Best refurbished unlocked smartphones under $400

Top pick: Galaxy S24 (Unlocked), refurbished — the newest flagship here, so it gets the longest software support and the best camera of the bunch; graded Fair, so expect light cosmetic wear, and it comes with the refurbisher's warranty.

Who the others suit:

• Google Pixel 8 / 8a — best for photos and clean Android; the 8a is the smaller, simpler choice.
• Galaxy S23 / S23+ — a solid middle ground if you want flagship feel without the newest model.
• iPhone 15 / 14 / 13 — pick these if you're in Apple's ecosystem; the 15 is the most future-proof, the 13 the budget-friendly one.
• Motorola Moto G / Stylus — cheap, simple and long-lasting on a charge; the Stylus adds a pen.
• Galaxy S23 Ultra / S22 Ultra — big screens and zoom cameras for media and note-taking.

Grades matter more than model at this price: "Excellent" looks near-new, "Good" shows minor marks, "Fair" has visible scuffs but works fine. Check the battery health and return window before buying.