Are Refurbished Phones Worth Buying?

A refurbished phone is a used device that has been checked, repaired where needed and prepared for resale. Bought from a reputable seller, one can give you a capable phone for less, and it keeps a working device in use for longer.

What to check first

• Cosmetic condition. Sellers use their own grading, so read what each grade means rather than assuming it is the same everywhere.
• Battery health. Batteries wear with age. Ask what the seller guarantees, or whether the battery has been replaced.
• Software support. An older model may have fewer years of security updates left. Check this before you buy, because it decides how long the phone stays safe to use.
• Warranty. Find out how long the warranty runs and what it covers.
• Unlocked status. Make sure the phone is unlocked if you plan to use it on any UK network.

Your rights still apply

When you buy from a business, refurbished goods are covered by the Consumer Rights Act 2015. They must be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose and as described. What counts as satisfactory takes the age and price of the item into account, so normal wear in line with its description is not a fault. Our article on your rights when buying online has more detail.

When new makes more sense

If you keep phones for a very long time, a new model will usually have more years of updates ahead of it. Compare the price difference against the extra years of support before you decide.