Buying the latest iPhone isn't necessarily the best choice.
In 2026, several generations of iPhone still offer excellent performance, good 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 compared to buying a new model.
But between the iPhone 12, 13, 14, 15 and newer models, which one should you choose?
The Top notch verdict: for most buyers, the iPhone 13 is still an excellent starting point in 2026. The iPhone 14 becomes interesting when it's offered at a price close to the 13, while the iPhone 15 is especially interesting for those who want to switch to USB-C and keep their device longer. For a tighter budget, the iPhone 12 remains an option to consider.
The best choice, however, depends much more on your budget and how you use your phone than on the number written after “iPhone”.
Which refurbished iPhone should you choose in 2026?
| Model | We recommend it for | Main advantage | Top notch verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 12 | Small budget | Accessible price | 💰 Budget choice |
| iPhone 13 | Most users | Excellent balance | 🏆 Value for money |
| iPhone 14 | Those who want a more recent model | An evolution of the 13 | ⚖️ Choose based on the price gap |
| iPhone 15 | Longer-term use | USB-C and a more recent 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 generation alone. Always compare the price, storage capacity, condition of the device and the warranty.
A refurbished iPhone 13 in excellent condition can be a better buy than a much more expensive iPhone 14 if the 14's improvements don't change anything in your daily use.
1. Refurbished iPhone 13: our value-for-money pick
If we had to recommend just one model to most people, the iPhone 13 would be one of our top picks 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 27 in 2026.
The iPhone 13 is especially interesting 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 most recent generations;
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are looking for a good balance between price and lifespan;
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are replacing an iPhone X, XR, 11 or an older model.
Top notch verdict
For most refurbished buyers, start your comparison with the iPhone 13.
Then look at the price gap with the iPhone 14 and the iPhone 15.
It's that gap, more than the model number, that should drive your decision.
2. Refurbished iPhone 12: the best choice to save money?
The iPhone 12 can still be an excellent gateway into the Apple ecosystem.
It notably offers a 6.1-inch OLED screen, 5G and MagSafe, while generally being available at a lower price than the following generations.
It is also still compatible with iOS 27 in 2026.
Its main compromise is simply its age.
If your absolute priority is to lower the purchase price, it's worth considering. But if the price gap with an iPhone 13 is relatively small, we would generally favour the 13.
Top notch verdict
Choose the iPhone 12 when price is your priority. Choose the 13 instead when your budget lets you move up a generation without a big financial compromise.
3. Refurbished iPhone 14: better than the iPhone 13?
Yes, the iPhone 14 is more recent.
But that doesn't automatically mean it offers better value for money.
Both generations notably use an A15 Bionic chip and share several similar features.
That's why we recommend looking at the actual price gap between the two devices at the time of purchase.
If a refurbished iPhone 14 costs only a little more than a comparable iPhone 13, the more recent model becomes very interesting.
If the gap is large, the iPhone 13 may be a better use of your budget.
Top notch verdict
Between the iPhone 13 and the iPhone 14, compare the price before comparing the number.
This is exactly the kind of situation where buying refurbished becomes interesting: prices across generations can create opportunities you don't necessarily find when buying new.
4. Refurbished iPhone 15: our pick for keeping it longer
The iPhone 15 marks a more interesting evolution.
It notably introduces USB-C on the iPhone, has the A16 Bionic chip and a 48 MP main camera.
For someone who plans to keep their next phone for several years, the iPhone 15 can therefore justify a higher budget.
The switch to USB-C is especially handy if your other devices already use this connector.
The iPhone 15 is interesting if you:
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usually 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 more recent 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 interesting 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 matter to you, check the exact compatibility of the model before buying rather than simply choosing the most recent iPhone within your budget.
This can make a Pro model or a more recent generation a better investment depending on your use.
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 the 13. A small extra cost to move up to the 13 can sometimes be wise.
I want the best value for money
👉 iPhone 13.
It's 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 capacity and the gap is small, take the 14. If the gap becomes large, the 13 remains very interesting.
I want to keep my phone for several years
👉 Look at the iPhone 15 and the following generations.
You pay more today, but you get a more recent device.
I want the most advanced features
👉 Compare the Pro models and the more recent generations.
You'll pay more, but the improvements become more relevant for photos, video, 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 27 and has more than enough power for everyday use such as web browsing, social media, photos, video, banking apps and streaming.
So the real question isn't:
“Is the iPhone 13 too old?”
But rather:
“How much does it cost compared to a comparable iPhone 14 or 15?”
That comparison is what determines the best buy.
Is a refurbished iPhone worth it?
A refurbished phone can be especially interesting when you want a better device without spending your entire budget on a new phone.
But not all devices sold as “refurbished” are necessarily equivalent.
Before buying, check in particular:
1. The battery
Ask about the 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 doesn't necessarily mean a performance difference. Understand what each grade means before paying more.
4. The warranty
Check its length and, above all, what it actually covers.
5. The return policy
You need to know what to do if the device doesn't meet your expectations.
At Top notch, our goal isn't simply to put phones back into circulation. We want you to know exactly what you're buying and why you're buying it.
Should you buy the latest 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 can be much less significant than the difference in price.
On the other hand, someone who creates a lot of content, keeps their phone for several years or wants certain advanced features may benefit from investing in a more recent generation.
So the best iPhone isn't the latest one. It's 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 between performance, features and price on the refurbished market. The best choice can, however, change depending on the prices available when you buy.
Which refurbished iPhone should you choose on a small budget?
The iPhone 12 is worth considering. We do recommend comparing its price with the iPhone 13 before making a decision.
Is the iPhone 12 still compatible with updates?
Yes. The iPhone 12 is compatible with iOS 27 in 2026, as are the iPhone 11 and the following eligible generations.
Is the iPhone 13 still worth it?
Yes. It remains powerful for the vast majority of everyday uses and is still compatible with iOS 27.
iPhone 13 or iPhone 14: which one should you choose?
If the price gap is small, the iPhone 14 can be interesting. If the 13 is significantly cheaper, it may offer better value for money.
Why buy a refurbished iPhone?
Mainly to get a device that meets your needs at a more accessible price, while extending the useful life of an existing phone.
Find the iPhone that suits you
You don't need the most expensive phone.
You need the right phone for your budget and your use.
Compare the refurbished iPhones available at Top notch and choose the model, capacity and condition that suit you.