Best refurbished iPhone under €300 and under €500 (September 2026)
Under €300 the iPhone 12 is the smartest buy, under €500 the iPhone 15. Per budget we explain why, what you give up and which models to skip.
Door The Phone Shopper
Gepubliceerd: 2026-09-08
The question we hear most: "I have 300 (or 500) euros, which iPhone should I get?" Here is our honest answer per budget, based on what is in our shop in September 2026 and what we see every day in the workshop. Every phone mentioned is refurbished with a 50-point check, at least 85% battery and a 2-year warranty. Prices are current from-prices; the model pages show the live status.
In short: under €300, buy an iPhone 12 (from €232). Under €500, buy an iPhone 15 (from €434), or an iPhone 14 (from €314) if you would rather keep €120 for a case and a new battery.
Under €300: iPhone 12
Why: OLED display, 5G, MagSafe and the A14 chip that still runs iOS 26 smoothly. For €232 to €300 you get a phone that still looks modern and on which every banking and government app just works. The 12 mini (from €187) is the same phone in small, for one-handed typing.
What you give up: the battery was not large even at launch. Pick the new battery when ordering and that is solved. Lightning instead of USB-C. And expect the 12 to be among the first models to stop getting new iOS versions.
Also in this budget: iPhone 13 mini (from €279) if you want small with a better battery than the 12 mini. iPhone SE (2022) (from €189) only if you insist on a home button; the 4.7-inch screen is genuinely small in 2026.
Better to skip: iPhone 11 and XR. They are cheap, but the XR no longer gets new iOS versions and the 11 is next in line. For €50 more you buy years.
Under €500: iPhone 15
Why: the iPhone 15 (from €434) is the first iPhone with USB-C and the Dynamic Island, has a 48-megapixel camera and the A16 chip. It will get updates for years. It is the phone we sell most, and the one that comes back for repair least.
The alternative: the iPhone 14 from €314. Same size, slightly older chip and camera, still Lightning. The gap with the 15 is about €120. If you want to stay under €350 or still have Lightning cables, the 14 is a fine buy.
A Pro for this money? The 14 Pro regularly dips under €500 and gives you the 120Hz screen and the telephoto lens. Note: at 206 grams the 14 Pro is a lot heavier than the 15 (171 grams). The 15 Pro starts around €529 and just misses this budget.
Overview per budget
| Budget | Best buy | From | Alternative | Skip |
|---|
| Up to €200 | iPhone 12 mini | €187 | iPhone SE (2022) €189 | iPhone 11, XR, 8 |
| Up to €300 | iPhone 12 | €232 | iPhone 13 mini €279 | iPhone 11 Pro |
| Up to €400 | iPhone 14 | €314 | iPhone 13 €307 | iPhone 12 Pro (too little gain over the 12) |
| Up to €500 | iPhone 15 | €434 | iPhone 14 Plus €399, 14 Pro around €499 | iPhone 13 Pro Max (heavy, old chip) |
Where the money really goes
- Condition: "Lightly used" is usually €20 to €40 cheaper than "As new", technically identical. With a case on, you will not see the difference.
- Storage: 128GB is enough for most people. 256GB costs €40 to €60 extra.
- Battery: a new battery at ordering costs less than a later replacement and turns a 12 or 13 back into a phone for years.
Frequently asked questions
Is a €232 refurbished iPhone reliable?
Yes. Every device goes through the same 50-point check as a 17 Pro and gets the same 2-year warranty. The price reflects the age of the model, not its condition.
Can I pay in instalments?
Yes, via Klarna without surcharge. See pay in instalments.
What if the price is different tomorrow?
From-prices move with purchasing. The model pages always show the current price and stock; this article shows the proportions.
Still unsure about size? Read every iPhone size at a glance. To see how long your pick keeps getting updates: iOS updates per model.
Refurbished iPhones, Samsung and iPads
Save up to 50% on a refurbished iPhone. Every device goes through our 50-point inspection and comes with a 2-year warranty.
Our services
Why The Phone Shopper?
- 2-year warranty on all refurbished phones
- 30 days to change your mind on devices and accessories (spare parts: 14 days) and free returns
- Free shipping within the Netherlands from €50 (accessories and parts) or €150 (phones)
- Professional 50-point inspection
- Pay securely with iDEAL, credit card, Bancontact, Apple Pay and Klarna
- Customer service available on working days, 10:00 - 18:00
Device condition
Every refurbished phone is sold in one of four conditions:
- New — Unused, in original packaging
- As good as new — No visible signs of use
- Lightly used — Minimal signs of use
- Used — Visible signs of use, technically fully sound
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