Refurbished vs new iPhone: what the gap is actually worth
As of November 1, 2026, across 16 comparable iPhone models on Back Market US, the mean relative gap is 38%. Each gap is (reference − refurbished price) ÷ reference × 100, using the latest available readings for each model. The highest relative gap is on the iPhone 13: 63% ($394). This compares displayed references, not verified current new offers.
Every Back Market US listing shows two amounts side by side: the refurbished “from” price and a reference new price. We record both at the same moment, for the 16 models we track. This page publishes the gap exactly as our readings give it, with an average calculated only from these comparable models.
Which “new price” this is
From advice to real prices
iPhone 13
Recorded price
$235
Is this price worth it? Compare it with earlier readings for this model.
Back Market US · recorded November 1, 2026
The table
The gap, model by model
Sorted by relative gap, highest first. Calculation: (reference − refurbished price) ÷ reference × 100. A negative gap means the refurbished price exceeds the displayed reference.
| Model | Refurbished | New (reference) | Gap | Gap % | Detail |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $235 | $629 | $394 | 63% | Compare |
 | $317 | $729 | $412 | 57% | Compare |
 | $276 | $629 | $353 | 56% | Compare |
 | $397 | $829 | $432 | 52% | Compare |
 | $500.99 | $999 | $498.01 | 50% | Compare |
 | $603 | $1,199 | $596 | 50% | Compare |
 | $396 | $729 | $333 | 46% | Compare |
 | $736 | $1,199 | $463 | 39% | Compare |
 | $369 | $599 | $230 | 38% | Compare |
 | $633 | $999 | $366 | 37% | Compare |
 | $555 | $829 | $274 | 33% | Compare |
 | $550 | $729 | $179 | 25% | Compare |
 | $727 | $929 | $202 | 22% | Compare |
 | $1,012 | $1,199 | $187 | 16% | Compare |
 | $934 | $1,099 | $165 | 15% | Compare |
 | $610 | $699 | $89 | 13% | Compare |
How to read the gap without fooling yourself
These gaps describe only the two prices displayed at the reading. They do not establish stock levels, the reference price’s origin or its validity as a current new offer.
The reference gap describes this reading. To assess the current refurbished price, compare it with its own recorded minimum, average and changes. These observations do not predict future prices.
Both extremes
Highest and lowest relative gaps in the reading
Sorted by relative gap, highest first. Calculation: (reference − refurbished price) ÷ reference × 100. A negative gap means the refurbished price exceeds the displayed reference.
- Highest relative gap: iPhone 13, 63%, or $394 (reference minus refurbished).
- Lowest relative gap: iPhone 17e, 13%, or $89 (reference minus refurbished).
Go deeper
Each model's own comparison
Each page covers one model's gap, alongside its price history and the lowest price we have recorded.
Frequently asked questions
How is the average gap calculated?
As of November 1, 2026, across the 16 comparable models on Back Market US, the arithmetic mean of relative gaps is 38%. Every model has equal weight. Each gap is (reference − refurbished price) ÷ reference × 100; it can be zero or negative.
What does the reference new price represent?
This is the reference new price shown on the Back Market listing, recorded alongside the refurbished price. We do not verify its origin, age or current availability as a new offer. It does not guarantee an identical configuration. Compare storage, condition, battery, warranty and delivery costs on the actual offers before buying.
Does a large gap establish a good deal?
The reference gap describes this reading. To assess the current refurbished price, compare it with its own recorded minimum, average and changes. These observations do not predict future prices.
Wait for the right moment rather than the right argument
Choose a target price that fits your budget. An alert tells you when a refurbished reading reaches that amount or falls below it, without guaranteeing a future drop.