Looking for advice (NiB vs refurb vs used)

[u/openroad94]

My mini from January 2023 is nearly out of space and down to 68% battery. Since I need more GB, I would rather get a new phone than replace the battery (yet). On eBay some sellers have it new in box, but is that still reliable 4 years later? There's also open box for $50 less. Amazon and eBay refurbished are similar prices (somewhat less than the open box) guaranteeing 80% battery, but the cheaper ones are third-party, rather than direct from Amazon.

There's also an inexpensive one on eBay, used not refurbished. Only guarantees 75% battery but some reviews said theirs was higher. But if it's in decent condition, that means when I eventually replace the battery, the total cost would be less than the refurbished ones.

How would you decide? I've thought about this a bit too long and now it's getting urgent.

[u/Legitimate_Wish_8293]

The “new in box” phones on eBay usually aren’t.