How do I choose the right refurbished smartphone during Black Friday?

Start by identifying your must-have features and budget range – this prevents impulse buying during Black Friday's overwhelming deals. Consider what you actually use your phone for: basic calling and texting means a budget refurbished phone under $200 works great, while photography enthusiasts should focus on models with proven camera quality regardless of age. Don't get caught up in having the newest model – a two-year-old flagship phone often outperforms this year's budget models while costing less refurbished. Check carrier compatibility before buying, especially if you're switching networks. Look for phones that'll receive software updates for at least 2-3 more years. Battery health matters more than minor cosmetic wear – prioritize devices with 80%+ capacity or new batteries. During Black Friday, set a firm budget and stick to it. Remember, the "best" smartphone is the one that meets your needs without breaking your budget, not necessarily the most expensive one.

What's the difference between refurbished, used, and renewed smartphones?

These terms sound similar but mean very different things for quality and reliability. "Refurbished" smartphones have been professionally restored by trained technicians who test functionality, replace worn parts, and ensure everything works like new. "Used" typically means sold as-is by individuals with no testing or repairs – you're gambling on condition and performance. "Renewed" is Amazon's term for their refurbished program, similar to refurbished but with specific Amazon policies. At Back Market, our refurbished phones go through 30+ point inspections, battery health testing, and cosmetic grading. We replace faulty components and provide 1-year warranties. Used phones might work fine, but you're buying them blind with minimal return options. The price difference reflects this risk – refurbished costs more than used but less than new, while offering much better reliability than used devices. For peace of mind and actual customer protection, refurbished is the smart middle ground between used and new.

Do refurbished smartphones have shorter lifespans than new phones?

Not necessarily – a well-refurbished smartphone can last just as long as a new device, sometimes longer because worn components get replaced during refurbishment. The key factors affecting lifespan are build quality, how well the phone was maintained, and what repairs were done during refurbishment. A 2-year-old flagship phone that's been professionally refurbished could outlast a brand-new budget phone with cheaper components. Battery replacement during refurbishment actually gives you a fresh start on what's typically the first component to degrade. Software support matters more than device age – iOS and Android phones receive updates for 4-6 years regardless of when you buy them. The biggest variable is how you treat the phone after purchase. Drop a refurbished phone daily without a case, and it won't last long. Take care of it, and you'll likely get 3-4 years of solid performance. Quality refurbishment levels the playing field between used and new device longevity.

Are there any smartphone brands I should avoid when buying refurbished?

Focus less on avoiding specific brands and more on avoiding poor refurbishment practices. That said, some smartphones refurbish better than others. Premium brands like Apple, Samsung, and Google Pixel tend to age well because they use quality components and receive longer software support. Budget brands might seem like bargains, but parts availability for repairs can be limited, and software updates often stop sooner. Chinese brands like OnePlus and Xiaomi make excellent phones, but US carrier compatibility isn't guaranteed for all models. Avoid smartphones that are already 4+ years old unless you're comfortable with limited software updates and potential part availability issues. The bigger red flag is sellers who don't provide detailed condition descriptions, battery health information, or meaningful warranties. At Back Market, we're selective about which devices and sellers we work with because your experience matters more than having every possible option. Quality over quantity is always the better approach.

How much should I expect to save on refurbished smartphones during Black Friday?

Refurbished smartphones typically offer 30-70% savings off original retail prices year-round, with additional Black Friday discounts adding another 10-20% off those already reduced prices. For example, a phone that launched at $800 might be $400-500 refurbished normally, then drop to $320-400 during Black Friday sales. High-end flagship phones see the biggest dollar savings – you might save $300-500 compared to new prices. Mid-range phones offer solid percentage savings but smaller dollar amounts. The sweet spot is often previous-generation flagship phones that are 1-2 years old – they offer premium features at mid-range refurbished prices. Don't expect refurbished prices to match new phone Black Friday deals on current models, but remember you're getting similar performance for much less money overall. Budget an extra 10-15% for accessories like cases and screen protectors that might not be included. Set a realistic budget before shopping and stick to it – deals can be tempting, but overspending defeats the purpose of buying refurbished.

Black Friday’s not over — but it will be...

Smartphone Black Friday deals

Name: Smartphone Black Friday deals Deals
Brand: Back Market
Price: 1149 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.29 (246535 reviews)

Black Friday has left the building (see you in 2026)

But hey, refurbished deals don't need a special day. Check out what's available right now:

Shop Refurbished Smartphones Shop Good Deals

Compare devices

21 products

Trade in to get it for less

Today’s purchase could set you back a lot less when you trade in an old device at the same time.

iPhone 17 Pro Max • Unlocked

(123)

Starting at

Refurbished price:$1,149.00

Versus $1,199.00 new

Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G • Unlocked

(2,103)

Starting at

Refurbished price:$279.00

Versus $899.00 new

+3 more colors

iPhone 16 Plus • Unlocked

(480)

Starting at

Refurbished price:$614.95

Versus $829.00 new

+1 more colors

Galaxy S25+ • Unlocked

(203)

Starting at

Refurbished price:$559.00

Versus $999.99 new

+3 more colors

iPhone 15 • Unlocked

(2,364)

Starting at

Refurbished price:$419.00

Versus $729.00 new

+1 more colors

Galaxy S22 5G • Unlocked

(1,832)

Starting at

Refurbished price:$181.00

Versus $579.00 new

+5 more colors

Galaxy S23 • Unlocked

(1,111)

Starting at

Refurbished price:$227.00

Versus $799.00 new

+2 more colors

Galaxy S25 Ultra • Unlocked

(299)

Starting at

Refurbished price:$749.95

Versus $1,420.00 new

+3 more colors

iPhone 16 Pro • Unlocked

(727)

Starting at

Refurbished price:$729.00

Versus $999.00 new

iPhone 16 Pro Max • Unlocked

(591)

Starting at

Refurbished price:$824.04

Versus $1,199.00 new

iPhone 16e • Unlocked

(679)

Starting at

Refurbished price:$387.00

Versus $599.00 new

iPhone 13 • Unlocked

(5,918)

Starting at

Refurbished price:$256.00

Versus $629.00 new

+2 more colors

iPhone 14 Pro Max • Unlocked

(1,734)

Starting at

Refurbished price:$534.95

Versus $1,199.00 new

iPhone 13 Pro Max • Unlocked

(2,445)

Starting at

Refurbished price:$466.00

Versus $1,199.00 new

+1 more colors

iPhone 12 Pro • Unlocked

(3,689)

Starting at

Refurbished price:$288.00

Versus $799.00 new

Galaxy S7 • Unlocked

(22)

Starting at

Refurbished price:$59.99

Versus $289.00 new

+1 more colors

Galaxy S21 5G • Unlocked

(3,112)

Starting at

Refurbished price:$154.98

Versus $1,000.00 new

+1 more colors

Galaxy A15 5G • Unlocked

(119)

Starting at

Refurbished price:$114.00

Versus $207.99 new

Google Pixel 7a • Unlocked

(175)

Starting at

Refurbished price:$185.00

Versus $899.99 new

Galaxy A14 5G • Unlocked

(195)

Starting at

Refurbished price:$93.00

Versus $249.99 new

Galaxy A13 5G • Unlocked

(90)

Starting at

Refurbished price:$76.00

Versus $164.54 new

Technology

How I fell in love through BlackBerry Messenger | Back Market

To celebrate Valentine's Day 2026, the writer Christopher Mitchell reflects on falling in love with his future wife through BlackBerry Messenger.

Customer reviews for Smartphone Black Friday deals

Overall rating

246,535 verified reviews

Rating details

Accessories
4.2/5
Appearance
4.4/5
Battery
4.2/5
Lens & Camera
4.5/5
Overall performance
4.2/5
Packaging
4.5/5
Shipping
4.5/5

Reviews

Bd C.
Verified purchase
Reviewed 4/15/26, United States.
I am profoundly grateful to have received my Samsung Galaxy A42 5G 128GB in Black, arriving in pristine condition—its screen unmarred, battery fully optimized, casing immaculate, and all ports, buttons, and camera lenses functioning flawlessly upon meticulous inspection. Back Market’s exemplary customer support representatives, Anna and Kat, resolved every concern with unparalleled care and attentiveness, particularly as a disabled customer deserving of such tailored service. It is earnestly hoped that Back Market will offer protective phone covers tailored for refurbished devices.
Galaxy A42 5G 128GB - Black - Unlocked
Galaxy A42 5G 128GB - Black - Unlocked
See item
Condition
Good
Light signs of wear. The body may have light micro-scratches. For items with screens, the screen will have no scratches.
Purchased
4/3/26
Tadeusz T.
Verified purchase
Reviewed 5/10/26, United States.
I’m extremely happy with this refurbished iPhone 13 Mini. The phone arrived quickly, was packaged well, and honestly looks and works like brand new. Excellent quality, smooth setup, and great customer service throughout the process. Definitely exceeded my expectations - highly recommended!
iPhone 13 mini 128GB - Midnight - Unlocked
iPhone 13 mini 128GB - Midnight - Unlocked
See item
Condition
Excellent
Almost no signs of wear. The body may have very light micro-scratches. For items with screens, the screen will have no scratches.
Purchased
4/26/26
Megan M.
Verified purchase
Reviewed 4/26/26, United States.
recently purchased an iPhone 14 from Back Market, and I’m honestly really impressed with the experience. I was a bit skeptical about buying a refurbished phone at first, but it exceeded my expectations. The phone arrived quickly and was in excellent condition—honestly, it looked almost brand new. There were little to no visible scratches, and everything worked perfectly right out of the box. The battery life has been solid, and performance is just as smooth and fast as you’d expect from an iPhone 14. What I appreciated most was the value for money. I was able to get a high-quality device at a much lower price than buying brand new, which made it totally worth it. The setup process was easy, and I haven’t had any issues with connectivity, camera quality, or apps. Overall, I’d definitely recommend buying from Back Market if you’re looking to save money without sacrificing quality. This was a great purchase, and I’d do it again.
iPhone 14 128GB - Midnight - Unlocked
iPhone 14 128GB - Midnight - Unlocked
See item
Condition
Fair
Signs of wear. The body may have a few visible scratches and dents. Items with screens may have light scratches.
Purchased
4/13/26
Sean G.
Verified purchase
Reviewed 1/31/26, United States.
I love my new iPhone 15 Pro Max and am amazed with the quality- it arrived in perfect condition. Looks like a brand new phone with no scratches or damage and has a battery health of 84%. I was initially looking for refurbished phones on Apple’s certified refurbished site and they have this same model (1TB storage) listed for around $1300 after taxes. Save your money and go with BackMarket!
iPhone 15 Pro Max 1000GB - White Titanium - Unlocked
iPhone 15 Pro Max 1000GB - White Titanium - Unlocked
See item
Condition
Excellent
Almost no signs of wear. The body may have very light micro-scratches. For items with screens, the screen will have no scratches.
Purchased
1/28/26
Linda S.
Verified purchase
Reviewed 1/4/26, United States.
I am very impressed with the Google pixel I bought from Back Market. The Google pixel 32 GB was the first cell phone I ever owned. Being slippery, I have gone through a number of them, but I still cannot find another phone with a better camera than this older phone. So I always keep a Google Pixel even if I don't use it as a phone, nothing can compare to the camera it has. I had just broken my last one and wasn't sure I would be able to find this phone again. I wasn't sure what I would get because this phone was refurbished, but I didn't think I had a choice. This phone actually has a better camera than the pixel I just broke. Well done, Back Market.
Google Pixel 32GB - Black - Unlocked
Google Pixel 32GB - Black - Unlocked
See item
Condition
Excellent
Almost no signs of wear. The body may have very light micro-scratches. For items with screens, the screen will have no scratches.
Purchased
12/20/25
Justyn H.
Verified purchase
Reviewed 3/22/26, United States.
Absolutely amazing, I was very skeptical about buying from this website. I DO NOT regret it. Phone came with 87% battery life (very very good) especially for a refurbished phone. I will be buying another iPhone from them! Also real quick, when I opened the package and inspected the phone, it was in really good condition. No scratches or dents. Looked brand NEW! Thank you so much for the pristine iPhone 15 plus !!!!!!
iPhone 15 Plus 512GB - Pink - Unlocked
iPhone 15 Plus 512GB - Pink - Unlocked
See item
Condition
Excellent
Almost no signs of wear. The body may have very light micro-scratches. For items with screens, the screen will have no scratches.
Purchased
3/12/26
Saed A.
Verified purchase
Reviewed 2/25/26, United States.
I was initially hesitant about buying a refurbished iPhone 16 Pro (512GB), after seeing mixed reviews online, then i figured buying a new one might be better. However, I decided to go with Back Market’s 'Premium' tier, and honestly I am blown away! The phone arrived in literal 'like-new' condition, zero battery cycles and 100% battery health!! Thank you BackMarket for the honest service and for exceeding my expectations. I highly recommend Backmarket if you're looking for quality without the brand-new price tag
iPhone 16 Pro 512GB - Black Titanium - Unlocked
iPhone 16 Pro 512GB - Black Titanium - Unlocked
See item
Condition
Premium
Close to perfection. The body may have tiny micro-scratches. For items with screens, the screen will be flawless.
Purchased
2/3/26
Alicia L.
Verified purchase
Reviewed 4/28/26, United States.
So happy to have a 13 mini back. Same GB’s and even same color as I’d had before. It was a mistake to try the iPhone 17; too big and too heavy. Researched reliable refurbished iPhones, and Back Market came up as one. As recommended, I also checked out the individual vendor’s reviews; good as well, with years of experience. Ordering was easy; arrived on date stated, and the battery at 92%, with (I think) an Apple battery, because I didn’t get the warning about a non-Apple part (they stated may happen with non-Apple battery) upon turning it on. Battery lasts about 4.5 hours, way less than the 17 which lasts all day. However, I recalled that pretty much is standard with the 13 mini. It simply does not have the battery power of the bigger phones. I expected it to get a bit warm while transferring my data from the 17, yet it never got hot. My phone plan immediately recognized the 13 mini without me having to do anything on their site. I’ve had it about 2 weeks now; and so far, so good.
iPhone 13 mini 512GB - Pink - Unlocked
iPhone 13 mini 512GB - Pink - Unlocked
See item
Condition
Excellent
Almost no signs of wear. The body may have very light micro-scratches. For items with screens, the screen will have no scratches.
Purchased
4/16/26
Rubik M.
Verified purchase
Reviewed 4/20/26, United States.
It is a literal brand new phone. Came with original Apple charger and original Apple SIM card remover and Apple papers and sticker. Battery health 100%. Would highly recommend BEST4TECH as a seller. It’s as good as Apple refurbished.
iPhone 13 Pro Max 128GB - Graphite - Unlocked
iPhone 13 Pro Max 128GB - Graphite - Unlocked
See item
Condition
Premium
Close to perfection. The body may have tiny micro-scratches. For items with screens, the screen will be flawless.
Purchased
4/6/26
Abby J.
Verified purchase
Reviewed 4/19/26, United States.
My phone arrived on the same day delivery anticipated it would, which is a rarity with majority of my online buys elsewhere. My Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 is in immaculate condition. I am definitely satisfied with my purchase. I highly recommend Backmarket to anyone looking for refurbished tech. Oh yeah...I almost forgot! The cherry on top? Their customer service is top notch. And not just some help bot. I mean an actual human being will respond to you with impeccable timing. This is my 2nd purchase with Backmarket and I have absolutely no regrets. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Galaxy Z Flip6 512GB - Yellow - Unlocked
Galaxy Z Flip6 512GB - Yellow - Unlocked
See item
Condition
Excellent
Almost no signs of wear. The body may have very light micro-scratches. For items with screens, the screen will have no scratches.
Purchased
4/9/26

Start by identifying your must-have features and budget range – this prevents impulse buying during Black Friday's overwhelming deals. Consider what you actually use your phone for: basic calling and texting means a budget refurbished phone under $200 works great, while photography enthusiasts should focus on models with proven camera quality regardless of age. Don't get caught up in having the newest model – a two-year-old flagship phone often outperforms this year's budget models while costing less refurbished. Check carrier compatibility before buying, especially if you're switching networks. Look for phones that'll receive software updates for at least 2-3 more years. Battery health matters more than minor cosmetic wear – prioritize devices with 80%+ capacity or new batteries. During Black Friday, set a firm budget and stick to it. Remember, the "best" smartphone is the one that meets your needs without breaking your budget, not necessarily the most expensive one.
These terms sound similar but mean very different things for quality and reliability. "Refurbished" smartphones have been professionally restored by trained technicians who test functionality, replace worn parts, and ensure everything works like new. "Used" typically means sold as-is by individuals with no testing or repairs – you're gambling on condition and performance. "Renewed" is Amazon's term for their refurbished program, similar to refurbished but with specific Amazon policies. At Back Market, our refurbished phones go through 30+ point inspections, battery health testing, and cosmetic grading. We replace faulty components and provide 1-year warranties. Used phones might work fine, but you're buying them blind with minimal return options. The price difference reflects this risk – refurbished costs more than used but less than new, while offering much better reliability than used devices. For peace of mind and actual customer protection, refurbished is the smart middle ground between used and new.
Not necessarily – a well-refurbished smartphone can last just as long as a new device, sometimes longer because worn components get replaced during refurbishment. The key factors affecting lifespan are build quality, how well the phone was maintained, and what repairs were done during refurbishment. A 2-year-old flagship phone that's been professionally refurbished could outlast a brand-new budget phone with cheaper components. Battery replacement during refurbishment actually gives you a fresh start on what's typically the first component to degrade. Software support matters more than device age – iOS and Android phones receive updates for 4-6 years regardless of when you buy them. The biggest variable is how you treat the phone after purchase. Drop a refurbished phone daily without a case, and it won't last long. Take care of it, and you'll likely get 3-4 years of solid performance. Quality refurbishment levels the playing field between used and new device longevity.
Focus less on avoiding specific brands and more on avoiding poor refurbishment practices. That said, some smartphones refurbish better than others. Premium brands like Apple, Samsung, and Google Pixel tend to age well because they use quality components and receive longer software support. Budget brands might seem like bargains, but parts availability for repairs can be limited, and software updates often stop sooner. Chinese brands like OnePlus and Xiaomi make excellent phones, but US carrier compatibility isn't guaranteed for all models. Avoid smartphones that are already 4+ years old unless you're comfortable with limited software updates and potential part availability issues. The bigger red flag is sellers who don't provide detailed condition descriptions, battery health information, or meaningful warranties. At Back Market, we're selective about which devices and sellers we work with because your experience matters more than having every possible option. Quality over quantity is always the better approach.
Refurbished smartphones typically offer 30-70% savings off original retail prices year-round, with additional Black Friday discounts adding another 10-20% off those already reduced prices. For example, a phone that launched at $800 might be $400-500 refurbished normally, then drop to $320-400 during Black Friday sales. High-end flagship phones see the biggest dollar savings – you might save $300-500 compared to new prices. Mid-range phones offer solid percentage savings but smaller dollar amounts. The sweet spot is often previous-generation flagship phones that are 1-2 years old – they offer premium features at mid-range refurbished prices. Don't expect refurbished prices to match new phone Black Friday deals on current models, but remember you're getting similar performance for much less money overall. Budget an extra 10-15% for accessories like cases and screen protectors that might not be included. Set a realistic budget before shopping and stick to it – deals can be tempting, but overspending defeats the purpose of buying refurbished.

Read our guides

Our recent comparisons

Searches so popular you can't sit with them

Honor View 10 Unlocked Phones Father's Day Unlocked iPhone iPhone 5c Google Pixel 8 iPhone 8 Plus Student Discount Pink iPhone Mother's Day

Smart shoppers avoid the Black Friday rush and use Back Market

Find the best refurbished devices at 70% off the price of new!

Choose location

Suggested searches

Popular searches

Smartphone Black Friday deals

Black Friday has left the building (see you in 2026)

Trade in to get it for less

How I fell in love through BlackBerry Messenger | Back Market

Reviews

Bd C.

Tadeusz T.

Megan M.

Sean G.

Linda S.

Justyn H.

Saed A.

Alicia L.

Rubik M.

Abby J.

How do I choose the right refurbished smartphone during Black Friday?

What's the difference between refurbished, used, and renewed smartphones?

Do refurbished smartphones have shorter lifespans than new phones?

Are there any smartphone brands I should avoid when buying refurbished?

How much should I expect to save on refurbished smartphones during Black Friday?

Why is my phone screen black? Common causes and easy fixes | Back Market

PS4 models compared: Original vs. Slim vs. Pro | Back Market

When was the iPhone 8 released, and is it still worth buying in 2026? | Back Market

How to transfer data from iPhone to iPhone: 5 secure methods | Back Market

Is the iPhone 13 outdated? iPhone 13 series review | Back Market

What does refurbished mean for the environment? | Back Market

iPhone 15 • Unlocked vs iPhone 15 Pro • Unlocked comparison

iPhone 16 • Unlocked vs iPhone 16 Plus • Unlocked comparison

iPhone 15 Pro Max • Unlocked vs iPhone 16 Pro Max • Unlocked comparison

iPhone 15 • Unlocked vs iPhone 16 • Unlocked comparison

Galaxy Z Flip5 • Unlocked vs Motorola Moto G Play (2023) • Unlocked comparison