Buying Refurbished Mobile Phones

Buying refurbished mobile phones makes sense for many people. High-end smartphones now regularly cost more than £1000. By contrast, a professionally refurbished phone can cost up to 50% less than the same model bought brand new.

What Is a Refurbished Phone?

A refurbished smartphone is a second-hand device that has been returned to a manufacturer, traded in, or sold to a recycler or high street retailer.

It differs from a used phone sold on sites such as eBay or Gumtree. In most cases, a recycler has carried out a proper function check and replaced any faulty parts where needed.

A refurbished smartphone may still show a few scuffs or marks on the casing. However, it should work as well as a new device. It will also often come with warranty protection for up to a year. As a result, buyers usually get more reassurance than they would from an ordinary second-hand phone.

Should You Buy a Refurbished Smartphone?

With flagship phones from brands such as Apple and Samsung becoming more expensive, buying refurbished has become more attractive. The second-hand mobile market grew by 10% in 2018, while shipments of new devices fell worldwide. Therefore, anyone who chooses refurbished is following a wider market trend rather than doing something unusual.

Interest in refurbished smartphones continues to rise. Because of that, more operators and high street retailers are expanding their second-hand ranges. Many well-known retailers now buy and sell used phones. Even Amazon joined the trend through Amazon Renewed. If you want to save a significant amount of money on your next phone, refurbished devices deserve serious consideration.

Purchasing a Refurbished Device

A refurbished smartphone can be a strong choice if you want a high-end model without paying a high-end price. Many refurbished devices can still give years of reliable service.

However, the market is heavily concentrated around a few brands. If you are looking for a refurbished smartphone, you will probably find the widest choice from Apple and Samsung. Together, those manufacturers account for more than 80% of the used smartphone market.

If you plan to buy a refurbished smartphone, choose a seller you trust. In addition, make sure the device has been fully tested, repaired where necessary and securely wiped of the previous user’s personal data. Many of the larger names in the mobile phone recycling industry also offer warranties of up to a year. Therefore, it pays to buy from a reputable business.