Amazon vs MediaMarkt vs Back Market: Where to Buy Your Phone in Europe?

The Same Phone, Very Different Prices

We tracked the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra across five major European retailers over 30 days. Here's what we found:

That's a €450 difference between the cheapest and most expensive option for the same phone.

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Amazon.de

Best for: Convenience, fast delivery, competitive pricing

Amazon consistently has the lowest prices on new phones in Germany and Austria. Prime members get next-day delivery on most flagships. The return policy (30 days, no questions asked) is hard to beat.

Watch out for: Third-party sellers. Always check that "Sold by Amazon" or a verified retailer — not a random third-party with no reviews. Verdict: ✅ Best default choice for new phones

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MediaMarkt / Saturn

Best for: In-store pickup, trying before you buy, financing options

If you want to hold the phone before buying, MediaMarkt is the answer. They also offer 0% financing on phones over €199 in Germany and Austria, which is useful for flagships.

Prices are usually 3–8% higher than Amazon, but you get the in-store experience and same-day availability.

Verdict: ✅ Best for in-store experience and financing

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Back Market

Best for: Certified refurbished phones at 30–45% off

Back Market is Europe's largest refurbished phone marketplace. All phones are inspected, graded, and come with a minimum 12-month warranty. Grades range from "Excellent" (like-new) to "Good" (cosmetic wear).

An iPhone 15 Pro in "Excellent" condition costs ~€610 on Back Market vs €999 new. That's €389 saved for a phone that looks and performs like new.

Watch out for: Battery health — always check it's above 85%. Back Market shows this on the listing. Verdict: ✅ Best for saving money if you're open to refurbished

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Amazon Renewed

Best for: Refurbished phones with Amazon's return guarantee

Amazon Renewed is Amazon's own refurbished programme. Phones come with a 12-month warranty and Amazon's standard return policy. Prices are typically 10–15% higher than Back Market for similar grade phones, but you get Amazon's trust and logistics.

Verdict: ✅ Good for refurbished if you prefer Amazon's ecosystem

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How to Get the Best Price

• →Use HandyPriceScout to compare prices across all retailers simultaneously
• →Wait for sales — Black Friday, Amazon Prime Day, and post-Christmas sales offer 15–25% off flagships
• →Buy refurbished "Excellent" grade — you literally cannot tell the difference from new
• →Buy last year's flagship — when a new iPhone or Galaxy launches, last year's model drops 20–30% in weeks

Compare all phones across retailers now →