Every year, Boxing Week brings Canadian shoppers searching for smarter upgrades without paying the full price of a brand-new phone. But with so many refurbished smartphone options in Canada, choosing the right device can feel overwhelming.
At need-a-phone.ca, we handle thousands of refurbished phones every year. Our goal is simple: help you understand which models offer the most value, the longest lifespan, and the best performance.
So what are the best refurbished phones to buy during Boxing Week 2025 in Canada? Which devices offer the best performance-to-price ratio? And how do you make sure you're choosing a phone that will last?
This article breaks it all down in a clear, practical way.
What Are Refurbished Phones?
Refurbished phones are pre-owned devices that have been tested, repaired when needed, cleaned, and verified to work properly. Unlike “used” phones sold as-is, refurbished devices go through inspection routines and quality checks that ensure they function like they should.
At need-a-phone.ca, every device goes through a structured process to make sure it meets Canadian buyer expectations.
Why Refurbished Phones Are Important
✓ Lower price, same performance - a budget-friendly alternative to buying new
✓ Environmentally responsible - reduces e-waste
✓ Great long-term value - many refurbished phones still have years of updates
✓ Unlocked for all Canadian carriers - Bell, Rogers, Telus, Freedom, Fido, Koodo, Virgin, etc.
✓ Ideal for gift-giving during Boxing Week - premium models at far better pricing
How Refurbished Phones Work
A proper refurbishment process includes:
- Diagnostic testing
- Battery health check
- Cleaning and sanitization
- Replacement of defective parts
- Carrier unlocking
- Final quality inspection
(Not all sellers refurbish to the same standard - choosing a reputable seller like need-a-phone.ca matters more than chasing the absolute lowest deal.)
The Best Refurbished Phones for Boxing Week 2025
Based on performance, durability, buyer satisfaction, and real-world value, these are the top picks this Boxing Week at need-a-phone.ca.
1. iPhone 16 / 16 Pro
The iPhone 16 series is the right choice for buyers who want a phone that will stay fast, capable, and supported for years without paying the full price of a brand-new release. Powered by the A18 Bionic chip, it handles everything from everyday apps to demanding tasks smoothly, with no slowdown in real-world use. The camera system delivers consistent results in both daylight and low-light situations, while battery efficiency has improved enough to comfortably last a full day for most users.
2. iPhone 14 Pro / 14 Pro Max
If you want a “set it and forget it” phone that will stay fast for years, the iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max are the most confident buy this Boxing Week. The A16 Bionic chip is still one of the fastest processors on the market, the cameras are excellent in any lighting, and the build quality feels premium in everyday use. Even refurbished, it easily outperforms many newer mid-range models - making it a smart long-term investment for buyers who don’t want to upgrade again anytime soon.
3. Samsung Galaxy S23 Series
The S23 lineup is known for being smooth, refined, and extremely reliable. It delivers excellent battery life, a bright display, and one of the strongest Android camera systems - especially for photos and videos in low light. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip keeps everything fast without overheating. For Android buyers who want flagship performance without the flagship price, the refurbished S23 series is one of the best values you can get this year.
4. iPhone 13 & 13 Pro
The iPhone 13 series remains a favourite among buyers who want a no-nonsense phone that performs well and lasts all day. The battery life is still one of the best Apple has ever made, the cameras are dependable, and the device handles daily tasks effortlessly. It’s also a great pick for anyone upgrading from older models like the iPhone 11 or XR - the difference in speed, battery life, and camera quality feels significant. A safe, reliable choice for both students and professionals.
5. Google Pixel 7 / Pixel 7 Pro
Pixel phones are all about photography and simplicity. The Pixel 7 series takes some of the best natural-looking photos among Android devices, thanks to Google’s software processing. It’s also perfect for buyers who want a clean, distraction-free Android experience with quick updates directly from Google. With features like Magic Eraser and excellent night mode, the Pixel 7 lineup is a powerful and creative choice - especially at refurbished pricing.
6. Samsung Galaxy A54
If you’re shopping with a tighter budget but still want a phone that feels modern and smooth, the Galaxy A54 is hard to beat. It punches above its price with a vibrant display, solid battery life, and dependable day-to-day performance. It’s not a “flashy flagship,” but that’s the whole point - it’s a worry-free, value-packed phone perfect for everyday tasks, social media, online classes, video calls, and light gaming. A great choice for buyers who want excellent value without compromising on quality.
7. Apple iPad
For buyers who need more screen space than a phone, a refurbished Apple iPad can be a smarter Boxing Week upgrade. Models like the iPad 9th Generation, iPad 10th Generation, and iPad 8th Generation remain extremely popular in Canada because they balance performance, battery life, and price very well.
The iPad 6 is ideal for basic tasks like online classes, browsing, YouTube, reading, and video calls, while the iPad 7 offers a larger display and smoother multitasking, making it better suited for schoolwork, light productivity, and entertainment. Both models support iPadOS updates, work well with apps like Zoom, Google Classroom, and Microsoft Office, and deliver dependable performance even today.
How to Choose the Right Refurbished Phone
When helping customers, these are the questions we use to guide them:
- How long do you want this phone to last?
- Do you prefer iOS or Android?
- Do you take a lot of photos?
- Do you need 128GB or more storage?
- Do you want a compact device or a big screen?
Answering these makes the decision clear - even between similar models.
Tips for Buying Refurbished During Boxing Week
- Don’t chase the lowest price - The cheapest refurbished device often has the most wear.
- Prioritize battery health - A strong battery is more important than flashy features.
- Choose unlocked devices - More flexibility, better resale value.
- Look for clear condition grades - “Excellent,” “Good,” “Fair” should always be explained.
- Check return policies - Trustworthy sellers always provide one.
Get Started With Your Boxing Week Upgrade
Choosing a refurbished phone shouldn’t be a gamble. With the right information - and a clear understanding of which models hold up best - you can get a phone that performs like new without paying new prices. Boxing Week is simply the best time of the year to make that upgrade.
