As an Amazon Associate, LookItAllUp earns from qualifying purchases.
If you are buying your first smartphone or stepping away from a basic model, the iPhone 14 is the simplest place to start. It is a renewed, unlocked phone that buyers describe as looking and working like new, and it is the easiest pick on this list for someone who wants minimal fuss. The rest of this guide explains what to watch for and where the other five phones fit.
Buyer's guide
Before you buy: what actually matters
A few basics will matter more than brand names when you are new to phones. Start with condition, carrier support and how you will protect the phone.
1Understand renewed and pre-owned
Renewed and pre-owned phones are previously used devices, and listings describe different testing and guarantees. Read the battery guarantee and the return window before you buy.
2Check that the phone is unlocked
An unlocked phone can work with many carriers, but not every listing guarantees support for your carrier. Confirm compatibility with your carrier before you pay.
3Know your SIM type
Some phones use a physical SIM card, while others use eSIM, which is set up digitally. Ask your carrier which one they support before you choose a model.
4Budget for a case from day one
Several buyers mention cracked screens or breakage, so a case and screen protector are a low-cost safeguard. Plan for them alongside the phone.
Our top picks
Buyers describe it as looking and working like new, and the listing guarantees at least 80% battery capacity.
See it on AmazonIt has the newest chip in this list and a 48MP rear camera, so it should stay useful for years.
See it on AmazonIts 5000mAh battery and Corning Gorilla Glass with underwater protection give extra margin for everyday knocks and long days.
See it on Amazon
Best for a like-new first iPhone#1 best seller
Apple iPhone 14 128GB Midnight
Apple iPhone 14, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed)
Buyers describe this iPhone 14 as looking brand new, with good battery life and a condition that feels close to new. The listing says it was tested for battery health and guaranteed to have at least 80% battery capacity, which takes some guesswork out of buying a used phone. Its main drawback is durability: some buyers report it broke or stopped working, and scratch reports are mixed, so a case and screen protector are a sensible first purchase.
What we like
- Buyers describe it as looking and working like new
- Battery health was tested and guaranteed to be at least 80%
- Unlocked, so it can work with many carriers
Keep in mind
- Some buyers report breakage or crashes
- Scratch and defect reports are mixed
Best for: A first-time iPhone owner who wants a familiar, easy setup and a battery-health guarantee.
Older iPhone for light use#2 best seller
Apple iPhone 12 64GB Black
Apple iPhone 12, 64GB, Black - Unlocked (Renewed)
The iPhone 12 is an older model, and buyers often describe its appearance and value as good. The listing says it was inspected for minimal cosmetic damage and passed a full diagnostic test. Battery life reports are split, and several buyers say the phone stopped working within a month, so it is a weaker choice if you need something dependable from day one.
What we like
- Buyers say it looks good for its age and offers good value
- Listing says it passed a full diagnostic test
- Fully unlocked for many carriers
Keep in mind
- Battery life reports are mixed
- Several buyers report it stopped working within a month
Best for: Someone on a tight schedule who mainly calls, texts and browses and is willing to watch the return window closely.
Pre-owned with a 90-day return#3 best seller
Apple iPhone 13 128GB Midnight
Apple iPhone 13, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed)
This iPhone 13 is pre-owned rather than Apple certified, but the listing says it was professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers. Buyers say it looks excellent, although reports on battery life and reliability are split. One concrete safety net is the listing's 90-day replacement or refund window if you are not satisfied, which gives a newcomer time to test it properly.
What we like
- Listing says it was professionally inspected and tested
- No visible cosmetic imperfections when held at arm's length
- Eligible for replacement or refund within 90 days
Keep in mind
- Not Apple certified
- Some buyers report the phone died after about six months
Best for: A beginner who wants a larger-feeling iPhone for less commitment and will use the 90-day window to check it thoroughly.
Newer design, but test it first#4 best seller
Apple iPhone 15 128GB Black
Apple iPhone 15, 128GB, Black - Unlocked (Renewed)
The iPhone 15 brings newer features such as Emergency SOS via satellite and Crash Detection, and the listing describes a 48MP main camera and up to 26 hours of video playback. Buyers are divided on functionality, with some reporting activation problems and others saying it works perfectly. Because of that split, you should confirm activation and battery condition right after unboxing.
What we like
- Listing includes Emergency SOS via satellite and Crash Detection
- 48MP main camera with a 4X optical zoom range
- Buyers describe it as looking like new in many cases
Keep in mind
- Reports of activation problems and defective units are mixed
- Battery and scratch results vary between units
Best for: A newcomer who wants newer safety features and is comfortable checking that the phone activates properly.
Big battery for all-day use#5 best seller
Motorola Moto G Power Leaf Green
Motorola Moto G Power - 2025 | Unlocked | Made for US 8/128GB | 50MP Camera | Leaf Green
This Android phone is built around a large 5000mAh battery and a 6.8-inch display, which helps newcomers who are not sure how often they will need to charge. The listing mentions Corning Gorilla Glass and underwater protection on a vegan leather back. Buyers are split on carrier compatibility, with some reporting problems with Verizon or Total Wireless, so confirm your carrier before you order.
What we like
- Large 5000mAh battery, described as lasting over a day in mixed use
- Corning Gorilla Glass and underwater protection
- Unlocked and listed as compatible with major U.S. carriers
Keep in mind
- Some buyers report it does not work with Verizon or Total Wireless
- Reports of screens breaking on drops are mixed
Best for: A new Android user who wants a big screen and long battery life and will double-check carrier support first.
Newest chip, eSIM-only setup#6 best seller
Apple iPhone 16e 128GB Black
Apple iPhone 16e, 128GB, Black - Unlocked (Renewed)
The iPhone 16e uses Apple's A18 chip and a 48MP rear camera, and the listing describes a 4005mAh battery and wireless charging. Buyers say it looks as good as new, and one customer noted it was easy to set up for an older user. It has no physical SIM card slot, only eSIM, which is worth understanding before you buy because your carrier must support it.
What we like
- Newer A18 chip and 48MP rear camera
- Buyers say it looks like new and is easy to set up
- Listing says it is unlocked for GSM and CDMA carriers
Keep in mind
- Dual eSIM only, with no physical SIM card slot
- Some buyers note minor blemishes
Best for: A beginner who plans to keep the phone for several years and whose carrier supports eSIM.
Frequently asked questions
What does renewed or pre-owned mean?
It means the phone was used before. The listings describe inspection, testing and cleaning, but the details differ by product. Check the battery guarantee and the return or replacement window before buying.
What does unlocked mean?
An unlocked phone is not tied to one carrier, so it can work with many providers. Listings still recommend checking with your carrier before purchase.
Do these phones come with headphones or a SIM card?
The listings say the iPhone 14 and iPhone 12 do not include headphones or a SIM card. Both include a charging cable, which may be a generic replacement. Plan to buy a SIM from your carrier if needed.
What is an eSIM?
An eSIM is a built-in digital SIM that you activate through your carrier instead of inserting a small card. The iPhone 16e uses eSIM only, so confirm your carrier supports it before ordering.
How we chose these
We started from the top 6 products on Amazon's Best Seller list for Cell Phones (as of November 8, 2026) and wrote this Best for Beginners guide, with AI assistance, from their product details and what customers say in their reviews. We haven't tested these products ourselves, and no product or position is paid for. Rankings and availability change, so check Amazon for the latest details.
The verdict
For most first-time buyers, the iPhone 14 is the best overall starting point, because buyers describe it as looking and working like new and it comes with a battery-health guarantee. If you want the newest features, the iPhone 16e is the one to consider, and if you prefer Android with a big battery, the Moto G Power is worth a look after you confirm carrier support.
Our top pick: Apple iPhone 14 128GB Midnight
Check today's price on Amazon