Which refurbished iPhone should you buy in 2026?

A refurbished iPhone is a sensible way to get a good smartphone without paying the price of a new one. The question is which model. Our range runs from the iPhone 8 of 2017 to the iPhone 16e of 2025, and the differences between them are considerable: screen size, camera and battery life, but above all how long Apple will keep updating the phone.

This guide walks you through seven questions to work out what matters to you. After that you will find a table of every model side by side and practical advice for different types of user.

Seven questions to help you choose

1. What is your budget?

The price depends on the model, the storage and the condition. The newer the model, the higher the price, but usually the longer it will last as well. So look beyond today’s price: a slightly more expensive phone that still has years of updates ahead can work out cheaper per year of use. If you want to save money without giving anything up in terms of function, choose a lower grade. A phone in grade B or C works exactly like a grade A phone; only the outside is different.

2. Small or large screen?

If you want a compact phone, three models have a 4.7-inch screen and a Home button: the iPhone 8, the iPhone SE (2020) and the iPhone SE (2022). The smallest phone in the range, however, is the iPhone 12 mini: 131.5 mm tall and 135 grams, yet with a 5.4-inch OLED screen. Most models have a 6.1-inch screen. If you want something bigger, look at the 6.7-inch models: the iPhone 12 Pro Max, 13 Pro Max, 14 Plus and 15 Plus. The 14 Plus (203 g) and 15 Plus (201 g) are lighter than the Pro Max models. The iPhone 8, 8 Plus, XR, 11 and both SE models have an LCD screen; the others are OLED. A smooth 120 Hz ProMotion screen is found on the iPhone 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max and 15 Pro.

3. Face ID or Touch ID?

Touch ID, unlocking with your fingerprint, is built into the Home button of the iPhone 8, 8 Plus, SE (2020) and SE (2022). Every other model uses Face ID. In our Outlet you will also find phones without working Face ID or Touch ID. They are technically sound and you unlock them with your passcode. This is always clearly stated on the product page.

4. Do you need 5G and MagSafe?

5G comes with every model from the iPhone 12 onwards, and with the iPhone SE (2022). MagSafe, magnetic wireless charging at up to 15 W, is found on the iPhone 12, 13, 14 and 15 models in our range. The SE models and the iPhone 16e do not have it. Check the connector too: the iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro and 16e use USB-C, all other models Lightning.

5. How important is the camera?

From the iPhone 11 onwards you get an ultra-wide camera and Night mode for low-light photos; the SE models do not have these. A telephoto lens for zooming in is found on the iPhone 8 Plus, the iPhone X and the Pro models. The iPhone 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max and 15 Pro go furthest, with 3x optical zoom, macro photos, ProRAW and ProRes video. The iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro and 16e have a 48 MP main camera. Note that the 16e has only one rear camera, with no ultra-wide.

6. How long should the battery last?

For each model, Apple states how many hours of video a new battery can play. That ranges from 13 hours (iPhone 8, X and SE (2020)) to 28 hours (iPhone 13 Pro Max). The iPhone 14 Plus, 15 Plus and 16e reach 26 hours. At Green-ware every battery has at least 85% of its original capacity, so expect a little less than the factory figure. If the battery drops below 70% during the 2-year warranty, we replace it free of charge.

7. How long will it keep getting updates?

This may be the most important question of all. In September 2026 Apple released iOS 27 for the iPhone 11 and later, including the SE (2020). The iPhone XR stays on iOS 18, and the iPhone 8, 8 Plus and X on iOS 16. These older phones still received security updates in 2026, but no new features. Their apps work for now, but over time not all of them will.

Apple never announces an end date. Previous generations usually received 6 to 7 major iOS versions. On that basis we expect iOS 27 to be the last major version for the iPhone 11 range and the SE (2020), followed by a few more years of security updates. An iPhone 15 or 16e is expected to have the most years of updates ahead of it. This is an estimate, not a promise. Apple Intelligence only works on the iPhone 15 Pro and the iPhone 16e.

Every model side by side

“Highest iOS” is the newest version the model can run in October 2026. The year is the year the model came out.

Swipe the table sideways to see everything →

Advice by type of user

For a child or a first smartphone

The iPhone SE (2022) is small and light (144 g), with a Home button, 5G and the same A15 chip as the iPhone 13, and it gets iOS 27. If a bigger screen is fine, the iPhone 11 is the oldest Face ID model that still gets iOS 27. With a case on, a phone in grade B or C is a logical choice.

For photography

Go for an iPhone 13 Pro or 13 Pro Max: three cameras, 3x telephoto, macro, ProRAW, ProRes and LiDAR. The iPhone 15 Pro adds a 48 MP main camera. Without a Pro budget, the iPhone 15 is a good alternative, with 48 MP and a 2x zoom setting taken from that sensor.

For the smallest iPhone

The iPhone 12 mini is the smallest and lightest phone in the range (131.5 mm, 135 g), with Face ID, OLED and 5G. Battery life is shorter, though: 15 hours of video against 17 for the standard iPhone 12. If you want small with a Home button, choose the SE (2022).

For the longest possible updates

The iPhone 16e (2025, A18 chip) is the newest model. We expect it to receive major updates until roughly iOS 31 or 32. Next come the iPhone 15, 15 Plus and 15 Pro, expected until roughly iOS 30 or 31. If you also want Apple Intelligence, the choice is between the 16e and the 15 Pro.

For long battery life

The iPhone 13 Pro Max has the longest battery life in the range (28 hours of video), but it is also the heaviest (240 g). The iPhone 14 Plus, 15 Plus and 16e reach 26 hours.

For anyone who wants to keep Touch ID

The SE (2022) is the most recent iPhone with a Home button; the SE (2020) is a more affordable alternative that also gets iOS 27. The iPhone 8 and 8 Plus have Touch ID too, but stay on iOS 16.

What you get with every model

Whichever model you choose, it has been tested on more than 50 points under the Keurmerk Refurbished quality mark, wiped with a certified data wipe and comes with a 2-year warranty, battery included. The price includes VAT, the Belgian private copying levy and delivery, and you have 14 days to change your mind. You can also pay with Pluxee and Monizze ecocheques.

Further reading

• The difference between grades A, B and C: Grade A, B or C: what is the difference?
• Refurbished, second-hand or new: Refurbished, second-hand or new?
• What refurbished actually means: What is refurbished?
• Our warranty: Warranty
• Paying with ecocheques: Buying an iPhone or smartphone with ecocheques
• Popular models: iPhone 13, iPhone SE (2022), iPhone 15, iPhone 16e
• All refurbished iPhones: iPhone

Frequently asked questions

Which refurbished iPhone will get updates for the longest?

We expect the iPhone 16e, followed by the iPhone 15, 15 Plus and 15 Pro. Apple does not announce end dates; our estimate is based on the number of major iOS versions previous generations received.

Which iPhones have 5G?

Every model from the iPhone 12 onwards, plus the iPhone SE (2022). The iPhone 11 range, the SE (2020) and older models use 4G.

Which iPhone still has a Home button with Touch ID?

The iPhone 8, 8 Plus, SE (2020) and SE (2022). Of these four, only the two SE models still get iOS 27.

Is a refurbished iPhone waterproof?

From the factory, every model in the range is rated IP67 or IP68. After refurbishment, water resistance is no longer guaranteed, so keep it away from water as much as you can.

Can I pay for a refurbished iPhone with ecocheques?

Yes, with Pluxee or Monizze ecocheques. The payment provider charges €0.50 plus 5.5%, which is shown before you confirm.