There are more iPhone models to choose from than ever, and refurbished prices make the choice even wider. Here is how our team would choose, depending on what matters most to you. For today's prices on every model and grade, see our live price guide.
The quick answer
- Best on a tight budget: iPhone 12 or iPhone 13
- Best value overall: iPhone 13 or iPhone 14
- Best for USB-C and a modern design: iPhone 15
- Best camera for the money: iPhone 14 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro
- Best for Apple Intelligence: iPhone 15 Pro, or any iPhone 16 or 17
- Best small iPhone: iPhone 13 mini
- Best battery life: a Plus or Pro Max model
Budget picks: iPhone 12 and iPhone 13
Both have 5G, MagSafe charging, an OLED screen and run iOS 26. The iPhone 13 has a noticeably better battery and a faster chip, so if the price gap is small, it is the one we would pick. Both are excellent first iPhones or phones for children and older relatives.
Best value: iPhone 13 and iPhone 14
For most people these are the sweet spot. They look and feel modern, take great photos and are fast enough for everything most people do. The iPhone 14 adds Crash Detection and Emergency SOS via satellite. If you want a bigger screen and longer battery life, the iPhone 14 Plus is worth a look.
iPhone 15 and later: USB-C and the Dynamic Island
From the iPhone 15, every iPhone charges with USB-C, so you can use the same cable as your laptop or tablet. The iPhone 15 also gets the Dynamic Island and a 48MP main camera, which used to be Pro-only features.
Pro models: zoom, ProMotion and the best cameras
Pro models add a telephoto zoom lens and a smoother 120Hz ProMotion screen. A refurbished iPhone 14 Pro or 15 Pro often costs about the same as a newer standard model, and the cameras are a big step up. The iPhone 15 Pro also adds the Action button, a lighter titanium frame and support for Apple Intelligence.
Apple Intelligence
Apple Intelligence features need an iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, or any iPhone 16 or iPhone 17 model, including the iPhone 16e. If these features matter to you, start there.
Small phones
The iPhone 13 mini is the last small flagship iPhone and still a lovely phone to use one-handed. Its battery is smaller, so we recommend choosing the brand-new battery option. The iPhone SE (2022) is even smaller and has Touch ID and 5G, but a more basic screen and camera.
iPhone 17 Air: the thinnest iPhone
The iPhone 17 Air is extremely thin and light. It is eSIM only, with no SIM tray, so make sure your network offers eSIM. Our physical SIM vs eSIM guide explains what that means.
How to save even more
- Pick a lower grade. Grades only describe how the phone looks. A Fair phone works exactly as well as a Premium one. See our grades.
- Choose only the storage you need. 128GB is plenty for most people who use iCloud Photos.
- Consider eSIM only if your network supports it, as these phones are often cheaper.
Before you buy
Whichever model you choose, every phone from Refurb Xpress is fully tested, data-wiped and covered by our 12-month warranty with 30-day free returns and free next-day delivery. If you are buying second-hand elsewhere, use our 12-point checklist first.
