Top 5 Refurbished iPhones for Students in the UK (2025 Guide)
Why Choose a Refurbished iPhone?
Before we jump into the list, here’s why buying a refurbished iPhone in the UK is a great option for students:
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Cost-effective: Save up to 50% compared to buying new.
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Eco-friendly: Reduce electronic waste and your carbon footprint.
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Reliable: Most refurbished iPhones are tested, certified, and come with warranties.
1. iPhone 13 – Best Overall Refurbished iPhone for Students
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Key Features: A15 Bionic chip, dual 12MP camera, 5G support
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Why It’s Great for Students: Fast, reliable, and excellent battery life for all-day use.
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Average Refurb Price in the UK: £420–£480
The iPhone 13 is ideal for students who want a powerful device without spending flagship prices. It’s future-proof and handles multitasking, video calls, and media streaming with ease.
2. iPhone SE (2022) – Best Budget iPhone for Students
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Key Features: A15 chip, compact 4.7” display, Touch ID
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Why It’s Great for Students: Affordable and powerful in a compact size.
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Average Refurb Price in the UK: £200–£260
The iPhone SE 3rd Gen is perfect if you want performance on a tight budget. With the same chip as the iPhone 13, it offers great speed without the premium price.
3. iPhone 12 – Best Value for Performance
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Key Features: A14 Bionic chip, 6.1” OLED display, 5G
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Why It’s Great for Students: Great display, strong battery, and 5G support.
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Average Refurb Price in the UK: £350–£420
If you want flagship performance at a student-friendly price, the refurbished iPhone 12 is a great pick. Ideal for streaming, studying, and snapping campus photos.
4. iPhone 11 – Best for Battery Life
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Key Features: A13 chip, dual cameras, long-lasting battery
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Why It’s Great for Students: Durable, colorful design with all-day battery life.
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Average Refurb Price in the UK: £250–£320
Still a top performer in 2025, the iPhone 11 remains one of the best refurbished iPhones for students who want dependable performance at a fair price.
5. iPhone XR – Most Affordable iPhone with Large Screen
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Key Features: A12 chip, 6.1” LCD screen, Face ID
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Why It’s Great for Students: Bigger screen for less money.
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Average Refurb Price in the UK: £180–£230
Need a bigger screen for lectures, videos, or note-taking apps? The iPhone XR is still a solid option for students who need size and speed on a shoestring budget.
