Buying the latest iPhone isn’t necessarily the best choice.
In 2026, several generations of iPhone still offer excellent performance, great cameras, and several years of use ahead of them. By choosing a refurbished device, you can get an iPhone that truly meets your needs while saving money compared to buying a new model.
But between the iPhone 12, 13, 14, 15, and newer models, which one should you choose?
Top notch’s verdict: for most buyers, the iPhone 13 is still an excellent starting point in 2026. The iPhone 14 becomes attractive when offered at a price close to the 13, while the iPhone 15 is particularly appealing to those who want to switch to USB-C and keep their device longer. For a tighter budget, the iPhone 12 remains an option worth considering.
However, the best choice depends much more on your budget and how you use your phone than on the number after “iPhone.”
Comparing the 12, 13 and 14 generations? See our refurbished iPhone 12 vs 13 vs 14 comparison.
Which Refurbished iPhone Should You Choose in 2026?
| Model | We recommend it for | Main advantage | Top notch verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 12 | Small budgets | Affordable price | 💰 Budget-friendly choice |
| iPhone 13 | Most users | Excellent balance | 🏆 Best value for money |
| iPhone 14 | Those who want a newer model | Evolution of the 13 | ⚖️ Choose based on the price difference |
| iPhone 15 | Longer-term use | USB-C and a newer device | ⭐ Excellent choice |
| iPhone 15 Pro and newer compatible models | Advanced users | Superior features and performance | 🚀 Premium choice |
Our advice: don’t choose based on the generation alone. Always compare the price, storage capacity, device condition, and warranty.
A refurbished iPhone 13 in excellent condition may be a better buy than a much more expensive iPhone 14 if the 14’s improvements don’t change your daily use.
1. Refurbished iPhone 13: our best value-for-money choice
If we had to recommend just one model to most people, the iPhone 13 would be one of our top choices in 2026.
Why?
It still has everything most users really need: a 6.1-inch OLED screen, 5G, MagSafe, an A15 Bionic chip, and a dual-camera system.
More importantly, it remains compatible with iOS 26 in 2026.
The iPhone 13 is particularly appealing if you:
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use your phone for social media, photos, videos, and browsing;
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want a fast iPhone without paying for the latest generations;
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are looking for a good balance between price and longevity;
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are replacing an iPhone X, XR, 11, or an even older model.
Top notch verdict
For most refurbished buyers, start your comparison with the iPhone 13.
Then, look at the price difference with the iPhone 14 and iPhone 15.
This difference—more than the model number—should influence your decision.
2. Refurbished iPhone 12: the best choice for saving money?
The iPhone 12 can still be an excellent entry point into the Apple ecosystem.
It features a 6.1-inch OLED screen, 5G, and MagSafe, while generally being available at a lower price than newer generations.
It is also still compatible with iOS 26 in 2026.
Its main compromise is simply its age.
If your top priority is to reduce the purchase price, it is worth considering. But if the price difference with an iPhone 13 is relatively small, we would generally recommend the 13.
Top notch verdict
Choose the iPhone 12 when price is your priority. Choose the 13 instead when your budget allows you to go up one generation without making a major financial compromise.
3. Refurbished iPhone 14: better than the iPhone 13?
Yes, the iPhone 14 is newer.
But that doesn’t automatically mean it offers better value for money.
Both generations feature an A15 Bionic chip and retain several similar features.
That is why we recommend looking at the actual price difference between the two devices at the time of purchase.
If a refurbished iPhone 14 costs only slightly more than a comparable iPhone 13, the newer model becomes very attractive.
If the difference is significant, the iPhone 13 may be a better use of your budget.
Top notch verdict
Between the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14, compare the price before comparing the model number.
This is exactly the kind of situation where buying refurbished becomes appealing: prices for different generations can create deals that you may not find with new models.
4. Refurbished iPhone 15: our choice for keeping it longer
The iPhone 15 represents a more significant evolution.
It introduces USB-C to the iPhone, features the A16 Bionic chip, and has a 48-megapixel main camera.
For someone planning to keep their next phone for several years, the iPhone 15 may justify a higher budget.
Switching to USB-C is particularly convenient if your other devices already use this connector.
The iPhone 15 is appealing if you:
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normally keep your phones for several years;
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want USB-C;
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place more importance on the camera;
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want a newer device without necessarily buying the very latest generation.
Top notch verdict
If your budget allows and you plan to keep your phone for a long time, the iPhone 15 is one of the most appealing refurbished models to consider.
5. What if I want Apple Intelligence?
This is where you need to be careful.
Not all relatively recent iPhones necessarily support the same Apple Intelligence features.
If these features are important to you, check the exact compatibility of the model before buying rather than simply choosing the newest iPhone within your budget.
This can make a Pro model or a newer generation a better investment depending on how you use it.
Which iPhone to choose based on your profile?
I want to pay as little as possible
👉 Look at the iPhone 12 first.
Then compare its price with that of the 13. A small extra cost to upgrade to the 13 can sometimes be worth it.
I want the best value for money
👉 iPhone 13.
This is our starting point for most users.
I’m torn between the iPhone 13 and 14
👉 Let the price decide.
If both devices are in comparable condition and have similar storage capacity and the price difference is small, go with the 14. If the difference becomes significant, the 13 remains highly appealing.
I want to keep my phone for several years
👉 Look at the iPhone 15 and newer generations.
You’ll pay more today, but you’ll get a newer device.
I want the most advanced features
👉 Compare the Pro models and newer generations.
You’ll pay more, but the improvements become more relevant for photos, videos, performance, and certain artificial intelligence features.
Is an iPhone 13 still worth it in 2026?
Yes, for many users.
The iPhone 13 is still compatible with iOS 26 and has more than enough power for everyday tasks such as web browsing, social media, photos, videos, banking apps, and streaming.
The real question, therefore, is not:
“Is the iPhone 13 too old?”
But rather:
“How much does it cost compared to a comparable iPhone 14 or 15?”
This comparison helps determine the best buy.
Is a refurbished iPhone worth it?
A refurbished phone can be particularly appealing when you want a better device without spending your entire budget on a new phone.
But not all devices sold as “refurbished” are necessarily equal.
Before buying, check the following in particular:
1. The battery
Find out what criteria the seller uses to assess the battery.
2. The tests performed
A refurbished device should have been inspected and tested before being resold.
3. The cosmetic grade
A cosmetic difference does not necessarily mean a performance difference. Understand what each grade means before paying more.
4. The warranty
Check its duration and, above all, what it actually covers.
5. The return policy
You need to know what to do if the device does not meet your expectations.
At Top notch, our goal is not simply to put phones back into circulation. We want you to know exactly what you are buying and why you are buying it.
Should you buy the newest iPhone?
Not necessarily.
For someone who mainly uses their phone for Messenger, Instagram, TikTok, Spotify, YouTube, email, and a few photos, the difference between two generations may be much less important than the price difference.
Conversely, someone who creates a lot of content, keeps their phone for several years, or wants certain advanced features may benefit from investing in a newer generation.
The best iPhone, therefore, is not the newest. It is the one that meets your needs at the best price.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best refurbished iPhone in 2026?
For most users, the iPhone 13 remains an excellent starting point thanks to its balance of performance, features, and price on the refurbished market. However, the best choice may change depending on the prices available at the time of purchase.
Which refurbished iPhone should you choose on a small budget?
The iPhone 12 is worth considering. However, we recommend comparing its price with that of the iPhone 13 before making a decision.
Is the iPhone 12 still compatible with updates?
Yes. The iPhone 12 is compatible with iOS 26 in 2026, as are the iPhone 11 and other eligible newer generations.
Is the iPhone 13 still worth it?
Yes. It remains capable for the vast majority of everyday uses and is still compatible with iOS 26.
iPhone 13 or iPhone 14: which one should you choose?
If the price difference is small, the iPhone 14 may be attractive. If the 13 is significantly cheaper, it may offer better value for money.
Why buy a refurbished iPhone?
Primarily to get a device that meets your needs at a more affordable price while extending the useful life of an existing phone.
Find the iPhone that is right for you
You don’t need the most expensive phone.
You need the right phone for your budget and how you use it.
Compare the refurbished iPhones available at Top notch and choose the model, storage capacity, and condition that are right for you.