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Find out what refurbished phones are, uncover their superpowers and get buying tips from the pros.
That's because they don't need to dig the stuff out from the ground to make a refurbished phone - saving as much materials as the weight of two fridge freezers!
A single refurbished phone results in 11 times less nasties, aka CO2. That's the carbon footprint of charging your phone for 2.5 years.
It costs less money than a brand new phone, at least 20% less on average!
You won't be left in the dark with a refurbished phone - software updates, warranty, after sales support and all that jazz comes with it.
With a refurbished phone you won't be just making calls, you'll be making a difference as fewer phones will end up in landfill!
It's not some second hand iPhone that you can buy off Maureen at number 52 on Facebook Marketplace. A refurbished phone is a handset that's been out of the box already, was traded in and had an equivalent of a spa day for phones.
Before you get your hands on it, each refurbished phone has been checked, repaired and data wiped, so you shouldn't worry about finding photos of Maureen's overcooked Sunday roast. All of this to ensure you don't pay over the odds for a quality phone, and our planet doesn't drown in dirty e-waste.
Start by settling on a model with a few years of software support left. For Android phones, look at models no older than 2 years. If an iPhone is what you're after, you can go as far back as 3 years.
Stay away from Facebook and Gumtree when shopping for a refurbished phone as more likely than not you will spend money on a phone that only claims to be refurbished.
All refurbished phones work just fine, the only differences are in the looks. That's why every retailer grades them putting their own spin to it. The short of it is that you can choose between practically new; barely has signs of use, and one that has been well loved.
A 12-month warranty on refurbished phones is standard, so is at least 14 days returns policy. Just like on new phones, hardware issues will be covered, but it's best to check it for yourself.
In the UK refurbished phones have skyrocketed in popularity with networks and online retailers offering wide ranges of refurbished phones. Below are good places to check the stock if you're eyeing a refurbished phone for yourself.
Disclaimer: This section contains affiliate links
You see, refurbished phones don't magically appear out of thin air (although that would be cool, wouldn't it?). They actually come from phones just like yours – the ones you've been casually stashing away in your drawers or using as emergency paperweights.
Selling your old phone is a win-win! You score some extra cash, clear up space and you get the satisfaction of knowing you're making the world a little greener. So, if you’ve got an old phone, go ahead and sell it - let the magic begin!
Fear not, refurbished phones get all the love from the manufacturer, just like their brand new siblings. Meaning, they'll be pampered with software updates for as long as that model is supported, so you won't miss a thing. But that's not all! Before these phones are ready for their second round, they go through an intense bootcamp to make sure they're up to their original specs. In case something is wrong with your refurbished phone, the retailer will sort you out with a replacement or a refund.
They are better than good! Refurbished phones won’t break your bank, are safe to use and come with warranty, so you’re covered if anything funky happens. Now, here’s the cherry on top: they are good for the environment too! Less raw materials, much smaller carbon footprint and less e-waste, one refurbished phone at a time.
Firstly, the good stuff. You can snatch the latest Samsung or Apple models for less, much less. By choosing a refurbished phone, you are giving a second life to a phone that still has life in it, and that's pretty great. Plus, for peace of mind, warranty is included.
Refurbished phones do have their quirks. Some might be as shiny as a new pin, while others could have a scratch or two - character, right? They might come in a retailer's own pack rather than an original packaging, but who needs a fancy box when you’re getting a bargain?
There's a lot going in the wrong direction with how new smartphones are currently made and with refurbished phones growing in popularity, are they a more eco-friendly alternative to a brand new phone?
Buying a refurbished phone can be a bit tougher to know what you're getting but our handy guide runs through exactly what you can expect, including price, condition and where to get them so you get the phone you want, for less!
Despite the popularity of refurbished phones, there are a few myths circulating that are pushing first time buyers away from making the choice to buy a refurbished phone. In this blog, we've debunked 6 most common misconceptions about refurbished phones.
