The iPhone 17 costs $800+ brand new. But for the past few weeks, the first refurbished models have been hitting the market. Starting at $560.
I checked the major platforms and put together what you actually need to know about buying an iPhone 17 refurbished.
iPhone 17 Overview
The iPhone 17 launched on September 19, 2025. Starting price: $799 for the 256GB model. 6.3-inch display with 120Hz, A19 chip, dual 48-megapixel cameras. The full package.
Four months later, the iPhone 17 refurbished market is live. First units are appearing on all major platforms. Prices range from $560 to $750 depending on condition and storage.
Where to Buy iPhone 17 Refurbished
The big players are all in. Back Market got a 1.8 rating from Stiftung Warentest (German consumer testing, like Consumer Reports). That's "good" in their system.
Here's a quick overview:
| Platform | Warranty | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Back Market | 12 months | Top-rated quality control |
| Swappa | Varies by seller | Peer-to-peer, often cheaper |
| Amazon Renewed | 90 days | Easy returns via Amazon |
| Apple Certified | 12 months | Like new, highest quality |
Prices change constantly. Current snapshot: Grade A iPhone 17 refurbished (256GB) runs about $650 to $750. Grade B? $560 to $650.
So you're looking at roughly $100 difference for some scratches. (And who uses their iPhone without a case anyway?)
You can compare all current iPhone 17 refurbished prices at refurbito.
What Do Grades A, B, C Actually Mean?
This is where most people get confused: The letters say nothing about the internals. Nothing at all. Just cosmetics.
Refurbished grades describe appearance only. A Grade B iPhone 17 refurbished has the exact same A19 chip as Grade A. Same camera. Same display. Same everything.
The only difference: Some scratches on the housing. That's it.
My take: If you're using a case anyway, go Grade B. You'll never see those scratches again. Save yourself $100 and the phone works identically.
Check out our full guide on refurbished device condition grades for more details.
iPhone 17 Refurbished vs. iPhone 17 Used: What's the Difference?
Many people search for "iPhone 17 used" when they really mean "refurbished." The difference matters.
Refurbished means: The device was professionally tested, cleaned, and any defective parts were replaced. You get a warranty. Between 12 and 36 months, depending on the seller.
Used can also mean private sales with no reconditioning. No warranty. No testing. You buy as-is.
When you buy an iPhone 17 used from reputable sellers like Back Market or Swappa, you're always getting a refurbished device with warranty. The term "used" isn't wrong, but "refurbished" is more accurate and safer.
See all detailed platform profiles at refurbito.
Why Right Now Is the Time to Buy iPhone 17 Refurbished
Historical data shows iPhones lose 20 to 30 percent of their value in the first three months after a new release. The iPhone 14 dropped about 20 percent right after the iPhone 15 launch.
Four months post-release. The initial price drop is done. But the next iPhone won't hit until September 2026.
That means: selection is still good and prices have already fallen. Wait longer and you might save another $50, but the best units will be gone.
The sweet spot is right now. Between four and six months post-release. That's when inventory is highest and prices have dropped significantly.
Warranty Coverage for iPhone 17 Refurbished: Your Protection
In the U.S., most platforms offer at least 90 days of coverage. Better sellers provide 12 months for iPhone 17 refurbished units.
Consumer testing shows about 20 percent of refurbished devices had some issues (though most were minor cosmetic items the grading system should catch).
Bottom line: Warranty is not optional. Don't buy without it.
Check our warranty comparison across sellers for complete details.
Environmental Impact: The Numbers for iPhone 17 Refurbished
A new smartphone generates roughly 85 kg of CO2 emissions. A refurbished one? About 7 kg. That's 78 percent less.
Quick math: Buying an iPhone 17 refurbished instead of new saves approximately 58 kg of CO2. That's equivalent to about 220 miles of driving.
You're helping the environment AND your wallet. Win-win.
See our complete guide to sustainability in refurbished electronics for the full picture.
Technical Specs: What Makes the iPhone 17 Special?
The iPhone 17 brings real upgrades over the iPhone 16:
Display: 6.3-inch OLED with 120Hz ProMotion (finally on the base model)
Chip: A19 Bionic with 6-core CPU and 5-core GPU
Camera: Dual 48MP main camera + 12MP ultrawide, improved night mode
Battery: 3,877 mAh (about 15% larger than iPhone 16)
Storage: Base model starts at 256GB (previously 128GB)
Software: iOS 19, updates guaranteed through at least 2031
The biggest difference from iPhone 16: The 120Hz display. Previously exclusive to Pro models. Now you get it on the standard model. You'll notice it when scrolling, in animations, everywhere.
iPhone 17 Refurbished Price Forecast: What's Coming
Current iPhone 17 refurbished prices sit at $560 to $750. How will this evolve?
Short-term (January to March 2026): Stable prices. Maybe $30-50 drop.
Mid-term (April to August 2026): Gradual decline. Expect another $100 off.
Long-term (September 2026 onward): When iPhone 18 drops, expect iPhone 17 refurbished to fall another $150-200.
But: Best quality is now. In six months, the top units (Grade A, 512GB) will be gone. You'll be choosing between B and C grades only.
The Market Context for iPhone 17 Refurbished
The global refurbished smartphone market hit $65.2 billion in 2025. Apple dominates.
That growth matters because it means more inventory, more competition between sellers, and better prices for buyers. The refurbished market is mature and competitive. You're not taking a gamble anymore.
The iPhone 17 refurbished represents this maturity perfectly. Multiple sellers, transparent grading, solid warranties. It's a real market now.
Bottom Line: Is iPhone 17 Refurbished Worth It?
Yes. Clear answer. You save $200 to $300, get identical performance, and help the environment.
Best deals are on Back Market, Swappa, and Amazon Renewed. Look for Grade B (if you use a case) and at least 12 months warranty.
At refurbito, we automatically compare all sellers. So you always find the best price for iPhone 17 refurbished. Compare now
