- 1 iPhone 15 Pro: premium features in a compact format
- 2 iPhone 15 Pro Max: exceptional versatility for photography
- 3 iPhone 16: a modern and accessible premium alternative
- 4 iPhone 16 Pro: the most complete choice
- 5 Comparing the best refurbished iPhones over €500
- 6 Is a newer standard iPhone better than an older Pro?
- 7 What changes when spending more than €500 on a refurbished iPhone?
- 8 Our verdict: the iPhone 16 Pro leads the selection
Spending more than €500 on a refurbished iPhone opens up a different category of smartphones. At this level, the choice is no longer simply about finding a capable Apple device at an affordable price. It becomes possible to enjoy advanced camera systems, powerful processors, premium displays and features that remain relevant for years.
Four models deserve particular attention: the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro. They represent two distinct approaches. The Pro models focus on photography and display quality, while the standard iPhone 16 offers a more recent design with a lighter, simpler package.
The interesting part is that the newest model is not automatically the best choice. A refurbished iPhone 15 Pro can offer features that the standard iPhone 16 lacks, while the iPhone 16 Pro pushes performance and photography further.
Here is our selection of the best refurbished iPhones over €500.
Released in 2023, the iPhone 15 Pro remains one of the most appealing refurbished Apple smartphones. It combines a relatively compact design with several features that distinguish it from standard iPhones.
Its 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display supports ProMotion technology with an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120Hz. Scrolling feels smoother, animations are more responsive and the Always-On display allows selected information to remain visible without fully activating the screen.
The titanium frame is another significant improvement over previous Pro generations. At 187g, the iPhone 15 Pro is noticeably lighter than the iPhone 14 Pro, making it more comfortable for extended use.
The A17 Pro chip remains highly capable, whether for demanding games, video editing or multitasking. It also supports Apple Intelligence, giving the device access to compatible AI features that are unavailable on the standard iPhone 15.
Photography is a major strength. The iPhone 15 Pro features a 48MP main camera, a 12MP ultra-wide camera and a 12MP telephoto lens offering 3x optical zoom. It also supports macro photography, Apple ProRAW and advanced ProRes video recording.
The USB-C connector replaces Lightning, while the Action button provides a convenient shortcut to selected functions.
Its main limitation compared with the Pro Max is the smaller battery. Apple originally advertised up to 23 hours of video playback.
The iPhone 15 Pro is our favourite for buyers who want a premium experience without carrying a particularly large smartphone. It remains an excellent balance between photography, performance and ergonomics.
iPhone 15 Pro Max: exceptional versatility for photography
The iPhone 15 Pro Max takes the strengths of the 15 Pro and adds a larger display, longer battery life and a more advanced telephoto camera.
Its 6.7-inch OLED display with ProMotion up to 120Hz is particularly comfortable for watching videos, editing photographs, reading and gaming. The Always-On display and Dynamic Island contribute to a premium experience that still feels modern.
It uses the same A17 Pro chip and supports Apple Intelligence. The titanium construction also helps limit weight compared with earlier Pro Max models, although the phone still weighs 221g.
The camera system is where the Pro Max truly stands apart. Alongside its 48MP main camera and 12MP ultra-wide camera, it features a 5x optical telephoto lens using a tetraprism design.
This additional reach is particularly useful for portraits, distant subjects and travel photography. Combined with Apple ProRAW and ProRes recording, it makes the iPhone 15 Pro Max a remarkably versatile creative tool.
Battery life is another advantage. Apple originally rated it for up to 29 hours of video playback, significantly more than the smaller 15 Pro.
Its disadvantages are mainly physical: the 6.7-inch format is less convenient for one-handed use, and the device remains relatively heavy.
For photography enthusiasts, the iPhone 15 Pro Max remains one of the strongest choices in this selection. Its 5x telephoto camera is a meaningful advantage rather than a minor specification difference.
Released in 2024, the iPhone 16 is the standard model in this comparison, but it should not be underestimated.
It features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, the Dynamic Island and a lightweight aluminium design. At approximately 170g, it is considerably easier to handle than the Pro Max models.
The main compromise is the refresh rate. Unlike the Pro devices, the iPhone 16 remains limited to 60Hz, with no ProMotion or Always-On display.
Its A18 chip delivers excellent performance for everyday use and demanding applications. The processor also supports Apple Intelligence, placing it among Apple’s compatible AI-capable iPhones.
Photography relies on a 48MP Fusion main camera and a 12MP ultra-wide camera. The main sensor provides a 2x optical-quality framing option, while the improved ultra-wide camera supports macro photography.
The iPhone 16 also introduces Camera Control, a dedicated control for accessing and adjusting camera functions. The Action button, previously associated with Pro models, is included as well.
Battery life is rated at up to 22 hours of video playback under Apple’s original testing conditions.
The absence of a dedicated telephoto lens and a 120Hz display are its main weaknesses compared with the iPhone 15 Pro.
The iPhone 16 is a compelling choice for anyone who values a recent processor, lower weight and modern camera controls. However, it does not offer the same premium display or optical zoom capabilities as the Pro models.
iPhone 16 Pro: the most complete choice
The iPhone 16 Pro is the most advanced smartphone in this selection. Released in 2024, it combines the latest Pro-generation hardware represented here with a particularly versatile camera system.
Its 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display offers more screen space than the 15 Pro while remaining smaller than the Pro Max models. ProMotion up to 120Hz, Always-On functionality and thinner display borders contribute to a premium visual experience.
The titanium construction helps maintain a manageable weight of 199g, despite the larger screen.
The A18 Pro chip delivers exceptional performance for demanding applications, mobile gaming and professional video workflows. It also supports Apple Intelligence.
The camera system includes a 48MP Fusion main camera, a 48MP ultra-wide camera and a 12MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom. This is a significant improvement over the iPhone 15 Pro, particularly for ultra-wide photography and distant subjects.
The iPhone 16 Pro also supports advanced video features, including 4K Dolby Vision recording at up to 120 frames per second with the appropriate settings.
Camera Control and the Action button complete a particularly versatile hardware package.
Apple originally advertised up to 27 hours of video playback, placing it comfortably ahead of the smaller iPhone 15 Pro.
The main compromise is financial. As the most advanced model in this comparison, it may command a higher refurbished price, depending on availability and configuration.
In our view, the iPhone 16 Pro is the best overall refurbished iPhone in this category. Its display, processor, camera system and battery life create a combination with very few weaknesses.
Comparing the best refurbished iPhones over €500
| Model | Display | Chip | Camera highlight | Original video playback rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 15 Pro | 6.1-inch OLED, 120Hz | A17 Pro | 48MP main, 3x telephoto | Up to 23 hours |
| iPhone 15 Pro Max | 6.7-inch OLED, 120Hz | A17 Pro | 48MP main, 5x telephoto | Up to 29 hours |
| iPhone 16 | 6.1-inch OLED, 60Hz | A18 | 48MP Fusion, dual camera | Up to 22 hours |
| iPhone 16 Pro | 6.3-inch OLED, 120Hz | A18 Pro | 48MP ultra-wide, 5x telephoto | Up to 27 hours |
All four models belong to the over-€500 selection. Actual refurbished prices vary according to storage, cosmetic condition and availability.
Is a newer standard iPhone better than an older Pro?
This is the central question in the premium refurbished market.
The iPhone 16 has the advantage of a newer processor, a lightweight body and Camera Control. It is straightforward, modern and well suited to everyday use.
However, the iPhone 15 Pro retains a 120Hz display, a dedicated telephoto camera and more advanced video features. For photography enthusiasts or users who appreciate smoother display performance, these advantages can outweigh the difference in release date.
The iPhone 15 Pro Max offers another compelling argument: its large display, strong battery life and 5x optical zoom make it a highly capable alternative to newer devices.
The iPhone 16 Pro is the only model here that combines the more recent processor generation with the complete Pro experience.
All four support Apple Intelligence, although the availability of individual features may vary by language, region and software version.
What changes when spending more than €500 on a refurbished iPhone?
Beyond €500, refurbished iPhones increasingly compete on features rather than basic performance. All four smartphones in this selection are powerful enough for everyday applications, photography and entertainment.
The differences appear in more demanding situations: optical zoom, professional video recording, display refresh rate and battery life.
Refurbished prices also depend on storage capacity and cosmetic grade. A model with more storage or a better external condition can cost considerably more than another unit from the same generation.
This makes the refurbished market especially interesting for premium buyers. Instead of comparing devices purely by release year, it becomes possible to prioritise the features that genuinely distinguish one iPhone from another.
Our verdict: the iPhone 16 Pro leads the selection
The iPhone 16 Pro is our top recommendation among these four models. Its A18 Pro chip, 120Hz display, 48MP ultra-wide camera and 5x telephoto lens provide a remarkably complete experience.
The iPhone 15 Pro remains the most appealing compact Pro alternative. The 15 Pro Max is particularly strong for photography and battery life, while the standard iPhone 16 offers a lighter and more straightforward experience.
Above €500, the real value of refurbished iPhones lies in the ability to choose a premium device whose hardware still has plenty to offer, without necessarily paying the price of a brand-new flagship.
