Buying a used phone in 2026 can save you hundreds of euros — but only if you choose models
that offer long-term durability, strong battery life, reliable hardware, and long software support.
At IMEND, we test, repair, and certify a large volume of devices every month, giving us a
deep understanding of which models age well and which do not.
This is the official IMEND 2026 guide to the best used phones worth buying.
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1. BEST OVERALL USED PHONE (2026): iPhone 13
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The iPhone 13 continues to be one of the strongest used phone options on the market.
WHY IT’S RECOMMENDED:
• Excellent battery life
• Strong camera system for photos and video
• Smooth day-to-day performance
• Affordable repairs if ever needed
• Years of software support remaining
IDEAL FOR:
Everyday users, students, professionals, and families.
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2. BEST PREMIUM USED PHONE: iPhone 15 Pro / Pro Max
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A premium flagship at a reduced price when purchased pre-owned.
KEY STRENGTHS:
• Titanium frame construction
• High-end camera system
• Fast and efficient processor
• Strong battery performance
• Exceptional display quality
Buying it used provides a premium experience at significant savings.
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3. BEST ANDROID USED PHONE: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
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A powerful and versatile flagship device.
WHY IT’S EXCELLENT:
• High-resolution camera system
• Large, vibrant display
• Strong battery endurance
• Fast charging
• Great performance for productivity and media
Ideal for users who want a large, feature-rich Android device.
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4. BEST BUDGET USED PHONE: iPhone 11
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Still performs incredibly well in 2026.
BENEFITS:
• Good battery life
• Very capable camera system
• Smooth performance for daily tasks
• Affordable repairs and parts
• Excellent value for price
Perfect for younger users, light users, or anyone on a budget.
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5. BEST VALUE SAMSUNG PHONE: Samsung S22 Ultra
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A sweet spot between premium features and affordability.
WHY IT STANDS OUT:
• Large display
• Strong camera performance
• Good battery endurance
• Flagship-grade power
• More affordable pricing compared to newer models
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6. BEST BATTERY LIFE PHONE: iPhone 14 Plus
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One of the longest-lasting battery performers in any iPhone lineup.
Ideal for:
• Heavy users
• Business users
• Travellers
• Anyone who needs all-day power
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7. BEST PRODUCTIVITY PHONE: iPhone 12 Pro Max
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A large-screen device with plenty of power.
WHY IT’S GREAT:
• Strong camera system
• Excellent display
• Good long-term support
• Affordable repair options
Perfect for work, content consumption, or multitasking.
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PHONES THAT ARE NOT RECOMMENDED IN 2026
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Avoid:
• Very old models (iPhone 6, 7, 8)
• Older Samsung models (S8, S9, S10)
• Devices with battery health below 80%
• Devices showing signs of motherboard faults
• Phones with repeated overheating issues
These models often have limited remaining lifespan.
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WHY CHOOSE AN IMEND CERTIFIED DEVICE
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Every IMEND-certified device undergoes:
• 60-point hardware testing
• Battery health evaluation
• Display quality inspection
• Camera and sensor testing
• Charging system verification
• Microphone/speaker check
• Buttons & port testing
• Water-ingress assessment
• Full cleaning and sanitation
• Software optimisation and reset
IMEND certification guarantees your used phone is reliable, safe, and ready for long-term use.
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FINAL NOTE
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Choosing the right used phone can save you money while still providing premium performance.
IMEND-certified devices offer the perfect balance between affordability, reliability, and
professional quality standards.
