The best refurbished phones under £200 in 2026

Under £200 is the value sweet spot in refurbished phones. At this price you are buying a device that was a flagship a few years ago — meaning great cameras, a lovely screen and years of software support left — for less than a mid-range new phone. Here is where the money goes furthest in 2026.

Best all-rounder: iPhone 12 / iPhone 13

An iPhone 12 in Good condition sits comfortably under £200, and it still does everything most people need: fast performance, a sharp OLED screen, a genuinely good dual camera and support for the latest iOS. Stretch a little and an iPhone 13 brings a bigger battery and better low-light photos. Either is the safe recommendation for someone who just wants a phone that works beautifully for years.

Best value iPhone: iPhone 11

The iPhone 11 is the bargain that refuses to age. It is fast, the camera is still excellent in daylight, the battery life is strong, and it holds a price well under £200 even in Like New condition. For a first smartphone, a child's phone or anyone who wants maximum phone for minimum money, it is hard to beat.

Best Android: Google Pixel or Samsung Galaxy S-series

If you prefer Android, a refurbished Google Pixel gives you the cleanest software and one of the best point-and-shoot cameras at any price — often under £200 for recent a-series models. A Samsung Galaxy from the S-series brings a gorgeous large display and expandable storage. Both are strong picks for people who want an alternative to iPhone without dropping to a budget-feel phone.

What to check before you buy under £200

At this price the seller matters more than ever. Look for a stated battery health figure (anything above 85% is fine for a full day), an honest condition grade, and a warranty — we give every phone a stated battery figure, a Phonecheck-certified test and a 24-month warranty regardless of price. A cheap phone from a seller who won't tell you the battery health is not a bargain.