Brand-new smartphones are expensive, and with global trade tensions—partly due to U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff threats—prices could climb even higher, especially for Asian-made electronics.
To cut costs, many are turning to secondhand phones.
The market for pre-owned smartphones is booming. In fact, it’s expanding faster than the new phone market, says U.K.-based tech research company CCS Insight.
As people upgrade to the latest models, they often sell or trade in their old devices, which are still in good shape and have plenty of life left.
If you're watching your wallet, a refurbished phone can be up to 50% cheaper than a brand-new one. These days, they often come with warranties, payment plans, and customer support, according to CCS Insight.
Meanwhile, the price of a top-tier iPhone Pro Max could jump nearly 30%, rising from $1,200 to $1,550, according to UBS.
But buying used isn't always simple. Here's a quick guide:
What are the most in-demand models?
Apple dominates the used phone market, making up 60% of it. Samsung comes next with 17%, and the rest is made up of lesser-known Chinese brands like Xiaomi.
Where should you shop?
There are plenty of online sources for secondhand phones—but also many scams. Stick to trusted sellers, read reviews, and avoid suspiciously cheap deals.
Some good platforms to try include Gazelle, Backmarket, and major retailers like BestBuy or Amazon. Phone carriers often sell certified refurbished models as well.
Even Apple and Samsung offer their own secondhand phones, refurbished by their teams. While these options are more reliable, the savings might not be as big, and the model selection can be limited—Apple, for example, currently only offers refurbished iPhone 13 and 14 models.
Refurbished typically means the phone has been reset, tested, and repaired as needed. But a used phone could be anything from a barely-used gem to a beat-up device sold “as is” on Facebook Marketplace. These are cheaper, but riskier.
“You’ll get the best deal if you’re comfortable with more risk,” says Simon Bryant, VP of research at CCS Insight.
Safer peer-to-peer platforms like eBay or Swappa offer buyer protections, including refunds if the phone isn’t as advertised.
What about battery health?
Just because a phone is refurbished doesn't mean the battery has been replaced—it depends on the seller. Apple and Samsung say their refurbished phones come with new batteries and sometimes even new shells, plus a charger, a one-year warranty, and original packaging.
Other sellers might only ensure the battery retains at least 80% of its original capacity.
How do I assess condition?
Most platforms have their own grading systems, like “Excellent,” “Very Good,” or “Like New.” But there's no industry standard, so ratings vary widely between sellers and can make comparison tricky.
“It’s inconsistent,” Bryant explains. “One site’s 'Grade A' might be another’s 'Like New'—which complicates shopping.”
How old is too old?
Stick to phones that are no more than three generations old. Devices older than five or six generations may no longer receive software updates, which impacts performance and security.
“Three generations back is the sweet spot,” Bryant says. “You get modern features, less wear, and solid support.”
Could it be stolen?
Reputable platforms have checks in place, but always verify the device's IMEI (serial number), which can be accessed by dialing *#06# on most phones. Swappa requires sellers to run an IMEI check before listing a phone. BackMarket works with certified sellers to avoid blacklisted devices but will assist if a stolen one slips through.
Can I check for water damage?
Newer phones resist water but aren’t waterproof. If buying in person, check for liquid damage. Apple and Samsung both offer guides on how to locate water exposure indicators on their devices.
Do accessories come with it?
Not always. Chargers, cables, or headphones may be missing, so factor those costs into your budget.