Best Value Refurbished Phones and Tablets Under $250 (NZ Buyer's Roundup)

Not everyone needs the newest flagship. If you just want a phone or tablet that works reliably, has a decent screen, and won't wreck your budget, refurbished tech under $250 is one of the smartest corners of the market. Here's what's currently in stock and worth a look, plus a few tips for choosing between them.

Apple iPhone SE 2020 64GB — $169

The 2020 SE packs a modern Apple chip into a compact, familiar Home-button body. It's a great pick if you want an iPhone that's fast enough for everyday apps, banking, and social media, without paying flagship prices. This particular unit is listed in fair cosmetic condition, meaning there may be some visible scratches or dents, but it's 100% functional and comes with a new battery, case, and screen protector. If a few marks on the back don't bother you, this is one of the cheapest genuine ways into the Apple ecosystem right now. View the iPhone SE 2020.

Apple iPhone 8 Plus 64GB Space Grey — $229

If screen size matters more to you than having the latest Face ID system, the 8 Plus is worth a look. It has a bigger display and battery than the SE, still runs current iOS updates, and this unit is graded as-new with a new battery, case, and screen protector included. Stock on this one is limited to a single unit, so it won't be around long. View the iPhone 8 Plus.

Apple iPad Mini 4 128GB WiFi — $169

Tablets hold their usefulness longer than phones do, and the Mini 4 is a good example — it's compact, light, and the 128GB storage means you won't be constantly deleting photos to free up space. This one ships with a kids' EVA case included, so it also doubles as a solid pick for a child's first tablet or a dedicated reading and video device for the lounge. View the iPad Mini 4.

How to choose between them

If you want the most "phone-like" experience for the least money, the SE 2020 is the pick — it's small, quick, and fully current on software. If screen real estate for reading, video, or two-handed typing matters more, the 8 Plus gives you that in a similarly priced package. And if you're after a second screen for the house rather than a primary phone, the iPad Mini 4 is hard to beat at $169.

Don't forget the extras

Whichever device you choose, it pays to protect it from day one. A tempered glass screen protector is cheap insurance against a cracked screen, and a proper case will absorb the knocks that used devices are most likely to suffer. We stock iPad Mini screen protectors and a 25W USB-C fast charger that's handy to have as a spare or an upgrade from a slow stock charger.

A quick word on buying refurbished

All of our refurbished stock is graded by condition — Like New, Excellent, Good, or Fair — so what you see listed reflects the actual cosmetic state of the unit, not just a generic photo. Every device is tested for full functionality before it's listed, including things like Face ID, Touch ID, and battery health where applicable. If you're New Zealand-based and want a second opinion before buying, feel free to get in touch — we're happy to talk through which condition grade and which device makes the most sense for how you'll actually use it.

Stock on single-unit items moves fast, so if one of these catches your eye, it's worth grabbing sooner rather than later.