Best Retina Phones of 2025

Mike Davis Avatar
Mike Davis
Last Updated: Jan 1, 2025

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Retina phones are a type of smartphone that boasts a high-resolution display with pixel density so high that the human eye is unable to discern individual pixels. This technology was first introduced by Apple in 2010 with the iPhone 4 and has since become a standard feature in most high-end smartphones. Retina displays offer stunning visuals with crisp and clear images, making them ideal for streaming videos, gaming, and browsing the web. The high-resolution display also enhances the overall user experience, making it easier to read text and view images. Retina phones are a must-have for anyone who values a high-quality display in their smartphone.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Apple iPhone 7 32GB Unlocked Cover #TOP 1
Apple iPhone 7 32GB Unlocked
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Apple iPhone 8 64GB Unlocked Cover #TOP 2
Apple iPhone 8 64GB Unlocked
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Apple iPhone 8 64GB Gold Cover #TOP 3
Apple iPhone 8 64GB Gold
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Retina Phones

#TOP 1

Apple iPhone 7 32GB Unlocked

Plum
IP732SLV-1
Silver
Apple iPhone 7 32GB Unlocked Cover
Apple iPhone 7 32GB Unlocked - Silver

The Apple iPhone 7 is a preowned device in excellent condition, factory unlocked to work with any service provider. You can enjoy a minimum of 80% battery life compared to a new phone, allowing you to stay connected longer without frequent recharging. It comes with a charger and cable, conveniently packed in a generic box, making it ready to use right out of the package. Although it does not include a SIM card, the iPhone 7 features a vibrant 4.7-inch Retina HD display and is equipped with advanced sensors like an accelerometer, compass, and gyroscope, enhancing your user experience.

What We Like
Factory unlocked
Good battery life
Includes charger and cable
High-quality display
#TOP 2

Apple iPhone 8 64GB Unlocked

Plum
IP864GRY-1
Gray
Apple iPhone 8 64GB Unlocked Cover
Apple iPhone 8 64GB Unlocked - Gray

The Plum iPhone 8 offers a fantastic user experience with its excellent preowned condition and factory unlocked feature, making it compatible with any service provider you choose. You can enjoy longer usage with a minimum of 80% battery life compared to a new device, allowing you to stay connected without frequent charging. The package includes a charger and cable, ensuring you have everything you need right away. However, keep in mind that a SIM card is not included. This combination of features makes the iPhone 8 a reliable choice for everyday use.

What We Like
Factory unlocked for flexibility
80% battery life retention
Includes charger and cable
Excellent preowned condition
#TOP 3

Apple iPhone 8 64GB Gold

Plum
IP864GLD-1
Gold
Apple iPhone 8 64GB Gold Cover
Apple iPhone 8 64GB Unlocked - Gold

The Plum iPhone 8 Gold is a preowned device in excellent condition, making it a great choice for budget-conscious users. With a factory unlock, it is compatible with all service providers, giving you the freedom to choose your carrier. The phone boasts a minimum battery life of 80%, ensuring you can stay connected throughout your day. It comes with a charger and cable, though note that a SIM card is not included. With 64GB of internal storage and an A11 Bionic chip, you can enjoy smooth performance and ample space for your apps and media.

What We Like
Excellent condition
Factory unlocked
80% minimum battery life
Includes charger and cable

Straight Talk iPhone 8 64GB

iphone 8
Silver
Straight Talk iPhone 8 64GB Cover
Straight Talk Apple iPhone 8 64GB Unlocked- Silver

The Straight Talk iPhone 8 offers a hassle-free experience without contracts or hidden fees. You can enjoy a powerful 12MP camera that captures stunning photos and 4K videos, perfect for all your memorable moments. The 7MP FaceTime HD camera with Retina Flash ensures you always look great during video calls. With water and splash resistance, you can take this phone anywhere without worry. Plus, it features Touch ID for secure access and convenient Apple Pay transactions, making your daily tasks easier and safer.

What We Like
Excellent camera quality
Water and splash resistant
Secure Touch ID
No contracts or hidden fees
#TOP 5

Renewed Apple iPhone 13 - 128GB Pink (Unlocked)

iPhone 13
Pink
128GB
Renewed Apple iPhone 13 - 128GB Pink (Unlocked) Cover
Apple iPhone 13, 128GB, Pink - Unlocked (Renewed)

This renewed Apple iPhone 13 features a 6.1" Super Retina XDR display, 5G for superfast downloads and high-quality streaming, cinematic mode in 1080p at 30 fps, and Dolby Vision HDR video recording up to 4K at 60 fps. It is equipped with an A15 Bionic chip with a new 6-core CPU, 4-core GPU, and 16-core Neural Engine. The phone is water-resistant to a depth of 6 meters for up to 30 minutes and compatible with MagSafe accessories and wireless chargers. The ceramic shield front and aerospace-grade aluminum make it durable, and it offers up to 19 hours of video playback. Face ID is included for added security.

What We Like
Superfast downloads and high-quality streaming with 5G
Cinematic mode and Dolby Vision HDR video recording for high-quality videos
Water-resistant to a depth of 6 meters for up to 30 minutes and compatible with MagSafe accessories and wireless chargers
#TOP 6

Apple iPhone SE 3rd Gen

MMX63LL/A
Starlight
64GB
Apple iPhone SE 3rd Gen Cover
Apple iPhone SE 3rd Gen, 64GB, Starlight - AT&T (Renewed)

The Apple iPhone SE is a compact smartphone that packs a punch with its 4.7-inch Retina HD display, making it perfect for enjoying videos and browsing the web. Its 5G capability ensures you stay connected with fast internet speeds. With an advanced 12MP wide camera, you can capture stunning photos and videos, while features like Smart HDR 4 enhance your images for beautiful clarity. The 7MP FaceTime HD camera allows for high-quality video calls, ensuring you look your best when connecting with friends and family. Enjoy up to 15 hours of video playback, making it a great device for entertainment on the go.

What We Like
5G connectivity
High-quality camera features
Long video playback time
Compact and user-friendly
#TOP 7

Straight Talk iPhone 8 64GB Gray

IP864GRY-STRK
Gray
Straight Talk iPhone 8 64GB Gray Cover
Straight Talk, Apple iPhone 8, 64GB - Gray

The Straight Talk iPhone 8 offers a great way to enjoy smartphone features without the hassle of contracts or hidden fees. With its impressive 12MP camera, you can take stunning photos and videos, capturing special moments effortlessly. The 7MP FaceTime HD camera allows for clear video calls, making it easy to stay connected with loved ones. Plus, the phone's water and splash resistance means you can use it in various environments without worry. You’ll also benefit from Straight Talk’s nationwide coverage, ensuring reliable connectivity wherever you go.

What We Like
Contract-free service
High-quality camera
Water-resistant design
Nationwide coverage
#TOP 8

Apple iPhone 15 Pro 128GB Renewed

MTQM3LL/A
Black Titanium
128GB
Apple iPhone 15 Pro 128GB Renewed Cover
Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 128GB, Black Titanium - Unlocked (Renewed)

The Apple iPhone 15 Pro is designed to enhance your mobile experience. With its 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display, you can enjoy stunning visuals and smooth interactions thanks to ProMotion technology. The Dynamic Island feature allows you to engage with your iPhone in a unique way, making multitasking seamless. Powered by the A17 Pro chip, this phone offers impressive performance and graphics capabilities. The advanced camera system features a 48MP main lens and ultra-wide telephoto options, enabling you to capture breathtaking photos and portraits with ease, ensuring every moment is beautifully preserved.

What We Like
Stunning display quality
Powerful performance
Advanced camera features
Unique interaction with Dynamic Island
#TOP 9

Apple iPhone 8 64GB Silver

Tmobile
TMO-IP864RED
Silver
Apple iPhone 8 64GB Silver Cover
Apple iPhone 8 64GB Unlocked - Silver

The Apple iPhone 8 is a preowned device in excellent condition and fully unlocked, making it compatible with any service provider you choose. With at least 80% battery life remaining compared to a new phone, you can enjoy extended usage without frequent charging. It comes with a charger and cable, ensuring you're ready to go right out of the box. However, keep in mind that you will need to get a SIM card from your service provider. With 64GB of internal storage and the powerful A11 Bionic chip, this phone offers a smooth and efficient performance for your daily tasks.

What We Like
Unlocked for all carriers
High battery life
Includes charger and cable
Powerful A11 Bionic chip
#TOP 10

Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max

A2849
Natural Titanium
512GB
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max Cover
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max, 512GB, Natural Titanium - Unlocked (Renewed Premium)

The Apple iPhone 15 offers a stunning 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display that enhances your viewing experience with vibrant colors and smooth scrolling, thanks to ProMotion technology. The innovative Dynamic Island feature provides a unique way to interact with your device, making multitasking easier. Powered by the A17 Pro chip, this phone ensures top-notch performance, perfect for gaming and demanding apps. You can capture breathtaking photos with the Pro camera system, featuring a 48MP main lens and 10x optical zoom, allowing you to take high-resolution pictures with incredible detail.

What We Like
Stunning display quality
Dynamic interaction features
Powerful performance
Exceptional camera capabilities
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a phone retina?

Retina Display is a brand name used by Apple for its series of IPS LCD and OLED displays that have a higher pixel density than traditional Apple displays.

2. Do phones have retina display?

The Super Retina display in iPhone X, iPhone XS, and iPhone XS Max and the Super Retina XDR display in iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, and iPhone 13 Pro Max were engineered by Apple to meet our incredibly high ...

3. Can phones damage retina?

This is the light which is emitted from our phones, tablets and laptops and, sadly, it has been found to have negative effects on our eye health. Studies suggest that it has “a potential to lead to macular degeneration”, bypassing the pupil and cornea to beam directly into the retina.

Editor's Notes

During our retina phone research, we found 24 retina phone products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 72,099 customer reviews through our big data system to write the retina phones list. We found that most customers choose retina phones with an average price of $374.44.

The retina phones are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of retina phones, including Plum, Straight Talk, Apple, Tmobile. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 652 consumers with an average rating of 3.6.

Written by
Mike Davis Avatar

Mike Davis is a professionally trained electrician with six years of working experience in the electronics industry. He has written an array of web and mobile-based articles for e-magazines and blogs. He loves trying out some novel and popular gadgets and his expertise is in the areas of electronics and computers which is built over many years of working and personal experiences.