In recent years, iPhone updates have been largely cosmetic, which means that buying a refurbished iPhone is a cost-effective way to own one of Apple’s iconic devices without breaking the bank.
It’s also an environmentally friendly choice. Buying a refurbished phone reduces e-waste by giving a second life to a perfectly functional device.
At Orchard, we offer rigorously tested refurbished iPhones, backed by a no questions asked 90-day return policy.
Table of Contents
- What to look for in a refurbished phone?
- Is it time to upgrade your phone?
- Which phones will be obsolete in 2024?
- Best Refurbished iPhone for Most People
- Best refurbished iPhone for Photos
- Best Compact refurbished iPhone
- Most Affordable Big-Screen Refurbished iPhone
- Best Budget refurbished iPhone
- Best Entry-Level refurbished iPhone
- Best refurbished iPhone For Seniors
What to look for in a refurbished phone?
When buying a refurbished phone, there are several factors to consider.
Warranty
A good warranty is key when purchasing a refurbished phone, as it offers assurance that the device will perform as expected.
Warranty lengths and terms vary across vendors, but a 90 day warranty on all functionality is standard. This warranty period allows greater peace of mind, giving you plenty of time to use the phone and ensure everything is working properly.
Battery Health
Battery health is often the first thing that comes to mind when considering a refurbished phone.
Most retailers guarantee that the phones they sell retain at least 80% of their original capacity.
Some vendors offer battery replacement upsells for customers who need longer battery life.
Orchard guarantees at least 83% of the battery’s original capacity. We settled on this minimum level after extensive testing, and guarantee that our phones will last a day’s average usage (defined as 5-8 hours of active use, depending on model)
If you are looking for with a better battery, we suggest Plus or Pro Max models, which have larger and therefore longer-lasting batteries than base (ie iPhone 12 or iPhone 13) or Pro models.
Blacklist Guarantees
The IMEI blacklist is a database of phones that have been reported as stolen. Phones in this database will not work on any of the Canadian carriers’ networks, rendering them useless.
Reputable sellers of refurbished phones perform IMEI checks before listing devices for sale. Generally, blacklist guarantees fall under sellers’ warranties.
Orchard actually takes this a step further and offers a lifetime blacklist guarantee: if your phone ever ends up on the blacklist, we will replace it.
Network Locks
An unlocked iPhone will work with any Canadian wireless carrier, giving its owner the power to change carriers at will.
Unlocked phones also allow their owners to save on roaming by using local SIM cards while travelling .
In Canada, phones sold after 2017 must be unlocked, but some corporate or retail devices may still come locked to specific networks (we’re looking at you Bell).
Generally speaking, it is safe to assume that a refurbished iPhone is unlocked for use with all carriers. If a device is locked, this should be clearly stated by the reseller.
Condition
The condition of a refurbished phone varies, with sellers using grading systems such as "Good," "Very Good," or "Like New" to describe the device’s physical appearance.The cosmetic condition is usually unrelated to the phone’s functionality. Most resellers first test to confirm a phone is fully functional, and only grade devices that pass all testing.
Is it time to upgrade your phone?
If your iPhone is no longer receiving the latest iOS software updates, we recommend upgrading to a newer device.
At this point, devices that did not receive iOS 18 are stuck on iOS 16, and will start being unable to use popular apps.
Phones stuck on iOS 16 also will not receive security updates from Apple.
Please see this article for a longer discussion of iOS updates and their implications for preowned devices.
Which phones will be obsolete in 2024?
In 2024, iPhones that are unable to run iOS 18 are considered obsolete due to their lack of app support and not getting security updates.
This includes iPhone X and all earlier models.
While the iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR are received the iOS 18 update, they are likely to lose support with the release of iOS 19 in 2025.
If you are considering buying a refurbished phone, we suggest upgrading to at least the iPhone 11.
Best Refurbished iPhone for Most People
If you're someone who wants a reliable phone that does everything well, the iPhone 13 is a great fit. For most people, it strikes the perfect balance between performance, camera quality, and value.It’s a highly capable phone that does everything a typical user needs -- from multitasking to gaming -- without breaking a sweat. Equipped with the A15 Bionic chip, the iPhone 13 ensures smooth performance for daily tasks and resource-heavy apps.
The 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display delivers crisp visuals when browsing and streaming, while the 12-megapixel dual-camera system captures high-quality photos and videos.
With 5G connectivity and a battery that easily lasts through the day, the iPhone 13 is future-proof and ready to serve for years to come.
Best refurbished iPhone for Photos
If stunning photos and high-definition videos are a top priority, any of the “Pro” models are your best bet.
Within this category, a refurbished iPhone 13 Pro is a standout. This phone is designed for users who want a high-performance camera that can produce professional-grade photos and videos.
For comparison, we took the same shot of the CN tower from our office with 3x zoom on an iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro.
Best Compact refurbished iPhone
For users who prefer a compact phone without sacrificing performance, the iPhone SE 3rd Gen is an excellent choice. Its smaller size, featuring a 4.7-inch Retina HD display, makes it ideal for those who want a pocket-friendly device that’s easy to handle.
Powered by the A15 Bionic chip (the same chip as the iPhone 13) it provides impressive speed for everything from gaming to productivity apps.
The SE 3rd Gen has a 12-megapixel rear camera for detailed photographs and supports 4K video recording at 60 frames per second, offering impressive video quality for its price range.
The SE also supports 4K video recording and 5G connectivity, making it future-proof and packed with great features in a small package.
Most Affordable Big-Screen Refurbished iPhone
The iPhone XS Max is an outstanding choice for users wanting a big-screen experience without the big price tag.
With its 6.5-inch Super Retina OLED display featuring a resolution of 2688 x 1242, the XS Max offers clear visuals that are perfect for watching movies, browsing, reading documents, or gaming.
In fact, its screen size is only slightly smaller than the 6.9-inch display of the latest iPhone 16 Pro, making it a great value for media consumption.
Powered by the A12 Bionic chip, this device delivers reliable performance for everyday tasks. The 3,174 mAh battery supports extended usage, so you won’t have to worry about running out of power during your day.
Additionally, the dual 12MP rear cameras allow you to take advantage of features like Portrait Mode, Smart HDR, and 4K video recording.
Despite being an older model, the iPhone XS Max remains a strong contender for anyone who prefers a larger display.
However, for those looking for a phone with iOS 18, the iPhone 13 Pro Max is a more future-proof option, offering a similar screen size along with improved features and capabilities.
Best Budget refurbished iPhone
For those on a budget but don’t want to sacrifice too much on performance, the iPhone SE 2nd Gen is the way to go.
Released in 2020, this model is ideal for users who need a reliable phone for everyday tasks like browsing, texting, video calling, and social media, but don't need all the bells and whistles of more expensive models.
With a 4.7-inch Retina HD display, 12MP rear camera, and a home button, it delivers a familiar and comfortable user experience in a compact form.
It’s great for students on a budget, first-time iPhone buyers, or anyone who wants an affordable phone that still receives software updates and security patches.
We expect that it will continue to receive software updates two more years, ensuring you stay up-to-date with the latest features and security.
Available for under $200, this phone is our top budget-friendly option in our lineup.
Best Entry-Level refurbished iPhone
The iPhone 11 is the best entry-level option in 2024 for users looking for solid performance at a more accessible price point.
As the oldest iPhone expected to receive iOS updates for at least two years, it remains a durable and reliable choice for users who want a good balance of performance and affordability.This phone is ideal for those who need a dependable device for tasks like streaming, taking photos, or browsing the web, without needing the cutting-edge features found in the latest models.
Powered by the A13 Bionic chip, the iPhone 11 provides a smooth user experience for everyday tasks, while the 6.1-inch Liquid Retina HD display delivers clear, sharp visuals.
Its dual 12MP rear cameras, featuring Ultra Wide and Wide lenses, allow you to capture great photos and videos in various lighting conditions.
Best refurbished iPhone For Seniors
For seniors, ease of use is essential. Many older users prefer simplicity and a phone that allows them to perform basic tasks like making calls, sending texts, and using apps without confusion.
The iPhone SE 3rd Gen is an excellent choice because it still has a home button, which remains the most user-friendly navigation (vs the swipe-based navigation on models which lack home buttons).
This navigation makes it easier for unfamiliar users to return to the ‘safety’ of the home screen, unlock the phone, and feel comfortable with navigating the phone in general.
Its 4.7-inch Retina HD display is compact yet easy to read, and its A15 Bionic chip ensures smooth performance for tasks like video calls, web browsing, and even health-tracking apps.
With its small size, it’s also easy to handle and won’t feel bulky in pockets or purses.
Looking to buy a refurbished iPhone in Canada?
Orchard is Canada’s largest and most trusted seller of refurbished iPhones. We guarantee quality through comprehensive testing to ensure every device works perfectly.
With our 90-day, no-questions-asked return policy and free shipping, you can buy with complete confidence. Our 5-star customer service team is also standing by to help with any issues that you may encounter.
Orchard combines affordability with quality, ensuring that each refurbished iPhone meets high standards and gives you the best value without compromising on reliability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do You Need a 5G iPhone?
Canada has a high-performance 4G network, which makes 5G a luxury rather than a necessity. That being said, a 5G-capable iPhone paired with a 5G plan can be useful for those who need the fastest speeds available.
How long do refurbished iPhones last?
If properly maintained and handled with care, a refurbished iPhone from a reliable seller can have a lifespan of 4-5 years or more.
Orchard’s testing process ensures all devices function like new, providing the same performance and reliability as a brand-new phone.Which iPhones Have Headphone Jacks?
Apple removed the headphone jack starting with the iPhone 7 series, so the last iPhone model to include a headphone jack was the iPhone 6S.Conclusion
Choosing a refurbished iPhone in 2024 is a smart way to get a premium device at a fraction of the cost.
Whether you need a budget-friendly model like the iPhone SE (2nd Gen) or a high-performance option like the iPhone 13, Orchard has you covered.
With a focus on quality, each device comes with a 90-day warranty for your peace of mind.
Buying refurbished not only saves you money but also contributes to a more sustainable future.
