Refurbished handsets, good or bad?

Hi everyone,

Refurbished handsets are often offered as a replacement for lost, stolen or damaged devices by insurance companies and they seem to get a mixed reception, with some expecting a brand new device as a replacement an others perfectly happy with a refurbished device.

Some of the stated positives are that the are cheaper then new devices while offering a similar performance to new devices. They are much more environmentally friendly and help to reduce electronic waste which is a growing problem in the digital age.

Refurbished handsets are professionally checked, cleaned, and repaired, unlike second-hand devices and usually come with a warranty with a similar duration to new tech.



On the negative side they can sometimes arrive with small cosmetic imperfections, battery life can be inconsistent and they often don't come with the usual accessories that you get with a new device.

Personally I've had a few refurbished phones over the years and I've been happy with the quality. We'd love to hear your opinions on refurbished devices, have you had one in the past and was your experience good or bad? Do you have a strong opposition to having a replacement device not being a new device or are you just happy to get back online and in contact with friends and family?

Martin yes, refurbished over second hand is generally better even though a bit more expensive. I usually get refurbished for my kids as they don't need a new phone and are likely to drop/lose them...

That's a great point Rambo1, they are ideal for kids or as a backup phone to take camping or something similar! Have you ever had any issues with a refurbished handset?

Refurbished all the way for me, my neighbour was buying a new phone the other month and it cost more than our monthly rent!
Rambo1 I'm going to sound like my dad but, technology seems to have built in obselessence and not designed for active kids I've lost count of the phones we've replaced for my son as they seem to overload and batteries overheat even with careful, monitored use. I managed to break his first refurbished phone ( which was pretty much perfect) by dropping it less than a foot into the laundry basket where a shirt button cracked the screen i was fuming with myself!

• Wish it was easier to keep track of our kids

I feel your pain on damaging your phone from a small drop zeep2k! I've dropped mine from great hight's before but only ever damaged the screen from a few inch's up!

I've had a few refurbished handsets over the years and have always been satisfied.

I think my concern is battery capacity and how many charge cycles left. Most batteries last about 2-3 years and you dont know how battery was treated. If left on charge or at 100 percent a lot capacity drops faster or kept high heat area can drop faster.
Some manufacturers allow you to see how many cycles its done but many dont so its a guess.

I’m an iPhone user and buy new every three or four years to get the latest features. On a 17 pro now as was traveling in the Far East and wanted a great camera. It was expensive and it’s insured, but I’m paying it off via an interest free credit card deal. My partner now has my previous 13, so we’ll get another three or fours years out of it at least before apps stop working on it. That’s not a bad return on the investment and she’ll take over the 17 next, no doubt! I doubt I’d get refurbished. I’d get a new cheap android if the budget became tight.

Refurbished is a good way for people to upgrade to a newer model without having to pay full retail price for them, I used to buy from Ebay and FB marketplace but its now too risky to buy from there.
Ideal for someone who doesnt normally buy a top model version, may be their best chances at getting those phones at a much cheaper price point, for someone who wouldnt want to pay over £1000 for an iphone pro (max) model, samsung ultra model etc.

If it is possible to buy from a reputable retailer then it would be more safer.
As long as the battery life is over 90% and no screen damage/marks as most people put a case/cover on the phone so if there are small marks on the body of the phone then it would be covered up, but of course do note this in the listing so people are prepared for it.