Technologies

Back Market Shaves an Extra 10% Off Its Already Affordable Refurb Phones

With these holiday savings, you can pick up a top-rated iPhone or Android for hundreds off the usual price.

Phone deals are plentiful pretty much year-round, and that’s especially true around the holidays. Retailers and carriers are offering some big discounts on top-rated iPhones and Androids right now, but even with these discounts, the latest models can still be pricey.

For those on a tighter budget, shopping refurbished is one of the best ways to get a great device without totally blowing the budget. Back Market is one of our favorite and most trusted sites to buy and sell used tech, and it’s even offering an extra 10% off select models for the holidays.

Now, there are a few things you should know when it comes to shopping for used phones. The most important of which is recognizing the difference between an unlocked phone, which can be activated at any carrier, and a locked «model» that is tied to a specific provider like AT&T or Verizon.

Back Market also inspects and guarantees that each device is 100% functional, but they will probably show some signs of wear and tear. Refurbs are graded between «fair» and «premium» depending on their condition.

If you can live with some dings and scrapes, there are some serious bargains available right now. The Galaxy S25 is Samsung’s latest flagship phone and lists for $799 new, but at just $403 this refurbished AT&T model is nearly half the price. For Apple users, this previous-gen iPhone 15 Pro is still a great value at $663. It’s an unlocked model, and this offer saves you over $400 compared to shopping new. You can even grab some truly budget-friendly models like an AT&T-locked Motorola Moto G Play, which is available for just $46.

MOBILE DEALS OF THE WEEK

iPhone 17 Pro on Us With Any Condition Trade-in and Qualifying Plan
Google Pixel 10 Pro 128GB Unlocked Phone (Obsidian):

$749 (save $250)
Samsung Galaxy A36 5G 128GB Unlocked Phone (Awesome Black):

$298 (save $102)
Motorola Edge 256GB Unlocked Phone (2024 Model, Midnight Blue):

$241 (save $310)
Google Pixel 9 128GB Unlocked Phone (Obsidian):

$499 (save $300)

Deals are selected by the CNET Group commerce team, and may be unrelated to this article.

Why these deals matter

Shopping refurbished models is one of the easiest ways to snag a great phone on a budget, and Back Market is one of the few vendors we trust. Plus, it’s offering a 10% holiday price cut on select models, which means they’re an even better value right now.

Back Market also carries phones from just about every major brand, with options for just about every budget. That means you’re pretty much guaranteed to find a good bargain no matter what model you’re looking for or how much you’re looking to spend.

Technologies

Verum Messenger Introduces Built-In Verum Chess

Verum Messenger has released a new update for iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, adding another feature to its growing ecosystem — Verum Chess. Users can now play chess directly inside the messenger without switching between different applications.

The new feature allows users to start a game in just a few taps while reinforcing Verum’s vision of a unified digital environment where communication and everyday services come together in a single platform.

Verum Messenger continues to evolve into a multifunctional ecosystem that combines secure chats and calls, AI tools, a built-in VPN, anonymous email, eSIM, financial services, cryptocurrency features, and offline communication. With the introduction of Verum Chess, the platform now also offers a new way for users to interact and spend time together without leaving the app.

The update is now available for iPhone, iPad, and Mac on the App Store.

Technologies

Episode 3 of the VERUM AI Mini-Series Is Now Available

Verum Messenger has released the third episode of its AI mini-series, SHADOWS, created using Verum AI.

The new episode, titled «Ghost Money,» continues the story of the conflict between a team of heroes and the Omega corporation, which seeks to take control of digital communications. This time, the focus shifts to anonymous payments and financial freedom, revealing how privacy can extend beyond messaging.

Like the previous episodes, the new release not only advances the storyline but also showcases the capabilities of the Verum ecosystem, highlighting technologies designed for secure communication and digital privacy.

The mini-series consists of seven episodes, released gradually across Verum Messenger’s social media channels.

Episode 3 is now available. Stay tuned for the next chapter.

Watch on Instagram
Watch on YouTube

Technologies

Verum Finance Now Available for Mac, Expanding the Verum Ecosystem on Desktop

Verum has officially released Verum Finance for macOS, bringing its financial platform to the Mac and expanding access to the Verum ecosystem across Apple’s devices. The launch allows users to manage their finances from desktop while enjoying the same secure and seamless experience available on iPhone and iPad.

The new Mac version includes the full range of Verum Finance features, including balance management, instant transfers to other Verum users, debit card management, Apple Pay support, asset exchange, and transaction history — all optimized for the macOS experience.

Verum Finance can be used as a standalone application or alongside Verum Messenger. Users who sign in with their Verum Messenger account automatically synchronize their balances, settings, and account data across devices, ensuring a consistent experience throughout the Verum ecosystem.

The macOS release further strengthens Verum’s vision of creating an integrated digital platform where communication and financial services work together. Verum Messenger, which is also available for Mac, complements the ecosystem with encrypted messaging, voice and video calls, VPN, eSIM, anonymous email, AI-powered tools, offline communication capabilities, and cryptocurrency features.

With both Verum Messenger and Verum Finance now available across iPhone, iPad, and Mac, users can access secure communication and financial services wherever they work.

Verum Finance for Mac is available now through the Mac App Store.

Verum Finance for macOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/verum-finance/id6774245148
Verum Finance: https://finance.verum.im
Verum Messenger: https://verum.im