Under £300 is where refurbished stops being a compromise. This budget reaches flagships that are two to three years old, which means the camera, screen and processor are still competitive with new phones costing twice as much.
What changes between £200 and £300
The jump buys three things. The first is optical zoom: a dedicated telephoto lens instead of a digital crop. The second is a brighter screen with a high refresh rate, which is the difference most people notice immediately. The third is a newer processor, which matters less for speed than for how many more years of software updates the phone will receive.
Storage is worth more than condition here
At this budget you can usually choose between a Pristine handset with 128GB and a Very Good handset with 256GB for the same money. Take the storage. Cosmetic marks disappear inside a case on the first day. Running out of space does not, and no phone at this price lets you add a memory card.
Check the charging standard
Phones from this era sit either side of the switch to USB-C. If every other cable in your house is USB-C, buying a handset with the older connector means carrying a second cable indefinitely. It is a small thing that becomes a daily annoyance.
In stock under this budget right now
8 handsets are in stock under £300 today, the most capable first. Prices and availability update automatically, so this list is never out of date.
Which condition grade should you pick?
A grade describes how a device looks. It never describes how it works. A Fair handset passes exactly the same functional testing as a Pristine one, and carries the same warranty.
- Pristine looks unused. Choose it if you care about resale value or you are buying a gift.
- Very Good has light marks that are hard to find at arm’s length. This is the value sweet spot for most buyers.
- Good has visible marks on the frame or back. The screen is still free of deep scratches.
- Fair has obvious cosmetic wear. Choose it if the phone is going in a case and you want the lowest price.
Read the full grade guide for photographs of what each one means.
What is included, and what is not
Every device ships with a charging cable. Mains plugs and headphones are not included, because most buyers already own them and pricing them in raises the cost for everyone.
Every device carries a free 12-month warranty covering hardware faults. Returns are accepted within 14 days of delivery if you change your mind, with return postage paid by the customer. If a device is faulty we pay the postage both ways.
Delivery
Standard delivery is free and tracked, arriving in 2 to 3 days. Next-day delivery costs £7 on orders placed before 11 AM, Monday to Friday. Collection from our Manchester address is free.