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Which refurbished iPhone is best for a budget of £300 in the UK? Start by comparing the iPhone 13, iPhone 14 and iPhone 12. An iPhone 13 with 128GB storage is a compelling all-round shortlist choice when a suitable listing falls below your budget; a discounted iPhone 14 may justify its premium, while an iPhone 12 can leave more room for a case or charger.

The best refurbished iPhone is not simply the newest phone you can afford. Its condition, battery performance, storage, expected software support, charging accessories and actual checkout price all matter. Availability and prices change, so this guide describes decision criteria rather than promising that a particular phone is currently under £300.

Refurbished iPhone comparison: iPhone 11 vs 12 vs 13 vs 14

Specifications refer to standard models, not Pro, mini or Plus variants. Apple: iPhone 13 technical specifications and iPhone comparison.

1. iPhone 13: best balanced refurbished shortlist

An iPhone 13 starts at 128GB, combines an OLED display with 5G and offers a comfortable screen size for most people. It is an appealing choice for commuting, photography, messaging, navigation and everyday video. When comparing two listings, check storage and actual battery condition before focusing on small differences in cosmetic grade.

It is also worth reading our deeper iPhone 13 in 2026 buying guide if you plan to keep the handset for several years.

2. iPhone 14: choose when the extra cost makes sense

The iPhone 14 is newer, but that alone does not make every used iPhone 14 a better purchase than an iPhone 13. Compare the exact grade, storage, battery information and any accessories. If the only affordable iPhone 14 has compromises that matter to you, a better-condition iPhone 13 may be the more sensible everyday purchase.

Budget rule: if the live iPhone 14 price exceeds £300, it is not an under-£300 recommendation. Do not budget based on a price shown in an old article or screenshot.

3. iPhone 12: value if you want 5G and OLED for less

The iPhone 12 has a 6.1-inch OLED screen and 5G connectivity, making it a useful entry point to these features. Check whether a 64GB model is sufficient before choosing the lowest advertised price; 128GB can be a more comfortable fit for people who keep photographs and downloaded video on their phones.

Because the device is older than the 13 and 14, weigh its lower price against battery age and your likely time horizon.

4. iPhone 11 and iPhone SE (2022): different budget priorities

iPhone 11 can cover straightforward tasks such as calls, messaging, browsing and photographs at the right price. It uses an LCD screen and lacks 5G. An older device deserves especially careful consideration of battery condition and application compatibility.

iPhone SE (3rd generation) appeals to buyers who prefer a smaller device with a Home button and Touch ID. Its compact LCD display is less suited to people who read long documents or watch lots of video, despite the handset's capable chip.

How to compare refurbished iPhone prices fairly

Compare a final, like-for-like total. Start with the same storage size, then account for condition, disclosed battery status, included charging cable, warranty and shipping. A £20 difference can be worthwhile if one listing includes an accessory you would otherwise need to buy, but not if it hides a model or condition compromise.

1. Choose a maximum checkout budget, not just a target phone price.
2. Decide whether 128GB, 5G or an OLED display is a must-have.
3. Check the live condition description and any battery disclosures.
4. Confirm the phone is unlocked for your intended UK network and has no account lock.
5. Check current warranty, returns and included accessories.

Battery health and cosmetic grade are different

“Pristine” or “Very Good” is a cosmetic description. It does not by itself guarantee a particular remaining battery capacity. Used battery capacity is affected by age, usage and charging history. Check the product listing for any stated battery criteria and ask the seller if you need more information.

See our refurbished iPhone battery-health guide for a more detailed explanation. If you are choosing for a young person, the iPhone guide for children and teenagers focuses on different buying considerations.

Will an older refurbished iPhone last through university or work?

Longevity is not guaranteed by model year alone. Think about how long you expect to keep the phone, the applications you must run, storage needs, repair economics and future software compatibility. Apple provides software updates for supported devices, but it does not promise every older model a fixed number of future years. Check the latest compatibility information before buying for a long period.

SIM-free, unlocked and eSIM checks

A phone sold SIM-free is not automatically proof that it is unlocked. The exact phone variant must also be compatible with your chosen mobile network. Read our SIM-free vs unlocked explanation and confirm the product's SIM/eSIM requirements before ordering.

Frequently asked questions

Can I buy an iPhone 14 for under £300?

It depends on the seller, storage, cosmetic grade and stock at the time. Check the actual listing; this guide does not represent a live price promise.

Is iPhone 13 or iPhone 12 better value?

The iPhone 13 has a newer processor and starts at 128GB, while a lower-priced iPhone 12 still provides OLED and 5G. Choose using the actual price difference and condition, rather than an absolute ranking.

Do I need 128GB?

Not everyone does, but frequent photos, downloaded media and large apps make 128GB a useful baseline. Consider your existing storage usage rather than guessing.

Should I prioritise the newest model or the best condition?

Balance both against how you use the device. Better cosmetic condition does not necessarily mean a healthier battery or longer support life.

Are refurbished and second-hand the same?

The terms are used differently by retailers. Read the actual seller's checks, condition disclosures and returns terms instead of relying only on the label.

Final verdict: best refurbished iPhone for your money

Start with iPhone 13 128GB when it is actually within budget. Compare a suitable iPhone 14 if you can find one for no more than £300, or an iPhone 12 when the saving is important. Keep the iPhone 11 and SE (2022) for buyers who specifically value their lower price or form factor.

Compare Tech Market's current refurbished iPhone listings, checking individual stock, pricing, network compatibility and returns before paying.

Reviewed 28 October 2026. Models and specifications referenced to Apple's official comparison; pricing is intentionally not represented as live or guaranteed.