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Best Refurbished Phones Under £300 UK 2026: The Best iPhones, Samsung & Pixel Deals
If you want a reliable smartphone without spending £500, £600 or more, the refurbished phone market is one of the best places to look in the UK. A budget of £300 can put premium Apple, Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel devices within reach, while a properly quality-checked phone can still provide the performance, camera quality and software experience most people want.
The key is not simply finding the cheapest phone. Compare the model, condition, battery health, testing process, warranty, network status, returns policy and overall value together. This guide explains what to look for when buying a refurbished phone under £300 in the UK in 2026 and which types of phones are worth considering.
Quick answer: what is the best refurbished phone under £300?
For most buyers, the strongest choices under £300 are refurbished iPhone 13-class devices, selected iPhone 12 models, older premium Samsung Galaxy phones and Google Pixel devices such as the Pixel 8a where pricing allows. The right choice depends on whether you prioritise camera performance, battery life, iOS longevity, Android features, screen quality or the lowest possible price.
For shoppers who want one place to compare quality-checked devices, explore Forge Deals' refurbished mobile phones and filter by brand, storage and condition.
Why buy a refurbished phone under £300?
A £300 budget does not have to mean buying a basic entry-level handset. Refurbished phones can give buyers access to models that originally launched at significantly higher prices. You can often get a better processor, camera system, display and build quality than you would from a new phone at the same budget.
The important distinction is between a genuinely quality-checked refurbished phone and an unknown second-hand device. A professional refurbishment process should include functional testing, cosmetic grading, battery assessment and checks for major faults. Forge Deals positions its refurbished devices around 90-point testing, factory-unlocked compatibility, 85%+ battery health and a 13-month warranty.
1. Refurbished iPhone 13 under £300
The iPhone 13 remains one of the most attractive choices for buyers looking for an affordable refurbished iPhone. It combines a modern Apple design, strong performance, a high-quality OLED display, capable cameras and long-term iOS support.
For buyers moving from an older iPhone, the iPhone 13 can feel like a substantial upgrade without requiring the price of a newer generation. It is particularly attractive if you already use AirPods, Apple Watch or other Apple services.
When comparing refurbished iPhone 13 offers, check storage capacity and cosmetic condition rather than choosing on price alone. A slightly more expensive Like New device may be better value for someone who cares about appearance.
See the refurbished iPhone collection to compare current Apple options.
2. Refurbished iPhone 12 under £300
The iPhone 12 is another strong budget option. It brought 5G connectivity, an OLED display and a modern flat-edge design into a more accessible price range on the refurbished market.
It can make sense for buyers who want an iPhone experience while keeping the purchase comfortably below the price of a new phone. The main thing to consider is battery condition, because age matters more as you move further back through iPhone generations.
Our refurbished iPhone battery-health guide explains why an 85%+ battery guarantee is useful and what battery health actually means.
3. Refurbished Samsung Galaxy phones under £300
Samsung is an excellent choice for Android buyers. Refurbished Galaxy devices can offer bright AMOLED displays, strong cameras, useful Android features and a wide range of sizes.
Under £300, compare newer mid-range Galaxy phones with older premium Galaxy S models. An older flagship may have a more advanced camera system and display, while a newer mid-range model may provide a newer battery and longer remaining support period.
Compare current options in the refurbished Samsung collection.
4. Refurbished Google Pixel under £300
Google Pixel phones are particularly appealing to buyers who care about photography and a clean Android experience. Pixel devices are known for computational photography, useful Google features and a straightforward Android interface.
Under £300, a refurbished Pixel can be a strong alternative to an iPhone or Samsung if camera quality is your top priority. Check the exact model, storage, battery condition and warranty before buying.
Browse the refurbished Google Pixel collection for current availability.
What should you check before buying a refurbished phone under £300?
Price is only one part of the decision. Before ordering, check condition, battery health, testing, warranty, network status, returns and seller transparency.
Check the cosmetic condition
Condition grades help you understand how a refurbished phone looks. A Like New phone is aimed at shoppers who want the cleanest cosmetic appearance, while Excellent can offer very good condition with minor signs of previous use.
Do not assume that a lower cosmetic grade means poor performance. Cosmetic condition and functionality are different things, which is why a clear condition guide matters.
Forge Deals uses Like New and Excellent as its preferred refurbished mobile conditions.
Check the battery-health guarantee
Battery health is particularly important when buying an older iPhone or Android phone. A seller should clearly explain the minimum battery-health standard rather than simply saying that the battery has been tested.
Forge Deals' refurbished mobile proposition includes an 85%+ battery-health guarantee. Read what 85%+ battery health really means before making your decision.
Check whether the phone is factory unlocked
A factory-unlocked phone gives you much greater flexibility because you are not tied to one UK network. This is useful if you want to switch providers, use a SIM-only plan or travel internationally.
Always check that the listing explicitly states its network status.
Check the warranty
A warranty is one of the biggest differences between buying from an established refurbished retailer and buying an unknown used handset privately.
Forge Deals offers a 13-month warranty on refurbished devices. Review the warranty information before purchasing so you understand what is covered and how support works.
Check the returns policy
Make sure the retailer clearly explains its returns process before you buy. A clear returns policy reduces the risk of being stuck with a device that does not meet your expectations.
You can review the store's returns and refund policy before placing an order.
Check the testing process
A refurbished phone should not simply be wiped and resold. Buyers should look for evidence that key functions have been checked, including the screen, cameras, charging, speakers, microphones, buttons, connectivity and biometric features where applicable.
Forge Deals positions its refurbished devices around a 90-point inspection.
Check the seller's UK business information
Before spending several hundred pounds online, check whether the retailer provides clear company information, contact details, support information, delivery terms and policies. These details are useful trust signals and make it easier to get help if something goes wrong.
Refurbished vs used: which is better under £300?
The terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but the buying experience can be very different. A private used phone may be cheaper, but the buyer often has less information about its history, testing, battery condition and after-sales support.
A professionally refurbished phone should give you more information about condition and testing, plus clearer protection such as a retailer warranty and returns process. For a purchase approaching £300, that extra reassurance can be worth more than a small upfront saving.
Like New vs Excellent: which condition should you choose?
Choose Like New if cosmetic appearance is important and you want the phone to look as close to new as possible. Choose Excellent if you are happy with minor signs of previous use and would rather prioritise value.
Neither condition should be interpreted as a different level of core functionality. The seller should define its grading criteria clearly and quality-check devices regardless of cosmetic grade.
Is a refurbished phone under £300 good enough for everyday use?
For most people, yes. A phone in this price range can handle messaging, social media, streaming, photography, navigation, online shopping and everyday productivity. The biggest differences come from model generation, processor, battery condition and software support.
If you play demanding games or use your phone for intensive video editing, prioritise processor performance. If you take lots of photos, compare camera hardware and computational photography. If you travel frequently, prioritise unlocked status and battery condition.
How to get the best value from a £300 budget
Instead of setting £300 as a target price and buying the cheapest available phone, create a shortlist of three models. Compare their current price, storage, condition, battery standard, warranty, return protection and expected longevity.
An iPhone 13 at £280 may be better value than a newer but lower-spec phone at £250 if you value iOS, camera quality and premium build. Conversely, a newer Android device may be better if battery age and newer software support are your priorities.
Where should you shop for refurbished phones in the UK?
When comparing UK refurbished retailers, look beyond the headline discount. Check the actual product condition, battery guarantee, inspection process, warranty, returns, delivery and network status.
Forge Deals is a UK-focused retailer offering refurbished Apple, Samsung and Google Pixel devices. Start with the full mobile phone collection and narrow your choice by brand or budget.
Best refurbished phones under £300: buying checklist
- Choose the right model for your needs rather than the cheapest phone.
- Check whether the phone is factory unlocked.
- Look for a clearly stated battery-health minimum.
- Confirm the cosmetic condition grade.
- Check the inspection/testing standard.
- Read the warranty terms.
- Read the returns policy.
- Compare storage capacity before comparing prices.
- Check delivery information before ordering.
- Buy from a retailer with clear UK business and support information.
Final verdict: what is the best refurbished phone under £300 in the UK?
There is no single model that is best for everyone, but refurbished iPhones such as the iPhone 13 and iPhone 12 remain excellent options for Apple users, while Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel devices provide strong Android alternatives.
The best £300 purchase combines the right model with a reliable battery, transparent condition grade, meaningful testing, unlocked status, warranty and clear returns protection.
If your budget is around £300, start by browsing Forge Deals' refurbished phones, then compare the Apple, Samsung and Google Pixel ranges. You can also explore refurbished phones under £200 if you want to keep more of your budget.