Phone deals are plentiful nearly year-round, and that's especially true around the holidays. Retailers and carriers are offering big discounts on top-rated iPhones and Androids right now. But even with these discounts, the latest models can still be pricey.
For those on a tighter budget, shopping refurbished is one of the best ways to get a great device without totally blowing the budget. Back Market is one of our favorite and most trusted sites to buy and sell used tech, and it's even offering an extra 10% off select models for the holidays.
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Now, there are a few things you should know when it comes to shopping for used phones. The most important of which is recognizing the difference between an unlocked phone, which can be activated at any carrier, and a locked "model" that is tied to a specific provider like AT&T or Verizon.
Back Market also inspects and guarantees that each device is 100% functional, but they will probably show some signs of wear and tear. Refurbs are graded between "fair" and "premium" depending on their condition.
If you can live with some dings and scrapes, there are some serious bargains available right now. The Galaxy S25 is Samsung's latest flagship phone and lists for $799 new, but at just $403 this refurbished AT&T model is nearly half the price. For Apple users, this previous-gen iPhone 15 Pro is still a great value at $663. It's an unlocked model, and this offer saves you over $400 compared to shopping new. You can even grab some truly budget-friendly models like an AT&T-locked Motorola Moto G Play, which is available for just $46.
MOBILE DEALS OF THE WEEK
- $749 (save $250)
- $298 (save $102)
- $241 (save $310)
- $499 (save $300)
Why these deals matter
Shopping refurbished models is one of the easiest ways to snag a great phone on a budget, and Back Market is one of the few vendors we trust. Plus, it's offering a 10% holiday price cut on select models, which means they're an even better value right now.
Back Market also carries phones from just about every major brand, with options for just about every budget. That means you're pretty much guaranteed to find a good bargain no matter what model you're looking for or how much you're looking to spend.



