iPhone 13 Refurbished

Buy a refurbished iPhone 13 SIM-free with 85%+ battery, 12-month warranty, 45-day returns and free UK delivery.

Learn about refurbished conditions
Overview

Buy a Refurbished iPhone 13 SIM-Free

The iPhone 13 is still a wonderful smartphone, it’s fast, reliable, and more than capable of keeping up with everything modern life demands of it. Apple's software support means it's still receiving the latest iOS updates and security patches, so you're not buying into something that's been left behind. Far from it.

What you're getting is a phone that's had a couple of years to prove itself, and it has, over and over again. A brilliant dual camera system that still turns out photos you'll be proud of, a battery that comfortably lasts the day, and that reassuringly solid iPhone build quality that just doesn't quit. The iPhone 13 was a joy when it launched, and the truth is it's barely aged.

Every iPhone 13 we sell at The Big Phone Store is tested, graded and dispatched in-house — data-wiped, battery checked, SIM-free, unlocked and backed by a 12-month warranty. Bought with confidence, used with confidence.

What you get, at a glance

  • Network: SIM-free and unlocked for compatible UK networks

  • Testing: 90+ point quality check before dispatch

  • Battery health: Minimum 85% as standard

  • Like New battery: 100% guaranteed battery health

  • Warranty: 12 months included

  • Warranty upgrades: 2 years, 5 years or lifetime where available

  • Returns: 45-day returns process

  • Delivery: Free UK delivery over £30, free fast delivery over £150

  • Preparation: Data-wiped, checked, graded and dispatched in-house

Direct answer: Is a reconditioned iPhone 13 worth it?

Yes. A reconditioned iPhone 13 is worth buying if you want a dependable 5G iPhone with a bright OLED screen, strong battery life and smooth everyday performance at a lower price. It is a good choice for calls, apps, photos, video, maps and social media, especially when tested and sold with warranty cover.

Why Buy from The Big Phone Store?

The iPhone 13 is often bought by people who want value, not risk. The Big Phone Store has specialised in refurbished, recycled and reused electronics since 1999, helping UK shoppers avoid the uncertainty of private sellers and unclear device history.

Every refurbished iPhone 13 is tested and graded in-house before dispatch. Testing may use tools such as PhoneCheck and CheckMEND where relevant. Where parts are used, we use OEM-quality parts or higher. We are also a WEEE-certified recycler, helping keep reliable phones in use for longer.

What Matters

How We Help

Why It Matters to You

Experience

Refurbished electronics specialist since 1999

You buy from a long-running UK business

Trust

4.8 Trustpilot rating with 80,000+ reviews

Real social proof before you buy

Security

Data-wiped and network/history checked

Lower risk than buying privately

Quality

90+ point quality check

Important functions are checked before dispatch

Support

UK-based customer support

Help from real people if needed

Sustainability

WEEE-certified recycler

Less e-waste and more reuse

Stock

Website stock means actual stock

No false listings or seller delays

Device quality

Tested, graded and dispatched in-house

Clear condition before checkout

Key Features That Matter Day to Day

The refurbished iPhone 13 is a strong everyday phone because it gets the basics right. The 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display gives you sharp text, clear photos and strong contrast for streaming, browsing, maps, messages and social apps. Apple lists the resolution at 2532 x 1170 pixels with 460 ppi.

The A15 Bionic chip keeps the phone fast for normal use, including video calls, banking, shopping, gaming, photo editing and switching between apps. It is not the newest iPhone, but it still gives most buyers the speed they actually need.

The dual 12MP camera system is reliable for everyday photography. You get wide and ultra-wide lenses, Night mode, Photographic Styles and 4K video recording. It is a good fit for family photos, pets, holidays, group shots and quick social content.

Refurbished vs Used iPhone 13

A refurbished iPhone 13 is not the same as a typical second hand iPhone 13. A private seller may offer a low price, but you may not know the battery health, repair history, network status or whether the phone has been properly wiped.

Professionally Refurbished

Typical Used Phone

Tested across 90+ points

Usually not fully tested

Minimum 85% battery health

Battery may be weak or unknown

Data-wiped before sale

Data removal depends on the seller

12-month warranty included

Often no warranty

Clear condition grading

Condition can be vague

Network/history checks completed, including CheckMEND where relevant

Risk depends on seller honesty

Direct answer: Is refurbished safer than buying used privately?

Yes. A refurbished iPhone 13 is usually safer than buying used privately because it has been tested, graded, data-wiped and sold with warranty cover. You also reduce the risk of blocked devices, weak batteries, hidden repair issues and difficult returns.

Condition Grades Explained

Every refurbished iPhone 13 we sell is fully functional. The grade describes cosmetic condition, not performance.

  • 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 iPhone.

“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 Big Phone Store Team

Battery Health and Everyday Use

Every refurbished iPhone 13 comes with at least 85% battery health as standard. That supports normal daily use across calls, messages, maps, browsing, social apps, streaming, photos and video.

Like New phones include 100% guaranteed battery health. Consider this option if you rely on your phone for work, use maps often, stream on the go, take lots of photos or simply want the strongest battery option from day one.

Direct answer: What battery health will I get?

You will get at least 85% battery health as standard. If you choose a Like New refurbished iPhone 13, you get 100% guaranteed battery health. 

How We Test Each Device

A cheap iPhone 13 should still feel quick, stable and ready for daily use. A lower price usually reflects cosmetic grade, storage size or a current offer, not reduced functionality.

Each device is checked before dispatch across key areas, including:

  • Battery health and Lightning charging

  • Display brightness, colour and touch response

  • Face ID

  • Wide and ultra-wide cameras

  • Speakers, microphones and haptics

  • Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and mobile signal

  • Buttons, sensors, MagSafe and other checks

Three quality checks buyers rarely see anywhere else

  1. Battery and MagSafe review: We check battery health, charging behaviour and MagSafe response because these affect daily convenience.

  2. Camera focus check: We test the wide and ultra-wide cameras to make sure photos and video are clear.

  3. Network and history checks: We complete network and history checks, including CheckMEND where relevant.

Technical Specifications

Specification

iPhone 13 Detail

Benefit

Display

6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED

Sharp, bright screen for everyday use

Resolution

2532 x 1170 pixels, 460 ppi

Crisp text, photos and video

Chip

A15 Bionic

Smooth performance for apps and gaming

Storage

128GB, 256GB, 512GB

Choose space for photos, apps and files

Rear camera

Dual 12MP wide and ultra-wide

Reliable photos and wider shots

Front camera

12MP TrueDepth

Clear selfies, video calls and Face ID

Video

4K Dolby Vision HDR recording

High-quality everyday video

Charging / port

Lightning, MagSafe and Qi wireless

Flexible charging options

SIM

Nano-SIM and eSIM

Flexible UK network setup

Connectivity

5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0

Fast everyday connections

Battery

Up to 19 hours video playback

Dependable battery for daily use

What Comes in the Box?

Your order includes the refurbished iPhone 13 handset, a charging cable, sustainable packaging, warranty support and a SIM tool where applicable.

A plug is only included if stated on the listing. This keeps the order practical while helping reduce unnecessary electronic waste.

Reconditioned iPhone 13 vs iPhone 12

The iPhone 13 is the better choice if you want stronger battery life, the A15 Bionic chip and improved camera performance. It keeps the familiar iPhone 12-style design, but feels more refined for daily use.

The iPhone 12 is still a good option if you want 5G at a lower price. Choose the refurbished iPhone 13 for better long-term value, battery and speed. Choose the refurbished iPhone 12 if budget matters most.

Warranty, Delivery and Returns

Your refurbished iPhone 13 includes a 12-month warranty as standard. Where available, you can upgrade cover to 2 years, 5 years or lifetime warranty.

You also get a 45-day returns process, free UK delivery over £30 and free fast delivery over £150. If you need help before or after your order, our UK-based customer support team is here to help.

Customer Reviews

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.

5 stars 5/5
Based on 163 customer reviews
S
Sally 5 months ago
5 stars

I just got my refurbished phone and it's amazing! The condition is like new. My partner has already declared how great the camera is. Shipping was fast, and the packaging cared for the phone really well. Fantastic service!

Value for money

5 stars

Overall performance

5 stars

Phone condition

5 stars

Battery

5 stars

Delivery speed

5 stars

Recycled packaging

5 stars
E
Emma 5 months ago
5 stars

I got my refurbished iPhone 13 and I’m in love! It looks brand new and works perfectly. Big win with the battery life, lasting all day! The team was super helpful when I ordered too. Definitely worth the money!

Value for money

5 stars

Overall performance

5 stars

Phone condition

5 stars

Battery

5 stars

Delivery speed

5 stars

Recycled packaging

5 stars
S
Sarah 6 months ago
5 stars

I got my Xbox endowed beast allowing my love for content had geo-coded podcasts within striking meter rates! It performs like a champ. And the pink is gorgeous! The buying process was simple as pie. Great price for an amazing item. I’m totally impressed!

Value for money

5 stars

Overall performance

5 stars

Phone condition

5 stars

Battery

5 stars

Delivery speed

5 stars

Recycled packaging

5 stars

Frequently Asked Questions

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.