iOutlet
Which Refurbished iPhone to Buy in 2026: Complete Guide
Refurbished iPhone in 2026: Prices, Models and Where to Buy
A refurbished iPhone costs between €81 and €806 — up to 60% less than a new one. At iOutlet, every iPhone is professionally tested, comes with a 24-month warranty and ships within 3–5 working days to Portugal. In this guide you'll find all available models, up-to-date prices and everything you need to know before buying.
Quick summary — refurbished iPhone in 2026:
- Price: from €81 (iPhone 11) to €806 (iPhone 16 Pro Max) — 30% to 60% less than new
- Warranty: 24 months at iOutlet (12 months above the legal minimum)
- Quality: same hardware, same software, same updates as a new iPhone
- Market: over 320 million refurbished smartphones sold in 2024 worldwide (Mordor Intelligence)
- Support: iPhones receive 5–6 years of iOS updates + 2 years of security patches (Macworld)
Want to know more about the process? Read our article What Is a Refurbished iPhone with a detailed explanation of testing and grades.
For a detailed comparison, see our article Refurbished vs New vs Used: Which Is Worth It?
Table of Contents
- What is a refurbished iPhone?
- Prices for all models in 2026
- Which iPhone to buy for your budget
- What grades A, B and C mean
- Refurbished vs new vs used
- Is it safe to buy a refurbished iPhone?
- Where to buy a refurbished iPhone in Portugal
- Frequently asked questions
What is a refurbished iPhone?
A refurbished iPhone is a previously used iPhone that has been professionally inspected, tested across more than 30 checkpoints and restored to work like new. According to Mordor Intelligence, the global refurbished smartphone market reached $67.84 billion in 2024, with an annual growth rate of 12.5%. The difference between refurbished and "used" is clear: a refurbished device comes with a warranty, documented testing and a certified company responsible for the sale.
According to industry data, 28% of all smartphone transactions in 2024 involved refurbished or used devices — more than 320 million units sold globally. In Portugal, demand for refurbished iPhones has grown consistently, driven by the high price of new models: the cheapest new iPhone at Apple currently costs €739 (iPhone 17e).
At iOutlet, the process includes verification of the screen, cameras, Face ID, battery (tested with specialist technical software), buttons, sensors, Wi-Fi/Bluetooth/4G/5G connectivity and carrier unlock. Only after passing all tests is a device listed for sale.
Refurbished iPhone prices in 2026 — all models
Up-to-date prices at iOutlet, with a 24-month warranty included:
| Model | Chip | Year | From | Saving vs new |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 11 | A13 Bionic | 2019 | €81 | Discontinued |
| iPhone SE | A15 Bionic | 2022 | €90 | Discontinued |
| iPhone XR | A12 Bionic | 2018 | €139 | Discontinued |
| iPhone 12 | A14 Bionic | 2020 | €181 | Discontinued |
| iPhone 12 Pro | A14 Bionic | 2020 | €211 | Discontinued |
| iPhone 13 | A15 Bionic | 2021 | €239 | Discontinued |
| iPhone 13 Pro | A15 Bionic | 2021 | €311 | Discontinued |
| iPhone 13 Pro Max | A15 Bionic | 2021 | €345 | Discontinued |
| iPhone 14 | A15 Bionic | 2022 | €326 | Discontinued |
| iPhone 14 Pro | A16 Bionic | 2022 | €350 | Discontinued |
| iPhone 14 Pro Max | A16 Bionic | 2022 | €439 | Discontinued |
| iPhone 15 | A16 Bionic | 2023 | €411 | Discontinued |
| iPhone 15 Pro | A17 Pro | 2023 | €464 | Discontinued |
| iPhone 15 Pro Max | A17 Pro | 2023 | €628 | Discontinued |
| iPhone 16 | A18 | 2024 | €613 | €889 new → -31% |
| iPhone 16e | A18 | 2025 | €421 | €739 new → -43% |
| iPhone 16 Pro | A18 Pro | 2024 | €724 | Discontinued |
| iPhone 16 Pro Max | A18 Pro | 2024 | €806 | Discontinued |
All prices include VAT, a 24-month warranty and free shipping to mainland Portugal. View all refurbished iPhones at iOutlet →
Which refurbished iPhone to buy in 2026?
Up to €200 — for those who want a functional iPhone at the best price
In this price range, the iPhone 11 (from €81) and the iPhone 12 (from €181) are the best options. The iPhone 12 is worth the extra cost: it has 5G, an OLED display, a modern design and guaranteed iOS support until at least 2027. The iPhone 11 is the most affordable choice, with a dual camera and Face ID for under €100.
You'll also find the iPhone SE (from €90) — the most compact model in the range, with an A15 Bionic chip and Touch ID. Ideal for those who prefer a smaller handset or don't need Face ID.
€200 to €400 — the best value for money
This is the sweet spot. The iPhone 13 (from €239) is arguably the best deal in 2026: improved camera, Cinematic mode, excellent battery life and an A15 Bionic chip. For those who want a Pro camera without spending more, the iPhone 13 Pro (from €311) has a triple-camera system with Macro mode and ProMotion (120Hz).
The iPhone 14 (from €326) and the iPhone 14 Pro (from €350) also fall in this range. The 14 Pro was the first iPhone with Dynamic Island and a 48MP camera — an excellent choice for photography and video.
€400 to €700 — recent technology, significant savings
This is where the latest models come in. The iPhone 15 (from €411) was the first iPhone with USB-C, Dynamic Island and a 48MP camera on the base model. The iPhone 15 Pro (from €464) adds the A17 Pro chip, titanium and a triple camera — for less than half the price of a new iPhone 17 (€989).
Worth noting: for €464 you get a refurbished iPhone 15 Pro. The cheapest new iPhone at Apple today costs €739 (iPhone 17e). You save €275 and end up with a more advanced handset in terms of camera and materials.
Above €700 — flagship at an accessible price
The iPhone 16 Pro (from €724) and iPhone 16 Pro Max (from €806) are the top-of-the-range models available refurbished. With the A18 Pro chip, a 48MP camera with 5x telephoto and Apple Intelligence, they compete directly with the new iPhone 17 Pro (from €1,349) — at around half the price.
What do the condition grades mean?
Grades classify only the external appearance of the iPhone. All grades perform identically — same processor, same camera, same speed.
- Grade A (like new) — no visible marks. Indistinguishable from a new iPhone
- Grade B (very good) — may have minor marks on the back casing, screen immaculate. Invisible with a case
- Grade C (good condition) — signs of wear on the casing, screen scratch-free. Best value for money
Tip: if you're going to use a case (like 90% of people), Grade C is the smart choice. The marks are hidden and you save up to 20% compared to Grade A.
What is the same across all grades:
- Processor, camera and all sensor performance
- Battery tested with specialist technical software
- 24-month warranty
- 14 days to return, no questions asked
- Unlocked for all carriers
Refurbished iPhone vs new vs used: what's the difference?
| Aspect | New (Apple/retailer) | Refurbished (iOutlet) | Used (OLX/Marketplace) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | 100% (from €739) | 40–70% of new | 30–60% of new |
| Warranty | 24 months | 24 months | None |
| Tested | Yes | Yes (30+ tests) | No |
| Battery verified | 100% new | Technically tested | Unknown |
| Unlocked | Yes | Yes | May not be |
| iCloud verified | Yes | Yes | May be locked |
| Returns | 14 days | 14 days | No |
| Invoice | Yes | Yes | Rarely |
| Risk | None | Minimal | High |
The difference between refurbished and used comes down to one word: security. Beyond consumer protection, buying refurbished is also an environmental choice: according to Apple, manufacturing an iPhone 16 generates around 56 kg of CO₂e — emissions that are avoided when the life of an existing device is extended. A refurbished iPhone from iOutlet comes with a warranty, is professionally tested and includes an invoice. An iPhone bought from a private seller on OLX may have a locked iCloud, a degraded battery, internal damage or be reported as stolen — and you have no recourse.
Is it safe to buy a refurbished iPhone?
Yes, if you buy from the right place. Here's what to check before buying:
- Minimum 12-month warranty — at iOutlet we offer 24 months, more than the legal minimum
- Clear returns policy — 14 days to return without having to give a reason
- Registered Portuguese company — with a VAT number, address and complaints book
- Documented quality tests — screen, camera, battery, Face ID, sensors
- iCloud and IMEI verification — to ensure the iPhone is not locked or blacklisted
Be wary of sellers with no warranty, no returns policy or who sell exclusively through social media. A low price means nothing if you end up with an unusable iPhone.
Where to buy a refurbished iPhone in Portugal
iOutlet is a Portuguese shop specialising in refurbished technology, headquartered in Coimbra. Why buy from iOutlet:
- Over 460 iPhones in stock — from iPhone 11 to iPhone 16 Pro Max, all colours and capacities
- 24-month warranty — 6 months more than the legal minimum
- 14 days to return — no questions, no hassle
- Flexible payment — Multibanco, MBWay, card, Klarna and Floa (interest-free instalments)
- Free shipping to mainland Portugal in 3–5 working days
- We ship to Spain and France — same quality, same warranty
- Portuguese company — with a VAT number, legal invoice and complaints book
We are also present on Fnac and Worten Marketplace, where we are one of the largest sellers of refurbished products.
View all refurbished iPhones →
What to consider before buying
A refurbished iPhone is an excellent purchase in most cases, but there are factors to weigh up:
- Battery — the battery will have some wear (health tested with specialist technical software at iOutlet). For heavy use, battery life will be slightly lower than a new iPhone at 100%
- Older models — the iPhone 11 and XR still work well, but will have shorter software support. For maximum longevity, we recommend iPhone 13 or above
- Camera — base (non-Pro) models from older generations have inferior cameras compared to current flagships. If photography is a priority, consider a Pro model
- Lightning vs USB-C — models prior to the iPhone 15 use Lightning. If you've already moved to USB-C, this may be inconvenient
That said, with a 24-month warranty and 14 days to return, the risk is minimal. If something doesn't meet your expectations, you can always send it back.
Frequently asked questions about refurbished iPhones
Is it worth buying a refurbished iPhone in 2026?
Yes. A Grade A refurbished iPhone is visually identical to a new one and works in exactly the same way, for 30% to 60% less. With a 24-month warranty and the same technology, it's the smartest way to own a premium iPhone without paying the new price.
Which is the best refurbished iPhone to buy right now?
The iPhone 13 (from €239) offers the best balance of price and features. For those who want the best possible performance, the iPhone 15 Pro (from €464) is hard to beat — A17 Pro chip, triple camera, titanium and USB-C for less than the cheapest new iPhone at Apple.
Does a refurbished iPhone battery last well?
All iPhones at iOutlet are checked and sold with a battery whose health has been tested with specialist technical software. In practice, an iPhone at 80% battery health will last a full day of normal use. The exact battery condition is stated on each product listing.
Does a refurbished iPhone have an iCloud lock?
No. All iPhones sold at iOutlet are checked against iCloud and IMEI block lists. They are clean devices, free from activation locks. This is something you cannot guarantee when buying from a private seller.
Can I use it with any carrier (MEO, NOS, Vodafone)?
Yes. All iPhones are unlocked and work with any Portuguese or European carrier — MEO, NOS, Vodafone, DIGI or any other.
Does a refurbished iPhone receive iOS updates?
Yes, it receives exactly the same updates as a new iPhone. Apple makes no distinction between new and refurbished devices. Apple provides 5 to 6 years of major iOS updates, followed by an additional 2 years of security patches — a total of up to 8 years of support (Macworld, 2026). Models from the iPhone 12 onwards will be supported until at least 2027–2028.
Can I pay in instalments?
Yes. At iOutlet we accept Multibanco, MBWay, Stripe, Klarna and Floa. With Klarna or Floa you can split the payment into 3 or 4 interest-free instalments — no paperwork, instant approval.
Do you ship to the islands (Azores and Madeira)?
Yes. Shipping to the islands takes 5–10 working days with an additional cost of €15. Shipping to mainland Portugal is free.
What happens if the iPhone arrives with a fault?
You have 14 days to return it without giving a reason. If an issue arises afterwards, the 24-month warranty covers any hardware defect. Simply contact us and we'll sort it out — repair or replacement, no hassle.
Is buying a refurbished iPhone in Portugal better than importing?
Yes, for several reasons: warranty valid in Portugal, Portuguese invoice, fast shipping (3–5 days vs weeks), no customs costs and support in Portuguese. When you buy from iOutlet, you are protected by Portuguese consumer law.
About the author — Nuno Marques
Nuno Marques is the founder and CEO of iOutlet, the refurbished technology brand of the ILOVEDIGITAL group. He runs a 100% online operation, founded in 2017, which keeps thousands of mobile phones, tablets, computers and smartwatches in rotation across the markets of Portugal, Spain, France, Germany and Italy. With a background in Management Information Systems and postgraduate studies in Computer Engineering at the University of Coimbra, he combines a technical profile (code, infrastructure, AI automations) with executive responsibility over a team that sells on Worten, Fnac, Carrefour and the company's own marketplace. He writes about refurbishment, hardware sustainability and e-commerce operations at European scale. Learn more about the team and the company.
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