Top 10 most reliable refurbished mobile phones revealed

Chris Price Smartphones
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Mobile phones are essential to our everyday lives, so it makes sense to ensure they are as reliable as possible, but this can sometimes come at a high cost. 
 
To help you find an affordable phone that will also last for years to come, we reveal the top 10 most reliable refurbished mobile phones for 2023 in conjunction with Uswitch. 
 
The study analysed popular mobile phones, that have been discontinued in the last two years, on factors including battery life, camera quality, warranty periods and review scores to reveal the most reliable refurbished mobile phones. 

The 10 most reliable refurbished mobile phones: 

Rank

Phone

Battery capacity (mAh)

Refresh rate (Hz)

Camera quality (MP)

Water resistance rating (IP)

Warranty period (years)

Processor score

Average review score

Overall score /10

1

Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra

5,000

120

108

68

1

77

4.42

10.00

2

Samsung Galaxy S20+

4,500

120

64

68

1

65

4.50

9.50

3

Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra

4,500

120

108

68

1

65

4.42

9.00

4

Google Pixel 5

4,080

90

16

68

2

46

4.22

8.50

5

Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max

4,352

120

12

68

1

91

4.42

8.00

6

Samsung Galaxy S20

4,000

120

64

68

1

65

4.26

7.50

7

Samsung Galaxy S21

4,000

120

64

68

1

77

4.00

7.00

8

Samsung Galaxy S20 FE

4,500

120

12

68

1

65

4.28

6.50

9

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3

4,400

120

12

X8

1

83

4.18

5.50

9

Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max

3,687

60

12

68

1

85

4.46

5.50
 
 
The highest-rated refurbished mobile phone is the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra with a perfect 10/10 score. The Ultra represents the high-end version of the S21 and until the arrival of the more recent version, it was considered the pinnacle of Android devices. It has the best battery life of the phones on this list, with an excellent capacity of 5,000 mAh. This mobile also has a 108-megapixel camera.
 
Another Samsung model comes in second, with the S20+ scoring 9.5 out of 10. Among its best features is its 64-megapixel camera and battery life (4,500 mAh capacity) and it scores an average of 4.5 on review sites. While the Galaxy S20+ was also one of the most expensive smartphones available when it launched at £999, you can get a refurbished model for as little as £338.
 
The third most reliable refurbished mobile is the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra. As well as an improved S-Pen and 5G connectivity, the phone has a whole host of impressive features, such as performance optimisation for mobile gaming. As with the S21 Ultra, it also has an incredible 108-megapixel camera and a great battery life. 

Further Study Insights:

  • The brand of refurbished phones offering the biggest saving is Samsung, with average savings of 61%. 

  • The refurbished phone offering the biggest saving is the Galaxy S9, which initially launched with a price tag of £739 but can now be picked up for £169.

  • The Google Pixel 6 and 7 Pro are tied as the most reliable mobile phones, with an impressive overall score of 9.47/10. 

 
For any further information, head to Uswitch Mobiles.  
Chris Price
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