Should you buy a refurbished phone?
Find out how refurbished phones work, how they compare with used phones, what condition grades mean and what to check before you buy.
4 mins read
Key points
- A refurbished phone can help you get a premium handset for less.
- Trusted retailers test, clean and repair refurbished phones before they sell them on.
- You'll often get a warranty, which can give you more protection than buying a used phone privately.
If you want an iPhone, Google Pixel or Samsung, buying refurbished can be a smart way to cut the cost.
A refurbished phone can cost much less than buying new. And if you buy from a trusted retailer, you'll usually get a fully tested handset that's in good working order. Many also come with a warranty, which can give you extra peace of mind.
If you only need data and minutes, check out our best SIM only deals starting from just £2.90 per month. Alternatively, if you want a brand-new handset, take a look at our best mobile phone contracts.
What is a refurbished phone?
A refurbished phone is a second-hand phone that a retailer or specialist seller has tested, cleaned and, if needed, repaired before selling it on.
A reputable seller will check that key features like the battery, buttons, camera, speakers and screen all work properly before selling it on. They will also clean it thoroughly and restore it to its original factory settings.
The main reason for getting a refurbished device is the cheaper cost. You can get a phone that works well and costs much less than buying the same model new.
Refurbished doesn't usually mean they were originally returned because they were faulty. A lot of refurbished phones were simply returned during the cooling-off period, so have only been used for a couple of weeks.
What is the difference between a refurbished phone and a used phone?
If you want more reassurance when you buy, a refurbished phone will usually give you more protection than buying a used phone from a private seller.
Refurbished phones
What you can expect
A retailer or specialist seller has tested the phone, cleaned it and, if needed, repaired it before resale. You'll often get a warranty and a clear description of the phone's condition.
Best for you if...
You want a lower price than buying new, with more reassurance than buying privately.
Used phones
What you can expect
A private seller or marketplace lists the phone in its current condition. It might work well and cost less, though the level of checking, aftercare and protection can vary.
Best for you if...
You're happy to take more risk in return for a lower upfront price.
Buying refurbished can feel like the safer middle ground. You can still save money and you should be able to find out exactly what condition the phone is in before you buy.
A used phone might still be a good deal. But you'll usually need to check the condition more carefully and make sure you understand what protection you'll get if something goes wrong.
Pros and cons of refurbished phones
Buying a refurbished phone can be a good way to cut the cost of upgrading but it won't suit everyone. Here are some of the main pros and cons to think about before you buy:
Pros
- Lower price - You can often save hundreds of pounds compared with buying the same model new.
- Tested before resale - A trusted retailer should check the battery, screen, buttons, camera and other key features before they sell the phone on.
- Warranty included - Many refurbished phones come with a warranty, which can give you extra protection if something goes wrong.
- Better value for money - Buying refurbished can help you get a more premium model for the same budget.
Cons
- You might not get the latest model - Refurbished phones are often older than the newest handsets on the market.
- Accessories are not always included - Some refurbished phones come without extras like earphones or the original charger.
- There could be cosmetic marks - Even if the phone works well, it might still have light scratches or other signs of use.
- Battery health can vary - Not every refurbished phone comes with a brand-new battery, so it's worth checking the battery condition before you buy.
"A refurbished phone can be a smart way to cut the cost of upgrading but it pays to look beyond the price alone. Check the seller's grading guide, battery standard, warranty and returns policy, so you know exactly what you're getting before you buy."
- Catherine Hiley, Managing Editor for Broadband and Mobile
Where should I buy a refurbished phone?
If you're comparing refurbished phones, look for a seller that clearly explains the phone's condition, warranty and returns policy.
With us, you can compare deals by brand, like Apple, Google and Samsung, then narrow your options by the amount of data you need. If you're open to different handsets, comparing a wider range of deals can help you find better value.
Before you buy, check:
- The phone's condition grade
- If it comes with a warranty
- The returns policy
- Whether the phone is unlocked or tied to a network
Should I buy directly from the manufacturer?
Buying direct from the manufacturer can give you extra peace of mind. But it's still worth comparing live deals before you buy because prices, stock and what is included can vary.
If you buy a refurbished phone through Apple
Apple refurbished iPhones typically come with:
- A one-year warranty
- Full functional testing
- Genuine Apple replacement parts if needed
- A new battery and outer shell for refurbished iOS devices
- All accessories and cables
- A brand-new white box, plus free delivery and returns
This can make buying direct a good option if official parts, Apple support and a straightforward returns process matter to you.
It's still worth comparing the total cost before you buy, especially if you're also thinking about pairing your phone with a SIM only plan.
If you buy a refurbished phone through Samsung
Samsung says its Certified Re-Newed phones are:
- Cleaned, tested and restored to like-new condition
- Refurbished by Samsung-approved technicians in a Samsung-approved facility
- Supported with the latest software updates
- Backed by a two-year warranty, which Samsung says matches its new smartphones
- Packaged in a new box with a quick start guide, data cable and ejector pin
- Issued with a new IMEI, with genuine Samsung parts used where needed
This can make buying direct through Samsung a reassuring option if you want manufacturer-backed refurbishment and warranty cover.
As with Apple, it's worth comparing live deals before you buy, because model availability and pricing can change.
Are refurbished phones always in good condition?
A refurbished phone should be fully functional if you buy from a trusted seller. But its cosmetic condition can vary depending on the grade.
One thing to be aware of is that grading is not the same everywhere. Different retailers use their own labels and descriptions. So it's worth checking exactly what each seller means before you buy.
The key thing is to read the seller's condition guide carefully. A phone listed as 'Excellent' by one retailer might not match an 'Excellent' phone somewhere else.
Do refurbished phones come with new batteries?
Not all refurbished phones come with a new battery, as not every device needs the battery replaced.
Before a seller lists a refurbished phone, they should test the battery to check that it still works properly. If it doesn't meet the seller's standard, it might be replaced as part of the refurbishment process.
Some sellers use a minimum battery health threshold instead of fitting a new battery in every phone.
Do I get a warranty?
It depends on where you get your refurbished phone from.
Many phones sold by major retailers like Amazon or eBay or networks like O2 or Vodafone come with a form of warranty or guarantee.
It's always worth checking the warranty and returns policy before you buy. If you buy privately, any cover you get will depend on what the seller includes in the listing.
How much cheaper is a refurbished phone than a new one?
A refurbished phone can cost much less than buying the same handset new, especially if you choose an older model.
The exact saving will depend on the brand, model, storage size and condition grade. In general, the older the phone is, the more you're likely to save.
If you want to see how much you could save, compare refurbished phone deals and check the total cost against a new handset before you buy.
Things to remember when you buy a refurbished phone
A few quick checks can help you buy with more confidence and avoid any surprises later.
Before you buy
- Buy from a trusted seller - Check the returns policy, warranty and customer reviews before you order.
- Check the condition guide - Grading can vary from seller to seller, so read the description carefully before you buy.
- Look at battery health - Some sellers use a minimum battery-health standard instead of fitting a new battery, and 80% is a common baseline for refurbished smartphones.
- Check what's included - Make sure you know if the phone comes with a charger, cable or any other accessories.
When your phone arrives
- Test the cameras - Check the front and rear cameras, zoom and any key camera modes.
- Set up security features - Make sure facial recognition or the fingerprint sensor works properly if the phone includes them.
- Check the ports and buttons - Test the charging port, speakers and all buttons to make sure everything responds as it should.
- Review the warranty and returns window - If something isn't right, report it early while you are still within the seller's returns period.
Frequently asked questions
What are your rights when you buy a refurbished phone?
If you buy a refurbished phone from a retailer, it should be as described, fit for purpose and of satisfactory quality. If it turns out to be faulty, you can usually get a refund in the first 30 days. After that, you can usually ask for a repair or replacement.
If a fault shows up in the first six months, the retailer usually needs to prove it wasn't there when you bought it.
Can you return a refurbished phone if you change your mind?
If you buy online, you usually have 14 days after delivery to cancel your order under the Consumer Contracts Regulations . That applies even if the phone isn't faulty, although you should check the seller's returns policy for the full details.
How do you check battery health on a refurbished phone?
If the seller shares the battery health, check the percentage before you buy. If they don't, ask what battery standard they use. Some sellers fit a new battery, while others sell phones with one that meets their minimum standard.
More useful guides about phones and deals
|
Browse our best mobile phone deals for Google's top models and compare options to find a deal that's just right for you. |
Explore the latest Android mobile features and compare our best contract deals to find your perfect new smartphone. |
Discover the top iPhone models and compare competitive network plans to secure a great monthly contract deal. |
|
Browse popular Samsung Galaxy handsets and find affordable contracts or SIM-only options that suit your household budget. |
Learn how pay as you go SIM deals work and compare flexible monthly rates to manage your spending. |
Discover simple ways to lower your mobile bills and learn how to secure the cheapest available phone deals. |
Find the right Refurbished Mobile Phone deal for you