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Refurbished Phones Battery Life The Complete Guide
A refurbished phone that ticks every box — great price, right storage, perfect colour. Then one question stops you cold: "But what's the battery life actually like?
Battery life is one of the biggest concerns when buying a refurbished phone. Most buyers are not only asking which phone lasts longest, but also whether the battery will still feel dependable in daily use. That is exactly why this guide matters.
If you want the best refurbished phones for battery life in the UK in 2026, the strongest phones to start with are the iPhone 16 Pro Max, Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, and Google Pixel 10. These are current-generation models already available in the market, and each is positioned around strong endurance in its own way. Apple says the iPhone 16 Pro Max offers up to 33 hours of video playback, Samsung lists the Galaxy S25 Ultra with a 5,000mAh typical battery, and Google says the Pixel 10 delivers 24+ hour battery life.
At the same time, refurbished buyers should not ignore older flagship models. Phones like the iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone 14 Pro Max, Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, and Google Pixel 9 Pro XL can still offer excellent endurance at a lower refurbished price. That is why the smartest battery-life buying decision is usually not just about choosing the newest phone. It is about finding the right balance of battery performance, battery health, and long-term value.
At Zextons, that is the kind of decision we want to help customers make with confidence. Zextons publicly highlights an 18-month warranty and free UK next-day delivery on refurbished devices, which matters because battery trust is just as important as battery size when buying refurbished.
Quick Answer: Which Refurbished Phones Have the Best Battery Life?
If you want the short answer, these are the top battery-life refurbished phone picks in the UK for 2026:
Best overall: iPhone 16 Pro Max
Best premium Android: Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
Best latest-generation Pixel: Google Pixel 10
Best Apple value pick: iPhone 15 Pro Max
Best Samsung value pick: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Best older flagship bargain: iPhone 14 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
These phones stand out because they combine strong official battery claims with flagship-level hardware. The latest-generation picks help keep the article fresh for 2026, while the older flagship options make more sense for shoppers who want strong battery life without paying top refurbished prices. Apple’s official figures also place the iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone 14 Pro Max at up to 29 hours of video playback, which is why they still deserve a place in this guide.
Best Refurbished iPhones for Battery Life
iPhone 16 Pro Max
The iPhone 16 Pro Max is the best refurbished iPhone for battery life in the UK in 2026. Apple says it offers up to 33 hours of video playback, which makes it the strongest official iPhone endurance figure in this comparison. That is why it should be the lead Apple model in this article.
This phone is best for heavy users, business users, travellers, and anyone who wants the safest premium iPhone battery pick available right now. If you spend long days on calls, maps, email, camera use, streaming, or social apps, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is the strongest Apple choice to prioritise.
Its main drawback is price. In the refurbished market, it will usually cost more than older Pro Max models, so it is not automatically the best value option. It is the best overall Apple battery-life option, but not always the most budget-friendly one.
iPhone 15 Pro Max
The iPhone 15 Pro Max is the best value refurbished iPhone for battery life. Apple says it offers up to 29 hours of video playback, which still puts it in the top battery-life tier for iPhones.
This makes it a very smart choice for buyers who want flagship-level endurance but do not want to pay the premium for the newest generation. For many people, this is the sweet spot between battery life, performance, and refurbished value.
If your goal is to get excellent battery life without overspending, the iPhone 15 Pro Max is one of the strongest all-round refurbished choices in the whole article.
iPhone 14 Pro Max
The iPhone 14 Pro Max remains one of the smartest older flagship iPhones to buy refurbished for battery life. Apple’s battery figures place it at up to 29 hours of video playback, which means it still performs like a premium endurance device.
This is a strong choice for people who want a premium Apple experience at a more affordable refurbished price. It is especially attractive if you care more about all-day battery life than having the newest Apple features.
iPhone 13 Pro Max
The iPhone 13 Pro Max is still worth including because it remains one of the best older refurbished iPhones for endurance. Apple says it offers up to 28 hours of video playback, which is still a very strong figure for a phone further down the refurbished price ladder.
For budget-conscious buyers who still want a large iPhone with excellent daily battery life, this remains one of the safest older Apple options.
Which refurbished iPhone should you choose?
Choose the iPhone 16 Pro Max if you want the best overall iPhone battery life.
Choose the iPhone 15 Pro Max if you want the best mix of battery life and value.
Choose the iPhone 14 Pro Max or iPhone 13 Pro Max if you want a more affordable older flagship that can still last comfortably through a busy day.
Best Refurbished Samsung Phones for Battery Life
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is the best current-generation Samsung battery pick in this guide. Samsung UK lists it with a 5,000mAh typical battery, and Samsung’s product pages position it as a long-lasting flagship option for demanding users.
This phone is ideal for heavy users who spend long hours on a large display, rely on navigation, stream frequently, run hotspot, or use productivity tools all day. If you want the safest premium Android battery recommendation, the S25 Ultra is the right Samsung model to lead with.
Its main drawback is cost. Like the iPhone 16 Pro Max, it will usually sit at the higher end of refurbished pricing.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is the best value Samsung option for battery life. It still belongs to Samsung’s Ultra flagship class and remains one of the strongest Android choices for buyers who want long battery life, a large display, and premium features without paying current-generation money.
This is a smart pick for people who want flagship Samsung endurance at a better refurbished price than the S25 Ultra. In practical buying terms, it is one of the easiest Samsung phones to recommend.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is one of the best older Samsung flagships to buy refurbished for battery life. It is still a very strong option for users who want a large-screen phone with solid daily endurance and better affordability than newer Ultra models.
For many buyers, this phone sits in that important value zone where battery life still feels premium, but the price becomes much easier to justify.
Which refurbished Samsung should you choose?
Choose the Galaxy S25 Ultra if you want the newest premium Samsung battery option.
Choose the Galaxy S24 Ultra if you want the best balance of price and flagship endurance.
Choose the Galaxy S23 Ultra if you want an older premium Android with strong battery life for less money.
Samsung’s official UK materials consistently frame the Ultra line as the stronger battery and larger-screen option in the range.
Best Refurbished Google Pixel Phones for Battery Life
Google Pixel 10
The Google Pixel 10 is the correct latest-generation Pixel to feature in this article because you want the base Pixel, not the Pro line. Google Store UK says the Pixel 10 offers 24+ hour battery life, and its product page also describes it as having over 24-hour battery life.
This makes it a strong choice for buyers who want the newest standard Pixel with dependable all-day battery life, clean Android software, and a more approachable price than larger flagship Pro or XL devices.
The Google Pixel 10 is especially appealing for users who prefer a simpler Android experience and do not necessarily want Samsung’s larger devices.
Google Pixel 9 Pro
The Google Pixel 9 Proremains a strong refurbished value option for buyers who want a larger Pixel and stronger flagship feel without paying for the newest release. While this article now leads with the Pixel 10 for the latest-generation section, the 9 Pro still makes sense in the value conversation because larger Pixel devices are often a better fit for users who want more battery confidence and a bigger display.
If you want a premium-feeling Pixel at a better refurbished price, this is still a sensible alternative.
Google Pixel 8 Pro
The Google Pixel 8 Pro is another older flagship Pixel that can still make sense if priced well in refurbished condition. It gives buyers access to a premium Google phone at a lower cost and remains relevant for those who care about clean Android, camera strength, and dependable daily performance.
It is not the freshest Pixel option in the market, but for value-focused shoppers, it can still be a smart battery-life buy.
Which refurbished Pixel should you choose?
Choose the if you want the newest standard Pixel with official all-day battery positioning. Choose the Pixel 9 Proif you want a larger Pixel with stronger flagship feel at better refurbished value. Choose the Pixel 8 Pro if you want an older premium Pixel that still makes sense when price matters more than freshness. Google’s official UK pages confirm the Pixel 10’s 24+ hour battery positioning, which is why it should now be the lead Pixel in this article.
Best Value Refurbished Phones for Battery Life
The best value refurbished phone is not always the newest one. In fact, older flagship models often give better value because they were already designed for excellent endurance when new. That is why the iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone 14 Pro Max, iPhone 13 Pro Max, Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, and Google Pixel 9 Pro all matter in this guide.
For Apple buyers, the older Pro Max line is the biggest value opportunity. Apple’s official figures keep the iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone 14 Pro Max at 29 hours of video playback, while the iPhone 13 Pro Max still offers 28 hours. That is why these older iPhones remain some of the best refurbished battery-life options in the UK.
For Samsung buyers, the Galaxy S24 Ultra and Galaxy S23 Ultra are the best value alternatives. For Pixel buyers, the Pixel 9 Pro XL remains a very sensible step down from the newest generation. This is where many competitor articles stay too shallow. Most customers do not only want the newest phone. They want the best mix of battery life, price, and long-term value.
Battery Life vs Battery Health: What Really Matters?
Battery life and battery health are connected, but they are not the same thing.
Battery life means how long the phone lasts between charges in daily use.
Battery health means how much of the battery’s original capacity remains.
A phone can have excellent official endurance when new, but if the battery has degraded too far, the real-world experience will not feel as strong. This is why refurbished buyers should care about both, not just one.
At the same time, battery health alone does not tell the full story. Software efficiency matters too. Apple’s Pro Max phones, Samsung’s Ultra line, and Google’s Pixel range are all built around efficient processors and software tuning that help stretch daily battery life. That is one reason why a well-kept flagship can still outperform a weaker new phone in real use.
For refurbished shoppers, the best approach is simple: choose a phone that was already known for good battery life when new, then buy it from a seller with clear support and warranty.
What Battery Health Should You Expect From a Refurbished Phone?
There is no single number that suits every buyer, because usage matters. A light user may be happy with a phone that still performs well through casual daily tasks. A heavy user will notice weak battery condition much sooner.
That is why the more important question is not only battery percentage. It is also whether the seller gives you confidence about testing, support, and after-sales protection. Zextons publicly promotes an 18-month warranty on refurbished devices, which gives buyers a stronger safety net if battery reliability is a concern.
So if battery life matters most, do not focus only on the number. Focus on whether the seller stands behind the phone and whether the model itself was already a strong battery performer.
Do Refurbished Phones Come With New Batteries?
Not always. Some refurbished phones have replacement batteries, while others do not. A refurbished phone can still be a very good buy without a brand-new battery if it has been properly tested and still performs well in daily use.
The bigger issue is transparency. Buyers should know what support is included, how the device has been checked, and what happens if something is wrong after purchase. That is one reason warranty matters so much in refurbished buying. Zextons’ public site highlights its warranty and delivery benefits clearly, which helps reduce the uncertainty buyers often feel around refurbished batteries. For Detail Guide Read Do Refurbished Phones Come With New Batteries Guide
How to Choose a Refurbished Phone With Long Battery Life in the UK
Start with a model that was already strong for battery life when new. In 2026, that means phones like the iPhone 16 Pro Max, Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, and Google Pixel 10, followed by value choices like the iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone 14 Pro Max, Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, and Pixel 9 Pro XL.
Then match the phone to your usage. If you are a heavy user, go for larger flagship devices. If you are a lighter user, an older flagship can often give you better value while still lasting comfortably through the day.
Finally, choose a trusted UK refurbisher. Zextons promotes free next-day delivery and an 18-month warranty on refurbished devices, which gives buyers far more confidence than generic marketplace listings.
Best Refurbished Phones for Different Users
If you are a heavy user, the best picks are the iPhone 16 Pro Max, Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, and Google Pixel 10. These are the strongest latest-generation options in the article and the safest choices for long workdays, travel, streaming, and navigation-heavy use.
If you want the best value, choose the iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone 14 Pro Max, Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, or Google Pixel 9 Pro XL. These phones still offer premium-level endurance while usually making much more sense at refurbished pricing.
If you want an older flagship bargain, the iPhone 13 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra remain excellent options because they still offer strong daily battery life without pushing you into the newest price tier.
FAQs
Which refurbished phone has the best battery life?
The strongest current-generation picks are the iPhone 16 Pro Max, Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, and Google Pixel 10.
Which refurbished iPhone has the best battery life?
The iPhone 16 Pro Max is the best current iPhone battery-life option, while the iPhone 15 Pro Max is the strongest value alternative.
Which refurbished Samsung phone has the best battery life?
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is the lead Samsung choice, with the Galaxy S24 Ultra as the best value alternative.
Which refurbished Pixel has the best battery life?
For this article’s structure, the Google Pixel 10 is the latest-generation Pixel battery pick, while the Pixel 9 Pro XL remains a strong value alternative.
Are refurbished phones good for battery life?
Yes, they can be excellent for battery life if you choose models that were already strong endurance phones when new and buy from a seller with clear testing and warranty support.
Do refurbished phones come with new batteries?
Sometimes, but not always. What matters more is the seller’s refurbishment standard, transparency, and warranty.
Is a refurbished phone worth buying in 2026 if battery life matters most?
Yes. In many cases, a refurbished flagship with proven endurance is a smarter buy than a cheaper new phone with weaker real-world battery performance.
Final Verdict
If you want the best refurbished phone for battery life in the UK in 2026, start with the iPhone 16 Pro Max, Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, and Google Pixel 10. These are the correct latest-generation headline picks for a fresh 2026 guide because they are already in market and officially positioned around strong battery performance.
Then look at the iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone 14 Pro Max, Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, and Google Pixel 9 Pro XL as the smarter refurbished value alternatives. These are the models that help buyers save money without giving up strong daily endurance.
The biggest lesson is simple: the best battery-life refurbished phone is not only about battery size. It is about choosing the right model, understanding battery health, and buying from a seller you trust. That is exactly where Zextons can build real authority — by helping UK buyers choose with confidence and backing refurbished devices with meaningful support like an 18-month warranty and free next-day delivery.