Let’s be honest, not everyone’s splashing out £1,000 on the latest iPhone or gaming phone. If you’re into mobile gaming but want to keep things budget-friendly, you might be wondering… are refurbished phones good enough for gaming?
Short answer: yes. Long answer: absolutely yes — especially if you shop smart (and yes, we’re talking about buying from the iOutlet).
What makes a phone good for gaming?
Before we dive into the best picks, here’s what you want from a gaming phone:
- A fast processor – so your game doesn’t lag mid-battle
- A decent GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) – for smooth graphics and frame rates (that’s the part of your phone that makes games look good and run smoothly)
- Plenty of RAM – for multitasking and more demanding games
- Good battery life – because gaming drains power — fast
- A high refresh rate display – not essential, but a bonus for smoother visuals
The good news? You don’t need to spend £1,000+ to get all that when you buy refurbished.
Best refurbished phones for gaming under £300
Here are some absolute steals you can grab from the iOutlet — all tested, quality-checked, and way more affordable than buying brand new:
iPhone 12
Why it’s good: The A14 Bionic chip still delivers top performance in 2025. Smooth gameplay, a bright OLED screen, and decent battery life make it a reliable gaming companion.
Games it handles like a pro: Call of Duty Mobile, Asphalt 9, Fortnite — all run beautifully.
Verdict: Great value and performance, especially with the OLED display.
Samsung Galaxy S21
Why it’s good: The Snapdragon 888 (or Exynos 2100 in some models) offers excellent performance. The AMOLED 120Hz display looks stunning, and its thermal management makes it ideal for longer sessions.
Best for: Power-hungry games and extended gaming without overheating.
Verdict: One of the best Android options under £300 for serious gamers.
iPhone SE 2022 (3rd Gen)
Why it’s good: A15 Bionic chip is lightning fast, but the smaller screen (4.7″) and older LCD display might limit the gaming experience for some. Still, it’s fantastic for casual or on-the-go gaming.
Best for: Fast-paced, lightweight games, and players who value power in a compact form.
Verdict: Brilliant performance in a budget-friendly package — just be mindful of the small screen.
Google Pixel 6
Why it’s good: The Google Tensor chip performs well with most modern games, and the 6.4″ AMOLED display adds to the immersive experience. Plus, the clean Android interface keeps things quick.
Bonus: A solid all-rounder with excellent camera performance too.
Verdict: Good for gamers who want a balanced device with a stock Android feel.
Tip: At the iOutlet, you can filter phones by budget, condition, and storage size — so it’s super easy to find something that fits your price range and gaming needs.
Why go refurbished?
Buying a refurbished phone isn’t just good for your wallet — it’s a smart move for the planet too. Here’s why going refurbished with the iOutlet makes sense:
- Cheaper than buying new — Get top gaming power for half the price.
- Free 12-month warranty — Peace of mind, included.
- Eco-friendly — One less phone in landfill = one more win for the planet.
- Battery health checked — You won’t get stuck with a dud that dies after 20 minutes.
- Free UK delivery — Because who wants to pay for delivery?
So, are refurbished phones good for gaming?
If you’re on a budget but still want to play the latest games without constant lag, overheating, or storage warnings — a refurbished phone is more than good enough.
With models like the iPhone 12 or Galaxy S21 coming in under £300, you’re getting serious gaming power without selling your soul (or your entire student loan). And with the iOutlet, you know you’re buying from a trusted UK refurbisher with thousands of five-star reviews and great customer service.
Check out our latest deals on refurbished gaming phones right here.
