Buying a refurbished iPhone is one of the easiest ways to save money on a phone that still feels fast. The hard part is choosing between generations. Here's what actually changed from the iPhone 12 to the iPhone 17, so you can decide where your money goes furthest.
The short version
- Tightest budget: iPhone 12 or 13 – 5G, OLED screens and MagSafe at a low price.
- Best all-rounder for most people: iPhone 14 or 15 – the iPhone 15 adds USB-C and Dynamic Island.
- Best camera and longest life: iPhone 16 Pro / 17 Pro models, with 5x telephoto zoom and the newest chips.
Generation by generation
iPhone 12 family (2020)
The first iPhones with 5G and MagSafe, and an OLED Super Retina XDR screen on every model. The iPhone 12 has the A14 Bionic chip, a 6.1″ display and dual 12MP cameras; the 12 Pro Max adds a 6.7″ display, a telephoto lens and LiDAR. Uses a Lightning connector. Shop iPhone 12
iPhone 13 family (2021)
A15 Bionic across the range. The iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max add a 120Hz ProMotion display and a triple camera with 3x telephoto – a lot of iPhone for the money. Lightning connector. Shop iPhone 13
iPhone 14 family (2022)
The iPhone 14 keeps the A15 Bionic and a 6.1″ OLED screen. The iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max introduced Dynamic Island, an always-on display and a 48MP main camera, with the A16 Bionic. Lightning connector. Shop iPhone 14
iPhone 15 family (2023)
The first iPhones with USB-C, and Dynamic Island on every model. The iPhone 15 and 15 Plus have the A16 Bionic and a 48MP main camera; the 15 Pro and Pro Max add a titanium body, the Action button, the A17 Pro chip and faster USB 3 – the Pro Max also gets a 5x telephoto. Shop iPhone 15
iPhone 16 family (2024)
Every model gets the Camera Control and Action buttons. The iPhone 16 runs on the A18; the 16 Pro and Pro Max use the A18 Pro with a 48MP Ultra Wide and a 5x telephoto. Shop iPhone 16
iPhone 17 family (2025)
The standard iPhone 17 gains a 120Hz ProMotion, always-on display and an 18MP Center Stage front camera. The 17 Pro and Pro Max use the A19 Pro chip with three 48MP rear cameras. Shop iPhone 17
Things worth paying attention to
- USB-C or Lightning. iPhone 15 and later use USB-C, the same cable as most laptops and Android phones. Earlier models use Lightning.
- Storage. If you take a lot of photos and videos, 128GB fills up quickly; 256GB gives you room to grow.
- Battery health. On a pre-owned iPhone this matters more than the generation for day-to-day battery life. We show it on every listing and don't sell below 80%.
- Grade. A Good or Very good grade can save you money on a phone that works the same as an Excellent one – see the grading guide.
Our advice
Set your budget, then buy the newest generation it covers, and prefer better battery health over a better cosmetic grade. If you can stretch to an iPhone 15 or later, USB-C makes life simpler. Not sure? Email support@techsite.co.nz and tell us what you use your phone for – we'll help you choose.
See every model in stock: refurbished iPhones.