If you’re looking for a thoughtful yet budget-friendly tech gift this Christmas, why not a refurbished phone? They make great gifts and are a cost-effective way to treat someone to the latest technology at a fraction of the original cost.
Refurbished phones aren’t the same as second-hand devices. They undergo comprehensive testing and quality checks to ensure they are fully functional and running optimally. In most cases, reputable sellers also provide a warranty and quality guarantee, like buying a new device.
So, if you’re still thinking about Christmas gift ideas in the lead-up to the holiday, consider a refurbished phone. Refurbished phones aren’t only for older models, despite the rumours. It’s possible to find refurbished versions of even the latest models, like the iPhone 16, soon after launch.
Whether you’re looking for an Android device or trying to decide which iPhone model would be best, we’ve rounded up the best-refurbished phones to give you some Christmas gift ideas.
If you’re an eco-conscious shopper, buying refurbished phones is also better for the environment. Refurbished phones reduce electronic waste, reduce the demand for manufacturing new phones, and lower greenhouse gas emissions. So, save Christmas, Santa, and the North Pole this year with sustainable shopping!
The Best Refurbished Phones To Give As Christmas Gifts
Below is a guide to the best-refurbished phones for Christmas gift ideas. We’ve outlined various iPhone and Android models to cover both ecosystems. These picks combine performance, affordability, and design.
iPhone SE (2022)
If you’re looking for a phone in the Apple ecosystem but you’re on a budget, the iPhone SE (2022 Edition) is perfect. It’d make a great Christmas gift for a younger sibling or a child’s first phone.
The iPhone SE comes in various colours: Red, Starlight, and Moonlight. Three different storage capacity versions are available: 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB. It features a 4.7-inch (diagonal) LCD screen.
The phone is powered by Apple’s A15 Bionic chip and 4GB RAM, which is still powerful enough to power the latest games, like Zenless Zone Zero and Honkai Star Rail. The phone also has plenty of third-party support when it comes to accessories, like cases and screen protectors.
The iPhone SE is also still receiving manufacturer support and can be upgraded to the latest version of iOS. At the time of writing, it’s expected that the iPhone SE will continue to receive support for a few more years.
iPhone 15
If you have a bigger budget and are still looking for a device in the Apple ecosystem, the iPhone 15 is perfect. It’s a big improvement over the iPhone SE (2022), from the performance to the camera and larger screen size.
The iPhone 15 features the A16 Bionic chip, which is the successor to the A15. It’s able to comfortably run intensive games and apps and handles multitasking without any issues. If you’re wanting more performance, the iPhone 15 Pro model has an A17 Pro chip.
The iPhone 15 is available in five colours: pink, yellow, green, blue, and black. As a mainline flagship phone, it is well-supported by third-party companies when it comes to accessories.
While the base model of the iPhone 15 doesn’t support Apple’s artificial intelligence features, the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max do. So, if you want to give the gift of Apple Intelligence this Christmas, you can find the Pro models available refurbished.
Galaxy S23
The previous generation of Samsung’s flagship phone, the Galaxy S23, is a great choice if you want a refurbished Android device. There is a consistent supply of the Galaxy S23, as people are upgrading to the recently released S24 phone.
The base model Galaxy S23 still features some of the best performance and camera lenses available in the Android ecosystem. In Australia, the phone is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. This chipset can easily handle intensive apps, multitasking, and heavy gaming.
The chipset also makes the exclusive Samsung feature, DeX, feel like you’re using an actual desktop. The S23 features 50.0 MP + 10.0 MP + 12.0 MP rear lenses. The phone is capable of recording UHD 8K (7680 x 4320)@30FPS and supports various features, like autofocus and stabilisation.
If you have a bit more money to spend, the other models in the S23 line of phones—the S23+ and the S23 Ultra—are worth looking at. If you’re on a tight budget, the S23 FE and the S24 FE are worth considering.
Google Pixel 8A
The Pixel 8A is Google’s latest budget entry into its flagship phone line. The device is already a fraction of the cost of the powerhouse Pixel 8 phone while offering the same performance. Buying the phone brand new is already a good deal—getting it refurbished is a steal.
The Pixel 8A is powered by Google’s Tensor G3 chip, which is only beaten in power by the Tensor G4 chips available in the latest Pixel 9 models. The Tensor G3 can easily handle any intensive task, making it the perfect entertainment device for streaming or playing heavy 3D games.
The Pixel 8A has received rave reviews for its camera and lens setup. Multiple reviewers have featured the phone on their best smartphone camera list for 2024. Not only is the Pixel 8A camera great as a budget choice, but it’s also one of the best options in the smartphone industry overall.
Why Refurbished Phones Make A Great Gift
It’s getting harder to keep up with the latest technology when smartphones update annually and get more expensive. So, a refurbished phone is a great gift if you want to give someone an upgrade and access to the latest features without breaking the bank.
Buying refurbished is also better for the environment than buying brand new. By buying refurbished, you’re participating in a circular economy and sustainability. This helps reduce electronic waste, reduce the demand for new phones, and promote reusing products.
Buying refurbished is also a great option as a gift for a younger sibling or children as a first phone. The money you save by buying refurbished could also be put towards accessories for the device, like cases and power banks or buying apps/games.
Buy Refurbished Phones at OzMobiles
With the holiday season right around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about what refurbished phones you’ll buy! Whether you’re looking to treat yourself or gift a phone to a younger sibling or child, refurbished phones are cost-effective and great value for money. Here at OzMobiles, we stock a wide range of refurbished smartphones.
Our range of refurbished devices also includes the latest Samsung Galaxy and iPhone devices. If you manage to find a better deal elsewhere, we’ll beat it by $10 (terms and conditions apply). All the phones we sell also come with a free 12-month warranty and a 30-day risk-free return policy if you have any concerns or have a change of heart.
Every device we sell at OzMobiles undergoes a meticulous refurbishment process at our Melbourne headquarters. A qualified professional reviews the device to ensure it is fully functional and running optimally. The difference in condition grading for our phones is purely aesthetic.
We also stock a range of other products, like smartphone accessories and smartwatches—so you can do all your Christmas shopping in one place! Contact us today if you have any questions about our phones or need help finding the perfect device for yourself or a loved one.
