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Which iPhone should you choose in 2026?
Tight budget, photography, battery life or gaming: this guide helps you pick the right refurbished iPhone at NomoPhone.
8 min read
Introduction
Choosing an iPhone in 2026 is not just about comparing spec sheets: it is about finding the model that matches your budget, your daily use and how long you plan to keep it. With refurbished devices, the price gap between generations becomes even more attractive.
At NomoPhone, every device is tested, includes a 24-month warranty and arrives ready to use. This guide points you to the right model — then you can browse our stock directly.
Which iPhone for your budget?
Under €300 — iPhone SE or iPhone 11/12
For basic use (calls, messaging, social media, browsing), a refurbished iPhone SE or iPhone 11/12 is more than enough. You get iOS without flagship pricing; on the oldest models, check compatibility with the latest iOS version.
€300 to €500 — iPhone 13 or iPhone 14
This is the sweet spot of refurbished: excellent performance, good battery life, very capable cameras. The iPhone 13 remains a smart choice; the iPhone 14 keeps the same A15 Bionic chip, in a version with a 5-core GPU (versus 4 on the iPhone 13), and adds Crash Detection.
€500 to €700 — iPhone 15
The iPhone 15 brings USB-C and Dynamic Island to the standard models. A good choice if you want both without going Pro.
€700 and above — iPhone 15 Pro / 16 / 16 Pro
For advanced photography, 3x or 5x optical zoom (telephoto) or a ProMotion display (120 Hz), look at the Pro range. The standard iPhone 16 has neither a telephoto lens nor ProMotion, but it has the A18 chip and supports Apple Intelligence.
Which iPhone for your use case?
Photo and video
Choose iPhone 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max or the 16 Pro line: larger sensors, optical zoom, ProRAW and advanced stabilisation.
Battery life
Plus and Pro Max models offer the largest batteries. Apple rates the iPhone 14 Pro Max and 15 Pro Max at up to 29 hours of video playback, versus 20 hours for the iPhone 14 and 15; on a refurbished device, real-world battery life depends on your usage and the condition of the battery.
Compact size
iPhone SE (4.7″ display) or iPhone 13 mini (5.4″, if available): a compact format without sacrificing iOS. The standard iPhone 13, 14, 15 and 16 all have a 6.1″ display.
Gaming and productivity
From the iPhone 14 Pro (A16 Bionic chip) and in later generations, you get more headroom for recent games and multitasking. Some titles require a newer chip: check compatibility on the App Store.
Why choose a refurbished iPhone?
A quality-checked refurbished iPhone lets you access a higher-tier model for the same budget while reducing environmental impact. At NomoPhone:
- 24-month warranty included
- Quality check on 50+ points
- 30-day returns
- Trade-in of your old device to fund your purchase
See our guide refurbished or new iPhone to go deeper.
Our recommendation
In summary: for most users, a refurbished iPhone 13 or 14 offers a very good balance of price and everyday use. If USB-C matters to you, start with the iPhone 15, the first standard model to have it. Photo and performance enthusiasts should aim for the Pro range.
Browse our stock, compare prices and estimate your old phone to lower the bill.
Models mentioned
Go to our stock or estimate trade-in.
Frequently asked questions
Which iPhone for everyday use?
For calls, messages, social media and web browsing, a refurbished iPhone 13 or 14 is more than enough and offers excellent value.
Is an iPhone 13 still worth buying in 2026?
Yes. The iPhone 13 still supports the latest iOS versions, performs well and costs far less than a new model or a 15/16 generation.
How much storage should I choose?
128 GB suits most users. Choose 256 GB if you shoot a lot of video or store large games. On refurbished, the 256 GB premium is often modest.
Can I fund my purchase with trade-in?
Yes. Estimate your old iPhone on our trade-in tool, ship it for free and receive payment to fund your new purchase.
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