Best Refurbished Phones Under £300 in the UK

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.

In this guide, we’ve picked the best refurbished phones under £300 in the UK for different types of buyers, whether you want the best iPhone, the best camera, the best battery value, or the best all-rounder. We’ve also included practical advice on what to check before buying refurbished, so you can shop with confidence.

Quick Comparison Table

Best Overall Refurbished Phone Under £300: Google Pixel 8

The Google Pixel 8 is the best overall pick for most buyers because it gives you a strong mix of camera quality, everyday speed, clean Android software, and flagship feel without the premium price tag. It is a particularly good choice for buyers who want a phone that feels modern, takes consistently strong photos, and still looks premium in the hand. Zextons currently has refurbished Pixel 8 stock.

Why we like it:

If you want one phone that does a bit of everything well, the Pixel 8 is hard to beat in this budget range.

Best for:
Buyers who want the strongest all-round Android option under £300.

👉Shop refurbished Google Pixel at Zextons

Best Refurbished iPhone Under £300: Apple iPhone 11

TheiPhone 11 remains one of the safest refurbished iPhone buys for shoppers under £300. It still offers a smooth iPhone experience, dependable performance, and a camera system that is more than good enough for everyday photos, video, social media, and messaging. Zextons already has refurbished iPhone 11 product pages live, which makes it a natural commercial fit for this guide.

Why we like it:
It is the easiest recommendation for buyers who want an affordable iPhone without stepping into a much older or more compromised model.

Best for:
UK shoppers who want Apple, simplicity, and dependable day-to-day performance.

Possible downside:

It is an older model, so buyers who want a smaller phone or a newer chip may prefer the iPhone SE 2022 instead.

Browse refurbished iPhones at Zextons

Best Refurbished Samsung Under £300: Samsung Galaxy S21 5G

The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is a strong choice for buyers who want a more premium Samsung experience under £300. It offers flagship positioning, a strong display, and a balanced all-round setup that still feels high-end compared with many cheaper alternatives. Zextons has live refurbished Galaxy S21 pages, which makes this one of the strongest Samsung picks for the guide.

Why we like it:
It gives shoppers a genuine former-flagship Samsung feel rather than a “good enough” budget compromise.

Best for:
Buyers who want Samsung, premium feel, and a reliable all-round Android phone.

Possible downside:
On older flagship phones, battery condition matters more, so buyers should always check the device grade and battery expectations.

 Shop refurbished Samsung phones at Zextons

Best Value Refurbished Phone Under £300: Google Pixel 8 Graphene OS

The Google Pixel 8 Graphene OS is a very smart pick for buyers who care most about value. It keeps much of what people like about Pixel phones — especially the clean software experience and strong camera reputation — while usually sitting at a friendlier refurbished price point than the Pixel 6. Zextons appears to have Pixel 8 Graphene OS inventory, so it is a practical and conversion-friendly recommendation for this article.

Why we like it:
It is the kind of phone that makes buyers feel they spent wisely rather than just cheaply.

Best for:
Students, everyday users, and anyone who wants strong value without overthinking the decision.

Possible downside:
It feels slightly less premium than full flagship alternatives.

Shop refurbished Pixel 8 Graphene OS  at Zextons

Best Compact Refurbished Phone Under £300: Apple iPhone SE 2022

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 range. Zextons has an iPhone SE 2022 refurbished product page live, which makes it a useful option for buyers who want Apple performance in a smaller body.

Why we like it:
It is one of the best choices for shoppers who dislike large modern phones.

Best for:
Users who want a compact iPhone, Apple familiarity, and solid day-to-day responsiveness.

Possible downside:
Its smaller screen and battery will not suit everyone.

👉Browse refurbished iPhones including the SE 2022

Best Big-Screen Refurbished Phone Under £300: Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus

If your live stock and pricing support it, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus is a great big-screen option under £300. It gives buyers a larger display and a more spacious feel than the standard S21 while keeping that premium Samsung flagship character. Zextons has refurbished S21 Plus pages live, but this pick should stay in the article only when current pricing keeps at least some variants within the target budget.

Why we like it:
It suits buyers who watch a lot of video, prefer a larger screen, or simply want a bigger handset.

Best for:
Big-screen users who still want strong value.

Possible downside:
It may not always fit the under-£300 target depending on condition and stock.

See Samsung refurbished deals at Zextons

How We Chose These Phones

We selected these refurbished phones based on the factors that matter most to UK buyers shopping under £300:

• overall day-to-day performance

• camera quality for the money

• battery practicality

• software relevance

• value in the refurbished market

• brand trust and resale reputation

• availability through a reputable UK seller

We also prioritised devices that fit naturally with Zextons’ current refurbished phone range  including refurbished iPhones, Samsung phones, Google Pixel models, and your broader refurbished collection.

What to Check Before Buying a Refurbished Phone in the UK

Before you buy any refurbished phone under £300, make sure you check the following:

1. Battery condition

Battery condition can make a big difference to how an older phone feels day to day. A phone with a tired battery may still look good on paper but disappoint in real use.

2. Condition grade

Always check whether the phone is listed as Excellent, Good, or Fair, and make sure the cosmetic condition matches your expectations. Zextons already explains its refurbished grading structure across the site, which is a trust advantage worth reinforcing in this guide.

3. Storage

A very cheap refurbished phone is not always a bargain if the storage is too small for your needs. Think about your photos, apps, videos, and how long you want to keep the phone.

4. Network compatibility

Make sure the phone is unlocked and suitable for your UK network.

5. Warranty and returns

One of the biggest benefits of buying refurbished from a trusted retailer is the protection that comes with it. Zextons highlights an18-month warranty on refurbished devices plus free UK next-day delivery, which is exactly the kind of reassurance many buyers want when choosing refurbished over private resale.

Why Buy a Refurbished Phone from Zextons?

Buying refurbished should save you money without leaving you uncertain about quality. Zextons already communicates several strong trust signals across the site, including:

• 18-month warranty on refurbished devices

• free UK next-day delivery

• expert grading

• UK-based support

• wide choice across Apple, Samsung, Google Pixel and more

That combination makes Zextons well positioned for shoppers who want both value and confidence. You can also read more about thelife of a refurbished phone and why buying certified refurbished is a smart choice.

Browse all refurbished phones at Zextons
Browse all refurbished phones at Zextons →Shop refurbished iPhones →Explore Samsung deals →See Google Pixel offers →

FAQs

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

For most buyers, the Google Pixel 8 is the best all-round choice because it balances camera quality, everyday performance, and value very well, while the iPhone 11 is one of the safest Apple picks and the Galaxy S21 is a strong Samsung choice. Zextons currently appears to carry all three, which makes them strong anchors for this article.

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. Zextons visibly positions its refurbished range around grading and warranty support, which is the kind of reassurance buyers should look for.

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

That depends on what matters most to you. Older flagships often feel more premium, while newer mid-range options can sometimes offer better battery efficiency or longer remaining support. In the refurbished market under £300, the best answer usually comes down to condition, battery quality, and price rather than age alone.

Conclusion

The best refurbished phone under £300 in the UK depends on what matters most to you, but for most buyers the sweet spot is clear: look for a phone that still feels modern, takes good photos, has dependable battery life, and comes from a seller you trust. Right now, the strongest options for Zextons to feature are the Google Pixel 8, iPhone 11, Samsung Galaxy S21, and iPhone SE 2022, with the Galaxy S21 Plus as a flexible big-screen option when pricing allows.