Cheapest Refurbished Phones Under £100 for UK Students in 2026

UK students in 2026 are dealing with a simple problem: smartphones are expensive, but daily life without one is impossible. Online classes, WhatsApp groups, banking apps, assignments, and social media all depend on having a working phone.

That’s where refurbished phones under £100 become the smartest option. They give students a working device at a fraction of the cost without locking them into contracts.

This guide from Lowpricephones Uk is built to rank on Google, perform on Google Discover, and convert readers into buyers by focusing on real usage, real comparisons, and real student needs.

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Cheap Refurbished Phones UK

Why Refurbished Phones Are the Smart Choice for UK Students

Affordable alternative to contracts

Instead of paying £30–£60 monthly contracts, students can buy a fully working phone under £100 and stay in control of their budget.

Enough power for daily student life

Even older smartphones still run essential apps:

• WhatsApp
• Zoom
• Google Classroom
• YouTube
• Instagram (light use)

Eco-friendly decision

Refurbished phones reduce electronic waste and support sustainable tech consumption in the UK.

Check discounted student deals here:
Student Phone Deals UK

Best Refurbished Phones Under £100 in 2026 

iPhone 7 Plus – Best Budget Apple Phone

Overview

The iPhone 7 Plus is still one of the most reliable entry-level Apple devices in the refurbished market.

Key specifications

• 5.5-inch Retina display
• Dual rear camera system
• Touch ID fingerprint security
• Stable iOS performance

What students get

It handles everyday tasks like browsing, studying apps, video calls, and messaging smoothly. It is not a gaming phone, but it is stable and dependable for daily use.

Pros

• Smooth iOS experience
• Strong build quality
• Good basic camera performance

Cons

• Battery depends on refurbishment quality
• No latest iOS updates
• Not for heavy apps or gaming

Best for

Students who want a cheap Apple iPhone experience under £100

BlackBerry 9900 – Best Physical Keyboard Phone

Overview

A classic phone built for typing, messaging, and basic communication.

Key features

• Physical QWERTY keyboard
• Lightweight operating system
• Basic internet browsing

What students get

Fast typing for messages and emails, but no modern app ecosystem.

Pros

• Extremely fast typing
• Simple and distraction-free
• Good for SMS/email

Cons

• No modern apps
• Not suitable for social media
• Outdated system

Best for

Minimal users who only need communication and typing

BlackBerry Q20 – Best Productivity Device

Overview

A refined BlackBerry model focused on productivity and structured communication.

Key features

• Full keyboard
• Strong battery efficiency
• Email-focused interface

What students get

Reliable device for emails, schedules, notes, and basic browsing.

Pros

• Excellent for productivity
• Strong typing experience
• Durable design

Cons

• Limited apps
• No entertainment features

Best for

Students who want a distraction-free work phone

Browse BlackBerry collection:
BlackBerry Phones UK

Samsung Galaxy A71 – Best All-Round Android Phone

Overview

The Samsung Galaxy A71 is one of the strongest refurbished Android phones under £100 when available.

Key specifications

• Large AMOLED display
• Long battery life
• Smooth multitasking performance
• Solid camera system

What students get

A complete smartphone experience for study, entertainment, browsing, and communication.

Pros

• Balanced performance
• Excellent display quality
• Strong battery backup

Cons

• Rare under £100
• Slightly older Android version

Best for

Students who want a full-feature Android smartphone experience

Sony Xperia XA2 – Best Simple Daily Phone

Overview

A compact Android phone designed for clean and simple usage.

Key features

• Clean Android interface
• Stable performance
• Compact design

What students get

Smooth performance for WhatsApp, browsing, YouTube, and study apps.

Pros

• Easy to use
• Stable daily performance
• Lightweight system

Cons

• Average processing power
• Not for heavy usage

Best for

Students who want a simple, no-stress smartphone

Comparison Table: Best Refurbished Phones Under £100 UK

Where to Buy Safe Refurbished Phones in the UK

Many students lose money by buying cheap phones from unreliable sellers. Poor battery health and hidden faults are common issues.

Lowpricephones Uk solves this by offering:

• Fully tested devices
• Clear condition grading
• Student-focused pricing

View current deals here:
Refurbished Phone Sale UK

How Students Should Choose the Right Phone

Step 1: Match phone to usage

• Study + browsing → Sony Xperia XA2
• Apple experience → iPhone 7 Plus
• All-round usage → Samsung Galaxy A71
• Typing only → BlackBerry models

Step 2: Always check battery condition

Battery health is more important than brand or specs in refurbished phones.

Step 3: Avoid unnecessary features

Most students overpay for power they never use.

Are Refurbished Phones Under £100 Worth It in 2024?

Yes, but only if expectations are realistic.

Good for:

• Communication
• Online learning
• Social media (light use)
• Browsing

Not good for:

• Heavy gaming
• Professional content creation
• Latest high-end apps

For UK students, this remains one of the most practical tech choices available.

FAQs 

Are refurbished phones good for students in the UK?

Yes, they are reliable for daily student use when bought from trusted sellers.

Can I use WhatsApp and Zoom?

Yes, all phones listed support essential study and communication apps.

Is iPhone 7 Plus still usable in 2024?

Yes, for basic tasks it still works but is not future-proof.

Which is the best phone under £100?

Samsung Galaxy A71 is the strongest overall option.

Why choose Lowpricephones Uk?

Because it provides tested, affordable refurbished smartphones designed for UK students

Final Verdict

Refurbished phones under £100 are not just “cheap phones”—they are practical tools for students who need reliable communication without financial stress.

Each device serves a clear purpose:

• iPhone 7 Plus → Apple users
• Samsung Galaxy A71 → best overall performance
• Sony Xperia XA2 → simple daily use
• BlackBerry → productivity niche

Lowpricephones Uk continues to deliver affordable, tested smartphones for UK students who want value, reliability, and real-world performance.