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Best Phone Buying Guide: New, Used, Refurbished

Choosing a new phone or tablet can be confusing—and expensive—if you don’t know where the real value is.

This guide breaks down how to decide between new, used, and certified refurbished devices, where the lowest total cost usually shows up, and how seniors and budget-minded shoppers can tap assistance or bundle savings without surprises.

Quick framework: match device to your budget and needs

Start with what you do most. If you stream and game, prioritize a fast processor and 5G on phones or at least 6GB RAM on tablets. For everyday calls, photos, and browsing, a mid-range device often performs beautifully. For seniors, consider larger screens, loud stereo speakers, and built-in accessibility settings (iOS and Android both excel here).

Set a price tier first, then pick the platform. iPhone and Android both offer long software support in newer models; Android gives you more device variety and lower entry prices, while iPhone often has better resale value and a simpler ecosystem for families. Typical sweet spots: $150–$300 (entry), $300–$500 (mid-range), $600+ (premium/flagship).

Value usually lives in three buckets: (1) carrier bill-credit promos for $0 new smartphones when you trade in or add a line; (2) manufacturer certified refurbished for like-new gear with warranty; (3) gently used from reputable marketplaces with clear return policies. Each has strings—know them before you click “Order New Phone and Plan ($0 New Smartphone).”

Where the best deals usually are (and how to verify today)

1) Carrier offers: $0 new phones via bill credits (commonly available)

Big carriers routinely advertise “Free Phones for New Customers” or a Free Phone and Plan vibe, but the fine print matters. The common structure: trade-in an eligible device and/or add a new line on a qualifying plan; you pay sales tax upfront and receive monthly bill credits over 24–36 months. If you cancel early, remaining credits stop and you owe the balance. Always verify the live promo and device list on the carrier’s site the day you buy (Source: Verizon Deals https://www.verizon.com/deals/; T‑Mobile Offers https://www.t-mobile.com/offers; AT&T Deals https://www.att.com/deals/).

How this helps you: It’s often the Best Deal on Phones for brand-new flagships if you already planned to keep service for 2–3 years. Look for phrases like “$0 with trade‑in” or “Free Phones for New Customers” and compare plan requirements and taxes/fees up front. If you need Free Cell Phone no Money Down no Credit Check, note that major postpaid carriers typically perform credit checks; no‑credit‑check routes are prepaid or MVNOs, though taxes/activation may still be due.

2) Prepaid and MVNOs: low-cost plans, occasional phone promos

Prepaid brands and MVNOs (no credit checks) can be the simplest path to low monthly costs. Some run limited-time switcher promos with discounted or $0 entry-level phones tied to plan activation, but selection varies by week. Check the live deals pages directly: Visible (Verizon network) often bundles gift cards or device promos (Source: https://www.visible.com/deals/). Cricket (AT&T network), Metro by T‑Mobile, and Boost Mobile regularly post phone-and-plan offers (Source: Cricket Deals https://www.cricketwireless.com/current-phone-and-plan-deals.html; Metro Deals https://www.metrobyt-mobile.com/deals; Boost Deals https://www.boostmobile.com/deals.html).

Cell Phone and Internet Bundle tip: Cable ISPs that offer mobile service sometimes add strong discounts if you also have home internet—great for families. Xfinity Mobile and Spectrum Mobile require you to be an internet customer to unlock their best wireless pricing (Source: Xfinity Mobile https://www.xfinity.com/mobile/; Spectrum Mobile https://www.spectrum.com/mobile).

3) Manufacturer trade-in and certified refurbished

If you want factory warranty and near‑new condition without carrier lock‑ins, check the brand’s store. Apple, Samsung, and Google regularly run trade‑in credits and sell certified refurbished devices with full warranties—often the best price‑to‑quality ratio beyond carrier credits (Source: Apple Certified Refurbished https://www.apple.com/shop/refurbished; Samsung Certified Re‑Newed https://www.samsung.com/us/renewed/; Google Store Refurbished https://store.google.com/us/category/refurbished?hl=en).

Why it’s compelling: You pay upfront (no bill credits), keep flexibility to switch carriers, and still get a clean battery and warranty. Watch for seasonal promos and bundle add‑ons like chargers or cases.

4) Major retailers and reputable marketplaces

Retailers like Best Buy run frequent phone and tablet promos, plus open‑box discounts with return windows. Amazon Renewed, eBay Certified Refurbished, and Back Market list used/refurb devices with stated grades and guarantees—ideal when you want the cheapest path with protection (Source: Best Buy Open‑Box https://www.bestbuy.com/site/electronics/open-box/pcmcat748300667830.c?id=pcmcat748300667830; Amazon Renewed https://www.amazon.com/amazon-renewed; eBay Certified Refurbished https://www.ebay.com/cp/certified-refurbished; Back Market https://www.backmarket.com/en-us).

New vs used vs certified refurbished: what to expect

  • Brand‑new (full price or bill credits): Latest hardware, max software support, standard manufacturer warranty. Best via carrier bill credits if you’ll keep service 24–36 months.
  • Certified refurbished: Like‑new, inspected, warranty included; usually 15–30% cheaper than new. Often the best value for mid‑range iPads, Galaxy Tabs, Pixels, and iPhones (Source: Apple Refurb https://www.apple.com/shop/refurbished; Samsung Re‑Newed https://www.samsung.com/us/renewed/).
  • Used/renewed marketplaces: Lowest prices, widest selection. Check battery health (iPhone), return window, seller ratings, and IMEI/blacklist status. Prefer listings with 30+ day returns and at least a 1‑year limited warranty on “certified refurbished” labels (Source: eBay Certified Refurbished https://www.ebay.com/cp/certified-refurbished; Amazon Renewed Guarantee https://www.amazon.com/amazon-renewed).

Assistance and senior‑focused options

Lifeline: discounted or free service if you qualify

For those meeting income or program eligibility, Lifeline can provide discounted phone service, and participating providers may include a basic smartphone at no cost. The program is not age‑based, but many seniors qualify through income or benefits. Verify eligibility and find providers near you (Source: FCC Lifeline https://www.fcc.gov/lifeline-consumers; Apply and search providers https://www.lifelinesupport.org/companies-near-me/). Examples of participating carriers include Assurance Wireless and SafeLink; availability varies by state (Source: Assurance Wireless https://www.assurancewireless.com/; SafeLink Wireless https://www.safelinkwireless.com/).

Note on ACP: The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) paused when funding lapsed in 2024; check the FCC page for any updates before relying on ACP device or service discounts (Source: FCC ACP https://www.fcc.gov/acp).

“Tablet Assistance Program Through Medicare” — reality check

Medicare itself does not run a nationwide program that hands out free tablets. Some Medicare Advantage plans may offer wellness or tech‑support perks, but free devices are not standard and vary by plan. Seniors seeking a tablet should first explore certified refurbished iPads or Galaxy Tabs, ask their insurer about approved benefits, and check local non‑profits or libraries for loaner programs (Source: Medicare plan benefits vary—contact your plan; Local help via Eldercare Locator https://eldercare.acl.gov/).

Senior plans and discounts

Carriers sometimes offer discounted 55+ plans—great for lowering monthly costs even if the phone isn’t free. For example, T‑Mobile’s 55+ plans are widely available; Verizon has regional 55+ options (availability varies). Always confirm your ZIP code and ID requirements (Source: T‑Mobile 55+ https://www.t-mobile.com/cell-phone-plans/55-plus-senior-plans; Verizon 55+ https://www.verizon.com/plans/55plus/).

Cheapest to premium: common picks and price ranges (commonly available)

Cheapest (under ~$150): Look for used or certified refurbished Android phones (Moto G‑series, Galaxy A‑series from prior years) or entry Amazon Fire tablets for basic streaming and reading. These are commonly available; verify current stock and warranty on the retailer page (Source: Amazon Fire Tablets https://www.amazon.com/fire-tablets/b?node=6669703011).

Value mid‑range (~$200–$500): Refurbished iPhone 12/13 mini, Google Pixel “A” series, Samsung Galaxy A5x series, and refurbished iPad (9th/10th gen) or Galaxy Tab S6 Lite deliver excellent longevity per dollar. Always confirm battery/warranty details (Source: Apple iPad lineup https://www.apple.com/ipad/; Samsung Galaxy Tab https://www.samsung.com/us/tablets/galaxy-tab/).

Premium ($600+): If you want the newest cameras and longest support, pair a flagship (iPhone, Pixel, Galaxy) with carrier bill credits for a potential $0 effective price over time—only if you’re comfortable with a 24–36 month commitment and meet the trade‑in/plan requirements. Validate the exact promo and terms the day you order (Source: Verizon Deals https://www.verizon.com/deals/; T‑Mobile Offers https://www.t-mobile.com/offers; AT&T Deals https://www.att.com/deals/).

How to avoid gotchas and score the best deal

  • Total cost over time: Add device price, taxes, activation, monthly plan, and any required add‑ons. Bill credits make phones look “free,” but your plan cost locks in for years.
  • Trade‑in reality check: Carriers list approved devices and conditions; cracked screens or low storage tiers may reduce credits. Screenshot the trade‑in quote.
  • Unlock and commitment: Many carriers unlock after 60–180 days or after bill‑credit terms are satisfied. Verify your carrier’s unlock policy before you buy.
  • Used/refurb safeguards: Buy where you get a return window and at least a limited warranty. Check IMEI status and, for iPhones, battery health and parts status in Settings.
  • Bundles: If you need home internet anyway, a Cell Phone and Internet Bundle (e.g., Xfinity or Spectrum) can slash wireless costs—just compare the combined price to your current setup.
  • Availability disclaimer: If this guide doesn’t link to an active, dated promo, treat it as commonly available. Always re‑check the brand’s official deals page the same day you purchase.

Bottom line

For the absolute lowest device cost today, certified refurbished from the manufacturer or a trusted marketplace is hard to beat. If you want brand‑new flagships, carrier bill credits can effectively reach $0—just read the fine print and stick with the service term. Seniors and budget shoppers should prioritize eligibility‑based Lifeline options, look for 55+ plan discounts, and consider internet + mobile bundles to reduce monthly costs without sacrificing reliability.