Buying a refurbished iPhone can feel confusing — especially around batteries. You’ve probably seen phrases like “80% battery health” and wondered if that’s good enough. Or whether you should upgrade to a brand-new battery for peace of mind.
This quick guide answers the big question: Do refurbished iPhones come with new batteries? We’ll explain what battery health really means, what Apple recommends, and how The Big Phone Store sets higher standards than most sellers. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to choose — and how to avoid nasty surprises.
What does “battery health %” actually mean?
Battery health is the maximum capacity your battery can hold compared to when it was new.
100% = the battery holds its original, factory-rated capacity.
80% = it now holds 80% of that original capacity.
Lower health means shorter time between charges. Apple suggests replacing the battery at around 79% because performance and all-day reliability can dip below that point.
IMPORTANT: If your battery health is at 80%, your phone can still charge to 100%, it will just drain quicker.
Typical refurb standards vs The Big Phone Store
Most refurbished iPhones on the market arrive with around 80% battery health. That’s technically usable, but it’s just one step above Apple’s 79% “time to replace” guidance.
At The Big Phone Store, we go further:
Minimum 85% battery health on our refurbished grades — higher than many competitors.
“Like New” devices target ~90% battery health for even stronger all-day stamina.
Optional brand-new battery at checkout for 100% battery health if you want maximum longevity.
Why 85% vs 80% matters
Longer runtime: 85–90% gets you more time away from the charger.
Smoother performance: iOS can throttle when batteries weaken; healthier cells help keep things snappy.
Better long-term value: Slower degradation, fewer early replacements.
New battery upgrade: 100% from day one
Prefer a fresh start? Choose the brand-new battery upgrade at checkout.
You get 100% battery health, like a brand-new phone.
Our batteries are manufacturer quality or higher.
No guesswork. No compromises.
Warranty & peace of mind
All batteries we fit are quality-checked and covered by our warranty (normal battery degradation over time isn’t covered — that’s standard across the industry). The benefit of buying from a certified refurbisher like us is simple:
The parts are vetted.
The work is professional.
The warranty is real.
Marketplace risk vs certified refurbisher
Not all sellers are equal. Marketplaces can be a gamble.
You might receive an unregulated or low-grade battery.
Poor-quality cells can degrade faster, bloat, or trip iOS battery warnings.
You’ll often pay more in the long run with an early replacement or a second repair.
With The Big Phone Store, you’re choosing tested parts, transparent battery health, and a clear upgrade path to 100%.
| Seller Type / Option | Typical Battery Health | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marketplace listing (generic) | ~80% (varies) | Often cheapest upfront | Risk of unregulated batteries, faster degradation | Bargain hunters willing to gamble |
| The Big Phone Store (Standard) | 85%+ | Higher than average, warranty-backed | Not brand-new capacity | Most buyers wanting safe value |
| The Big Phone Store “Like New” | ~90% | Near-new stamina, premium feel | Slightly higher cost | Users who want strong all-day life |
| TBPS New Battery Upgrade (Checkout) | 100% | Maximum capacity, fresh cell | Additional upgrade cost | Power users & long-term keepers |
Tips for choosing the right option
Light user? 85%+ is usually plenty.
Heavy user, lots of travel?
Go Like New (≈90%) or 100% new battery.Plan to keep the phone 2–3 years?
The new battery upgrade often pays for itself.
Quick FAQs
Do refurbished iPhones come with new batteries by default?
Usually not. Many arrive around 80–90% battery health. With us, it’s
85%+, or you can add a brand-new battery at checkout.
Is 80% battery health OK?
It works, but Apple suggests replacement at ~79%. If you want better stamina,
aim for 85–90%, or choose 100% with a new battery.
Will a replacement battery affect performance?
A high-quality battery should improve consistency and help avoid throttling.
Cheap, unregulated batteries can do the opposite.
Conclusion
So, do refurbished iPhones come with new batteries? Not by default — but you’ve got options.
Most sellers hover around 80%, while The Big Phone Store delivers
85%+, offers ~90% on Like New, and lets you
upgrade to a brand-new, 100% battery at checkout.
That means better runtime today and better value tomorrow.
- Browse our range of
refurbished iPhones
. - Check out our guide to
iPhone battery health
. - If you’re still unsure,
contact The Big Phone Store team
— we’re happy to help.
