Save more than a few bucks and get the best refurbished phones
As much as we love playing with and testing the latest and greatest phones here at AC, there is something we can universally agree on that we aren't fans of - paying full price for the best Android phones. If you're in the market for a quality Android phone but don't want to spend a thousand dollars, you can grab one of the best refurbished phones as these offer a great experience at a fraction of what you'd typically spend. Here are our favorite options!
Still a stunnerGoogle Pixel 3aStaff pick
Although it has been discontinued to make way for the Pixel 4a, the Pixel 3a is still a fantastic value. The device sports the same camera from the Pixel 3 and 3 XL, along with a clean design that you're accustomed to. Plus, you'll still get a few more major software updates before Google moves onto bigger things.
From $202 at AmazonFrom $166 at Back MarketFrom $149 at Gazelle
Ahead of its timeOnePlus 8
The OnePlus 8 has supplanted the likes of the OnePlus 7 Pro and OnePlus 7T, bringing the value flagship experience we have come to expect from OnePlus. You'll find a triple camera setup on the back, a solid 4,300mAh battery, and a gorgeous AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate.
From $542 at AmazonFrom $475 at Back Market
Enter the GalaxySamsung Galaxy S10e
Samsung does a few things really well, one being design, and the other being displays. The Galaxy S10e is the child of the standard S10 line and is arguably the most impressive of them all. This budget-minded device was a sleeper-hit in 2019, giving you almost all the flagship features at a fraction of the cost.
From $349 at AmazonFrom $379 at Back MarketFrom $271 at Gazelle
Great all aroundLG V60
LG's V60 didn't receive a lot of attention when it was released early in 2020 and that's honestly a shame. While it isn't the best Android phone ever created, it's a really solid device in just about every regard. The metal + glass design looks great, the external speakers are insanely loud, and it has one of the highest-quality headphone jacks around.
From $430 at AmazonFrom $410 at Back MarketFrom $469 at Walmart
Livin' the stylus lifeSamsung Galaxy Note 10
With the Galaxy Note 20 here, that opens the door for the Note 10 to see steeper discounts. Despite being locked with a 60Hz refresh rate, that's not the primary reason for grabbing a Note 10. The display itself is still gorgeous, Samsung has pushed updates to improve the camera, and it's equipped with the ever-useful S Pen.
From $506 at AmazonFrom $580 at Back MarketFrom $560 at Walmart
Powerful and cheapMoto G Fast
The Moto G Fast is one of the more intriguing devices released in 2020, as Motorola aimed to cut all of the right corners to provide a solid experience without breaking the bank. Although the display only features a 720p resolution, you'll get long-lasting battery life, great build quality, and a triple camera setup.
From $175 at AmazonFrom $230 at Back Market
Ignore the battery lifeGoogle Pixel 4
For everything that Google did wrong with the battery on the Pixel 4, it's still a great phone in just about every other facet. The camera system is still one of our favorites, especially with Night Sight as newer devices just can't stack up. You'll just need want to use some of the cash you've saved to pick up a portable charger.
From $322 at AmazonFrom $398 at Back Market
Almost too oldSamsung Galaxy S9
This may not be the newest Samsung Galaxy phone on the market, but it's one heck of a smartphone here in 2020. From a hardware standpoint, the S9's design still stands out as a thing of beauty. The AMOLED display is one of the best around, the glass back supports wireless charging, and there's a headphone jack. Just know that the S9 is nearing the end of its software update life.
From $299 at AmazonFrom $225 at Back Market
A stupendous dealOnePlus 7T
OnePlus regularly makes some of the best value flagships on the market, but if the OnePlus 8 Pro is a bit too rich for your blood, we recommend looking into a refurbished 7T. The OnePlus 7T's design is still modern in 2020, thanks to its small waterdrop notch and sleek glass back. It has a Snapdragon 855+ CPU, 90Hz AMOLED display, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage.
From $285 at AmazonFrom $286 at Back Market
The Pixel 3a is the best refurbished phone
When Google launched the Pixel 3a last year, there was much fanfare as it seemed that Google was changing up the game plan. Now that the Pixel 4a and Pixel 5 have arrived, it's clear that this is the case as Google is opting to take over the budget market instead of competing with the likes of Samsung and Apple and other flagship models.
The Pixel 3a packs an impressive wallop, providing the same camera as was found on the Pixel 3 and 3 XL. Along with a design that is comfortable to hold and still familiar to just about every Android user. Sure, the spec-sheet isn't the latest, and the Pixel 4a is cheaper than the 3a was, but the 3a gets the leg up in the refurbished market. Plus, Google still plans on supporting this device until May 2022 at the earliest.
Want something a bit more flashy? Check out the OnePlus 7T or Galaxy Note 10
If you're someone who wants to save a few bucks and get a device that is flashy and will still turn heads, there's no better way to go other than OnePlus or Samsung. The OnePlus 7T is still being sold as new at T-Mobile and OnePlus, and for good reason. You're getting a sleek design with a stunning AMOLED display equipped with a 90Hz display. There are no hole-punches to be concerned with, and the glass back has a texture that is simply comfortable to hold.
The camera system may not hold up against the likes of the 3a or the Note 10, but it will do the job just fine. The bigger benefit comes in the software department, as OxygenOS is one of the best Android skins available. At the very least, you will see Android 11 come to the 7T, but OnePlus has an excellent track record of providing software updates for years; just look at the OnePlus 5 and 5T.
Stepping things up a notch, we're presented with the Galaxy Note 10 which just passed its one-year release anniversary. This device is still more than capable with its triple-camera system, gorgeous display with ultra-slim bezels, and great battery life. The obvious benefit of grabbing a Note device is the inclusion of the S Pen, which can really turn the Note 10 into your one-stop-shop for productivity.
There are a few things to keep in mind, especially as we traverse through 2020 and beyond. The Note 10 does not have 5G support, and you won't be able to enjoy the benefits of a 90Hz or 120Hz refresh rate. But Samsung's design and displays are so great, these details shouldn't deter you from considering this beautiful smartphone.