Refurbished phones are booming because they deliver flagship performance at budget prices, reduce e-waste, and often include warranty and returns. Whether you’re shopping refurbished phones UK, refurbished iPhone, refurbished Samsung phones, refurbished Google Pixel, or refurbished Android phones in the US, India, or EU, you’ll run into the same make-or-break question:
Does a refurbished phone come with a new battery—or are you getting a device with a tired cell that needs replacing soon?
Batteries sit at the crossroads of usability, lifespan, performance, and resale value. They affect everything from charging speed to peak performance, and they’re the number-one long-term complaint buyers have when they feel a “deal” wasn’t really a deal. This guide explains industry practices, brand and marketplace policies, how to check battery health, how grading works, what to ask the seller, and what to do if the battery isn’t new—so you can buy confidently and avoid hidden costs.
Refurbished vs. Used vs. New: the baseline you need before you ask about batteries
Used phones are sold as-is by previous owners or small shops with minimal testing, no standardized checklist, and often limited or no warranty. The battery is almost always original with unknown cycle count and health.
Refurbished phones undergo inspection, functional testing, data wipe, genuine (OEM) or quality third-party parts replacement, cosmetic reconditioning, and are resold with some form of warranty and return policy. The battery is tested—and depending on the refurbisher’s criteria, it may be replaced.
New phones, of course, come with a new battery and full manufacturer warranty, but they command the highest price.
This distinction matters because a “refurbished” label ranges from manufacturer-certified (the gold standard) to third-party Grade B/C (budget-first). Battery policies change along that spectrum.
Do refurbished phones have new batteries?
Sometimes—depending on who did the refurbishment. Here’s how major programs handle batteries (with verified references):
Apple Certified Refurbished iPhone: Apple states that refurbished iOS devices come with a new battery and a new outer shell, plus a 1-year warranty. This is the most straightforward, buyer-friendly policy. Apple
Samsung “Certified Re-Newed” (USA/business store): Samsung advertises a new (certified) battery, genuine Samsung parts, and a 1-year warranty on Certified Re-Newed phones. Samsung
Amazon Renewed (phones): Batteries are tested to meet at least 80% of original capacity (and 90% for Renewed Premium), but a brand-new battery is not guaranteed. AmazonAmazon CanadaAmazon Seller Central
Back Market (marketplace): Smartphones must arrive with ≥80% battery health as standard; Premium grade can offer ≥90% minimum. Not a guarantee of a brand-new cell, but a published baseline. Back Market Help Center
If you’re buying Apple Certified or Samsung Certified Re-Newed, you’re covered for a new battery. On Amazon Renewed and Back Market, you’re guaranteed a minimum battery health threshold, not necessarily a fresh cell. With independent third-party refurbishers, it varies—many replace batteries below 80% capacity, and Grade A devices more commonly have newer or replaced batteries than Grade B/C.
Battery health 101: cycles, capacity, and the symptoms you’ll notice in daily use
Capacity vs. cycles (and why 80% is the magic line)
Lithium-ion batteries gradually lose capacity each charge cycle (a cycle = 100% worth of charge used, not one plug-in). At a certain point, maximum capacity drops enough that you see real-world issues: shorter screen-on time, slower peak performance, thermal throttling, and sometimes random shutdowns.
As a rule of thumb, many ecosystems treat ~80% maximum capacity as the service threshold—that’s the point where battery replacement becomes the sensible move for a consistent, all-day experience. Back Market and Amazon Renewed align their policies around this pragmatic floor, often reflecting broader industry norms. Back Market Help CenterAmazon
Real-world signs of poor battery health
You charge multiple times a day despite light use.
The phone runs hot during ordinary tasks.
You notice sudden drops from, say, 20% to 5%.
Performance dips during demanding tasks (games, camera).
Charging stalls or takes far longer than expected.
How manufacturers visualize health
iPhone: Settings → Battery → Battery Health & Charging shows Maximum Capacity (%) and Peak Performance Capability, plus important notices if throttling or service is recommended.
Android: Implementation varies; Samsung includes device diagnostics through the Samsung Members app (Support → Phone diagnostics → Test all), which helps you check battery status. Samsung
Brand & marketplace battery policies (and what they mean for you)
Apple Certified Refurbished iPhone
If you want guaranteed new battery and new outer shell, Apple’s store is the straightest line. You also get free delivery/returns and a 1-year warranty (and typically AppleCare eligibility). This tends to cost more than marketplace refurbs, but it maximizes longevity, performance, and resale value—which often justifies the price difference. Apple
When to choose this path:
You’re buying an iPhone and want “like-new” hardware standards.
You value warranty parity with new devices.
You plan to keep the phone for 2–3+ years and care about battery life and resale.
Where to find the policy: Apple’s Refurbished explainer page clearly spells out the new battery + outer shell promise. Apple
Samsung Certified Re-Newed
Samsung’s Certified Re-Newed program (US) promises 100% genuine Samsung parts, a new battery, thorough inspection, and a 1-year warranty. This is the Android equivalent of Apple’s peace-of-mind route and is especially compelling if you want a Galaxy S/Note/Z device that feels close to new. Samsung
When to choose this path:
You’re a Samsung buyer who wants OEM-level refurbishment and new battery assurance.
You want official software updates and warranty from the source.
Amazon Renewed
Amazon Renewed emphasizes capacity floors: ≥80% for standard Renewed and ≥90% for Renewed Premium. The device should look and function like new, but the battery may not be freshly replaced. The upside is price and availability across regions (US, UK, India), with a renewed guarantee and return options. The trade-off is variability—some units arrive with high-80s health, others closer to 80%. AmazonAmazon
When to choose this path:
You want the best price vs. condition balance.
You’re okay with ≥80%–90% battery health if the price is right.
You understand returns and are prepared to swap if you get a borderline unit.
Back Market
Back Market publishes clear minimums: smartphones arrive with ≥80% battery health; Premium grade raises this to ≥90%. Sellers are obligated to make it right if a device arrives below the threshold (repair, replacement, or refund). This transparency helps you filter by grade and set realistic expectations. Back Market Help Center
When to choose this path:
You value explicit battery health minimums and grade-based pricing.
You’re comfortable buying from a curated marketplace with seller performance controls.
Regional realities:
United Kingdom (refurbished mobile phones UK): Strong consumer protection and warranty expectations (6–12 months typical from reputable refurbishers). Many UK sellers publicize battery health percentage and grading (Grade A/Excellent often implies better cosmetics and, frequently, stronger battery health).
United States: A wide landscape—Apple Certified and Samsung Certified Re-Newed for OEM-grade refurbs; Amazon Renewed for breadth and price; Back Market for clear minimums and grading.
India: Amazon Renewed and Flipkart Refurbished are common. Carefully check battery policy and returns because replacement logistics can vary by seller and city.
European Union: Marketplaces like Back Market are strong; many listings show battery health in the product page, and warranties are typical.
Bottom line internationally: The more official the refurb channel, the more likely you get a new battery (Apple/Samsung). The more marketplace-driven, the more you should focus on published thresholds (≥80%/≥90%), grade, seller ratings, and return terms.
Grading explained: why “Grade A” often lasts longer than “Grade C”
Though grading mostly describes cosmetics (scratches, scuffs, screen micro-marks), it correlates with internal wear because a phone that’s been handled gently externally may also have been charged and cycled more conservatively.
Grade A / Excellent Condition / Premium: Clean screens, minimal marks, often higher battery health or recent replacements for borderline cells.
Grade B: Visible wear (small scratches), generally serviceable battery health but not top-tier—verify the percentage.
Grade C: Heavier cosmetic wear and, frequently, older batteries. Factor in battery replacement cost.
Grading is not a battery guarantee—always ask—but it’s a useful proxy for expectations.
How to check battery health before you buy (and after delivery)
iPhone (step-by-step)
Ask the seller for Battery Health (Maximum Capacity %) and a screenshot of Settings → Battery → Battery Health & Charging.
Confirm Peak Performance Capability is normal and there’s no service warning.
If it’s <80%, either request a battery replacement or factor the replacement cost into the price.
After the phone arrives, verify the same screen. Use it normally for a week; sudden drops or frequent overheating suggest degraded health.
Samsung Galaxy (and many Android phones)
Request diagnostics from the seller.
On Samsung, open Samsung Members → Support → Phone diagnostics → Test all to check battery status yourself. Samsung
For other Android devices, ask for service menu screenshots or use reputable diagnostic apps after delivery.
Watch for charging irregularities and rapid drain during the return window.
Pro tip: Ask for battery cycle count when possible (iPhone cycle count isn’t shown in Settings; technicians can pull it, and some third-party tools can read it). Cycle count + % capacity gives the clearest picture.
What to ask the refurb seller (this is where deals are made—or lost)
Has the battery been replaced? If yes, OEM or third-party cell?
What is the battery health percentage right now? Any cycle count info?
Is battery performance guaranteed (e.g., ≥80% or ≥90%)?
What does the warranty cover? Batteries are sometimes excluded or covered only if they fail functional tests (vs. capacity complaints).
Return window & postage: Who pays shipping if the health is below the promised threshold?
Grading criteria: Ask for the definition of Grade A/B/C and whether battery health is included in that grading.
Having these answers in writing turns vague listings into accountable offers.
Cost check: What if the battery isn’t new but the deal is great?
Sometimes you find the perfect refurbished iPhone or refurbished Samsung with excellent specs and price—but the battery is 82–85%. Should you walk away? Not necessarily. Consider the replacement path:
Apple iPhone battery service: Apple outlines official battery service options (in-store, mail-in) on its support page, with prices that vary by model and coverage. Using Apple maintains water resistance and genuine parts. Apple Support
Samsung battery service: Carried out by Samsung or authorized centers; costs vary by model/region.
Independent repair: Can be cheaper, but weigh part quality, warranty impact, and water sealing.
Decision rule of thumb: If the discount on the refurb is greater than the likely battery replacement cost, and the rest of the device is excellent, buying and planning a battery replacement can still be the best value.
Comparison snapshot: who likely gives you a new battery?
Always new battery:
Threshold-based (not guaranteed new):
Amazon Renewed (≥80% capacity; Renewed Premium ≥90%). Amazon
Back Market (≥80% for smartphones; Premium options ≥90%). Back Market Help Center
Third-party refurb shops: Ask—many replace if <80% or if performance tests fail, especially on Grade A.
Warranties, returns, and what “battery coverage” really means
A 6–12 month warranty is standard among reputable refurbishers, but battery coverage can be nuanced:
Some warranties cover battery failure (won’t hold charge, won’t power on) but not gradual capacity loss claims (e.g., “I want 95%”).
“Like-new performance” may be defined as meeting minimum capacity or runtime tests, not necessarily shipping with 95–100% health.
Return windows (14–30 days commonly) act as your real safety net. Unbox fast, test hard.
Always read the warranty fine print and keep screenshots/photos of the listing that promised a certain battery health.
Environmental Affect
Choosing refurbished keeps electronics in circulation and cuts e-waste. Replacing a battery instead of a whole device saves materials, energy, and CO₂ from manufacturing. Many buyers now factor this into purchase decisions alongside price and performance—meaning a transparent battery policy isn’t just a technical detail; it’s part of your sustainability choice.
Buyer playbook: how to get a refurbished phone with great battery life (and no surprises)
Pick your lane:
Verify before paying:
Get Battery Health % and (if possible) cycle count in writing.
Confirm OEM vs. third-party battery if replaced.
Use your return window:
On iPhone, check Maximum Capacity and Peak Performance.
On Samsung, run Samsung Members diagnostics. Samsung
Stress-test: camera, GPS, gaming, hotspot. Look for rapid drain or thermal issues.
Price in battery service:
If everything else is perfect, a planned battery replacement can still net the best total cost of ownership. Keep official service options in mind (Apple support page lists how to book and typical paths). Apple Support
Frequently Asked Questions
Do refurbished phones come with new batteries by default?
No. Only some programs do. Apple Certified iPhones include a new battery and new outer shell. Samsung Certified Re-Newed includes a new battery. Marketplaces like Amazon Renewed and Back Market guarantee minimum battery health, not a new cell.
What battery health is acceptable on a refurbished phone?
≥80% Maximum Capacity is the common threshold for “normal” performance. Premium tiers (Amazon Renewed Premium, Back Market Premium) aim for ≥90%.
How do I check iPhone battery health?
Go to Settings → Battery → Battery Health & Charging. Look at Maximum Capacity and whether Peak Performance Capability is normal.
How do I check Samsung battery health?
Open Samsung Members → Support → Phone diagnostics → Test all and review battery status.
Is an OEM battery better than third-party?
OEM (original) batteries match the phone’s design specs and firmware expectations. High-quality third-party cells can perform well, but OEM is safest for calibration, safety, and resale value.
Do Amazon Renewed phones have new batteries?
Not necessarily. They guarantee ≥80% capacity (or ≥90% for Renewed Premium). Ask for screenshots and be ready to swap within the return window if the health is borderline.
What’s the cost to replace an iPhone battery?
Apple details battery service options and pricing by model on its official support page. Consider Apple service to maintain water resistance and device integrity.
Is a refurbished phone with 82–85% battery health worth it?
Often yes—if the discount is strong, the model is desirable, and the seller offers easy returns. You can plan a battery replacement later and still come out ahead.
Refurbished vs. new: which is better for battery life?
New will obviously start at 100%. But a refurb with a new battery (Apple/Samsung Certified) can be functionally equivalent while saving you money. With marketplace refurbs, aim for Premium grades for the best battery outcomes.
Conclusion: The battery is your line between a “cheap phone” and a “smart buy”
The myth that all refurbished phones come with new batteries leads to disappointments. The reality is smarter—and more empowering:
If you buy Apple Certified or Samsung Certified Re-Newed, you get a new battery and manufacturer-grade refurbishment—the closest you’ll get to new for less.
If you shop Amazon Renewed or Back Market, look for Premium tiers and published battery thresholds (≥80% / ≥90%), and use your return window to verify health.
If you’re considering a third-party refurbisher, your best tools are questions, screenshots, warranty terms, and a willingness to walk away if answers are vague.
With the framework above—policies, checks, questions, and cost math—you’ll buy a refurbished phone that’s reliable today and resale-worthy tomorrow. That’s the difference between a bargain and a compromise.