Top 10 Best Refurbished Android Phones A Mastering Guide With Zextons

The best refurbished Android phone to buy in 2026 for most people is the Samsung Galaxy S24, thanks to its flagship performance and a full seven years of software updates. For the best camera value, the Google Pixel 8 is hard to beat; on a budget, the Google Pixel 7a and Samsung Galaxy A56 deliver a lot for the money; and if you want a top-end phone for less, a refurbished Galaxy S24 Ultra is the way to get one. Every Zextons refurbished Android phone is fully tested, graded, and covered by a 18-month warranty.

A refurbished Android phone is a pre-owned device that has been professionally inspected, repaired where needed, cleaned, and tested before resale — giving you like-new performance for far less. The big change in 2026 is longevity: Samsung and Google now offer up to seven years of updates on their flagships, so a refurbished Android phone bought today stays current for years. This guide ranks the best refurbished Android phones by budget and helps you pick the right one for how you actually use it.

Best refurbished Android phones in 2026 at a glance

(Turn each "See price" into a button linking to that model's product page.)

Why buy a refurbished Android phone in 2026?

Update support has transformed. This is the headline reason. Samsung now gives its Galaxy S24 series a full seven years of OS and security updates — taking those phones to around 2031 — and Google matches that with seven years of updates on the Pixel 8 and newer. Even the older Galaxy S23 series still receives four Android OS upgrades and five years of security updates, and recent Galaxy A-series phones get four years of updates. In short, a refurbished Android phone from the last couple of years still has years of safe, up-to-date life left.

You save a lot versus new. With the Galaxy S26 and latest Pixel generation now topping the range, refurbished prices on the Galaxy S23, S24, and Pixel 8 have fallen while the phones themselves remain fast and capable. Check each model's product page for today's price.

The risk of buying used disappears. A private second-hand phone is sold as-is, with no testing and no warranty. Every Zextons refurbished Android phone is fully tested and comes with a 18-month warranty.

Which refurbished Android phone should you buy?

Samsung Galaxy S24 — best overall

The Galaxy S24 is the pick for most people. It pairs flagship performance and a bright, smooth 120Hz display with Samsung's seven-year update promise, so a refurbished one will keep getting new Android versions well into the next decade — unusual value in a refurbished phone. See today's price: Galaxy S24

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra — best flagship for less

Want the very best? Buying last year's Ultra refurbished is the clever route. The S24 Ultra brings the built-in S Pen, a 200MP camera, a large 120Hz display, and the same seven-year support — for far less than a new flagship. See today's price: Galaxy S24 Ultra

Google Pixel 8 — best camera value

The Pixel 8 is arguably the best-value phone in this guide. Google's computational photography gives it a camera that outperforms its price, it runs clean and fast Android, and it carries the full seven-year update commitment. See today's price: Pixel 8

Samsung Galaxy S23 — best mid-range

Now that it's a generation or two old, the Galaxy S23 is excellent refurbished value: a genuine flagship experience with a 120Hz display and strong cameras at a mid-range price. It still receives Android OS upgrades through 2026 and security updates to around 2028. See today's price: Galaxy S23

Google Pixel 7a — best budget

The Pixel 7a delivers a flagship-grade main camera and clean Android for a budget price, making it one of the smartest low-cost refurbished buys around. See today's price: Pixel 7a

Samsung Galaxy A56 — best cheap Samsung

If you want a new-feeling Samsung without the flagship price, the Galaxy A56 is the value choice — a large 120Hz screen, dependable battery, and several years of updates at an entry-level cost. See today's price: Galaxy A56

Want a high refresh rate (120Hz) phone?

If you care about smooth scrolling and gaming, look for a 120Hz display. Among the picks here, the Galaxy S24, S24 Ultra, S23, and Galaxy A56 all offer high refresh rate screens, and the Pixel 8 runs at up to 120Hz too. A refurbished flagship is the cheapest way to get a fast 120Hz panel that would cost far more on a new phone.

How much storage do you need?

Storage varies by model, so choose by how you use your phone:

• 128GB suits most people for apps, photos, and everyday use.

• 256GB is better if you shoot lots of video or keep large libraries offline.

• 512GB+ is for heavy users who record 4K video or store everything on-device.

Many Android phones, including several Galaxy A-series models, also take a microSD card, so you can expand storage later — handy if you're buying on a budget. (Confirm the exact storage options and card support on each product page.)

What do refurbished phone grades mean?

Grades describe cosmetic condition only — every phone is tested to the same working standard.

• Excellent (Grade A): Little to no visible wear; looks close to new.

• Good (Grade B): Light signs of use, such as minor marks visible up close.

• Fair (Grade C): More visible wear but fully working — the biggest saving.

If you use a case, a Good or Fair grade gets you the same phone for less.

Refurbished Android vs used vs new

• New: Sealed, full price, full warranty — the most expensive route.

• Refurbished: Tested, repaired, graded, and warranty-backed — the best balance of price and peace of mind.

• Used / second-hand: Cheapest, but sold as-is with no testing or warranty, so all the risk is yours.

Refurbished Android or iPhone — which should you choose?

Both are excellent refurbished. Android phones like the Galaxy S24 and Pixel 8 lead on update length (seven years) and offer more choice at every price, plus expandable storage on some models. iPhones hold their resale value well and have a long support record too. Pick based on the ecosystem you prefer — if you're learning Apple, see ourbest refurbished iPhones guide.

Are refurbished Android phones worth buying in 2026?

Yes. With flagships now supported for up to seven years, a refurbished Android phone is one of the best-value tech buys you can make in 2026 — you get years of remaining updates and near-new performance for far less than new, plus the testing and 18-month warranty that private sales don't offer.

For our full cross-brand ranking, see thebest refurbished phone to buy in 2026.

Frequently asked questions

Which is the best refurbished Android phone to buy in 2026?

For most people the Samsung Galaxy S24 offers the best balance of performance, camera, and a full seven years of updates. The Google Pixel 8 is the best camera value, and the Pixel 7a is the best budget choice.

How long will a refurbished Android phone get updates?

It depends on the model. The Galaxy S24 and Pixel 8 receive seven years of updates from launch; the Galaxy S23 gets four Android upgrades and five years of security updates; recent Galaxy A-series phones get four years of updates.

Is it safe to buy a refurbished Android phone?

Yes, from a professional refurbisher. Every Zextons Android phone is fully tested and comes with a 18-month warranty, unlike a private second-hand sale.

What is the best budget refurbished Android phone?

The Google Pixel 7a and Samsung Galaxy A56 are the standout budget picks, offering great cameras and long update support for a low price.

Which refurbished Android phone has the best camera?

The Google Pixel 8 leads on camera value, while the Galaxy S24 Ultra offers the most versatile setup with its 200MP sensor and long zoom.

Do refurbished Android phones come with a warranty?

Yes every Zextons refurbished Android phone includes a 18-month warranty.

Related guides

• Best Refurbished Phone to Buy in 2026 — our cross-brand ranking.

• Best Refurbished iPhones to Buy in 2026 — if you're considering Apple.

• Shop all refurbished Samsung & Android phones — browse current stock and prices.