The best used iPhones to buy in 2023

Why used iPhones are the best iPhones

If you’re buying a new iPhone, you don’t really have too many options. There’s a fairly small selection of new models available at any time, and probably only one that really fits your needs and budget. However, you’ll have a much bigger selection to choose from if you look at the used and refurbished iPhone market.

Buying a used iPhone gives you many more models to choose from. You’ll find every size, from an iPhone mini to a Pro Max. You can choose the iPhone that has features you actually want and need, whether it’s a headphone jack, home button, or wireless charging. With this wide selection though, it can be hard to decide which used iPhone to buy.

Maybe you’ve taken a test to find out your spirit animal, your personality type, or your love language—but where's the test for what iPhone you should buy? That's why we created this list to help you find the best cheap iPhone for your unique needs.

💫 Fun Fact: The iPhone 5S was released in 2013, and it continued to get the newest iOS updates until 2019. That’s a very long time for a device to be on the cutting edge! iPhones are updated for much longer than Android phones and thus hold their value better.

The best used iPhone for young hustlers

For those who are always on the go, a user-friendly, compact phone is key. If you want a used phone that can keep up with your jam-packed schedule, look no further than the ultra-affordable iPhone SE 2020. 

The 2020 iPhone SE is lightweight and compact, with a 4.7-inch display and classic home button. It’s easy to use with one hand and small enough to slip into a pocket, which is great for multi-taskers and people who are always on the move. You’ll also get convenient features like Touch ID and wireless charging support.

The iPhone SE has a classic design with a home button, instead of the gesture-based navigation of newer iPhones. If you like to multi-task and switch between multiple applications, just press the home button twice in quick succession and you'll see all your recently used apps pop up. The iPhone SE 2020 comes in three different storage options: 64GB, 128GB, or 256GB.

Believe it or not, just because this isn't the newest Apple iPhone doesn't mean that it skimps on performance. With Apple’s A13 Bionic chip, this phone can smoothly handle scrolling, browsing, apps, and all your daily tasks. It’s also equipped with a 12MP rear camera, 7MP front camera, and 4K video recording capability. It has a flash, but doesn’t have built-in Night Mode like some of the other iPhone models on the market. 

Just like the newest iPhones, the iPhone SE 2020 has LTE antennas which means you can watch videos or play games wherever and whenever. There’s also dual SIM support if you need the device to work with two different phone numbers (because the hustle never stops, amirite?). If you plan on traveling often, consider buying an unlocked iPhone.

The iPhone SE 2020 combines good looks and functionality, but it may not be right for everyone. If you watch a lot of videos, you might want a phone with a larger display (this model’s home button takes some real estate away from the screen). While the compact design is great for many reasons, it also means that the battery is smaller than other iPhones. According to Apple, the iPhone SE 2020’s battery lasts up to 13 hours of video playback, 8 hours of streaming video, or 40 hours of audio playback.

Care to pair your iPhone with a set of headphones? Check out Back Market's selection of refurbished AirPods. 🎧

iPhone SE 2020 Pros and Cons:

The best iPhone to buy for social media addicts

Instagram. Twitter. TikTok. Facebook. These are at the forefront of your day—and who can blame you? You like staying connected, you love people, and you’re always first to know what’s trending and the latest happenings in your network. If this sounds like you, a refurbished iPhone 11 is one of the best used iPhones you can buy.

The 6.1-inch display is the perfect size for viewing content, without being too bulky to carry around. Thanks to the iPhone 11’s long battery life, you can scroll to your heart’s content without worrying about running out of power. Enjoy up to 17 hours(!) of video playback, 10 hours of streaming video, or 65 hours of audio on a full charge.

Of course, you’ll want to capture amazing content of your own. Good thing the iPhone 11 has a top-notch camera system. While the iPhone 11 Pros take it a step further with a telephoto lens, built-in Night Mode is included on the standard model to help you shoot better images in low light environments, so you can party—and post—all night long.

Not sure whether the iPhone 11 or 11 Pro is best for you? Use our phone comparison tool to see the iPhone 11 vs 11 Pro go head-to-head!

The iPhone 11 also comes in plenty of fun colors (we stan the fresh mint green shade) for the ultimate expression of your personal taste.

iPhone 11 Pros and Cons: