The telcos selling refurbished mobile phones

By Christie Graham

Last updated 19 December 2023

Contents

In this guide:

Refurbished mobile phones with Belong
Refurbished mobile phones with numobile
Refurbished mobile phones with Kogan Mobile
Refurbished mobile phones with Boost Mobile
Refurbished mobile phones with Circles.Life
Other places to buy refurbished phones

Signing up to a mobile phone plan with a device included can be a huge commitment. What if you lose it? What if you want to upgrade before your plan runs out? The most common alternative is to buy a phone outright and bring your own to the table but this certainly isn't affordable.

Luckily there's a middle option — purchase a refurbished device. More telcos are jumping on the bandwagon of pushing pre-loved phones so competition is fierce. Check out which telco you can score a refurbished iPhone, Samsung, OPPO and more through for a fraction of the price. But first, here are a selection of SIM-only plans you can pair with a refurbished phone:

#1	Boost Mobile	Boost Mobile $13 Prepaid 7GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Get 7GB data for the first 3 recharges, then 5GB from 4th recharge. New customers only. Activate by 07.07.25 $13 Per 7 Day Renewal Go to Site	$13 Per 7 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#2	Kogan Mobile Editor's Pick	Kogan Mobile Editor's Pick Small Monthly Plan 15GB data On the Vodafone 4G Mobile Network $20 Per 1 Month Renewal Go to Site	$20 Per 1 Month Renewal	Go to Site
#3	Kogan Mobile	Kogan Mobile Medium Monthly Plan 40GB data On the Vodafone 4G Mobile Network Deal: Get 50GB for $10 for first month (includes $15 off + 10GB bonus data), then 40GB for $25 thereafter, valid until 27.04.25 $25 Per 1 Month Renewal Go to Site	$25 Per 1 Month Renewal	Go to Site
#4	Boost Mobile	Boost Mobile $26 Prepaid 17GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Get 17GB data for the first 3 recharges, then 7GB from 4th recharge. New customers only. Activate by 07.07.25 $26 Per 28 Day Renewal Go to Site	$26 Per 28 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#5	Belong	Belong 25GB Mobile Plan 25GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks $30/mth Min. cost $30 Go to Site	$30/mth Min. cost $30	Go to Site
#6	Belong	Belong 40GB Mobile Plan 40GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks $35/mth Min. cost $35 Go to Site	$35/mth Min. cost $35	Go to Site
#7	Boost Mobile	Boost Mobile $39 Prepaid 65GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Grab a $39 SIM for $13 – save $26. Hurry! Offer ends 12 May 2025. Terms Apply $39 Per 28 Day Renewal Go to Site	$39 Per 28 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#8	Kogan Mobile	Kogan Mobile Large Monthly Plan 80GB data On the Vodafone 4G Mobile Network Deal: $25 for first 3 months on Large Monthly Plan, then $40/mth thereafter valid until 25.05.25 $40 Per 1 Month Renewal Go to Site	$40 Per 1 Month Renewal	Go to Site
#9	Belong	Belong 100GB Mobile Plan 100GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks $45/mth Min. cost $45 Go to Site	$45/mth Min. cost $45	Go to Site
#10	Boost Mobile	Boost Mobile $49 Prepaid 95GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Get 95GB data for first 3 recharges, then 35GB from 4th recharge. New customers only. Activate by 07.07.25 $49 Per 28 Day Renewal Go to Site	$49 Per 28 Day Renewal	Go to Site

What is a refurbished phone?

A refurbished phone is when a company takes a device that is no longer brand new and restores its software and hardware to factory settings.

This could be as simple as wiping a phone of all its data or repairing a device's damaged screen. Almost all telcos that sell refurbished models will let you know how refurbished they are based on a rating scale, such as Fair to Like New condition.

Refurbished mobile phones with Belong

Dubbed Belong's Second Life Shop, the Telstra-powered telco offers customers the opportunity to purchase both Samsung and Apple devices in varying models, colours, sizes and condition grades for a fraction of the retail price.

iPhones start from as low as $369 for an iPhone XR while Samsung devices are priced at just $449 for a refurbished Galaxy S20 5G. All Belong refurbished phones come with a 12-month warranty and a free $80 SIM but you're free to use the devices with any telco you choose so you're not locked into a Belong plan.

Here are a selection of mobile plans to go with your semi-new device if you do choose to stay with Belong:

#1	Belong	Belong 25GB Mobile Plan 25GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks $30/mth Min. cost $30 Go to Site	$30/mth Min. cost $30	Go to Site
#2	Belong	Belong 40GB Mobile Plan 40GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks $35/mth Min. cost $35 Go to Site	$35/mth Min. cost $35	Go to Site
#3	Belong	Belong 100GB Mobile Plan 100GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks $45/mth Min. cost $45 Go to Site	$45/mth Min. cost $45	Go to Site
#4	Belong	Belong 160GB Mobile Plan 160GB data at download speeds up to 250Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks $55/mth Min. cost $55 Go to Site	$55/mth Min. cost $55	Go to Site

Refurbished mobile phones with numobile

numobile offers what they call 'nucertified refurbished devices' for those looking for a new iPhone. Unfortunately, numobile doesn't offer the most perks or an extensive range of brands, models, colours, sizes and quantity of stock — especially when compared to Belong.

However, each phone comes with a 12-month warranty and a 30-day swap or return condition so if you're not happy simply send it back and choose something else. Phones are also express shipped for free.

If you do find a device right for you through numobile, here are the plans you can pair it with:

#1	amaysim	amaysim 7-day UNLIMITED 10GB Plan 10GB data at download speeds up to 100Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas with 5G devices ex. NT $10 Per 7 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$10 Per 7 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#2	Optus	Optus Optus Prepaid $12 SIM 5GB Speed capped at 150Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device Deal: 5GB data on first 3 recharges, 3GB standard data thereafter. New services only. Speed caps apply. T&Cs apply $12 Per 7 Day Renewal Go to Site	$12 Per 7 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#3	Moose Mobile Editor's Pick	Moose Mobile Editor's Pick Moose 26.80 SIM Only 40GB data at download speeds up to 100Mbps On the Optus 5G Mobile Network Deal: Get 40GB for $12.40 – Includes $14.40 off and 13GB bonus data for first 6 months. Offer ends 31.05.25 $12.40/mth Min. cost $12.40 Link not supplied	$12.40/mth Min. cost $12.40	Link not supplied
#4	iiNet	iiNet 25GB Small Plan 25GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps On the Vodafone 4G Mobile Network Deal: 50% off - $12.50/mth for first 6 months, then $25/mth ongoing. Available until withdrawn. T&Cs apply. $12.50 Per 1 Month Renewal Go to Site	$12.50 Per 1 Month Renewal	Go to Site
#5	TPG Editor's Pick	TPG Editor's Pick 25GB Small Plan 25GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps On the Vodafone 4G Mobile Network Deal: 50% off - $12.50/mth for first 6 months, then $25/mth ongoing. Available until withdrawn. T&Cs apply. $12.50 Per 1 Month Renewal Go to Site	$12.50 Per 1 Month Renewal	Go to Site
#6	Boost Mobile	Boost Mobile $13 Prepaid 7GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Get 7GB data for the first 3 recharges, then 5GB from 4th recharge. New customers only. Activate by 07.07.25 $13 Per 7 Day Renewal Go to Site	$13 Per 7 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#7	SpinTel	SpinTel $22 Mobile Plan 25GB data at download speeds up to 100Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas with 5G devices ex. NT Deal: Enjoy $8 off for the first 6 months for new customers - $14/mth for first 6 months, then $22/mth $14/mth Min. cost $14 Go to Site	$14/mth Min. cost $14	Go to Site
#8	Lyca Mobile	Lyca Mobile Unlimited 15 4GB data On the Vodafone 4G Mobile Network $15 Per 28 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$15 Per 28 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#9	iiNet	iiNet 50GB Medium Plan 50GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: 50% off - $17.50/mth for first 6 months, then $35/mth ongoing. Available until withdrawn. T&Cs apply. $17.50 Per 1 Month Renewal Go to Site	$17.50 Per 1 Month Renewal	Go to Site
#10	TPG Editor's Pick	TPG Editor's Pick 50GB Medium Plan 50GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: 50% off - $17.50/mth for first 6 months, then $35/mth ongoing. Available until withdrawn. T&Cs apply. $17.50 Per 1 Month Renewal Go to Site	$17.50 Per 1 Month Renewal	Go to Site

Refurbished mobile phones with Kogan Mobile

Short of purchasing a refurbished device through Kogan itself, the Vodafone Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNO) also sells refurbished iPhones in two ways.

Either choose its Subscription plan where you essentially pay to 'lease' the device for a lower cost than a regular phone plan. Or select the Own and Pay option, where you gradually pay off a refurbished phone to own and the overall price is still cheaper due to the not-so-new nature of the device.

For example, if you were to get a refurbished iPhone 12 64GB device from Kogan Mobile on a Subscription basis, you'd be looking at repaying around $28 per month over 24 months. Its Own and Pay option will have you owing $32 per month. That's a saving of $96 if you're happy to leave your phone instead of owning it.

Both options work out cheaper than purchasing a brand-new phone on a plan. But if you always want the latest device, Kogan Mobile's Subscription plan option could be the smarter alternative of all. It means you can pay off your device faster so you can return it to upgrade at any time in the last six months of your term.

Want a Kogan Mobile plan to go with it? Here are your options below:

#1	Kogan Mobile Editor's Pick	Kogan Mobile Editor's Pick Small Monthly Plan 15GB data On the Vodafone 4G Mobile Network $20 Per 1 Month Renewal Go to Site	$20 Per 1 Month Renewal	Go to Site
#2	Kogan Mobile	Kogan Mobile Medium Monthly Plan 40GB data On the Vodafone 4G Mobile Network Deal: Get 50GB for $10 for first month (includes $15 off + 10GB bonus data), then 40GB for $25 thereafter, valid until 27.04.25 $25 Per 1 Month Renewal Go to Site	$25 Per 1 Month Renewal	Go to Site
#3	Kogan Mobile	Kogan Mobile Large Monthly Plan 80GB data On the Vodafone 4G Mobile Network Deal: $25 for first 3 months on Large Monthly Plan, then $40/mth thereafter valid until 25.05.25 $40 Per 1 Month Renewal Go to Site	$40 Per 1 Month Renewal	Go to Site
#4	Kogan Mobile	Kogan Mobile Small - 365 Day Flex Plan 140GB data On the Vodafone 4G Mobile Network Deal: Get 140GB data for only $150 on the Small 365 Day Flex Plan. Offer ends 30.11.25 $150 Per 365 Day Renewal Go to Site	$150 Per 365 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#5	Kogan Mobile	Kogan Mobile Large - 365 Day Flex Plan 300GB data On the Vodafone 4G Mobile Network Deal: Get 300GB data for only $169 on the Large 365 Day Flex Plan. Offer ends 11.05.25 $169 Per 365 Day Renewal Go to Site	$169 Per 365 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#6	Kogan Mobile	Kogan Mobile Medium - 365 Day Flex Plan 200GB data On the Vodafone 4G Mobile Network Deal: Get 200GB data for only $190 on the Medium 365 Day Flex Plan. Offer ends 30.11.25 $190 Per 365 Day Renewal Go to Site	$190 Per 365 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#7	Kogan Mobile	Kogan Mobile Extra Large - 365 Day Flex Plan 500GB data On the Vodafone 4G Mobile Network Deal: Get 500GB data for only $300 on the Extra Large 365 Day Flex Plan. Offer ends 30.11.25 $300 Per 365 Day Renewal Go to Site	$300 Per 365 Day Renewal	Go to Site

How old is too old for a refurbished phone?

While it's true the older you go, the cheaper the device will be it is important to remember software isn't always supported on these outdated devices.

That's why we recommend purchasing no older than a two-year-old Android device to make sure your device will still receive software updates. As for iPhones, generally you can get away with purchasing one that's around four years old at a maximum.

Refurbished mobile phones with Boost Mobile

Telstra MVNO, Boost Mobile, has its own refurb shop where customers can purchase a pre-loved, factory reset iPhone or Samsung device. Each device can be paid off via ZipPay for as little as $10 per week and includes free shipping plus a 12-month warranty. If this isn't enough, you can purchase an extended warranty for up to 24 months for an additional fee.

Boost Mobile also offers SIM deals with specific devices, such as upfront 12-month SIMs with included data or free $35 SIM cards.

Interested? Here are the most affordable Boost Plans eligible for pairing with its refurbished devices:

#1	Boost Mobile	Boost Mobile $26 Prepaid 17GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Get 17GB data for the first 3 recharges, then 7GB from 4th recharge. New customers only. Activate by 07.07.25 $26 Per 28 Day Renewal Go to Site	$26 Per 28 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#2	Boost Mobile	Boost Mobile $39 Prepaid 65GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Grab a $39 SIM for $13 – save $26. Hurry! Offer ends 12 May 2025. Terms Apply $39 Per 28 Day Renewal Go to Site	$39 Per 28 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#3	Boost Mobile	Boost Mobile $49 Prepaid 95GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Get 95GB data for first 3 recharges, then 35GB from 4th recharge. New customers only. Activate by 07.07.25 $49 Per 28 Day Renewal Go to Site	$49 Per 28 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#4	Boost Mobile	Boost Mobile $59 Prepaid 120GB data at download speeds up to 250Mbps Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Get 120GB data for the first 3 recharges, then 45GB from 4th recharge. New customers only. Activate by 07.07.25 $59 Per 28 Day Renewal Go to Site	$59 Per 28 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#5	Boost Mobile	Boost Mobile $74 Prepaid 160GB Uncapped download speed Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Get 160GB data for the first 3 recharges, then 90GB from 4th recharge. New customers only. Activate by 07.07.25 $74 Per 28 Day Renewal Go to Site	$74 Per 28 Day Renewal	Go to Site

Refurbished mobile phones with Circles.Life

Optus MVNO, Circles.Life, is one of the latest telcos to join the revolution of recycling and rehoming pre-owned devices.

OzMobile, who is running the initiative, is aiming reduce the amount of e-waste by offering Circles.Life customers the chance to give new life to Apple, Samsung and Google Pixel models for a reduced cost. Circles.Life customers specifically save an additional $50 off every phone purchase over $299.

Each device comes with a free 12-month warranty and a 30-day return policy. But its devices also come with same-day shipping, a battery life guarantee and a price-beat guarantee to keep competition… well, competitive. A 24-month extended warranty can also be applied for an additional cost.

To secure this discount, here are the plans you want to consider:

#1	amaysim	amaysim 7-day UNLIMITED 10GB Plan 10GB data at download speeds up to 100Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas with 5G devices ex. NT $10 Per 7 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$10 Per 7 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#2	Optus	Optus Optus Prepaid $12 SIM 5GB Speed capped at 150Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device Deal: 5GB data on first 3 recharges, 3GB standard data thereafter. New services only. Speed caps apply. T&Cs apply $12 Per 7 Day Renewal Go to Site	$12 Per 7 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#3	Moose Mobile Editor's Pick	Moose Mobile Editor's Pick Moose 26.80 SIM Only 40GB data at download speeds up to 100Mbps On the Optus 5G Mobile Network Deal: Get 40GB for $12.40 – Includes $14.40 off and 13GB bonus data for first 6 months. Offer ends 31.05.25 $12.40/mth Min. cost $12.40 Link not supplied	$12.40/mth Min. cost $12.40	Link not supplied
#4	iiNet	iiNet 25GB Small Plan 25GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps On the Vodafone 4G Mobile Network Deal: 50% off - $12.50/mth for first 6 months, then $25/mth ongoing. Available until withdrawn. T&Cs apply. $12.50 Per 1 Month Renewal Go to Site	$12.50 Per 1 Month Renewal	Go to Site
#5	TPG Editor's Pick	TPG Editor's Pick 25GB Small Plan 25GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps On the Vodafone 4G Mobile Network Deal: 50% off - $12.50/mth for first 6 months, then $25/mth ongoing. Available until withdrawn. T&Cs apply. $12.50 Per 1 Month Renewal Go to Site	$12.50 Per 1 Month Renewal	Go to Site
#6	Boost Mobile	Boost Mobile $13 Prepaid 7GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Get 7GB data for the first 3 recharges, then 5GB from 4th recharge. New customers only. Activate by 07.07.25 $13 Per 7 Day Renewal Go to Site	$13 Per 7 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#7	SpinTel	SpinTel $22 Mobile Plan 25GB data at download speeds up to 100Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas with 5G devices ex. NT Deal: Enjoy $8 off for the first 6 months for new customers - $14/mth for first 6 months, then $22/mth $14/mth Min. cost $14 Go to Site	$14/mth Min. cost $14	Go to Site
#8	Lyca Mobile	Lyca Mobile Unlimited 15 4GB data On the Vodafone 4G Mobile Network $15 Per 28 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$15 Per 28 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#9	iiNet	iiNet 50GB Medium Plan 50GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: 50% off - $17.50/mth for first 6 months, then $35/mth ongoing. Available until withdrawn. T&Cs apply. $17.50 Per 1 Month Renewal Go to Site	$17.50 Per 1 Month Renewal	Go to Site
#10	TPG Editor's Pick	TPG Editor's Pick 50GB Medium Plan 50GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: 50% off - $17.50/mth for first 6 months, then $35/mth ongoing. Available until withdrawn. T&Cs apply. $17.50 Per 1 Month Renewal Go to Site	$17.50 Per 1 Month Renewal	Go to Site

Other places to buy refurbished phones

If purchasing a refurbished device from a telco isn't for you, there are a few other places to get your hands on them.

Amazon give customers a more granular search experience catering to budgets, brands, operating systems, storage capacity, screen sizes of all kinds. Simply input all the specs you want your new refurbished device to have and it'll spit out the ideal refurbished mobile phone for you.

Kogan's retail arm offers an abundance of pre-loved devices from Apple, Samsung, OPPO, Google, LG, ASUS and many more. Its wide range of stock rival most telcos plus you can choose to search devices with free shipping only or fast dispatch if you're in a hurry.

By searching OzMobiles directly, you can choose the brand, model, storage capacity and even condition quality of your next device. You can also organise a trade-in of your existing device for a discount on your purchase.