feels modern, takes good photos, has dependable battery life and comes from a seller you trust. For most buyers that's the Google Pixel 8, with the iPhone 11 as the safest Apple pick, the Galaxy S21 5G for Samsung fans, the iPhone SE 2022 for compact lovers, and the Galaxy S21 Plus as a big-screen option when pricing allows.

If you want a refurbished phone that balances price, quality and peace of mind, browse the latest under-£300 refurbished phones at Zextons and compare the best current deals by brand, storage and condition.