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.
Sometimes a cracked screen may well be the tip of the iceberg! The touch sensors and other hardware may also have been damaged by the accident that befell the device. Thus, if your mobile phone isn’t working properly, it’d be best to visit a reliable phone repair shop. iMend is one of the best phone repair shops around and offers unmatched broken cellphone screen repair in Dublin. We offer transparent pricing, use quality parts, and even offer a 12-month warranty on most repairs.
