What is a refurbished phone?

The price of a new smartphone is rising all the time. Many people are now considering buying a refurbished phone.

What is a refurbished phone?

A ‘refurbished phone’ has been sent back to be repaired or cleaned up for resale. A refurbished phone is not the same as a second-hand phone. It will have been  checked, repaired (if needed), and brought up to a certain standard before being sold on. Sometimes a buyer might have had a change of mind and returned a phone unused.

A refurbished phone may not come in the original packing, or with all accessories. It will have been  tested, repaired, and checked. 

Will there be a guarantee?

Reputable companies will usually provide a warranty, though it is advisable to check how long this will run for.

How much can I save?

You could save a few hundred pounds depending on the make and model of the handset and the grade of the refurbishment.

Apple’s handsets are well known for their expensive price tags so a refurbished phone might be worth considering if you’re wanting an Apple phone.

How are refurbished phones graded?

Refurbished devices are graded so that customers should know what they’re getting. Phones are given an A, B or C grade. This information is from My Memory.

• Grade A: An immaculate device showing very minor signs of wear and tear. They look as good as new and any marks are usually invisible to the naked eye. Fully tested and in full working condition. 
• Grade B: Devices show small signs of wear and tear. Expect small cosmetic dents or scratches, but all phones are fully tested and in working order. 
• Grade C: Devices showing more significant signs of use by way of dents or scratches but restored to factory settings and in full working order

Deal Buyer sells refurbished items including other products including TVs. Their categories are New, New other likely to be an ex display model or cancelled order, Refurbished Grade A (as mentioned) and Refurbished Grade B.

Is there a difference between a refurbished and a used phone?

Used phones are second-hand devices, no longer classed as ‘new’ as someone has previously owned them. Used phones are pre-owned phones which haven’t been fully tested or repaired. They may have been sold on directly from the owner, or not have been repaired if there are any faults.If there is a warranty at all, it might be limited.

Advantages of buying a refurbished phone

A refurbished phone will be cheaper

Environmental advantages. Some parts of phones are toxic and have a polluting effect when disposed of.

Extensive checking will have been carried out. A grade A refurbished phone should be as reliable as a new phone.

Based upon an entry in the My Memory blog