These days, you can find any number of retailers – both online and across the High Street – selling refurbished phones. But what is a refurbished phone? Should you buy one and forego the apparent reliability of a ‘new’ device? And what even are the benefits of buying ‘refurbished’?
With so much choice when it comes to buying your latest mobile phone, you really should at least think about buying ‘refurbished’. You’ll not only be able to buy a top-end smartphone at a reduced price – you’ll also be doing your bit for the planet, have complete peace of mind in terms of reliability and could even be getting yourself a device in better condition than one that’s being sold as ‘new’.
So, if you need to replace a broken or damaged handset and you’re still under contract – or if you’re simply looking for an upgrade – read on and find out why buying a refurbished handset might just be right for you!
What is a refurbished phone?
Put simply, refurbished phones are used handsets sold to new owners. But refurbished phones shouldn’t be confused with ‘second hand’ devices. The only thing these two types of phone have in common is that they aren’t ‘new’!
Unlike ‘second hand’ phones, refurbished devices must be fully checked, cleaned and tested before being sold. They should also come with some form of warranty – most reputable retailers will give you at least 90 days, while the best provide anything up to 12 months.
And if you’re worried about data protection, don’t be… Because a phone sold as ‘refurbished’ must have any data left on it by a previous owner removed. If a retailer doesn’t do this before they sell, they’re liable with regards to the Data Protection Act.
The benefits of buying a refurbished phone
There are plenty of benefits to buying a refurbished phone. So, let’s look at why you might want to get yourself involved in this growing trend and purchase a refurbished device from a reputable retailer today.
Save money
Because refurbished devices cannot be classed as ‘new’, you’ll often get an excellent saving when buying one. In many cases, you’ll be able to save hundreds of pounds and still get yourself a top-end smartphone – like the Apple iPhone 12, the Samsung S21 Plus or the OnePlus Pro 8.
This is why buying ‘refurbished’ is such a good option if your current phone becomes broken, damaged, or has even been stolen. It really is a cost-effective way of replacing your handset – whether ‘like for like’ or as an upgrade.
Warranty
A huge benefit of buying a refurbished phone is the guaranteed warranty. To be sold as a ‘refurbished’ device, retailers are expected to offer peace of mind when it comes to parts, repairs and replacements. So, when buying a refurbished phone, pay particular attention to the length and type of warranties available. The best retailers will offer you a full warranty for 12 months. Never accept anything less than 90 days (3 months).
More reliable than buying ‘new’
Surely buying a ‘new’ phone has to mean better reliability? Well not necessarily.
Although there is no guarantee that buying ‘refurbished’ protects you entirely from reliability issues, research conducted by Refurb Depot found that refurbished phones actually have a far lower defect rate than buying ‘new’. This is because refurbished devices are inspected, tested and repackaged to meet original product specifications.
The environment
Another important benefit of buying ‘refurbished’ is the environmental impact. A refurbished phone has basically been recycled and avoided landfill.
And while recycling a mobile device with a reputable company is far better than sending it to landfill, purchasing a refurbished phone is even better for the environment. So buying ‘refurbished’ not only saves money – it means you’ll be doing your bit for the planet at the same time!
Stay on your current contract
A worry for many who are forced to replace a phone mid-contract is how to pay less and still get a great handset. Well refurbished phones are perfect for this. In this case, it’s always recommended that you buy an ‘unlocked’ device – that is, one that’s free to connect to a network provider of your choosing. So, when you get your refurbished phone, all you need to do is pop in your replacement SIM and you’re good to go!
Perfect for SIM-only and pay-as-you-go users
More and more phone users are turning to SIM-only contracts, while pay-as-you-go deals continue to be fairly popular. This is because these options are often far less restrictive and don’t tie you into long payment contracts.
Refurbished phones are perfect for SIM-only and pay-as-you-go users. With a refurbished device, you’ll be paying for the handset outright at a more affordable price. Even better, you’re not agreeing to pay out every month for up to three years.
Are there downsides to buying a refurbished phone?
As with any phone buying decision, there are a couple of downsides to consider when purchasing a refurbished device.
The first is that you probably won’t be able to buy the very latest smartphone. Due to the nature of the ‘refurbished’ market, it relies on a previous owner deciding to sell their device. So, if you want the newest of the new when it comes to your next mobile phone, a refurbished handset isn’t really an option. Most top-end smartphones begin circulating as ‘refurbished’ within a few months of their release – so you shouldn’t have to wait too long!
Another downside is its cosmetic condition. Although refurbished phones undergo a rigorous testing and cleaning process, certain types of damage (like scratches and chips) cannot be removed. The mechanics of the handset are what’s being tested. So, if you want a smartphone in perfect cosmetic condition, you may have to shop more widely for a refurbished device. And remember… a refurbished phone with a few scratches, scuffs or chips will often be cheaper than one without!
Buy your refurbished phone now!
There are definitely more benefits to buying a refurbished phone than downsides. It’ll save you money, might well be more reliable than if you buy ‘new’ and you’ll be doing your bit for the environment at the same time. So, if you want to get your hands on a top-end smartphone for a discounted price, you may join the growing number of people buying ‘refurbished’ and click here to browse a wide range of phones!
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