Still fast, still supported, still gorgeous. No wonder the iPhone 13 is one of our best selling phones! Buy a refurbished iPhone 13 SIM-free with 85%+ battery, 12-month warranty, 45-day returns and free UK delivery.
At a glance
The refurbished iPhone 13 is our best-selling iPhone, and it's easy to see why. It gives you Apple's 2021 flagship at a lower price, fully tested and ready to use. You get a fast A15 Bionic chip, a dual camera with sensor-shift stabilisation, strong all-day battery life and iOS 26 support, all for less than £300.
It suits first-time iPhone buyers, students, budget-conscious upgraders, and anyone who wants a reliable everyday phone without paying for Pro features. Unless you want AI or advanced safety features, the iPhone 13 does everything you need.
If you are comparing iPhone 13 deals, the main difference is testing and aftercare. A professionally refurbished iPhone from The Big Phone Store gives you clear grading, battery checks, warranty cover and support after purchase.
Best for: Everyday use, students, budget-conscious upgraders
Performance: A15 Bionic Chip - fast and smooth for most apps
Camera: Dual camera with stabilisation and automatic focus
Battery: Up to 19 hours of video, lasts all day
Software: iOS 26 supported, still receiving updates
Consider newer models if: you want Apple Intelligence or advanced safety features
The iPhone 13 was announced on 14 September 2021 at Apple's "California Streaming" event and went on sale on 24 September 2021. Apple sold it around five main ideas: better cameras, longer battery life, faster performance, brighter screens, and more storage as standard.
Counterpoint, a global technology research firm, later reported that the iPhone 13 was the best-selling smartphone in the world in 2022, accounting for around 5% of global smartphone sales and 28% of all iPhone sales that year.
The device was incredibly popular at launch. AppleInsider even reported that a stampeding crowd in China entered a shopping centre to buy the iPhone 13, forcing the store to stop selling the model and turn customers away! The reaction was especially impressive considering that this was during the pandemic, so the launch was expected to be much quieter and less busy than previous releases.
Despite this excitement, the iPhone 13 was not marketed as a complete redesign. It looked very similar to the iPhone 12, but Apple made it a "quietly better at everything" upgrade. Refurbished, it’s just as popular today as it was at launch, being our #1 best-selling phone this year.
Based on what customers actually bought over the last 6 months.
Apple iPhone 13 — out of 168 models sold
Best-selling Apple phone #1 of 38 Apple phones we sellPositions are based on our own store order data, not the wider market.
How The iPhone 13 Compares
The iPhone 13 kept the familiar look, but improved the things people notice most: camera quality, battery life, screen brightness, speed and storage.
Feature | Technical Upgrade | What You Notice Day to Day |
|---|---|---|
Main camera | Still 12MP, but with a larger Wide sensor and bigger pixels. Captures 47% more light. | Brighter, clearer photos indoors and at night. Better results in everyday lighting. |
Image stabilisation | Sensor-shift stabilisation added to the main camera. | Sharper photos and steadier video when your hand moves. |
Video | New Cinematic mode with automatic focus shifts and background blur. | Videos look more film-like and polished with less effort. |
Battery life | Up to 2.5 hours longer battery life than iPhone 12. | Gets through the day more comfortably with less charging stress. |
Chip | A15 Bionic instead of A14 Bionic. | Faster feel, smoother apps and stronger long-term performance. |
Display brightness | Brighter OLED display, up to 800 nits typical brightness. | Easier to read outdoors and in bright sunlight. |
Storage | Starts at 128GB instead of 64GB. | More room for photos, apps, videos and downloads as standard. |
Notch and design | Smaller notch and diagonal rear camera layout. | A slightly cleaner look with a more recognisable updated design. |
Camera Note: The iPhone 13 did not increase rear camera megapixels over the iPhone 12. Both are 12MP. The improvement came from a larger sensor, better stabilisation and smarter image processing.
The Big Phone Store Team Summary: Compared with the iPhone 12, the iPhone 13 gives you better battery life, better low-light photos, a brighter screen, more storage and a faster chip, all while keeping the same familiar iPhone experience.
I've seen people use an iPhone 13 side by side with a current model and genuinely struggle to tell the difference in day to day use. At refurbished prices, it's one of the most sensible technology purchases you can make right now.
The iPhone 13 gives you the main things people actually notice day to day: better battery life than the iPhone 12, stronger low-light photos, smoother performance and more storage as standard. No wonder it's our best-selling device. Sometimes, you just need a phone that does everything it’s meant to do, without all the expensive (and often unnecessary) added extras. The iPhone 13 is exactly that.
Who Should Buy The iPhone 13?
The iPhone 13 is one we recommend to most people. It suits first-time iPhone buyers, students, parents buying for a teenager, workers who want a reliable everyday phone, and anyone upgrading from an iPhone 11 or older. If you take a lot of photos, use your phone for social media and streaming, or just want something that handles daily life without any fuss, the 13 delivers all of that. At refurbished prices under £300, it's hard to find better value in the Apple range.
Who Should Avoid The iPhone 13?
Skip the iPhone 13 if you want Apple Intelligence (AI), a more advanced camera, or a smoother 120Hz display. Newer models will give you those. It's also not the right pick if you plan to keep your phone for five or more years and want the longest possible software support; a newer model will last longer. Anyone who shoots a lot of video professionally will also find the lack of ProRes limiting.
— James Taylor, Content Growth Architect at The Big Phone Store
Find a cheap iPhone 13 deal across our grades, colours and storage options.
Grades: Like New, Pristine, Very Good, Good
Colours: Midnight, Starlight, Blue, Pink, Green, Product Red
Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB
Every device we sell at The Big Phone Store is fully working. The grade describes cosmetic condition only, and all devices go through a 90+ point check before dispatch.
Like New is the cleanest cosmetic option and includes 100% guaranteed battery health. Choose it if you want the best condition available.
Pristine has very light signs of use and suits buyers who want a cleaner-looking phone for less.
Very Good may show light marks, but still gives you full iPhone 13 performance.
Good shows more visible wear and is best if you want the lowest price on a fully working modern iPhone.
The iPhone 13 tends to show wear on the aluminium frame edges and Lightning port most. If you are putting a case on it (which most people do) the marks on a Very Good or Good grade phone may be hidden. Pick a Good or Very Good grade and you can get an iPhone 13 for cheap with no difference in everyday use.
Feature | Technical Details | Why it Matters |
|---|---|---|
Screen | 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED, 2532x1170-pixel resolution at 460 ppi | The OLED panel gives you true blacks and strong contrast for a premium viewing experience. Whether you’re viewing photos and videos or reading a blog, the screen stays sharp and clear. |
Camera | 12MP dual camera (12MP wide + 12MP ultrawide) | The main and ultrawide lenses make it easy to grab quick photos of people, places and events, even at night. Most shots come out sharp and bright enough to share without editing. |
Battery Life | Up to 19 hours video playback (Apple rating), minimum 85% health on all our devices | This battery lasts most people a full day without needing to charge. Choose Like New for 100% guaranteed battery health if you are a heavy user. |
iOS | Supports iOS 26 (the most recent iOS as of July 2026) | Apple's history suggests that the iPhone 13 will be supported for a few more years. This is a phone that will continue to offer the best and newest iPhone features. |
Dimensions | 146.7 × 71.5 × 7.65mm, 174g | A comfortable one-hand size for most people. Lighter than many Android phones in the same price range. |
Every iPhone 13 from The Big Phone Store comes with at least 85% battery health, well above Apple’s 80% replacement threshold. Like New devices have 100% battery health guaranteed, and you can purchase a brand new battery for any phone at checkout.
Try the iPhone 13 Mini for a smaller size.
Try the iPhone 13 Pro for a more powerful phone.
Try the iPhone 13 Pro Max for a larger, more powerful phone with longer battery life.
If you have a higher budget and want to upgrade, consider the iPhone 14.
Camera
The iPhone 13 takes clear photos in everyday conditions, especially indoors, at night or when the lighting is not perfect. Apple sold it as the iPhone for people who wanted their phone to last longer, take better photos in real life, shoot nicer videos, and feel faster without needing to learn anything new. These features make it a popular choice among our customers, especially those who value snapping pictures of their family and friends.
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If you're still undecided, we have dozens of other iPhone models available. See our range or get in contact!
The camera is the iPhone 13's standout feature and the thing customers are most likely to rely on. It's also one of the most common fault areas we see on older iPhones; focus issues, lens damage and camera module failures can all be invisible until you try to take a photo. So we don't just check that the camera app opens. We shoot actual test images on every device to confirm focus, colour accuracy and sharpness.
We use a trusted diagnostics platform called Phonecheck to perform 90+ checks on every device.
85%+ battery health confirmed and Lightning charging tested
Display brightness, colour and full-screen touch response
Face ID — tested, not assumed
Front camera and video
Speakers, microphone and haptic feedback
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and mobile signal
All buttons, sensors and MagSafe response
IMEI and network history check via CheckMEND
Previous owner’s data fully erased
iCloud and other account locks removed
Lost, stolen and blacklist status checked
Only devices that pass every required check are approved for sale. If a device doesn’t meet our standards, it won’t be sold. Each reconditioned iPhone 13 is tested, cleaned and graded before dispatch.
From years of working with used phones, we know that problems often start before the phone reaches you. There is a big difference between a second-hand iPhone 13 and a refurbished one, but in both cases it's important to be careful. The main issues are weak battery health, unclear grading, hidden faults, poor replacement parts, blocked phones and sellers listing stock they do not actually have.
When looking to buy a refurbished or used iPhone 13, watch out for:
Risk to Watch Out For | The Issue | What it Means for You |
|---|---|---|
Non-UK or imported models | Some phones may not be intended for the UK market. | You'll pay marginally less upfront, however the phone may sell for as little as 10-20% of its original value later on. Whilst you'll make a small saving to start with, you'll take a huge hit when it's time to dispose of the device, because imported devices are seen as a risk for buyers. |
Phones that are not actually in stock | Some sellers list phones before they physically have them ready to send. | Your phone is your lifeline, and we understand this well. Do you really want to purchase from a company who has a reputation of taking your money and then making you wait for weeks, or in some cases months for your device? |
Weak battery health | A phone can look clean but still have a worn battery. | Many of our competitors don't even mention battery life, and the battery you get is left up to chance. Who wants to spend good money on a device that only turns on for a few hours? Our minimum battery health is 85%, and you can upgrade to 100% at checkout for much cheaper than a high-street battery replacement would cost. |
Hidden faults | Camera, Face ID, sensors or charging port issues may not show in photos. | Many sellers cut costs by not testing your device properly, or in some cases not at all. We believe that every customer deserves a fully functional device from day one, which is why our return rate is one of the lowest in the industry. |
Poor-quality replacement parts | Cheap screens, batteries or camera parts can affect how the phone feels and performs. | Mobile phones are precisely built and sensitive devices. Some sellers use cheap phone parts that are more likely to break or become faulty. We use genuine Apple parts in 95% of the iPhones we repair. On the rare occasion that third-party parts are used, these will be of the highest quality possible, and only for screens and batteries. See our quality charter. |
Blocked, locked or finance-flagged phones | Risky sellers may list phones that later turn out to be blocked, iCloud locked, finance-flagged or not fully reset. | What might seem like a good deal initially could cost you further down the line when the phone is blacklisted from use. We check that your phone hasn't been reported stolen, isn't on the police register, doesn't belong to another company, isn't hacked, and doesn't have any viruses. |
Weak aftercare | Some sellers offer limited support once the phone has been delivered. | If something goes wrong and you need quick support, you may be stuck talking to an AI chatbot. In some cases, the customer support team may live in a different timezone and can't help you when you need it most. Our award-winning team is here to help you by phone, WhatsApp, email and more. |
The Big Phone Store has been refurbishing phones since 1999, and every device is tested, graded and shipped from our UK operation. The reason customers come back is simple: real stock, clear grading, minimum 85% battery health and UK support from people you can actually speak to.
If you're looking for an iPhone 13 refurbished in the UK, here’s why you should choose us:
What Matters | How We Help | Why it Matters to You |
|---|---|---|
Experience | Refurbished electronics specialist since 1999 | No one has more expertise in this industry than us. We’ve been refurbishing phones since before the iPhone existed. |
Trust | A 4.80 Trustpilot rating with over 5000 reviews | We have 86,593 reviews across all platforms. You can become one of our many satisfied customers today. |
Security | Devices are data-wiped, network status and device history are checked for blacklisting, theft, loss or outstanding finance (using CheckMEND) | Our checks help protect you from blocked, stolen or finance-flagged phones. Unlike with unverified sellers, there’s no risk of being scammed or ripped off. |
Quality | 90+ point quality check | We refuse to sell devices that don't work the same as if they were new. Your device is ready to go straight out of the box. |
Support | UK-based customer support | Get help from real people who won the Best Customer Service (Consumer) award at the MNA 2026, beating major brands such as EE. We actually pick up the phone; no confusion or waiting around. |
Stock | Website stock means actual stock | Unlike other sites, all devices on our website are in stock and ready to ship from our warehouse today. No false listings or seller delays. |
Device Quality | Every part of the process is done in-house | We have full control over the refurbishment process. Unlike others who outsource their process, we confirm the quality of the devices ourselves, so you get a consistently good experience every time. |
Every Apple iPhone 13 refurbished at The Big Phone Store includes a 12-month warranty as standard, which you can upgrade to 2 years, 5 years, or lifetime. You also get free UK delivery for any order over £30 and a 45-day returns process.
We value the opinions of all of our customers, and we're sure that you do too! If you're still unsure about buying the iPhone 13 you want, take a look at the reviews our customers have left for us.
I’ve had the phone for a month now, and through at least two heatwaves, and it’s still performing well. Still impressed with how quickly it arrived – earlier than estimated – and its condition – although classed as Good, the cosmetic ‘damage’ is minimal and easily covered by the case I bought, so it looks pristine. Would certainly recommend instead of buying new.
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The phone is in good condition and the battery is 100%! Very pleased.
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Fantastic phone , excellent service. No surprise as I have used the big phone store before and never been disappointed. Even better this time as it looks like a new battery has been installed.Superb company to deal with .
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Yes. Our refurbished iPhone 13 devices are SIM-free and unlocked for compatible UK networks.
No. A used phone is usually sold as-is by a private seller. A refurbished iPhone 13 is professionally tested, data-wiped, graded and sold with warranty cover.
Yes. It has a dual 12MP camera system with wide and ultra-wide lenses, making it good for everyday photos, group shots, landscapes, pets and 4K video.
Yes. The iPhone 13 supports 5G, so you can use faster mobile data where your UK network and coverage allow it.
You get at least 85% battery health as standard. Like New phones include 100% guaranteed battery health.
That depends on the grade. Like New and Pristine look cleaner, while Very Good and Good may show more signs of previous use. All grades are fully functional.
Yes. Every refurbished iPhone 13 includes a 12-month warranty as standard, with upgrade options where available.
Buy the refurbished iPhone 13 if you want a reliable 5G iPhone with strong speed, a sharp OLED display, good cameras and lower cost than newer iPhone 14, iPhone 15 or iPhone 16 models.
