iPhone SE 2020 Refurbished

Buy a refurbished iPhone SE 2020 SIM-free with 85%+ battery, 12-month warranty, 45-day returns and free UK delivery.

Learn about refurbished conditions
Overview

Buy a Refurbished iPhone SE 2020 SIM-Free

The iPhone SE 2020 is a phone that knows exactly what most people actually need from a smartphone, and delivers it without asking you to spend more than you should.

Powered by the A13 Bionic chip, it's fast, responsive and handles everything everyday life throws at it without complaint. Calls, messages, photos, apps, streaming, it does all of it well, and does it reliably. The camera is genuinely good for everyday moments, and with Apple's continued software support it's staying secure and up to date.

It might not have the flashiest feature list. But for anyone who just wants an iPhone they can pick up, rely on completely, and not think twice about, this is it.

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 SE 2020 worth it?

Yes. A reconditioned iPhone SE 2020 is worth buying if you want a small, affordable iPhone with Touch ID, fast everyday performance and a familiar design. It is best for calls, messages, banking, WhatsApp, photos and simple daily use, especially when professionally tested and sold with warranty cover.

Why Buy from The Big Phone Store?

The iPhone SE 2020 is a practical phone, so the buying process should be practical too. The Big Phone Store has specialised in refurbished, recycled and reused electronics since 1999, helping UK shoppers avoid unknown private sellers, unclear battery health and risky used listings.

Every refurbished iPhone SE 2020 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 usable devices in circulation 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 SE 2020 is for people who want an iPhone that keeps things familiar. The Touch ID Home button is simple, quick and easy to use, especially if you prefer fingerprint unlocking over Face ID or want a phone for someone who likes the classic iPhone layout.

The A13 Bionic chip gives the SE 2020 more speed than its size and price suggest. It is built for everyday apps, calls, messages, maps, browsing, banking, music and photos. It is not a 5G phone, but 4G LTE is still enough for many buyers who mainly want reliable daily use.

The single 12MP rear camera is straightforward and useful. It supports Portrait mode, Smart HDR, optical image stabilisation and 4K video recording, making it good for family photos, documents, pets, video clips and social posts.

Refurbished vs Used iPhone SE 2020

A refurbished iPhone SE 2020 is not the same as a typical second hand iPhone SE bought privately. 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 SE 2020 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 faults and difficult returns.

Condition Grades Explained

Every refurbished iPhone SE 2020 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 SE 2020 performance.

  • Good shows more visible wear and is best if you want the lowest price on a fully working iPhone.

"I think we've been conditioned to believe that spending less means settling for less. With the SE 2020 that just isn't the case. Yes it's older, yes it has a smaller screen, yes there are shinier options out there. But for someone who wants a genuinely reliable iPhone that handles their daily life without drama. This phone delivers that every single day.” - The Big Phone Store Refurbishment Team

Battery Health and Everyday Use

Every refurbished iPhone SE 2020 comes with at least 85% battery health as standard. That supports normal daily use across calls, messages, maps, browsing, music, social apps, photos and video.

Like New phones include 100% guaranteed battery health. Consider this option if you use your phone often, rely on maps, 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 SE 2020, you get 100% guaranteed battery health. 

How We Test Each Device

A cheap iPhone SE 2020 should still feel quick, secure 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

  • Touch ID and Home button response

  • Display brightness and touch response

  • Rear and front cameras

  • Speakers and microphones

  • Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and mobile signal

  • Buttons, sensors and other checks

Three quality checks buyers rarely see anywhere else

  1. Touch ID and Home button review: We test fingerprint unlocking and button response because they are central to how the iPhone SE 2020 feels.

  2. Pocket-wear inspection: We check the frame, corners and glass carefully because compact phones often show everyday pocket wear.

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

Technical Specifications

Specification

iPhone SE 2020 Detail

Benefit

Display

4.7-inch Retina HD LCD

Compact screen for simple daily use

Resolution

1334 x 750 pixels, 326 ppi

Clear text, apps and photos

Chip

A13 Bionic

Fast everyday performance

Storage

64GB, 128GB, 256GB

Choose space for apps, photos and files

Rear camera

12MP wide camera

Reliable everyday photos and video

Front camera

7MP FaceTime HD

Video calls and selfies

Video

4K video recording up to 60 fps

Sharp everyday video capture

Charging / port

Lightning and Qi wireless charging

Familiar charging with wireless option

Security

Touch ID Home button

Fast fingerprint unlocking

Connectivity

4G LTE, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0

Reliable everyday connections

Water resistance

IP67, up to 1 metre for 30 minutes

Extra protection against everyday accidents

What Comes in the Box?

Your order includes the refurbished iPhone SE 2020 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 SE 2020 vs iPhone SE 2022

The iPhone SE 2020 is the better choice if you want the lowest price on a simple iPhone with Touch ID and fast everyday performance. It is ideal if you do not need 5G and want a familiar Home button layout.

The iPhone SE 2022 is better if you want 5G, a newer A15 Bionic chip and slightly stronger long-term performance. Choose the refurbished iPhone SE 2020 for low cost and simplicity. Choose the refurbished iPhone SE 2022 if speed, 5G and future use matter more.

Warranty, Delivery and Returns

Your refurbished iPhone SE 2020 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.


iPhone SE 2020 Refurbished Review

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 SE 2020 you want, take a look at the reviews our customers have left for us.

4.9 stars 4.9/5
Based on 89 customer reviews
R
Ryan Kelique 6 months ago
5 stars

I bought the iPhone SE 2020, and it's just perfect! It looked brand new when I got it. Super smooth performance and works nicely for my everyday needs. I called support for a question, and they were very helpful. Totally worth the price. Would recommend!

Value for money

5 stars

Overall performance

5 stars

Phone condition

4 stars

Battery

5 stars

Delivery speed

5 stars

Recycled packaging

5 stars
N
Nigel 7 months ago
5 stars

I got the iPhone SE 2020 and it's in pristine condition! It looks and works like brand new. I also ordered a screen protector that was applied for me, which was a nice touch. Seriously, I'm thrilled with my purchase. The price was super good for the quality. Really happy with my experience!

Value for money

4 stars

Overall performance

5 stars

Phone condition

5 stars

Battery

5 stars

Delivery speed

5 stars

Recycled packaging

5 stars
R
Raquel 7 months ago
5 stars

I got a refurbished iPhone and it's fantastic! The phone looked like new and worked perfectly. The battery upgrade for 10 bucks was a steal. Plus, delivery was quick. My experience with The Big Phone Store has been awesome!

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 SE 2020 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 SE 2020 is professionally tested, data-wiped, graded and sold with warranty cover.

Yes. The iPhone SE 2020 has Touch ID built into the Home button, making it a good choice if you prefer fingerprint unlocking.

Yes, for everyday use. It has a 12MP rear camera with Portrait mode, Smart HDR, optical image stabilisation and 4K video recording, but it does not have ultra-wide or telephoto lenses.

No. The iPhone SE 2020 supports 4G LTE, not 5G. Choose the iPhone SE 2022 if 5G is important to you.

You get at least 85% battery health as standard. Like New phones include 100% guaranteed battery health.

Yes. Every refurbished iPhone SE 2020 includes a 12-month warranty as standard, with upgrade options where available.

Buy the refurbished iPhone SE 2020 if you want a low-cost, compact iPhone with Touch ID, familiar controls and smooth everyday performance, without paying for a larger all-screen iPhone.