If you're looking for a refurbished iPhone, two names probably come to mind: BackMarket and Amazon Renewed. Both promise big savings compared to buying new, but which one should you trust with your purchase?
Here's a quick, data-driven comparison to help you decide.
Product Selection
BackMarket:
Specializes in refurbished tech only. This means every iPhone on the site is refurbished by professional sellers who meet BackMarket's quality standards. You'll usually find multiple grades (Fair, Good, Excellent, or "Like New") for each model, which is great if you want to save more by choosing a lower cosmetic grade.
Amazon Renewed:
Has a huge selection thanks to its massive seller network. However, quality can vary depending on the third-party refurbisher. Always look for listings marked "Amazon Renewed Premium" for the highest standards — these devices have batteries with at least 90% capacity and come with a one-year warranty.
Verdict: If you want consistent grading and tech-only sellers, BackMarket wins. If you want more sellers competing on price and availability, Amazon may offer better deals.
Quality & Testing
BackMarket: Requires sellers to run 25+ point functional tests before listing devices. Battery health is guaranteed at a minimum of 85%.
Amazon Renewed: Guarantees devices look and work "like new" but the exact inspection process varies by seller. For the best experience, stick to top-rated sellers or Amazon Renewed Premium devices.
Battery Health Guarantee
Battery health is one of the most important factors when buying a refurbished iPhone.
| Platform | Battery Health |
|---|---|
| BackMarket | Minimum 85%. Many sellers replace batteries if they fall below this. |
| Amazon Renewed Premium | Minimum 90% (or a new battery) |
| Amazon Regular Renewed | No guaranteed percentage — depends on the seller |
Verdict: Amazon Renewed Premium wins here, but BackMarket is still solid if you trust the grading.
Warranty & Returns
BackMarket: 1-year warranty on all products + 30-day return window.
Amazon: 90-day Amazon Renewed Guarantee (1-year for Premium). Amazon's return process is famously easy, which can be a big advantage.
Price & Value
BackMarket: Often slightly cheaper, since it focuses on refurbished inventory only.
Amazon: Can be more expensive for Renewed Premium but you may catch flash deals, warehouse specials, or coupons.
Buying Experience
BackMarket: Clean interface designed just for refurbished tech.
Amazon: Tons of product reviews, Q&A, and Prime shipping — but you may have to sift through listings to avoid lower-quality refurbishers.
Bottom Line
- If you want a specialized refurbished marketplace with clear grading, BackMarket is a great choice.
- If you prefer Prime shipping, easier returns, and higher battery guarantees, Amazon Renewed Premium may be worth the extra cost.
- And if you want direct-from-supplier pricing with a 2-year warranty & 90 Day returns, you can check out CellMarkt.com — a verified refurbished iPhone seller with consistently high battery health and 2-day, free shipping.
